Travel Bites

Forget travel brochures and clunky guide books. When you are planning a trip interstate or overseas your best resource is on your tablet or smart phone. There is an abundance of travel apps available to play with and to organise your journey with but sifting through the multitudes can be a daunting task. We’ve tried and tested some of the newest ones to hit the digital world and we recommend you check these out when dreaming up your next travel adventure.

World of A&K - iPad App, Free. If you absolutely nothing about where you want to go on your next holiday this app is perfect. The initial interface allow you to choose from four different categories:

1. Exotic Adventure
2. Nature and Wildlife
3. Family
4. Culture and History

Once you’ve made your selection you’ll be whisked away into virtual world of 26 iconic global destinations such as: Fez, the Amazon River, Angkor Wat, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Okavango Delta, Machu Picchu, the Australian Outback and a swag of others.

Peruse photos that detail the magic qualities of these spectacular places and get ideas for activities to take part in when you are there. As you wander through these exotic locations you can customise your own personal travel map of the places you’ve already been and those on your to do list. Then share your plans with your friends on facebook, twitter, google earth and all other World A&K users.

This app takes the stress out of making travel plans and gets you pumped for adventure!

Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iNGcECyRxRs

World Customs & Cultures - iPhone and iPad App, Free. There is nothing more insulting to the locals than a loud-mouthed, ignorant tourist. Your vacation can be made all the more interesting and insightful if you can connect with the locals. The best way to do this is to get an understanding of their way of life using this app which covers over 165 countries.

For each country there is both important and meaningful information:

- Greetings
- Communication Style
- Personal Space & Touching
- Eye Contact
- Views of Time
- Gender Issues
- Gestures
- Taboos
- Law & Order

This app will help you avoid trouble abroad and allow you to build great new connections with locals which is really what traveling is all about.

Flight Track - iPhone and iPad App, $4.99. Avoid frustration of turning up to the airport only to discover that your flight has been cancelled with this application that we feel is well worth the price. It is linked with more than 5000 airports and 1400 airlines so weather you’re flying international or domestic,  it is highly useful.

The real time updates keep you in the loop with gate changes, delays and cancellations. You can view the exact location of an aircraft during flight get live updates on it’s progress to the destination. This is a particularly handy feature if you have to pick a loved one up from the airport.

Keep track of all your connecting flights and keep notes of any important details with the note feature. Along with your passport this app is a an absolute travel essential.

SSP Switzerland have also entered the app market with the roll our of the TravelWise application. Similar to analogue program in mechanics, TravelWise gives travel employees in airports and railway stations the ability to collect points and receive discounts when purchasing at participating cafes, convenience stores and restaurants in Geneva and Zurich airports including Caffe Ritazza, Montreux Jazz Cafe and iconic Altitude restaurants.

Tell us what apps you find most helpful when traveling. We’d love to link to your review.

@jenfreshonthego