How to Plan and Enjoy Your Trips to the Fullest with Google Travel and Other Useful Apps

Traveling is one of the best experiences we can live, but it can also be a challenge. Planning a trip involves taking into account many aspects, such as the budget, the destination, the time, the luggage, the documentation, the health, the culture and the security. In addition, we want to make the most of our time and enjoy everything that the place we visit offers us.

Fortunately, technology offers us more and more possibilities to facilitate our trips and make them more enjoyable and satisfying. In this article, we present you some of the most useful apps for travelers, which will help you organize your itinerary, access information about the place you visit, communicate with the locals and much more.

What Is Google Travel and How Can It Be Your Pocket-Sized Personal Tour Guide?

Google Travel is one of the most recent and complete apps for travelers. It is an app that aims to be your “pocket-sized personal tour guide”, as defined by the company itself.

Google Travel uses the information from your Gmail account to scan your emails and extract the relevant data for your trip, such as the dates, the flights, the hotels and the reservations. Then, it puts all that information at your disposal in one place, which you can access without an internet connection.

In addition, Google Travel allows you to create an itinerary to your liking or directly does it for you, based on your preferences and on the opinions of other travelers. It suggests you the best attractions, activities, restaurants and places of interest of the destination you visit, with maps, schedules and prices.

Google Travel also offers you practical information about the place you visit, such as public transportation, local currency, medical emergencies and security tips. All this with the support and quality of Google.

How to Find the Best Deals on Flights, Hotels and Car Rentals with Travel Assistance?

Travel Assistance is a travel guide and tips blog that offers you the best tools and resources for travelers. Among them, its section dedicated to essential services for travelers stands out, where you can find the best options to book your flights, hotels and car rentals.

Travel Assistance allows you to compare prices, find special offers and book the service that best suits your needs and budget. It also offers you useful information and links so that you can plan and enjoy your adventures without worries.

For example, if you want to book a cheap flight, Travel Assistance recommends using Skyscanner or Momondo, two search engines that show you the best options available according to your search criteria. It also gives you tips to save money and take advantage of the best deals on plane tickets.

If you want to book a cheap and quality hotel, Travel Assistance suggests using Booking or Sunshine, two platforms that allow you to compare prices, see photos and opinions of other users and cancel for free in most cases. It also gives you tips to choose the most suitable hotel for you.

If you want to rent a car to explore at your own pace the destination you visit, Travel Assistance advises using Rentalcars or Risskov Bilferie two comparators that show you the best options available according to your preferences and needs. It also gives you recommendations to drive safely and avoid problems.

What Tips Should You Follow to Be a Better Tourist and Escape the Crowds?

Traveling is a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, landscapes and people. However, it also implies a responsibility with the place we visit and with ourselves. Therefore, it is important to follow some tips to be a better tourist and escape the crowds.

• Plan ahead: A good planning can save you time, money and stress. Research about the destination you visit, its main features, its most popular attractions and its less known alternatives. Book in advance your flights, hotels and activities to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Be flexible: Although you have a plan established, do not close yourself to the possibility of changing it if an opportunity or unforeseen event arises. Be open to new experiences and opportunities that can enrich your trip. Do not obsess over following an itinerary to the letter.
• Respect the environment: Traveling implies leaving a footprint on the place we visit. Therefore we must try to minimize our environmental impact. Use public or alternative transportation whenever you can. Avoid generating unnecessary or polluting waste. Do not alter or damage the natural or cultural environment.
• Be curious: Traveling is a way of learning about other realities different from ours. Therefore we must show interest in knowing the culture of the place we visit, its customs, its language, its gastronomy and its religion. Do not judge or criticize what you do not understand or share. Try to integrate yourself and appreciate diversity.
• Be polite: Traveling implies relating to other people, both locals and other travelers. Therefore we must show respect and courtesy at all times. Greet, thank, ask for permission and apologize when necessary. Avoid gestures or attitudes that are offensive or inappropriate. Follow the rules of etiquette and coexistence.

What Are the Most Popular Destinations in the World According to Travelers and What Makes Them So Special?

The world is full of wonderful places that deserve to be visited and enjoyed. However, some destinations stand out for their beauty, their history, their culture or their atmosphere, and become the favorites of travelers.

