Excursion App-roved

Suit, socks, and, of course, a toothbrush—you’ve loaded your carry-on, but what about your smartphone? Travel apps can get you off the beaten path, keep you on budget, and deflect boredom in Terminal 2.

We road tested the internet’s best, whittling the list to six must-downloads that stow neatly in the palm of your hand.

Purchasing souvenirs is sure to help you remember your trip. When you need to exchange dollars for dinars, check out XE Currency. The app offers live rates for more than 180 currencies. Better still, it stores data so you can convert currencies sans Wi-Fi. Available on iTunes and Google Play.

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Signs and directions mean almost nothing if you don’t read or speak the local language. World Lens uses seemingly out-of-the-future technology to translate images using your smartphone’s camera. For help speaking a foreign language, try Fast Talk, which comes with hundreds of useful phrases in five languages for tourists. And adventure travelers, take heart: both apps work off the Wi-Fi grid. Available on iTunes and Google Play.

Source: Ethnologue

Few things rival the frustration of arriving in a foreign country to find you packed only one pair of socks. Keep a handle on packing with TripList, a digital inventory that helps you put the right stuff into your suitcase. The app also features a to-do list to keep you on top of trip-related tasks. Available on iTunes.

Source: USA Today

If you arrive at the airport two hours early, the words flight delayed will make you cringe. TripAdvisor’s GateGuru app keeps you productive during holdups by providing flight status updates and airport information, such as amenities, maps, and rental availability. And you can always swipe through Marriott Alumni Magazine’s iPad app while you wait. GateGuru available on iTunes and Google Play; Marriott Alumni Magazine available on iTunes.

Source: FlightStats

Ever flown a red-eye to catch a business meeting? You’ve probably suffered from circadian dysrhythmia, commonly known as jet lag. Reset your internal clock with JetLag Genie. The app gradually adjusts your nightly sleep schedule prior to your trip to align with the new time zone. It’s a wish come true for tired business travelers. Available on iTunes.

Source: WebMD

Flights, hotels, cabs, meals, admission tickets, and tips: globe-trotting costs add up quickly. Save money by keeping a travel budget. Trip Saver tracks your spending and features suggested baseline budgets in multiple travel categories depending on your destination. Available on iTunes.

Source: Forbes