Travel Apps

Take the stress out of travel with a
travel app. (pic from: comsoc.org)

There are many apps that have been invented to help those who are traveling, whether in the US or around the world. While many people think that they have everything planned out when traveling, apps are there to help with the unexpected.

The first app is called UV Detector. This app, according to a Fox News article from April 19, 2012, "detects the UVI rating of your current location and sets a countdown timer to alert you should reapply sunblock." Since being sunburnt is never on someone's to do list (unless they enjoy looking like a lobster which I do not), this app could help people prevent this from happening while spending the day at the beach. As a rather fair skinned person, this app could be a lifesaver.

Have you ever been downtown in a large city unable to find a restroom?

In need of a restroom? Get SitOr Squat.
(pic from: Macworld)

The next app is helpful while traveling in the US, and it is one that many people would not think of. Recently, Charmin created an app called SitOrSquat, which will locate a bathroom nearby. With almost 100,000 bathrooms currently in the system, it is likely that you will find a place to "go" when you really need it. According to a 2011 article from the Departures website, the article will also tell you whether the place with the restroom is currently open or closed and what other people have thought of the bathroom.

The next app is one that I would find very helpful in the pre-travel phase of the vacation. Called Packing Pro, this app allows the user to create a packing list and add to it, and even find suggestions on things to pack from sample lists. This app would be especially helpful for people like me, who are always worried they forgot something. Whether packing for your post-graduation trip or for a trip with the family abroad, this app allows users to stay organized ahead of time.

The last app is one of the most exciting. This translation app, called Word Lens, allows the iPhone user to hold their phone up to any sign and have it instantly translated into the chosen language (see video). According to a 2010 article from Business Insider:


"The words appear on your phone's screen in the same font and style as the original in front of you, so it looks like someone swooped in and replaced the sign you were just looking at."


While it currently only works for English/Spanish and English/French, the makers are working to add more languages and also have it available to more types of phones in the future.

So maybe you think you have everything planned out for your trip, but think again. Do you know where you can find a bathroom or how often you need to reapply sunscreen? If not, take a trip to the world of apps.