Top 10 free travel apps

PC Mag just ran a pretty cool list of its top 10 free travel apps. I can definitely appreciate this, since the last few months have taken me to all over the country. I know that for some of you, this might be small beans though. So for the road (or air) warriors in our midst, hopefully the following list will be of use. For the most part, I agree with writer Sascha Segan (well, except where noted). Take a look and see how these compare with your own must-have apps for travel.

Happy reading and happy travels!

(Note: App links launch iTunes.)

1. Google Maps. On the 3GS, this really sings. But even if you’re not packing the latest and greatest GPS-enabled handset from Apple (at least for now), the free maps, street view and directions are still super handy — particularly if you don’t want to shell out the $50 for the TomTom app. And there’s something I discovered only recently: Beyond simple directions, location-based searches are a snap. VERY handy for when I’m desperate for the closest mochaccino. (I only hope Google Maps isn’t going anywhere.)

2. TripIt. This one’s a no-brainer. If you’re looking to track flight confirmations, car rentals or hotel reservations without fuss or muss, this is a great, easy-to-use app. And since there’s an online component, you can access those details at m.tripit.com via other phones as necessary.

3. TripCase. Need dynamically updated flight/gate status info? What about suggested alternative flights? (You know, in case that party last night got out of hand, and you’re hungover, late to the airport.) TripCase can help you out. But take note: Importing anything other than basic flight info can be a pain in the neck, and often yields duplicate itineraries that need to be merged. So TripCase is good for a few things, but don’t be too fast deleting that TripIt app off your phone.

4. Kayak. Easy, fast and well thought-out — what more could you want in a travel-booking app? It searches flights, hotels, and car rentals, bringing up fares from both travel agencies and vendor sites. This is a must for constant travelers who want the best rates.

5. Yelp. The article says Yelp is “the king of the user-review sites — especially for restaurants…” I’ve used Yelp, and I suppose I can’t really find any major flaws in its UI and functionality. But in truth, I actually prefer Urbanspoon,which has everything to do with the user reviews. For my taste, I tend to agree with the general consensus on Urbanspoon more so than on Yelp. (Plus, I’m finding it to be a killer app combo with OpenTable. Here’s my M.O.: Look up a cuisine in Urbanspoon, find a restaurant and reviews, then switch to OT for more reviews and to book the reservation at one of 11,000 restos in the U.S.)

6. WeatherBug.Segan likes this app, seemingly because it offers a decent experience across different platforms, like Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Nokia. And it also integrates with contacts and lets users tap on maps to check the weather at your destination. So that all sounds pretty good, but in truth I have to agree more with TiP writer Justin Rutherford: The Weather Channel app looks like it could kick this one’s butt — particularly with its Google Maps integration, forecasting, “pinch to zoom, slide scrolling, and numerous different options when it comes to roads, points of interest, airports, and so on.” (Click here to read his post.)

7. SitOrSquat. You are wandering around in an unfamiliar U.S. city. Maybe you can’t find the subway station, but you did find a beef and bean burrito at a local taco joint. Now suddenly, your leisurely stroll has turned into a fast-paced, red-alert search. Where the heck is a bathroom?? SitOrSquat can help you out when you seriously need it most, since it’s a bathroom locator updated by users. They call it crowdsourcing, and this is one of the best crowdsourced “john” finders in the App Store. How do I know? Well, um… let’s just say I love burritos.

8. JiWire Wi-Fi Finder. Ah, okay — Perfect opportunity for a PSA (public service announcement): If you’re going abroad, do not, I repeat, DO NOT use your cellular data network. Checking email abroad, downloading an app, playing an MMO game, searching the web, even text messaging — all these incur ridiculous fees for international travelers roaming other carriers’ data networks. Thanks to the Wifi compatibility of our devices, however, you have the option of hopping online at various hotspots… that is, if you can find one. With JiWire Wi-Fi Finder, you can.

9. Priceline Hotel Negotiator. If you’re a fan of those spontaneous weekend jaunts, then this is an essential: You can book last-minute hotel reservations at crazy-cheap prices until 11 PM ET. And what’s more, it has a William Shatner interface that beats the pants off Pricelining in the web browser.

10. Google SMS. It’s like having a concierge in your pocket. Need a donut in 10121? Or a Thai restaurant in Dallas, TX? Text your search to GOOGL (46645), and get an SMS back with all the deets, including address and phone number. A single tap, and you’re enjoying some glazed Krispy Kremes in the city.

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Got any other favorite apps you consider essential for travel? Share the knowledge and sound off below!

Via: PCMag.com