I am often on the road or up in the air. I travel extensively and internationally for my business, self-development and for causes I care about, so I’ve amassed a trove of sanity-saving apps that keep me organized, on time — and entertained. That’s no small feat when I might be in Tokyo on Tuesday and Toronto on Thursday.
These eight apps have become my essential traveling companions.
TripIt [1]. TripIt is my favorite app while traveling — it does it all! When I book my flight and hotel, I send the confirmation to TripIt and it takes my information from there. The app tells me when I need to check in, lets me know when better seats become available, and updates me on my flight status and any delays.
It’s also great if you’re traveling with a group; it makes coordinating a breeze. Plus, it will alert you about airline rewards and monitor refunds. I use the upgraded pro version, which can be had for a small annual fee, and I find that it’s well worth the price.
XE Currency [2]. I travel internationally quite frequently, and switching between currencies often — sometimes multiple currencies in one day — can be daunting. I use the wildly popular XE Currency app to make sense of my money. It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it gives me up-to-the-minute live exchange rates.
Marriott Hotel. I usually stay in Marriott or Hilton hotels when I travel for work. Both chains have great apps, but Marriott stands out with insider tips. If I’m headed to Singapore, I can read about the hotspots visited by the characters in “Crazy Rich Asians” or how to live like a local in San Francisco’s Mission District. It’s also handy: I can use the app to check in, get a mobile key to get into my room, make a request for services, or book my next stay.
MINDBODY [3]. This app is a great solution if you’re tired of hotel gyms. Just tap in the type of fitness class you’d like to take and MINDBODY will point you to the nearest location in Canada or the United States. You can book your spot and pay for it via the app, too, which makes it very easy to stay on top of your fitness goals.
Audible.com [4]. I always travel with Audible. It’s great for long car drives, while waiting at the airport, or during long flights. The selection of books is truly enormous — there’s a genre for everyone.
Apple Wallet. This iPhone app stores all of my passes to ticketed events. I simply call up whatever I need and use my phone instead of a paper ticket.
Airline apps. I recommend downloading the app for whatever airline you’re on. I use Air Canada, WestJet, and United frequently. You can easily manage your flight, get notifications about delays, and keep track of points.
World Clock. This app automatically detects my current location and gives me information about time zones throughout the world. But it’s more than a simple clock; it also lets me know about Daylight Savings Time switches, foreign currencies, dialing codes (a must in my business) — even the flags associated with my location.
Which apps do you use while traveling? I’m always looking for new ideas for hassle-free travel, so please feel free to tell me in the comments section.