Best travel apps for 2022
Applications have come a long way since their launch over a decade ago. We now rely on our phones more than ever. This usage is amplified when we step out of our comfort zone and interact with a new culture. Below are some of my most used applications when I'm overseas. Each of these apps will make your experience more comfortable in addition to helping you connect with the local culture.
Google Maps
People all around the world use Google Maps to get around in their daily lives but many don't utilize the amazing benefits of using Google Maps when they are overseas. We are so used to having access to our phones that we forget when we're overseas we may not have cell phone service. This results in not having access to the Internet once we leave our hotels. Google Maps plans for this and provides an offline map that you can download in advance. You can also create folders for different activities and places you want to visit. in addition to sharing that list and folder with others in your group or even your travel consultant to give them an idea of what you're interested in. I love using Google Maps to provide advice and give people a quick view of what their options are in a new place. since your phone's GPS works on a completely separate satellite system unlike your data provider, as long as Google's offline map is detailed you will still be able to use directions for walking, driving, or biking. Using these services will allow you to feel more comfortable in your new environment and will help you get directions from locals on what to do next in case they have some great ideas. From a safety standpoint, using Google offline maps also makes it easier if you run into issues where you end up losing something valuable. Since you can set up Google to keep track of where you've been, you can easily retrace your steps. This is very useful when traversing the streets of a city like Venice where street signs are few and canals are many.
Nord VPN
Using a VPN overseas is not just about trying to watch Netflix in another country and finish Bridgerton. it provides an extra layer of security especially when you're in public settings. one of my favorites is Nord VPN because it works well on my phone and my laptop. There are other VPN services such as ExpressVPN and Surfshark which are also very popular. Before choosing your VPN look online to see what countries they operate in. Some VPNs are limited in different areas and since they all work in different ways it's good to keep that in mind when you're making your final choice. There are a lot of great deals if you're looking for a cheaper VPN service and many of them have student discounts as well. On a less serious side using a VPN will allow you to keep watching some of your favorite shows and movies that may only be available in your home country.
So why is Instagram on this list? Yes, Instagram is what we use to watch videos and connect with our friends and family but because of its extensive location services, you can use it to find great destinations. If you look at the top of any post a lot of people attached a location especially travel bloggers and vloggers. This allows other tourists to find some Insta-worthy picture spots in addition to great restaurants end beautiful viewpoints. Instagram also allows you to save posts and you can create separate folders that only you can see. You can also send these locations to your Google Maps or Apple Maps so that you can find them easily when the time comes.
Google Translate
Google translate has grown into its own over the past few years. If you're someone who still thinks that Google translate will simply take what you type and translate it you are in for a huge surprise. Google translate now interacts with your camera services and will translate words right in front of your eyes from whatever the local language is to the language you have selected. Google translate also supports numerous languages and is likely to have whatever you're looking for. Like its sister program Google Maps you can also download languages ahead of time so that you have access to them. Google Translate will also translate and read out phrases as well as listen to take in phrases and translate them into your spoken language. this can be useful when you're in places where people only speak that language and deescalate the situation and case things are getting tense. It can also be a great resource to help you practice a language to get a rough idea of how a word or phrase is pronounced.
Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular language-learning apps on Earth. with over a dozen languages supported, this app is a great first step into learning a new language. Depending on where you travel you may run into the issue of no one speaking in your home language. This can be stressful and also caused cultural discomfort. Luckily Duolingo will help you learn basic phrases such as “hello my name is”, “how are you”, and “where is the bathroom”. These will be some of the first lessons you take. Even though these are short and easy conversations they help other people feel at ease when they get to know you. For instance, a lot of global citizens find it very disrespectful that Americans usually arrive in a country anticipating that everyone will speak English. Just knowing two or three phrases go the long way. some cultures will even reward that effort with free food among other comforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these apps just scraped the surface of what's available in your app store to make your travel experience easier. These five applications will get you started on increasing your safety and awareness. Just keep in mind that a lot of applications require internet access. Be prepared to either purchase an international SIM card or check with your service provider to see if they have an international plan that you can utilize. For those planning to purchase a Sim ensure that your phone is unlocked otherwise you'll be greatly disappointed when you try to put in a SIM card and the phone rejects it. Most cell phones are locked for one year but can be unlocked by your service provider. If these apps help you through your travel experience definitely let me know in the comments below. If you have any other favorite travel apps that you would like me to check out a review please also leave those in the comments below. Happy travels!
