Going on vacation with your smartphone: five tips every traveler needs to know

Traveling across the country can be an exciting and time consuming task, especially if you’re unsure what to pack, but there’s no need to worry. From cool camera applications to helpful budget applications, we have five tips will make sure you’re not stuck on the wrong side of town when you could be dining with locals, hitting the secret hot spots and staying within your budget! 

1. Itinerary: Travelers who are flying should always have their itinerary downloaded on their phone. Most airlines also have smartphone applications that allow travelers to check in to their flight, monitor arrival and departure times and watch for cancellations. 
2. Budget: Traveling expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to keep track of your vacation budget. There are multiple applications on the market that can keep travelers on budget, including Money Book, Mint or EasyMoney. All three allow travelers to allocate funds based on categories like food, clothing, activities and gas.
3. Battery Power: From car chargers to adapters, smartphones need access to power, especially when being heavily used! Having a full battery will keep travelers on route, on time and on top of plans. 
4. Directions: Whether it’s directions to the hotel or local restaurants, smartphones can provide driving directions, reviews, suggestions and check-in opportunities. Travelers who want to take advantage of public transportation can download BusTime or Go To There. Many cities also have specific applications that update the location of buses, metros and subways in real time.
5. Memory Making: Pictures capture memories of a vacation long after it’s over, so take plenty! If you’re feeling creative, try applications like Instagram or PicFrame. Want to share a photo with a co-worker or family member? Both applications have social capabilities so snap away.

We hope these travel tips turn your vacation planning from stressful to restful. If you have another smartphone application that’s been especially beneficial, drop us a note! We’d love to hear your travel tips! Happy vacationing!