Holiday season is almost here and for everyone who’s not heading home, there’s definitely going to be a trip on the cards. And as much as you believe that a digital detox is the best way to relax, technology does make things a lot more hassle free when you’re on the go. To help you out as you cross oceans and discover new cultures, here are a few apps that will ensure this time around, its all smooth sailing!

Tourist Language Helper

As much as you love travelling, you have to admit getting around and soaking in a new culture gets harder when you have a language barrier. Whether it’s hailing a cab, or asking for sparkling water at a restaurant, things are a lot easier if you can manage a few words in the local tongue. This is where the Tourist Langauage Helper app fits in! Its as simple and straightforward as it gets, just pick the country you’re travelling to and it gives you a series of options, including basic conversation for a taxi, a hotel, telling the time or even small talk! Ignore the occasional annoying pop-up ads and you have an app that is extremely useful. Audio options allow you to play the sentence you wish to translate as well.

PackPoint

if the word “packing:” sends shivers down your spine, or if you’re the king of procrastinators who leaves it for the last minute and ends up with mismatched clothes, then PackPoint is the app you should download right after you book your tickets! Enter a few simple details like your destination, dates of travel and type of activities you expect to do and voila – you have a customised list of everything you need to pack. Simple things like camera batteries (if you picked photography in your list of activities) sunscreen and reading glasses – things we would tend to forget even if we sat down to write a list ourselves – will show up on your checklist. Tap each item as you pack it in and it will track what’s left. Perks include weather predictions for your travel dates, so you can decide whether or not to pack that extra sweater!

TouristEye

It says a lot about a travel app if it gets acquired by travel giant Lonely Planet, and that’s just what has happened with TouristEye. The best part about this app is that it directs you based on highlights in locations, using inputs from people who have travelled there before. Experiences are highlighted over tourist traps, and it’s the perfect app if you’re trying to find something fun to do. Also, it’s a great way to share cool tips, as users can add suggestions to itineraries themselves. With varied options ranging from shopping to food to unusual adventure sports, this app is great for those looking for something off the beaten path.

TripCase

Nothing ruins a holiday like losing your reservations or struggling to find your tickets at the airport, so a practical travel app for these boring details are a necessity. TripCase is one such app that compiles all the trip details – from tickets and hotel bookings to dinner reservations and theatre tickets – into one place that can be easily accessed. The app also provides a “TripFeed” that provides all the relevant information according to the time, and allows you to share either your entire itinerary or parts of it, with friends.

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