by Jon Mohatt (aka Travel Brainstorm)

With the holidays right around the corner, more people than usual are traveling so I thought I would provide a quick list of some of the mobile travel apps that I have found helpful over the years and even one that isn’t even released yet, but looks awesome!  I hope you find some of them useful as well.  I apologize in advance if you are an Android user as I have only provided you with the iTunes links.  To find the Android version it’s just a quick Google search.

Uber

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uber/id368677368?mt=8)

By now, who hasn’t heard of Uber?  It a pretty simple process, request a ride using this app and then get picked up, often within minutes depending on your location.

United

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/united-airlines/id449945214?mt=8)

I happen to fly on United more than any other airline so this is my airline app of choice.  Yours may be different, but it makes sense to load that airlines app for your favorite airline as they can quickly provide you with your flight information and boarding pass.  It’s no longer necessary to carry a paper boarding pass, yea!

Marriott

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/marriott-international/id455004730?mt=8)

After you download and install your favorite airline mobile app, you will also want to do the same with the app for your favorite hotel chain.  I prefer Marriott as that’s the one I use the most.  It allows one to check-in with their phone at many of their hotels and easily find nearby hotels to use your free nights and Marriott Rewards points.

Detour

(https://www.detour.com/)

This one made my list and it’s not even available yet, that’s how good I think it will be when finally launched.  It will provide audio walking tours of your current location.  Just think how cool it will be to launch the app and hear all about the area your visiting?  You will be able to know things as it you’re a local and no one will even know you just landed in town the night before.  No more leaving a town and then finding out about all the cool locations you missed.

Kayak

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kayak-flights-hotels-cars/id305204535?mt=8)

Kayak rocketed onto the travel search scene and has never looked back.  This app allows you to search for hotels, flights and cars and then book them as well.  It has several different options for searching flights that you won’t find with other search engines and it also makes it super easy to compare prices.

TripAdvisor

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tripadvisor/id284876795?mt=8)

If you travel at all then you already know about TripAdvisor as it is “THE” place to go for travel reviews.  This app allows you to browse reviews and explore areas you are visiting right from your phone.  It also allows you to download maps and discover activities near your destination.

SeatGuru

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seatguru-by-tripadvisor/id508487044?mt=8)

I can’t tell you how many times I have used this app to ensure I am selecting the best possible seat remaining when booking online.  It allows you to pull up just about any flight and view the seats on the plane model flying that route.  The comments it provides on all the different seats will steer you to the right one.  It has saved me from picking a bad seat many times.

Skype

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-iphone/id304878510?mt=8)

When traveling you are often away from the ones you love.  If you don’t have Facetime available because the other party isn’t on an iPhone then Skype can come to the rescue and still allow you to video chat and see your loved ones.  It’s the perfect Facetime companion to have on your smartphone.

Yelp

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/yelp/id284910350?mt=8)

Although TripAdvisor gives you may reviews it’s nice to also have Yelp so you can see additional reviews and ones for local businesses that may not show up in TripAdvisor.  Yelp will provide you with reviews, photos and directions to local businesses so you can patronize the good ones and stay away from the bad ones.  Yelp is always handy in unfamiliar territory.

GateGuru

GateGuru gets great reviews from almost anyone that flies because it lets you know what’s near your arrival and/or departure gate in the airport.  When you have close connection times this app can save you time by letting you know where the closest restroom is located or where to grab that Starbucks before getting on your next flight.  It also lets you know exactly how to get from your arrival gate to your departure gate which can be handy if you need to take a tram or shuttle.

Zipcar

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zipcar/id329384702?mt=8)

If you’re lucky enough to live in a town that offers Zipcars, or are traveling to one, then you should give this app a try.  It allows you to view all available cars on a map and pick the one closest to your location or where you will be staying.  You can also reserve a car anytime, 24/7, not bad.

Carrentals.com

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carrentals-carrentals.com/id506426310?ls=1&mt=8)

Many of the travel websites such as Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline have the ability to search for rental cars, but if it’s only a rental car you want without all the other options then this app might be for you.  It’s easy to use andcan be used to compare prices to the app you may already be using.  I always feel better when I check a few sources to ensure the best rate.

As always, happy brainstorming and safe travels! Be sure to sign up to be notified of future blogs posts (top of right sidebar), let your friends know about this blog and check out all my travel reviews on TripAdvisor, just search for “TravelBrainstorm”!