There are millions of apps that have been created to date. Of these, only a few I find truly useful when backpacking and want to utilize as much of travel organizing/planning and while-abroad assistance with as few apps as possible. I have tested a number of map and guide apps, as well as communication, organizing, literature, and lodging apps (which you will find in my previous post).

For a frame of reference, I have a Google Nexus 7 running off an Android operating system (4.2.2).

I created this list trying to find apps that did not require constant internet/3g, nor required being purchased or subscribed to. These are apps that should be able to be downloaded, and you’re good to go!

My top ten backpacking apps include:

1. TripIt Travel Organizer Free (TripIt, inc.)

Pros:

This app is the ‘super app’ for traveling. Even with the free version of the app, this had me thinking “wow, they made an app that can do that!?’ The app set up is simple; you register your email (the one in which you will be receiving booking confirmations) to their main site. Once you have confirmed your email, you can forward your booking confirmations to TripIts’ computer email, which will transcribe all of your confirmations into a beautifully organized list.  I did this with the airline ticket for my upcoming trip and TripIt organized all of my flight information (including the distance I will be flying) and who at the agency booked my ticket, and how to contact them. All of this from a .PDF attachment. This also works with information imbedded in the email.

If you have a printed confirmation and have all of your information, but no way to email it, not to worry, you can manually enter all of your information if you wish, and it will still give you the maps.

In addition, you can add land based transportation, activities and notes to trip itineraries.

It is a great free app.

            Cons:

To check flight statuses, and to get rid of the small bar add on the bottom, you need to “upgrade” the app. For basic organizing however, I don’t see a need.  You do need to sign up for a Tripit account (Free).

2. myBuddy TravelPlanner (Wouter Goossens)

            Pros:

This is a very basic itinerary planner. If you want a simple list of what you have booked/ arranged, and don’t mind putting in the information manually, then this is a good app for you. It would suit backpackers that have their train tickets and hostels booked and printed, but just need to reference the information such as flight number or check-in times.  The app has different lists for your flights, hotel, train, car rental, cruise, and bus. As I said, very basic app, but it is easy to navigate and good for keeping track of basic information. Since we are in the digital age, having basic e-ticket codes and confirmation numbers can get you the rest of the information.

Cons:

            Unable to separate the portions of trip, everything melds together.

3. CouchSurfing (CouchSurfing, inc.)

            Pros:

With the growing number of college students deciding to travel during breaks and gap years, this new form of lodging has a grown in popularity worldwide.  This app is for the lodging known as ‘couch surfing’, staying on peoples couches in exchange for small household chores or courtesies.  One of my current employers told me of a girl that stayed with her who cooked for her in exchange for the lodging.

This app connects you to the ‘database’ of couch surfing, where you can develop a profile and either search for a couch nearby, or offer yours to another ‘surfer’.

It has its own internal mail service for contacting other members, and uses a system of ‘friends’ and ‘references’ for contacts. (A person who houses you could reference that you were a nice guest, and you could reference them as nice hosts.)

You are not limited to surfers and hosts either, as you can join saying you cannot offer a couch, but can ‘hang out’ should you want to meet people passing through your area.

Cons:

Only a few glitches in the app. (it has my last log-in in 1969.) You need to sign up for a profile on their site (Free).

4.  Tripwolf (tripwolf)

            Pros:

Good city guides that can be used offline, that can be downloaded with the internet and used while out romping around. The free version of this app makes up for not having maps offline by allowing you to get the information of what’s around, and basic address/contact information of destinations. If you sign up for a Tripwolf account (free), you can rate places, and create your own to do/to go list. You can see recommended sights, restaurants, and local activities. This is a good app if you are backpacking around the South Pacific, touring Europe, or voyaging through the Caribbean.

Cons:

Remember to plan ahead for this one. If you are in the middle of the city with no free wifi or 3G coverage, and you didn’t download the guide before you left your hotel/hostel, then you simply wont be able to access the guide. It may not be the BEST app, but it has earned a spot on this list.

5. MapsWithMe lite, Offline Maps (MapsWithMe)

            Pros:

This app allows you to download maps to use offline. Download a map by country and use offline to zoom in on everything from pharmacies to bus stops. The app uses GPS to show your location on the map too. It reminds me of Google maps, but I have yet to see how it does when faced with another countries wireless systems.

Note: I will be testing the map apps again when I am abroad to see how they stand up to using GPS.

Cons:

Each country/region has to be downloaded separately. (Which can be a pro, in-that it requires less memory this way.) Bookmarking landmarks on the map can only be done in the ‘full version’ which needs to be bought.

6.  Find my car (eLibera)

            Pros:

This app can be used to mark the GPS position of your car when your at the carpark, and then when you need to find it, the app has a few options to navigate you back to your car (including showing it on Google maps, and using GPS to show you your location in relation to it.)  Other uses would be to mark your lodging before going out into the city and fearing the dreadful ‘wrong turn’. This app is equipped with two, very easy buttons; ‘Park – store position’, and ‘Find – display position’. Multiple locations can be stored.

Its simple, and easy to figure out. Now if only I could find my keys…

Cons:

Honestly, this app was unique in its content, so I have nothing to compare it against. However, it deserves a spot in my recommendations.

7. Skype (Skype)

            Pros:

This is one of the most popular video chatting apps out there. While it does charge for calling telephones, contacting another Skype user is free. I use this app a LOT. This is one of my communication tools to contact people back home to let them know I am still alive. You can voice call multiple people, video call, and private message using this app.

Cons:

Requires wifi/3G.

8. Heywire (MediaFriends, inc.)

            Pros:

Another communication tool, this is a texting app that assigns you a number and allows you to text anyone in the states from it. You can also tweet on your twitter, and Facebook chat via the app.

Cons:

Requires wifi/3G.

9. Overdrive Media Console (Overdrive, inc.)

            Pros:

This app accesses your library online, where you can checkout e-books, audio books, and media for your enjoyment. When you have an internet connection, you can use your library card to access the online resources, and check out a good book for the train ride, or an audio book for the long drive. Travel guides are also frequently available, depending on what your library offers. (Contact your local library for more information on if they participate). Once your library books ‘expire’, you cannot access the book anymore and can delete the title. This means no overdue library books or fines!

Cons:

Need internet to download the books initially, but once they are on your tablet/smartphone they can be accessed anywhere.

10. Europe Travel Guide (Helioid)

            Pros:

I know, I know… this is a very specific region and has very specific uses and information. It does deserve an honorable mention though. This is just as knowledgeable as any guidebook (or Wikipedia page) and can be accessed offline. If you are planning to go to Europe, this is a GREAT app.

Cons:

Could use more pictures.

This concludes another round of narrowing down the apps. There will be another round when I am in Australia in August, and may be aimed more at free guide books and Australia specific apps.

If anyone has any requests of travel apps to put to the test, let me know!

My email is k.l.awooa@gmail.com

Dream big, travel far.

Kiki