6ix Everyday Apps That You Didn’t Know Were Actual Travel Essentials
You’re getting ready to check in for your big trip abroad. Your suitcase is packed and as far as you can tell is going to make weight. Check. Passport check. You make it through the airport, check in and make it past security now you’re at the gate anxiously waiting for wheels up so your adventures can finally begin. You’re pretty sure you forgot something you just don’t know what. Later for that though. You got bigger things to worry about. You snap the standard passport at the gate picture to let people know you’re going somewhere. Now you’re ready to take off. But before you do there are a few apps that you probably already have that will enhance your traveling experience in ways you probably didn’t even think of. If you don’t have these apps download them while you still have service and before you start paying for roaming or that expensive and shoddy airplane wifi. These six apps will drastically improve your away from home experiences and you don’t even know it. Here’s why.
Of course before you even take off you have to post your standard Passport next to the carry on bag picture with a huge glass window and a blurry airplane in the background with prominent airport carpet as the backdrop picture in your InstaStory. Then once you get there you have to flood our story line with every detail of your trip from getting in your Uber to just walking down the street window shopping. You have to let your followers know you go places. I get it. But after all that, and most importantly, you should be harnessing the power of the Insta Search or the Geo Search. Instagram searches can lead you to some pretty dope places. Believe it or not even hashtag searches still work to an extent. If you’ve heard through the grapevine about a certain venue (restaurant, nightclub or bar, etc) and want to get a feel for the type of crowd and energy, you can do a GeoSearch and you’ll pretty much find out all you need to know. Instagram can be your best friend on a trip if you actually use it and don’t let it use you. Hope that doesn’t go over your heard. **Casanova voice.
Google Maps
By Google Maps I mean street view. If it’s available in your destination. Even if it’s not getting as close as you can and getting familiar with where you going beforehand can greatly improve your trip as well as keep you safe. Scoping out and getting familiar with your destination ahead of time can cut out hours of pointless wandering and even allow you to point out places where you might want to avoid for one reason or another. Google Maps is one way to make yourself right at home in any city you go to. When I say that this is essential, I mean it. Get right with Gmaps.
Tinder
If and only if you’re single. This app can be clutch. I know you’re not looking for love during your week long stay in Paris. And you may not even be looking for a one night fling with a stranger from 1000 + miles away from home. But you might be surprised to know that some people are cool with making new friends from a whole different place, and learning about your culture as well. You just might find someone to show you around your destination, and also you might get a one night fling with a stranger from 1000 + miles away.
Again. Single folks only.
Yelp
Just because you’re in a new and “exotic” place doesn’t mean the food is dope or even safe. I know Yelp is for more than just restaurants but let’s be for real. When was the last time you used this app (or website) for reviews on your local 7/11. Food is ultimately the biggest impression of a new country. Make sure you don’t leave with a bad taste in your mouth (literally). Get the reviews. Yelp is your friend and your bff when overseas.
Uber
Okay, for sure, this one is a given. But the level of clutch ridesharing apps have in any given city simply cannot be overstated. Public transportation infrastructure wasn’t created equally and if you just so happen to be in one of those places where it falls short, you don’t want to have to cut your night short due to a subway system that stops running at midnight (looking at you Amsterdam). Nor do you want to be caught out there in the struggle of hailing a taxi cab like it’s 2009. Provided Uber or Lyft has a presence in the city you’re in, you’re best bet is to have one if not both of them and maneuver accordingly.
Shazam
Shazam? Why do I need a music identifying app to travel? I mean I downloaded and all but why am I using this on my vacation. Because chances are you’ll encounter music wherever you go. If you’re going to another country you just might be exposed to some local vibes. Instead of asking the locals what you’re hearing through the speakers, simply let Shazam put in that work for you. Depending on where you’re at, you might even earn points with locals for being hip to the local sound. Or at least pretending to be. Music is also one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture.
