Ten Indispensable Android Apps for Travel

Almost everyone that I know has a smart phone now. As I walk the streets of the cities that I go to, I notice that a lot of people from different walks of life are busy tinkering their phones. I could still vividly remember when a smart phone was so expensive that only a few people can buy one. But as years went by, it became cheaper and cheaper as competition between manufacturers became stiffer. A lot of local companies also started offering smart phones to their respective countries with entry level up to high spec units for an affordable price.

Smart phones became a ‘necessity’ or a must have gadget for almost everyone. From basic calling and sending messages, phones evolved into an almost a mini computer-like machine. With thousands and thousands and apps to choose from, smart phones became an essential gadget for almost everyone.

As a traveler, I find my smart phone so useful in a lot of things. My phone helped me travel easier in a lot of ways thru the variety of pre-installed and free third party apps that I got thru Google Play.

Here’s a list of my Top Ten Indispensable Android Apps for Travel:

Google Map

I used to use my laptop when checking Google Maps but ever since I got my smart phone, I’ve been using it to study the vicinity of wherever I am. It’s also handy in some cities where there’s a long established bus system as the bus stops appear in the map as well and in the case of Bangkok, when you click on the bus stop signs, the bus numbers of buses plying that specific road appears. Neat huh!

Notepad

It comes very handy when taking down short notes while on the road. I never thought that I’ll need one but sometimes when I want to make sure that I’ll remember a particular stuff, I jot it down on my notebook if I’m carrying it or via the Notepad app on my phone. If you want a more slick version, check out Evernote.

Agoda

I always book my hostel in Agoda especially if I know that I’ll be arriving at night. This is to ensure that I’ll have a place to look for when I arrive in a new destination. The phone app is so handy when you’re looking for cheap hostels or hotels with promotion as they can be filtered and arranged in a variety of ways.

XE

I heard some stories about fellow travelers who were duped in various shady transactions with some locals or money exchange shops who offered them very low exchange rates and they only found out how much they lost after they check the exchange rate when they check in to their hostels. It could have avoided if you’re always aware of how much the market rate is. It’ll be very handy to install XE Currency Exchange App in your phone so you’ll stay updated all the time.

Aldiko

Ebook readers come very handy for readers like you and me. There are free ebooks that can be downloaded through a variety of apps. The one I use is Aldiko and it’s just one of the many options you have when it comes to Ebook readers.

Adobe PDF Reader

I usually save pdf copies of my hostel bookings on my phone so it’ll be easier to show it to the receptionist than pulling out my laptop and waiting for it to boot and load.

Flashlight

I do carry a real flashlight but most of the times, I use my phone as an alternative (especially when I can’t find my flashlight). It comes relay handy in places that have frequent power fluctuations/outage.

AWallet

I remember most of my passwords but sometimes, I do forget some. And AWallet comes handy in storing all my login information to a variety of websites I use.

Accu Weather

Just to make sure that I have an idea of what to expect when it comes to the weather, I installed a weather app on my phone.

Hotspot Shield

And of course, since I do a lot of stuff online. I installed a VPN service app which is Hotspot Shield and also an antivirus app, Norton. This is to make sure that my phone is protected from malware, phishing programs and viruses.

Aside from the above mentioned apps, I also installed various social media apps to help me manage my blog, a couple of voip-base app to stay connected with family and friends for free and various photo editing apps as well.