I’m not going to lie to you, college football fans. There are a number of things iPhone apps can’t do for you. They can’t gain your school respect from voters (sorry TCU and Boise State), they can’t erase the past three years (sorry Notre Dame) and they can’t stop the inevitable heartbreak the loser of the SEC championship game will feel.
But that’s about all they can’t do. With the right collection of apps, you can turn your phone into the ultimate travel accessory. Whether you want tour guides, rental cars, hotels or tickets, the iPhone’s got you covered. Now, let’s go bowling.
New Mexico Bowl-related iPhone apps
The bowl season kicks off Dec. 19 in Albuquerque with the New Mexico Bowl. Those attending this Mountain West Conference vs. Western Athletic Conference showdown would be wise to download the Albuquerque (Travelto) app from Monlinker Inc.
Monlinker has more than 500 city guide apps, with travel tips and a city directory that work even if you iPhone is offline. It also includes pictures from the city, just in case the bowl game is not enough to sell you on the trip.
iPhone apps for multiple bowl cities
Regardless of what bowls choose which teams, New Orleans and Orlando are sure to be two of the more popular destinations in the coming months for one reason — both cities host two games this year.
The Big Easy will host both R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 20) and the Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1), while Orlando has the Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 29) as well as the Capital One Bowl (Jan. 1).
Visitors to New Orleans will probably need a hotel given the amount of time between the two games. Priceline.com’s Hotel Negotiator has the same idea as the Web site, as it allows you to make deals on available rooms. It’s a free download, and it works for cities around the world.
Those visiting Orlando can check out Walt Disney World in addition to getting their college football fix. Walt Disney World Guide Notecast boasts more than 200 pages of information on the theme park, with more than 400 photos to boot. The app has tips on planning your vacation, information on local hotels and resorts, and a coming events section.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl-related iPhone app
The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24 may not be the most glamorous game, but you could do worse than spending Christmas in Honolulu.
Frequent travelers who stay at Sheraton Hotel should get Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ SPG Mobile App, a free download for Starwood Preferred Guests. The app gives you access to you account, such as recent activity and future bookings, and allows you to book and view information for nearly 900 hotels worldwide.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Texas with this iPhone app
College football is always a big topic in Texas, but New Year’s Eve it will be especially huge with three bowl games that day: Houston hosts the Texas Bowl, Fort Worth has the Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl and the Brut Sun Bowl will be held in El Paso.
Regardless of what bowl you attend that day, it’s Texas, so you’ll need a car. Rental Car Sites is nothing if not appropriately named – the free app gives you information on rental car companies. Using your iPhone’s GPS technology, the app can also locate the closest company to you.
Enjoy New Year’s Day in Florida with these iPhone apps
I’ve already mentioned the Capital One Bowl, but it’s not the only Jan. 1 game in the state of Florida. The Outback Bowl is in Tampa while Jacksonville will play host to the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl.
The Konica Minolta sponsorship reminds me to remind you not to forget the A+ Camera Zoom app. The app enhances your iPhone’s camera, giving it up to four times digital zoom and allowing you to take pictures while others are saving – which means you can take a number of photos in a short amount of time.
International Bowl-related iPhone app
There’s good news for those who are hoping to travel outside of the United States — the bowls are no longer limited to the USA. The International Bowl will take place in Toronto on Jan. 2.
If you don’t already have a passport, then Passport Photo Machine will be of assistance. The app takes an existing image in your gallery or a new picture and creates a set of images you can use to apply for a passport. It’s only 99 cents, and unless you like going to the post office, this app is well worth the price.
iPhone app for the Citi National Championship Game
All bowl games have at least a little importance, but the one that really matters takes place in Pasadena on Jan. 7. And just because we’ve known for a while that the winner of the SEC Championship Game and Texas will likely play in the Citi National Championship Game, it is still likely to be a fantastic matchup.
That means you need to start making plans as soon as possible. Tiggits won’t only get you tickets to games, but also concerts, theatre and other events as well. Purchases are completed within the app, and it also includes maps of venues.
eSeats Tickets is a similar app from the eSeats.com Web site. It offers many of the same features as Tiggets, as well as a local finder that automatically searches for upcoming events in your area. The good news is both these apps are free. The bad news is the National Championship Game tickets that go on sale Dec. 15 will be far from free.
