I don’t tend to use the full-service Apps and Websites…organising is my thing, hence this website! But if you need a place to keep all of your information organised and an Excel spreadsheet isn’t your choice of planning tool, then there are a few Apps and Websites now that will help you keep track of bookings, destinations and some of the other peripheral things. They will not, however, tell you where you last left your passport.

 

Oh and don’t cram a bunch of apps onto your phone or tablet just for the sake of it – people have been travelling just fine for a long time without them. When in doubt, paper map and pen will work well too!

 

Public Holiday Websites

These sneaky little itinerary-wreckers pop up when you least expect it so it’s a good idea to check the dates of your travel on a website that corresponds to the country/ies you’re visited. There are a few websites out there, such as Time & Date, which cover major holidays, but a quick Google (or other) search of the city you’re visiting will make sure you are prepared and can adjust for things like Marathons closing roads, special regional holidays or random festivals to work into your planning.

 

The same applies for sights, museums and festivals you are planning to visit on your trip. Always check the official website for opening times and days and any other relevant information such as bag sizes permitted (usually no day-pack/rucksack styles, but some places have lockers), security requirements and pre-booking entrance or tickets.

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Transport & Maps

The Man In Seat 61 – if you are planning a train journey, particularly around Europe, then The Man is, err, your man. I’ve been following Mark since 2002 when he was a small start-up website with low graphics but high information. The graphics have upgraded but Mark’s excellent information has never needed tweaking as he works hard to pool information and stay up to date. He has routes for pretty much everywhere in the world now and even though I have travelled by train across Europe for the better part of 32 years, I still refer to the website on a regular basis as the information is unparalleled. And you can purchase rail tickets through his website, so have a look and help him out by clicking a link or two which will take you to the official rail sites.

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Rome2Rio – great for working out different transport options but they sometimes miss things so always double check the result if it is a tricky route.

 

CityMaps2Go – downloadable maps for most cities to use as you require.

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Google Maps Offline – as above and you can drop pins to your heart’s content. What did we do before Google Maps?!

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General Organising

TripIt – good for keeping everything in one place: flights, bookings, confirmations, dates, and in chronological order so you know where you should be and when. And you can share the itinerary built from these bookings with others should you need them to know your whereabouts.

 

TripHobo – allows you to plug a destination in and offers suggestions of ways to travel between them as well as building your trip for you once you specify certain elements. You will still have to choose the destinations so it doesn’t do everything for you, but close.

 

XE.com – the best App for currency conversion at the market rate, particularly when you can’t do the calculation in your head and are wondering if all those zeros on a bill really belong there.

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Flush - for those times when you're out and about an need a public toilet. These Apps are updated by users so don't forget to contribute your own information when you get a chance. You never know who you may be helping, but it will be appreciated.

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Refill - if you're not already, you should be carrying a refillable water bottle. This App shows the ever-increasing places around the world where you can refill your bottle for free. If you need good ideas for a water bottle and other sustainable travel items, check out the legends @Bambuu

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Google Translate - there are a few Apps around to help translate, but this is one you likely already have or at least have access to download quickly. The translations aren't always perfect but they will get you through...or make people laugh and perhaps also make new friends in the process.

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