Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip

Ever wished for ways to speed through customs, split the restaurant bill between friends, and share packing lists with a group at the click of a button? You’re in luck. Take some of the stress out of your travel plans with use of these helpful travel apps!

1. Mobile Passport

Say goodbye to the incredibly long lines that typically await you upon entering customs! With the Mobile Passport app, you’ll no longer be running to your next gate. By submitting all of the required information at your port of entry, simply follow the Mobile Passport control signs and you’ll speed through customs. The app is authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is currently available for use at 23 major airports.

2. UBER

Currently within 633 cities worldwide, UBER has changed the transportation game for the better. UBER rides are available 24-hours a day with the simple press of a button, allowing you to view your driver’s distance from your location on a map. Whether it’s just yourself needing a ride or a group of six, you’ll have several vehicles to select from (basic or luxury options). Check out if your vacation spot is currently being served by UBER with this full list!

3. PackPoint

This helpful app organizes your packing list for you based on your destination, length and time of travel, along with any activities planned. PackPoint even checks the forecast beforehand to make sure your packing list is as accurate as possible. Traveling with a group? Your packing list gets its own website, which is easily shareable with all of your friends.

4. MY TSA

Keep all of the TSA rules, regulations, and updates right at your fingertips with My TSA. Favorite your most-used airports to keep them at the forefront of the app, enter in Known Traveler Numbers, and watch for flight delays. Need to speak with customer service directly? You can find TSA Contact Center phone number and email under “About” on the app’s main page.

5. Venmo

Lastly, Venmo. Splitting the dinner check, room upgrade, or excursion is no longer a headache for group travelers with this easy-to-use app. Linked directly to the bank account or debit card of your choosing, Venmo allows you to make or request payments from family and friends directly on your phone. Sound too go to be true? It’s not! All of your information is protected with data encryption and stored on secure servers.

What are your favorite apps to use while traveling? Let us know in the comments!

Call us today at 402-281-3022 in order to book your next getaway.

All images are licensed under the Creative Commons.

One of the best and most authentic ways to fully experience a new city is to engage with the people. You can’t do this without learning at least a little bit of the language. There are plenty of ways to do this, from apps you can download on your phone to traditional language classes that won’t break the bank. Read on for the best options available to you.

1. Duolingo

We’re starting out this list with a free option. Despite the fact that it will cost you absolutely nothing, it is also very versatile. You can work with Duolingo on your computer or through an app on your smartphone. Duolingo uses short lessons paired with video game technology to make it fun and interactive.

2.

Italki connects users with foreign language teachers and tutors from around the globe. This gives you the opportunity to learn a new language from native speakers. Fees vary depending on the independent tutor you decide to use.

3.

Dr. Paul Pimsleur developed these courses, which used to be sold on tapes, after researching how children learn to express themselves. Today, you can access Pimsleur courses online, on CD, or through a smartphone app. You may want to check out your local library before making an investment in these courses; they may have Pimsleur CDs or even cassette tapes for free!

4. TripLingo

TripLingo is an app that has a phrasebook for 13 supported languages. The best part about this app is that they have organized some of the most useful expressions into basic categories, such as “eating and drinking”. In addition, TripLingo’s learning section gives you access to audio lessons and a dictionary as well as flashcard sets in your target language.

5. FluentU

FluentU takes real-world videos—like movie trailers, music videos, news and vlogs—and turns them into personalized lessons. This will help to warm up your skills for your trip, and help you to prepare and plan for the trip itself. We like this app because it gives you vocab for situations you are likely to encounter in real life.

To book your next getaway abroad, call us today at 402-281-3022.