Here is a list of my top 10 MOST used Apps while traveling, specifically when I was on Semester at Sea!
XE: Or any currency conversion app. If you are traveling to several places with different currencies, you’ll need to keep track. I liked this one because it would update to the most current exchange rate AND you could put in an amount in and it would tell you the conversion and exchange rate for a different currency. Click HERE to download my favorite. That way you can avoid having money to exchange back home like I did.
TripAdvisor: We used TA for everything–especially the reviews. A lot of countries (especially in Asia) LIVE off of these reviews–we would often be asked to write a review after we finished a tour or excursion. We found a TON of great restaurants and awesome things to do (ie. my Vietnam Sappa Hike or our Ha Long Bay Cruise). Its how we found awesome tour guides like our favorite, Lucky.
WhatsApp: This is the alternative to iMessage essentially. I’m not sure if every voyage will have this option, but we were able to use WhatsApp somewhat reliably on the ship. It was more convenient for talking to people on the ship than at home, but it worked for both! It’s also more convenient while in-country due to its reliability with WiFi. Click HERE to download it.
Uber (or Uber equivalent): We found that Uber was the most convenient mode of transportation. We could split it before we went and we didn’t face the upcharge of being foreigners like some Taxi drivers like to do. Some countries have their own version of Uber (ie. China has Didi) so check into that. Click HERE to download.
Venmo: If you are traveling with other people or on a trip such as SAS, Venmo will be your best friend. I probably had a Venmo transaction every in-port day I was gone. Why? We generally had one person take on different things ie. withdrawing cash for the group, someone would book hotels, someone would book flights, etc. You’ll want to be paid and pay people! Click HERE to download it.
Maps.ME: I didn’t use this a ton in-country, but it was more of a precaution than anything. It’s a downloadable country map that you can get directions from even without service or WiFi. I had it because we were doing quite a few hikes and it was nice knowing no matter what I had a map. I used it a TON on the ship to plan where things were. Click HERE to download it.
GoogleMaps: You probably already have this, but holy buckets did this come in handy. Did you know that you can choose public transportation as an option for directions? Maps will give you the right route AND the times that things leave. So so so necessary when trying to figure out the Japanese rail systems. Also, did you know that if you start the route with WiFi, you can finish it without? This was a really easy way to get around with easy directions, but without WiFi. Download Maps HERE.
Kindle/Audible: During travel is one of the times I get the most reading done and this trip was no exception. Even outside of travel, I always have the Kindle App on my phone. If you don’t have an actual Kindle, this is the perfect alternative. Audible connects with Kindle so a lot of times you can get it cheaper or free with Kindle books you already have. Audible rocks when you’re on long car rides or train rides and you want to read, but don’t want to miss the incredible scenery (is this just a me problem?). Click HERE for Kindle and HERE for Audible.
Never a bad time to crack out a book… real or digital.
Spotify/Podcast: You NEED music to travel, I think its a rule I read somewhere. I used Spotify (I’m way to loyal to try anything else) and just downloaded my playlists. This was awesome because there was no extra work AND now certain playlists remind me of certain countries, which I LOVE. If you like that, then make sure to download some podcasts too, keeps your brain sharp. Click HERE for Spotify (or if you want to see what I listen HERE) and click HERE for podcasts.
Here is our SAS Spring 2019 Playlist if you’re curious:
Games: Okay, I’m not a gamer, by no definition. Literally at all. But especially on the ship, you pick up weird habits and hobbies. One thing everyone picked up was playing a game. More importantly, Ball Blast. Now I can’t tell you why, but it BLEW up. I will say, it was nice having a few games to play when you need a quick distraction. Click HERE for our favorite, Ball Blast.
I’ll update this as other Apps come up, but these were my most used Apps!! Hopefully, this helped or at least reminded you to download one before your next trip!
Caio,
Katelyn
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