7 apps to help keep holiday traveling fun
We’re fast approaching the holidays, and that means travel for quite a few people. It can be a struggle to make all the right arrangements, organizing trips to the parents’ and grandparents’ houses along with all of the other holiday events happening. Fortunately, our iOS devices can make mincemeat of worries and keep holiday traveling fun, with the help of these seven apps.
Get organized with Wunderlist
Santa might have his own magical way of making his list and checking it twice, but we have to find our own way to keep track of who’s getting what for Christmas. With the help of Wunderlist, you can keep track of all of that plus the rest of your holiday planning checklists. Whether it’s a timetable of your travel planning tasks or a checklist of gifts to buy, Wunderlist has you covered. The next best thing about Wunderlist is that it’s a free download on the App Store.
Track your travel plans with TripIt
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to juggle itineraries and confirmation numbers. With TripIt’s free app, you can keep all of that information at your fingertips just by forwarding your emails to the service. TripIt will automatically create yoru detailed daily itinerary, so you’ll know exactly when you need to be at the airport and where you can pick up your rental car. TripIt is available for free on the App Store.
Make sure you remember your toothbrush with Packing Pro
If you’re anything like me, you’re always forgetting something essential when you travel. Packing Pro takes the hassle and worry out of packing, with its helpful templates of things to remember to bring along. The app includes a massive catalog of hundreds of items for quick packing list generation with minimal typing, so you can rest assured that you don’t need to make a mad dash to the pharmacy or convenience store after you get to Grandma’s house. Packing Pro costs $2.99 on the App Store.
Keep a weather eye out with AccuWeather Platinum
Nobody likes driving in the snow or rain, but sometimes it’s inevitable. The trick is knowing in advance if you’ll have to do that, so you can plan accordingly and leave early. With AccuWeather Platinum’s MinuteCast, you’ll know whether it’s going to be snowy or rainy in the next two hours, so you can make sure to allow for extra travel time when necessary. You can also check what the conditions will be like at the other end of your journey, so you know whether to keep out your winter coat or just a light jacket. The most complete option is AccuWeather Platinum, available for $3.99 on the App Store.
Keep up-to-date on airport security with My TSA
One of the most dreaded parts of holiday travel is the queue for the security checkpoints. The rules and regulations of what you can and can’t carry with you on the airplane seem to change daily, and it’s difficult to keep track of it all. With the free My TSA app, though, you will have the information on your iOS device to help speed you on your way through the security checkpoint. Find out what you can bring, how long the lines are at the airport, and real-time operating status for United States airports directly from the Federal Aviation Administration. My TSA is a free download on the App Store.
Get a grip on that road trip with Waze
Of course, you won’t always be traveling through the air for those holiday trips, so you need help with your road travels. Waze is a free app for your GPS, maps, and social traffic needs. You get real-time notifications from other drivers just like you about the road conditions, police traps, construction, accidents, and other traffic jams. Whether you are just driving to the airport or across the country, Waze can help you get there quickly and safely. Waze is available for free on the App Store.
Get a better night’s sleep with Hotel Tonight
If you haven’t gotten a decent night’s sleep in two days because of Uncle Mortimer’s sleep apnea, you might be ready for a hotel room. The free app Hotel Tonight specializes in last-minute bookings, and can help you find a great deal. Bow out gracefully from the family sleeping arrangements, and catch up on your sleep in a quiet, private hotel room. Hotel Tonight is a free download on the App Store.
There you have it, seven apps to help make holiday traveling a breeze. These programs will provide you with peace of mind, whether you’re planning your trip or you’ve found yourself in the middle of it. Make the most of your iPhone or iPad during the holiday travel rush and keep things fun by letting the mantra “There’s an app for that” work for you.
