Print this article

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

It's the classic conundrum of travel: when you have time to go, you don't have the money. But, don't let shortage of cash hold you back from your next bit adventure. With the right apps on your phone, you can still hit the road without having to hitch a ride.

Opera Software, makers of the Opera Mini mobile browser, Opera Mini, have compiled a list of the top travel apps to make your trips this summer easier and, more importantly, to save you precious money and time.

The apps mentioned here are available on either Apple's App Store or Google Play.

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard/afficianado? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard/afficianado' and we will get in touch with you.

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

1. Get packing

Check out the Packing (+To Do!) app, which helps you keep your packing under control. For a price that's less than the cost of that toothpaste you forgot last time you travelled, this app lets you create, edit and share packing lists, as well as providing sample lists, if you don't want to start from scratch.

No more paying premium for travel essentials you forgot to pack. (Cost: $0.99)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

2. Scope out the sleeping arrangements

Room 77 finds the lowest rates on more than 130,000 hotels worldwide. A nice feature is that they also get the inside scoop on hotels, which gets you into a better room, too. (Cost: Free)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

3. Design a custom itinerary

Stay.com lets you create your own travel guide for sights, restaurants, bars and hotels in hundreds of cities worldwide, based on expert suggestions, as well as recommendations from your friends.

Stay.com allows you to have your guides and entire city maps offline with a quick download -- so you don't have to spend a dime on international roaming charges when you access them offline later. (Cost: Free)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

4. Reduce roaming

Opera Mini mobile browser makes your web browsing a lot faster -- especially on a slow network -- because it shrinks webpages, so your phone processes as little as 10 percent of what you see on your screen.

This translates into cost savings, especially while roaming internationally, and less processing means battery savings. (Cost: Free)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

5. Take the high road

If you're driving, Trapster alerts you to speed traps, red light and speed cameras, accidents and other roadway hazards.

This is truly useful when you are driving in uncharted territory. Think about all the money you are saving on avoided tickets that you can now spend on your travel adventures. (Cost: Free)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

6. Check out this view!

WhatsApp is a useful app for international travellers to stay in touch with friends and family, as well as domestic travellers who don't have unlimited texting plans.

This messaging app lets you message others on WhatsApp as much as you want, plus include photos, audio notes and videos within your conversations.

You need to be on a Wi-Fi or 3G/EDGE connection to send and receive messages. (Cost: $0.99)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

7. Where's the Wi-Fi?

Skype Wi-Fi gets you online with more than one million Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, using Skype credit.

Rates are very reasonable, and you only pay for the number of minutes you actually spend online -- instead of signing up for hourly slots with other, more expensive Wi-Fi services.

The service has hotspots at major locations such as airports, train stations, bars, restaurants and hotels. (Cost: Free)

Travelling on a budget? 8 must-have apps

Last updated on: June 29, 2012 14:04 IST

8. Wish you were here!

Update the tradition of sending postcards with a little modern technology.

Postagram turns photos from your phone to physical postcards and mails them to your friends and family for just $0.99 (within the United States) and $1.99 (internationally). You don't even need to find a post office. (Cost: Free)