We continue with the other five essential applications that you should take on your phone when you go on vacation. First, we have seen apps that we have to take that we will make the trip easier. In addition, we also have some essential skills to know how to react to emergencies, how to know the weather during vacation days, and how to connect to the internet when we're away. Now it's time for the good part: making others jealous and having fun.
To give envy
6.- Foursquare
With Foursquare we can go on doing check-in in every place we are, thanks to GPS. If we link this to our social media profiles, every time we check in, a notification will be posted on them that we're at that specific location. In the age of mobility, many of us like to brag about where we're vacationing while everyone else is on vacation. Now it's your turn to relax and brag about what you're doing. Take advantage and make your contacts remember you throughout your vacation. Foursquare uses GPS to locate interesting places around you. If they're in the database, you can check in; if they're not, you can add them. It's free and can be downloaded from Google Play.
7.- Instagram
Something essential when we go away, if we want to make people jealous, is to take photos of the places we are, the sunsets, the whole family together, the funny things our nephew does, etc. Instagram is the best thing we can have on our phone to share those enviable photos of our vacation. Not only does it publish them on our social profiles if we want, but it also adds filtersAny photo we have, with one of Instagram's filters, will win over all our friends. Instagram is free, and can now be downloaded from Google Play.
For fun
8.- Runkeeper
We're on vacation, a beer, an ice cream, an aperitif, last night's dinner... in the end we consume calories and more calories, and now that we have free time, maybe it's time to take care of our bodies a little and get them in shape. Monitor What we do is simple with Runkeeper, which allows us to record routes, whether we are running, cycling, or swimming, although in the latter case we recommend that you do not carry your phone with you. The application locates our route using GPS, calculates the elevation and the time we have traveled, and tells us the calories consumed during the activity. Ideal for staying in shape on vacation. Runkeeper is free and available on Google Play.
9.- Google Sky Map
You might be wondering, "What?" Well, yes, Google Sky Map is the app you can always show to a friend or family member at some point. In the summer, we always end up taking that walk on the beach, where we start looking up at the sky. There's always that clever person who says, "That's the Little Bear." Well, if you want to hit it in the mouth, Google Sky Map makes it easy. Open the app, you focus the mobile toward the sky, and you'll be able to see where each star is and its corresponding name. Google Sky Map is available at Google Play for free
10.- SOS Cocktail
What to say about SOS Cocktail ?. You don't have to explain anything, right? We all know the typical drinks, but while on vacation you can't close the day by taking something normal, you have to be a little more original, and indulge yourself. SOS Cocktail contains the recipes of a a large amount of drinks. It also includes steps for making them, along with images. It's free, although there's also a paid version, and it's available on Google Play.
Book, organize and save on accommodations, flights and activities
Planning from the couch It's easier with apps that centralize search and booking. For accommodations, Booking y Airbnb They offer advanced filters, flexible cancellation, and millions of options; Trivago compare prices between agencies, while Rentalcars.com helps you find a car with pickup at your preferred location. If you're looking for bargain inspiration, Pirate Travelers publishes ready-to-book packages. For flights, Skyscanner y eDreams Track hundreds of airlines with price alerts. For guided experiences in your language, Civitatis allows you to book excursions with 24/7 support, and TripAdvisor gives you helpful reviews of restaurants, hotels and plans.
If you prefer planning door to door, Rome2rio calculates combinations between plane, train, bus, ferry and car, and Trainline concentrates tickets and train timetables in Europe. For events, Ticketmaster y TicketSwap cover official and secure resale tickets.
Offline maps, navigation, and routes
In addition to Google Maps, it is advisable to bring offline maps. Maps.me y OsmAnd Download entire regions with detailed trails, ideal for remote areas. In the city, Citymapper y Moovit too then precise routes by public transport, incidents and real-time data. If you drive, MapQuest Adds traffic alerts and detours; for outdoor adventures, Wikiloc and Gaia GPS allow you to record tracks, follow GPX routes and view Topographic maps, and for cycling lovers. Road trips and campervans are found in iOverlander overnight points, laundries or water.
To move safely and with a fixed price, Uber, Cabify, Bolt y free now They are useful where they operate; on intercity routes you can save with BlaBlaCar. And if you run out of data, Wi-Fi Finder locate public networks (always use them with caution).
Weather, skies and best daylight hours
Checking the weather with reliable sources saves you from scares and allows you know the state of the beaches. AEMET (Spain), Weather, AccuWeather y The Weather Channel they contribute hourly forecast and warningsIf you are interested in seeing when the rain arrives, Rain alarm uses near-real-time radar. For photographers, alpenglow y Sunseeker they calculate golden hour, sunset quality and solar trajectory, perfect for capturing that moment. Complement with your Google Sky Map to identify constellations on clear nights.
Communication, translation and networks
To keep in touch, WhatsApp It is universal and Signal add a layer of strengthened encryption; you can also configure the do not disturb modeAt destination, the camera mode de Google translator translate menus and signs instantly, and DeepL shines in complex texts. If you travel through countries with restrictions or on public networks, a VPN , the NordVPN o Surfshark Protect your browsing. And to share, you already have your Instagram from point 7.
Money, currencies and shared expenses
Carry a card neobank , the Revolut to pay in local currency without fees and withdraw cash from ATMs with good exchange rates. Check prices with XE Currency (works offline with last saved rates) or with Currency Converter Plus Free If you also need metals and a tip calculator. If you're traveling in a group, Splitwise records every payment and there are apps to divide expenses between friends and settle accounts in seconds.
Health, safety and connectivity
Your health comes first: with the insurance app (e.g. IATI video consultation) you have medical assistance and mobile refund management, and there is also apps to remind you to take your medicationFor Internet without surprises, the eSIM from Holafly activates you data at destination in minutes. At airports and on flights, Flightradar24 It shows you routes and real-time status. Different plugs? Check the adapter with Plugs of the world. And organize your suitcase with PackPoint depending on weather and activities.
Sustainability and responsible tourism
If you prioritize positive impact, Green Globe certifies accommodations and operators with sustainability criteria, and Good on you ranks fashion brands by their environmental and social ethics. To reduce plastic, RefillMyBottle tells you where refill your bottle. On solo trips, SisterHome connects travelers with hosts. And if you're looking for private storage for your photos and documents, Hivenet bet on cloud distributed and energy efficient.
Photos, well-being and useful extras
To edit, Snapseed y Adobe Lightroom Mobile ofrecen advanced tools and cloud management. Maintain healthy habits with MyFitnessPal and records activities with Strava. Reserve a table with TheFork and plan itineraries with TripItIf you spend a lot of time at the beach, iSea e iBeach They report on waves, wind, and services. And in a pinch, Flush guides you to the public restroom closest.
With these tools you cover the entire trip: You plan, you book, you move, you pay, you take care of yourself And, of course, share the best moments. Choose the ones that suit your style, download maps and languages ​​for offline use, and enjoy an easier, safer, and more fun vacation.