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As a travel blogger who frequently travels around the world, I've experienced pre-travel anxiety many times. Especially before departure, I always repeatedly check if I have enough apps on my phone, worried about discovering I'm missing some crucial applications after arriving at the destination. After years of accumulation and learning from mistakes, I've finally compiled a very practical list of travel applications. Today, I'll share various apps I've used and tested over the years to help you avoid detours in your 2024 travels.

Honestly, looking back at my various embarrassing situations when I first started traveling around the world, it's both funny and frustrating. I remember once in Tokyo, just because I hadn't downloaded a suitable map app beforehand, I spent nearly an hour in the subway station trying to find the right exit. Another time in Paris, due to language barriers, I almost got taken to the wrong place by the taxi driver. These experiences made me deeply realize that in this digital age, a phone loaded with practical apps can really save you a lot of trouble.

Pre-Trip Preparation

When it comes to pre-trip preparation, it's really an aspect that's easily overlooked yet extremely important. I remember my first time preparing for a trip to Northern Europe, just packing luggage alone had me overwhelmed. Due to complete lack of experience, I didn't know what clothes to bring, resulting in a completely stuffed suitcase, only to find out at the destination that I brought many things I didn't need at all. Until I discovered PackPoint, this amazing tool made the entire packing process exceptionally easy.

The best thing about PackPoint is its intelligent recommendation system. For example, if you're going skiing in Hokkaido, it not only gives suggestions based on specific local weather conditions but also thoughtfully reminds you to bring winter clothes, skiing equipment, thermal underwear, and so on. If you're going to a tropical island for vacation, it will kindly remind you to bring sunscreen, swimwear, and sun hats. Recently, it added a new feature that can customize recommendations based on your gender and clothing style, literally putting a personal assistant in your pocket.

As for itinerary management, TripIt can be said to be my best partner in this aspect. Last year, I planned a long journey across Eurasia, involving seven countries, with over twenty flight and accommodation bookings. In the past, I might have spent several days making Excel spreadsheets to organize everything. But with TripIt, I just needed to forward the confirmation emails to it, and it would automatically recognize all the information and organize it into a clear itinerary.

TripIt's recent upgrade has added some particularly useful new features. For instance, it automatically tracks flight status and sends notifications if there are delays or cancellations. Additionally, it shows airport interior maps, telling you how to get from one gate to another, which is a lifesaver for travelers who frequently have layovers. Last year, when I had a layover at Dubai airport, it was thanks to this that I didn't miss my connecting flight.

Besides these, I want to specially recommend an accounting app called Trail Wallet. It supports automatic conversion of multiple currencies, has a clean and intuitive interface, and most importantly, can be used offline. When I was traveling in inland Africa, I relied on it to record all expenses, and easily compiled a complete travel expense report after returning. It can also set daily budget reminders to help you control spending during travel and avoid overspending.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation, it can be said to be one of the most headache-inducing problems for every traveler. Especially in countries where you don't speak the language, finding the optimal transportation route often becomes challenging. This brings us to Rome2Rio, a perfect transportation planning tool. Its most impressive feature is that no matter how remote your destination is, it can provide combinations of multiple transportation options.

For example, last year when I wanted to go from Venice to a small island in Croatia, Rome2Rio listed at least five different options: direct boat, bus then ferry, train then boat, and so on. Each option was marked with detailed price, time, and transfer information. I ended up choosing the most cost-effective option, which not only saved me money but also allowed me to enjoy the scenery along the Adriatic coast.

Rome2Rio has now added real-time fare query functionality, linking directly to various ticket booking websites. Additionally, its offline map function is quite practical, especially in places with poor signal. Last year when I was self-driving in Sicily, I relied on it to find my destination on those mountain roads with weak signals.

Speaking of ride-hailing apps, besides the well-known Uber and Lyft, I also want to recommend an international version app called DiDi. It has wide coverage in Southeast Asia and Latin America, usually more affordable than Uber. Moreover, it supports multiple language interfaces and has real-time translation functions for both drivers and passengers, so you don't have to worry about language barriers.

When traveling in Europe, an app called Trainline is also essential. It integrates railway information from various European countries, allows direct ticket purchase, and often has special fare tickets. The best part is it will remind you when is the most economical time to buy tickets. When I was traveling around Europe by train last year, I saved quite a bit of money thanks to it.

Accommodation Booking

Speaking of accommodation, the choices are becoming increasingly diverse now. Besides traditional Airbnb and Booking.com, I want to recommend some emerging accommodation booking platforms. For example, Selina, which is a chain brand specifically targeting digital nomads, provides not only accommodation but also co-working spaces and various social activities. I stayed at their property in Tulum, Mexico, where the environment was great, and I met many like-minded travelers.

Speaking of Airbnb, its recent development in experience projects is also worth noting. Besides traditional accommodation, you can now book unique experience activities led by locals. In Kyoto, I participated in a tea ceremony experience where the host was a teacher with over twenty years of tea ceremony experience. The whole process allowed me to deeply understand Japanese traditional culture, an experience that staying in a hotel could never match.

However, when choosing vacation rentals, you need to pay special attention to some details. First, carefully read the host's reviews, especially negative ones, to see if there are any potential problems. Second, pay attention to the specific location of the property; sometimes it might look close on the map but could be very far or inconvenient to walk to in reality. Finally, make sure to confirm specific check-in details with the host in advance, such as how to get the keys, whether there's an elevator, etc.

For friends who prefer hotels, besides Booking.com, I also recommend using the Hotels Tonight app. It specializes in last-minute hotel deals, sometimes offering rooms at half price or even lower. However, using this app requires some adventurous spirit, because you never know what surprises await you at your destination. I remember once in Miami, I booked an ocean view suite through this app at only one-third of the normal price.

Immigration Convenience

Although the immigration process seems simple, it can waste a lot of time if not properly prepared. Besides Mobile Passport, I also want to recommend an app called Mobile Pass, which can be used at many European airports. Through this app, you can fill in immigration information in advance and use the fast track lane directly at the airport. I often use this service at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, saving at least half an hour of queuing time each time.

Additionally, if you frequently visit Japan, you must download an app called Visit Japan Web. It allows you to submit entry cards, customs declaration forms, and other documents online in advance, and you can pass through immigration just by scanning a code at the airport. On my most recent trip to Tokyo, the entire entry process took less than ten minutes to complete, which was incredibly efficient.

Final Thoughts

Over the years, I've been to many places and used all sorts of travel applications. Some apps might be phased out over time, but new and better ones will constantly appear. The key is to find the ones that best suit your needs and travel style.

Take navigation for example, although Google Maps is already very good, local navigation apps might be more accurate in certain regions. For instance, in Japan, Yahoo! Maps is better for walking navigation than Google Maps because it marks specific exits and elevators.

Practical Advice

Besides the previously mentioned apps, I also want to share some tips for using travel apps. First is the network issue - many apps now support offline map downloads, so make sure to download commonly used maps before departure. Second is storage space - it's best to clean up your phone before traveling to reserve enough space for new apps and photos.

Regarding mobile networks, there are now many portable WiFi rental services that can be booked online in advance and picked up directly at the airport. If you're visiting multiple countries, consider buying an international roaming card; although the initial cost might be higher, it could be more economical in the long run.

Finally, I suggest creating a dedicated travel folder on your phone and putting all travel-related apps together for quick access when needed. Also, remember to regularly update these apps, as new versions usually fix bugs and add new features for better user experience.

Remember, technological progress is meant to make our lives more convenient. As long as you make good use of these tools, your travel will definitely become easier and more enjoyable. Looking forward to meeting every travel lover on the journey!