Apps

[Brian]

When I travel in Europe these days, I'd be lost without my smartphone (Android). I use apps for everything from train schedules to finding restaurants. Here are a few that I've used:

• Rick Steves has a useful app with his excellent audio tours. (does not need data)

• SBB (Swiss Railways) has a great rail schedule app that can be used for schedules all over Europe. It is easy to use and, for Swiss trains, can even predict how crowded a train is likely to be. (needs data)

• City transportation apps. We have used apps for Paris, Venice, and Rome. Some of them do need data access.

• Compass. Make sure you have a compass app as a basic navigation tool. (does not need data)

• Flashlight. You never know when you'll need it. (does not need data)

• E-reader. Buy books or borrow them from your library to read on your phone. (does not need data)

• TripAdvisor can be a great way to find a restaurant near your location. (needs data)

• TripAdvisor City Guides can be downloaded for specific cities and off information on restaurants and attractions near your location or by neighborhood. (does not need data)

• UnitConverter to convert metric to and from the US system of measurement. (does not need data)

• A translation app like GoogleTranslate can be very useful. (needs data)

• A weather app like TravelBug can help you plan your indoor and outdoor excursions. (needs data)

• A wine app like Vivino can be a fun way to record the wines you taste. (needs data)

• Skype or Facetime can be great ways to communicate with friends and family. (needs wi-fi data)

What apps do you use on your iPhone or Android?

[Bill Kover]

We don't own a smartphone, just a Track phone.  We haven't joined the future yet.