My No.1 New Year’s resolution for 2010 is to get a passport and use it. Though I can’t yet apply for my passport via iPhone app or carry a virtual passport via the iPhone, at least I can prepare my passport photos with the Passport Photo Machine app (99 cents). While I wait for the passport to be delivered, here are some of the best iPhone apps that I’ll be using to plan my 2010 travels abroad and in the U.S.
Expedia
If you like planning your trips online via an all-in-one Web site, then Expedia should be on your travel to-do list. Now, the Web site travel planner makes it even easier to keep track of your travel details such as flight, hotel and car with a handy and free Expedia Itinerary Viewer iPhone app. It isn’t a fancy iPhone app; it’s simply an add-on benefit for those who plan travel via the Web site.
Hotels.com
If you like to fly by the seat of your pants, than having a free iPhone app like Hotels.com on your iPhone is a good idea. This iPhone app gives you immediate access to hotels no matter where you are and quick access to call the company with any questions. It’s great for a road trips when you don’t know when you want to stop and stay for a while.
Southwest Airlines
I usually fly out to Las Vegas via Southwest Airlines once a year for a three-day getaway. The whole point of the trip is to remove myself from the trappings of the online world (my laptop) and to sit by the Mirage pool and drink a copious amount of frozen margaritas. It used to frustrate me that without my laptop, I couldn’t check in 24 hours before my flight to secure my coveted Southwest “A” status. Now, I can simply check in at the pool while listing to Lady Gaga on my iPhone using Southwest‘s iPhone app (free). And, I can even cancel and change my flight itinerary if I decide that another day of pool and margarita debauchery is needed.
Lonely Planet Travel Guides
Once all the details like flights, cars and places to stay are in line, the fun begins! I love using the Lonely Planet Travel Guides iPhone app (99 cents) to download guidebooks for places right here in the U.S. and abroad. Granted, it’s a little costly, since each guide book is an additional $15.99 and language phrase books are $9.99, but they are totally worth it to get a little insight into the culture you are invading. The guide books give lots of background about the city, how to prepare for your visit, festivals by month, maps and much, much more. The phrase books actually speak almost all the general phrases you’ll need during a stay in a foreign country, so no need to even learn the language. Although, I recommend you at least try, because the whole point is making the planet a little less lonely. Speak to a stranger — it will do you some good.
Travel Channel GO
I’ve been jealous of Samantha Brown’s job with the Travel Channel for years, watching her get paid to explore hotel after hotel. And the eclectic Anthony Bourdain and his show “No Reservations” makes me want to quit my job and travel the world. Now, with the free Travel Channel GO iPhone app, we can all unleash our inner Samantha and Anthony by retracing their footsteps, and even create our own stories in this superb travel app. The iPhone app also includes video city guides with the top five of almost everything in big cities.
Cheers to happy and safe travels in 2010!
