Type “best travel apps” into any search engine, and the app we all know and love will appear first. Naturally. But, apart from TripIt, you will have specific needs when traveling that do not include organizing your trip. Needs like prepaying parking or deciphering labels at the grocery store. As such, I’ve collected five apps that can accompany TripIt in your phone’s travel folder. Let’s dive in. 1. Mobile Passport Control When it comes to avoiding long queues at customs and border controls, you might immediately consider Global Entry — and for good reason. The Trusted Traveler program is so popular that many of those trying to renew can’t book an appointment…next year (or more). Meet: Mobile Passport Control. It is another trusted traveler program offered by US Customs and Border Protection, but unlike Global Entry, it does not require pre-approval. Simply download the app and submit your passport information to get started. Get the Mobile Passport Control app. There’s something so satisfying about waving to your friends waiting in long lines at customs and border patrol.” — Ashley Torres, creator of Everyday Pursuits 2. SpotHero Planning a road trip? Rent a car for your next vacation? Download SpotHero now — and thank me later. Here’s how. What it does: SpotHero allows you to search – and compare prices – for thousands of parking facilities across the US and Canada. Once you’ve found the spot you want, you can book and prepay for it via the app. When you reach your destination, simply follow the instructions on how to park Your vehicle Simply Easy. Best of all, the app can save you a lot of time and money when parking at airports, events and more. 3. Priority Pass So, I’ve heeded the airline’s advice to arrive three hours early for your flight – and since You have CLEAR (thanks to the discount you get with TripIt Pro), you’ve walked through security, surveillance verification, for 10 minutes. With 2 hours and 50 minutes left, you’re hoping to get some work done in the comfort of the airport lounge. You don’t have access to Can I lounge through the loyalty program or your ticket category? This is where Priority Pass comes in. With an annual membership, you get access to more than 1,300 lounges and experiences at airports around the world. The Priority Pass app can help you locate their lounges, save your favorites for later, and more. “TripIt and Priority Pass are my favorite travel app. They help me stay organized and entertained when I’m on the go. I love people-watching in the lounges; it’s one of my favorite parts of the travel experience.” – Julia Menez, Founder of GeoBreeze 4. Google Translate Does this container say milk or yogurt? You need cough medicine, but you don’t speak the local language – what now? In these scenarios (and much more), Google Translate has you covered. Simply type the word(s) or phrase(s) in your language, and switch to the desired language — et voila! A translation appears, and you can make sure that you are preparing milk for your morning coffee (not yogurt) or ask your pharmacist for the appropriate treatment for your illness. My favorite feature? With Google Translate, you can scan an image and it will translate the text right on your phone. This makes finding your way around town, menu, and more so much easier. Tip: TripIt’s Nearby Places feature can help you find local grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and more right in the app. 5. Airbnb … but not for accommodation – for experiences. Yes, the little toggle at the top of the Airbnb app (where it says “Where to?”) lets you search and book tours, lessons, day trips, and more. It’s my job to find things to do at a destination, even when I’m not at Airbnb. You can search by activity type (eg, art and culture, food and drink, sports, tours, and more), read reviews, and book an experience directly in the app. After booking, you can send a message to the host via the app, if needed. Best of all, you know you’re getting a local experience – and supporting a local business – on an app you’re probably already familiar with. It is a win. Tip: Remember to forward your parking, tour, lesson and other reservations to TripIt to keep all your plans in one place. About the author Amanda Wowk is a freelance writer, founder of Amanda Wowk Creative – a content writing services company – and an avid traveler. Her experience spans the travel industry, supporting clients in travel technologies, luxury travel and consumer brands. When she’s not helping clients tell their stories, Amanda writes about her own experiences to inspire others to travel as far, far, and as frequently as possible.
