👨‍✈️ The Briefing Room:

Notes and open topics from the editor’s desk.

Welcome Departures. The place to be for where to go and what to see. Mobile apps have evolved drastically over the years giving us ever more powerful tools to better plan, manage and organize our trips. As such, the apps I have on my phone for any given trip have also changed over time. After the special Top 10 Travel Hacks edition a couple of weeks ago, so many of you wrote in looking for me to expand on some of the apps that were featured on the list. So inspired on your feedback I dug into my phone’s “Travel” folder and I’m sharing my most used travel apps for 2024 in no particular order. Notably missing are all the transportation and lodging apps as those I am saving for my upcoming “Ultimate Guide to Travel Planning”. So make sure you stay tuned for that one. Though I live in the iOS ecosystem, I’m also including Google Play Store links to the Android version or its closest equivalent.

#1 Google Maps.

Let’s just get the most obvious one out of the way first. This app is the OG and the truth is I live by it everywhere I go. Although there are apps with more utility and better looking maps out there, After traveling through over 110 countries, Google’s is just the most universally reliable. But more than the basic navigation features everyone at this point will probably be already familiar with, it’s the more advance features and integration with desktop that really put it above the rest for me. I use it to save pins of my favorite locations in every city, check out reviews of local restaurants and establishments, plan walking routes and almost everything else regarding point to point ground navigation. Together with TripIt (bellow) they form an integral part of my electronic travel diary. Although the Watch integration is not as solid, the navigation accuracy more than makes up for it. For years Google Maps app has come preloaded on most smartphones, but if for some reason it isn’t you can download it for free here:

Google Maps for iOS // Google Maps for Android

#2 Trip-It.

If Google Maps is my journal for “where”, Trip-It would be the one for “when”. Once you go through the setup process, the app will automatically scrub your email for all incoming booking confirmations of transport and accommodations then automatically organize everything under one neat timeline within the app. Each entry in the timeline contains all relevant information including departure and arrival times, booking confirmation codes, hotel addresses and a plethora of other useful information beyond the scope of this short write up. The app is free to use with a yearly “Pro” subscription that unlocks advance features. I have been using the free version to plan and organize all of my travels since it came out. But the best way to experience all it does is to download it and configure it before your next trip.

Trip-It for iOS // Trip-It for Android

#3 Elk.

Elk is the most beautiful and intuitive currency converter I have ever run across. Not much else to say. It features a simple gesture based interface and automatic location based exchange rates between your default currency and the one from the country you are in. This is the only app I did not find an Android equivalent.

Elk for iOS

#4 Flush.

Ever find yourself having the urge and absolutely no idea where to go? In comes Flush the Toilet finder. Available for both iOS and Android devices, Flush is a simple to use map database with the location of over 200,000 toilets. So whether alone or with the family, on the other side of the world, or just on a side of town you’ve never been, this free app is a definite must have. Download it for you respective device here:

Flush - Toilet Finder for iOS // Flush - Toilet Finder for Android

#5 WhatsApp & WhatsApp Business.

Although Apple iMessage and Google Messages are the undisputed kings of texting in the United States, everywhere else in the world the crown belongs to WhatsApp. Though the utility of cellular based SMS can not be denied, instant messaging apps allow for richer experiences over text. WhatsApp takes it a step further by untethering from the cellular network all together allowing users to communicate number to number wherever there is data access. For my use though the most powerful feature is it’s sibling WhatsApp Business. The Business app has several advanced features the regular WhatsApp lacks but with both of these on my phone, I can effectively run independent messaging to/from both of my fixed US phone numbers while using much more affordable local phone SIM cards from whatever country I am in. Both of these free apps have saved me thousands of dollars in roaming fees over the years and have allowed my phone numbers to follow me regardless of where I go.

WhatsApp for iOS // WhatsApp Business for iOS

WhatsApp for Android // WhatsApp Business for Android

#6 Maps.me.

Imagine the Waze app but for those times when you want to go off the beaten path. Though it does share some of the standard navigation features as may other map apps, it is at the trail where this app excels. Much like Waze, it features a hiker oriented crowd-sourced database of point of interests you will not find in other apps, like view points and drinking water sources to just name a few, as well as offline map capability. If you love the going off road, this app is a definite must have.

Maps.me for iOS // Maps.me for Android

#7 Wifi Finder.

Much Like Flush listed above but for Wifi hotspots instead of toilets. As someone who runs a business 100% from the road, having fast and reliable connectivity is a must. Wifi Finder catalogues and maps wifi locations everywhere in the world and rates them by speed. This tool has been invaluable in getting me out of jams in multiple situations. The app is free to use for most features and has an optional subscription for advanced functionality. I’ve always been on the free version and have never had the need to upgrade.

Wifi Finder for iOS // Wifi Finder for Android

#8 Sun Seeker.

If you have been following me on social for more than 2 minutes, you’ll probably already know I am an absolute fool for a good sunrises and sunsets. Well here is my little secret on how I land the perfect one every single time. Sunseeker is an advanced solar tracking app that shows the sun position in augmented reality. It uses your GPS position and other sensors built in to your phone to determine the sun’s path. At $9.99 it is the most expensive app on the list but one that is worth every penny if you are one who loves the colors of dusk and dawn.

Sunseeker for iOS // Sunseeker for Android

#9 PackPoint.

Ever find yourself overwhelmed trying to decide what to pack? There is an app just for that! Available for iOS and Android, PackPoint is a travel organizer that will advice you on the best options based on the weather at your destination, the length of your trip, and any activities you have planned. Take a peek at how it works below:

PackPoint for iOS // PackPoint for Android

#10 Workfrom.

Workfrom started as a crowd sourced app for remote workers. Today it is an online databases of places around the world where you can pull your laptop out and get a day’s worth work done. It includes everything from proper co-working spaces, to laptop friendly coffee shops, restaurants and even hotel lobbies. You may access the mobile database here:

workfrom.com

Have a favorite App you would like to share with the community? We would love to hear it! Leave in the comment section down below.

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