Although some individuals believe that relying too heavily on electronics while traveling abroad prohibits the visitor’s ability to think, adapt, and discover organically; others consider these technological advancements to be monumental in regards to discovering the myriad of Europe’s hidden gems. It can be an overwhelming challenge to keep up with new apps, but Auto Europe travel writers are committed to staying current with emerging trends! All of these apps are available on the App Store and Google Play.
Planning: TripIt
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard of
TripIt, this travel app giant was awarded Best Travel App in 2011 at the Webby Awards, and has made organizing the seemingly endless stream of confirmation emails from hotels and airlines incredibly easy. The app then turns these emails into a helpful digital itinerary that travelers can refer to on their mobile device.
Language: Word Lens
Word Lens translates printed words from one language to another with your smart phone’s video camera in real time without a network connection. Simply point your camera at a sign you don’t understand and it will be translated for you into the language of your choice.
Quick Currency Conversion: Xe Currency
Accurate currency conversion tool that also provides the historic rates for the currency you’re checking.
Xe Currency allows users to monitor different currencies simultaneously and rate the highs and lows.
Photos: Postagram
Allows travelers to
design postcards using their own photos from their phone, Facebook or Instagram. Within days the postcard will be mailed to the recipient’s home address.
Driving Your Rental Car: Waze
This user-generated traffic information and social GPS app bands drivers together to offer live updates on jams, police barricades, accidents and other hazards.
Waze compares gas prices of gas stations along your route, and partners with certain local stations to offer digital coupons. The app provides service to over 100 countries including Italy and the UK.
*Although this app is incredibly helpful, it still requires more user support before the information is strong. We suggest testing this out in your home country, to avoid potential disappointment using it in the field.
Bonus! SitOrSquat
We’re not overly thrilled with the name, but people have been obsessed with this ‘cheeky’ app since 2009. Advertising executives at Charmin have certainly gone above and beyond to get creative with their approach to social media (you have to admit, #tweetfromtheseat is a clever company created hash tag). This app helps travelers track down the illusive “five-star” public restroom, no matter what country they happen to be in. Users are able to rate their experience by choosing to “sit” (facilities were up to their standards), or “squat” (it could’ve been better).
Do you have a favorite go-to Travel App? We’d love to hear about it! If you happen to be in the process of planning an upcoming trip to Europe, rely on Auto Europe for all of your car rental needs! We have pickup locations in more than
8,000 cities worldwide and look forward to helping you plan your adventure. Contact a knowledgeable reservation specialist at 1-888-223-5555 today to start planning!