Travel Apps You Need to Download

Since when does anyone leave home without their phone? It’s probably the most important thing in your possession when you travel, too. It’s more than an invaluable tool. Your smart phone is your connection to important social media happenings. You don’t want to miss out on who did what while you were out of town, do you? It keeps you connected to your bank account, too, so you stay on budget while you’re away. And, of course, it’s your camera—the device that will document for eternity your endless fascination with yourself.

Since you’re using your phone to make traveling more simplified, the Squire thinks the right apps are essential. Here are five you should have.

1. Dosh

If you’re paying for travel why not get some money back? With this brand new app, that’s exactly what happens. I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t appreciate getting cash back for purchases. I myself am not turning it down but I can’t spend the time looking for coupons and rebates—that’s not happening. Thankfully Dosh can do the work for me. Dosh connects with your credit and debit cards; then every time you use your cards to book travel through Dosh, shop, or eat, it automatically finds the coupons and offers that match your transactions and puts the cash into your Dosh account. Then, you can transfer that money to your bank account, pay pal, or donate to a charity of your choice. How cool is that?

2. Mobile Passport

If you have Global Entry you already know that maneuvering through customs and immigration is painless, but Mobile Passport can be even faster. It’s free and available for non-Global Entry members, too. Valid at over 20 major US Airports you just download this little gem and set up your passport information. Then, when your long flight touches down, you open the app, answer a few questions and scan your way into the country bypassing the insufferable lines. Seriously, this app will change the way you travel.

3. TripIt Pro

Getting organized is half the battle when it comes to trip planning. TripIt Pro does the work for you. No need to search your inbox for travel confirmations or even print them out. With TripIt Pro all of your trip details (flights, hotels, car rentals, and more) are organized into one comprehensive itinerary. In addition to important dates, times, and confirmation numbers, TripIt Pro includes detailed directions, maps, and weather. And, it will help you get the best seats, find flights, track points and send you handy text message alerts.

4. Moovit

Savvy travelers know traveling like a local is the way to go—that includes mastering mass transit. It’s a lot easier to conquer the system in an unfamiliar city with Moovit. The #1 Transit app worldwide for mass transit, it has all local transit options in one place. Moovit provides real-time local transit directions through a combination of its free app and a hyper-engaged community.
Available in 1200 cities around the world, Moovit’s GPS feature gives you detailed directions to wherever you want to go. And it has “get off” alerts so that you never miss a stop. I sure could have used this the time I fell asleep on the subway and woke up in Coney Island (yes, true story).

5. GasBuddy

If you’re a road-tripper like me your smartphone will be riding shotgun. Put it to work finding cheaper gas along the way with GasBuddy. Based on your location, GasBuddy tracks down the stations with the lowest prices near your location. As a GasBuddy user you can report and update station prices and be rewarded with points. Those points make you eligible for prizes, like free gas. There’s no price better than free!

Do you have favorite travel apps that keep you from getting lost, organize you, save you money and make that smartphone even smarter? Tell us about them.