No matter how you feel about the internet, there is no doubt it has made travel easier.
I was recently explaining to my children that to book a flight when I was their age, you had to physically go into a travel agent, who then rang the airline and they filled a ticket out by hand while they were on the phone. They looked aghast. Wait until I tell them you just had to trust a hotel was okay, because you had no opportunity to check out any reviews.
But these days, technology has smoothed out the drama of travel. You can book everything online, pay online, buy insurance online and review the reviews online and cancel almost anything with a few keystrokes.
Those are the obvious advantages, but what about apps that can ease you into your journey and iron out the bumps on the way? We explore some of the more popular travel apps aimed at seniors and in travel in general.
PackPoint
Packing is one of the biggest stresses of travelling, especially when weight restrictions are an issue. Now you can subtract that stress with PackPoint. Simply enter your destination, time of year, length of travel, and any activities you have planned including sporting and social, and PackPoint will plan your packing for you.
But don’t just take our word for it, PackPoint has been named on best app lists by CNN, Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times.
Download it here. Cost: free, or premium packages for US$2.99.
You’ve probably already got this on your phone, but if you don’t it’s time to install it. WhatsApp allows you to send and receive messages from all over the world for free using wifi, which can be helpful if you don’t have an international data plan.
And just in case you are worried about if enough of your contacts have it to make it worthwhile, it’s an extremely popular app, more than five billion people have downloaded it worldwide. Download it here. Video and audio calls are also free.
MedAdvisor
Getting older unfortunately can mean the list of pills and medications you have is long and potentially confusing. You don’t want that stress on holiday. MedAdvisor is an app that manages your medications. As well as pill reminders, and medical alerts, it can manage your escripts and paper scripts, preorder scripts and have them delivered in Australia. And as it’s an Australian app, can connect you to pharmacies if you are travelling domestically. It can also be shared, so others can keep track of your medications and visa-versa.
Download it here.
Bill splitting apps
If you are travelling with friends and family, who pays for what can be a real mood killer. A lot of that stress can be alleviated by installing a bill-sharing app across the group. There are quite a few available, so it’s a good idea to work out how you are going to pay for everything before you travel to choose the best one. Are you going to split every expense down to individual choices or pay an even share?
For example, on a meal out, do you really want to pay an even share if annoying cousin Shane decides to eat market-price lobster and champagne while you and your spouse are happy with fish and chips and a cheeky local beer?
However, even sharing might make more sense for holidays like all-inclusive resorts or cruises where most of the costs are built in.
Here are a few of the more popular options:
Splitwise: Has both options mentioned above, as well as a host of other features. Free, with the option to pay for premium. Free version has a limited amount of items that can be added each day, which seems to be a big issue with users. Download it here.
Beem: An Australian app that allows users to pay, request, transfer and split money – plus earn rewards if you bank with a participating bank, and keep your loyalty and gift cards – all in one place. Download it here.
Settle Up: Easy to use for simple splits, but you can also ‘weight’ splits within a group, say if someone has promised to cover 50 per cent of all expenses. Can also itemise costs. Works offline and in all currencies. Extremely popular and well-reviewed app. Free, but premium available for a cost. Premium version can be shared between a group or for a month or year, which could be ideal for group travel. Download it here.
Splittr: This app has been specifically designed for travel, so it doesn’t come with a lot of the bells and whistles of the above apps, but maybe that’s a good thing. Works offline and can convert all currencies. You can ‘weight’ or split expenses. Free, but with premium options, including lifetime membership for just US$11. Download here.
Trip planners
Once again, a lot to choose from and many have the same functions, so it may pay to try a few out on day trips or short trips to see which you are most comfortable using and what matches your expectations.
It’s also a good idea to work out what you want from a trip planner such as booking functions, itinerary planners, side-trip suggestions and costs and see which one is the best fit for you.
Here are three of the most popular:
TripIt: free with one year premium option for US$48.99. Download here.
Wanderlog: free with annual subscription upgrades starting US$39.99. Download here.
Roadtrippers: free, with upgrade options starting at US$35.99. Download here.
Word up
A translation or dictonary will also be useful if you are travelling to countries and you you don’t speak the language:
Duolingo – brush up on a language or learn some handy phrases before you go
Speak & Translate – translates spoken language / audio
Scan & Translate – for signs and maps
Google Translate – for typing in words to translate.
Do you have a favourite travel app? Why not share your favourite in the comments section below?
Also read: Best phone apps for seniors
