They say a man is worth as much as he has traveled. Traveling is important because it changes us as a person, broadens our horizons, helps us gain new experiences, and makes us appreciate what we have even more. Escape from everyday life is something we all need occasionally. Sometimes it is enough to go to a neighboring place and feel better, and sometimes going to a distant city or even another country is a perfect idea.
Of course, it depends not only on good will but also on finances. But, as we said, travel is the perfect way to expand our horizons and relax. It also makes us look up from our mobile screens and look at the world around us. However, this does not mean that you should put your smartphones away completely because they are the ones who can make your trip easier.
An important step before each trip, in addition to storing suitcases, is to install useful applications. Good preparation lies in equipping your own mobile phone. These apps can greatly facilitate adventures in unfamiliar countries, and below are some of the most needed.
Mobile applications are designed to help us in various situations, including this one, from the road map itself to the search for hotels and restaurants, and so on. They also help us save money because we don’t need a tour guide. Read below which apps are more than useful when you hit the road.
1. Maps
When you first arrive at your destination, you might be relying on mobile applications solely to find your way. A good map not only shows you the direction, but also keeps you updated regarding traffic situations. Map applications are regularly updated and can show you the way to the address you wish to reach. Google Maps is a popular choice among Android users, but there are other applications that perform similar functions. The choice is yours.
2. Translator/ Dictionary
If you are not fluent in foreign languages, you may have trouble communicating with locals. There are many applications that are used by pronouncing a term or sentence in your local language and then being automatically translated into any other language.
This is an application that will definitely make it easier for you to stay in another country, go to a hotel, supermarket, or anything else you need. Most of these applications require an internet connection. If for any reason you do not have or cannot use mobile data, it will be necessary to connect to Wi-Fi, which should not be a problem because networks are often open. However, it is important to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi as this will preserve your privacy. For instance, the ExpressVPN app will make your phone safe and secure.
3. Radar detector
Being careful behind the wheel is important not only to pay the fine but also to travel safely. It sometimes happens to all of us to drive a little fast on the open road. There are apps that alert you to any speeding you make, but also to radars that are set up along the way. All you need to do is turn on the GPS, and the ride can begin.
4. Travel accommodation
Booking.com or cozycozy accommodation comparison site will help you easily find the accommodation you want. On these sites, you can find user reviews, as well as detailed accommodation, location, and availability. The price is also highlighted so you can plan your expenses accurately.
5. Travel recommendations
There are also those applications that show you all the tourist attractions that you must not miss, including activities, tours, and even restaurants. In addition, it is possible to save all places and plan a trip from the same application. TripAdvisor is an application available in as many as 28 languages.
6. Currency converter
On the way to a foreign country, it is easiest to bring a bank card so that you do not have to constantly have to convert money from one currency to another. However, in some places, especially if you are in rural areas, cards might not be accepted. In that case, our advice is to install one of the applications, such as XE currency, so you can easily convert money. This is especially useful if you are traveling from one country to another. Update prices whenever you are connected.
Modern society is accustomed to using applications in all spheres of life, so the area of travel is not avoided. There are many different services in the range of travel applications because travel is a complicated and comprehensive process.
A visit to a new city and a new country brings opportunities to know people, their way of life and customs, culinary delicacies, and all the other things that make a nation different and special. It has been scientifically established that occasional travel gives excellent results in treating stress and depression, helps restore energy, and has a positive effect on people who have problems with insomnia.
So, travel enriches and fulfills us, and applications are there to make our stay in another country easier. Gone are the days when people carried paper maps with them, and it often happened that they deviated from the right path. Today’s modern technology has advanced so much that it is a real shame not to use everything it offers us in order to make our journey easier, but also our everyday life. There are many other applications that, like these, will save you time and money.
You only live once. And that is true. There is no age limit for travel. It is important that you use your time in the best possible way and that you know that you have done your best to get to know as many parts of our beautiful homeland as Earth.
Nina Smith 
Rhydian Choi