It’s the decade of the smartphone. Everything is available
to our generation at the push of a button on our phone. But in a space that can
often get very crowded, we select the best apps at your disposal for the
frequent business traveler or adventure seeker. Whether it is hotel accommodation in Lagos, or maps and directions, commuting,
and restaurants, there is an app for every need. Do not say we never did
anything good for you.
Google Maps
The great thing about Google Maps is that it has the ability
to be embedded on third party websites. Google Maps offers amazing satellite
imagery, street maps, real-time traffic conditions, street view, route planning
and GPS turn-by-turn navigation system in the mobile version. Google Maps is
great for finding your way around a town or city you’ve never been and goes as
far as showing you points of interest around the area such as hotels,
restaurants, museums, parks, markets and other places of interests to tourists.
In 2013, over 54% of smartphone users had used the app at least once. I
particularly find myself using it every other day.
The Jumia Travel App allows you to search for and book
hotels around you. With well over 200,000 hotels available users who book hotel
rooms with the app get as much as 10% off. Available on the Play Store and App
Store. With its new progressive web feature, the app lets users browse through
its list of hotels even with slow data speed and 2G connectivity.
Uber
The app that disrupted the taxi industry, Uber allows you to
summon, I like that word, cabs at the push of a button. But they aren’t just old-fashioned cabs,
Uber provides an opportunity to ride in style and comfort. Drivers are trained
in best practices and customer service that allows them to deliver extra on
taking you to your destination.
Foursquare
Foursquare is an app that allows users to enter locations
and destinations they visit, review and rate them, thereby allowing other users
to browse through and review these places before they visit. Foursquare
provides recommendations on where people can visit for various purposes when
they are new in a city of location.
Google Translate
Salut, comment Allez-Vous? Exactly, the same thing I
thought. Google Translate allows you to navigate and overcome the barriers of
communication when you are in a new city. It might be awkward and a tad
difficult when trying to communicate directly with strangers, but it can allow
you read signs at airports, bus stops, parks, markets, museums and other public
places.
Whatsapp
With its new Video call feature, Whatsapp is increasing its
usefulness for communication in the lives of everyone with a smartphone. For
speaking to friends and family while away on your adventure, Whatsapp is an
essential app for the Traveler. With its new Story feature, it is, even more,
fun as you can share the exciting new places you are visiting.
Bonjournal
Bonjournal is an app that allows you keep track of your
memories and experiences on a travel. The simplistic travel app integrates with
Foursquare to provide all the details of your travel destination as well as
create notes and commentary while on your trip. It also records the history of
all your travels making it easy for you to pull out data in future. Available
on Apple devices.
GoMywayAfrica
Go My Way Africa is a ride sharing platform that allows
travelers to find drivers who are heading towards the same destination and with
a seat to spare and thus share a ride with them either free or at the cost the
driver indicates. Drivers with seats to spare can also post trips for people
who are going their way to join them. It is an amazing way to travel while
saving costs.
XE Currency
New country? Different continent? Need to change your
currency? Get live rates with the XE Currency app as well as locations where to
change your money. It also has currency converter calculator to calculate rates
if you are buying a product or paying for a service.
Airbnb
The homestay peer to peer network for people who want to
rent homes for short stays or users who want to enlist their homes for
rent. It offers a great opportunity for
people who want to live in historical homes on a short time basis, or network
and do business outside the hotel environment while away from home. Many hotels
these days even list on Airbnb.
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