According to Travellers’ Choice awards from TripAdvisor website, which collect the most popular destinations in the world according to opinions and ratings of travelers themselves, these are some of the most special places:

• London (United Kingdom): The British capital is a cosmopolitan, dynamic and full of contrasts city. It offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, from historical monuments such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace or Tower of London, to world-renowned museums such as British Museum, National Gallery or Tate Modern. It also has a wide range of cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities, including musicals, pubs, markets and parks. London is a city that never sleeps and always surprises.
• Paris (France): The city of love is one of the most visited in the world and not for less. Paris has a special charm, which is reflected in its elegant buildings, its romantic bridges, its emblematic monuments such as Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe or Notre Dame Cathedral, and its famous museums such as Louvre, Orsay or Pompidou. Paris is also a perfect city to enjoy French gastronomy, its charming cafes, its fashion boutiques and its nightlife.
• Rome (Italy): The eternal city is an open-air museum, where history and art are breathed in every corner. Rome houses some of the most impressive remains of the Roman Empire, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or the Pantheon, as well as masterpieces of the Renaissance and the Baroque, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel or the Trevi Fountain. Rome is also a city to enjoy the Italian gastronomy, its lively squares, its charming streets and its dolce vita.

Which Apps Can Help You Organize Your Itinerary, Access Information About the Places You Visit, and Communicate with the Locals?

Once you have booked your flights, hotels and car rentals, you need to organize your itinerary and make sure you don’t miss anything important during your trip. There are some apps that can help you with that task, as well as provide you with useful information about the places you visit and help you communicate with the locals.

• TripIt (iOS | Android): TripIt is an app that helps you keep all your travel plans in one place. You just have to forward your confirmation emails to a specific address and the app will create a detailed itinerary for you, with all the information you need, such as flight times, hotel addresses, car rental details and more. You can also access your itinerary offline and share it with your friends and family.
• Maps.me (iOS | Android): Maps.me is an app that lets you download offline maps of any place in the world. You can use them to navigate, find points of interest, get directions and even book hotels and tours. The app also has a travel guide section, where you can find tips and recommendations from other travelers.
• Google Translate (iOS | Android): Google Translate is an app that helps you overcome the language barrier when traveling. You can use it to translate text, speech, handwriting and even images in more than 100 languages. You can also download languages for offline use and use the conversation mode to have a real-time dialogue with someone who speaks a different language.

What Documentation Do You Need to Travel Abroad and How to Obtain It Easily and Securely?

Traveling abroad requires having some documentation in order, such as passport, visa, medical insurance, vaccinations and special permits if traveling with minors or pets. Depending on your destination and nationality, the requirements may vary. Therefore, it is important to check them in advance and obtain them easily and securely. There are some apps that can help you with that process:

• Mobile Passport (iOS | Android): Mobile Passport is an app that allows you to speed up your entry into the U.S. by filling out your passport information and customs declaration form on your phone. You can then scan a QR code at a designated lane and skip the long lines at immigration. The app is authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and works at more than 30 airports and cruise ports.
• iVisa (iOS | Android): iVisa is an app that helps you obtain visas for more than 150 countries online. You just have to fill out a simple application form, pay the fee and receive your visa by email. The app also provides you with information about visa requirements, processing times and fees for any destination.
• SafetyWing (iOS | Android): SafetyWing is an app that offers travel medical insurance for travelers and digital nomads. You can buy it online for any duration from 5 days to 364 days, extend it as long as you need and cancel anytime. The app covers emergency medical expenses, trip interruption, lost checked luggage, travel delay and more.

What Equipment and Accessories Are Essential for Capturing Unforgettable Moments, Carrying Your Belongings Conveniently, and Dressing Appropriately?

Traveling involves packing some equipment and accessories that are essential for capturing unforgettable moments, carrying your belongings conveniently, and dressing appropriately. Depending on your destination, your activities and your preferences, you may need different items, but there are some that are common to most travelers. There are some apps that can help you find the best products for your travel needs:

• Amazon (iOS | Android): Amazon is an app that lets you buy almost anything online, from cameras and drones to backpacks, clothing and useful accessories. You can compare prices, see reviews and ratings of other customers and get fast delivery. You can also use Amazon Prime to get free shipping, streaming services and other benefits.
• PackPoint (iOS | Android): PackPoint is an app that helps you pack a perfect suitcase for your trip. You just have to enter your destination, your travel dates, your activities and other preferences, and the app will generate a customized packing list for you, based on the weather forecast, the length of your trip and other factors. You can also edit and share your packing list.
• Stylebook (iOS): Stylebook is an app that helps you dress appropriately for your trip. You can upload photos of your clothes and create outfits for different occasions. You can also plan what to wear each day of your trip using a calendar feature. The app also gives you statistics on how often you wear each item, how much it costs per wear and what colors dominate your wardrobe.

What Preventive Measures Should You Take to Take Care of Your Health Before, During and After the Trip?

Traveling implies taking care of your health before, during and after the trip. You may face different health risks depending on your destination, such as infectious diseases, altitude sickness, food poisoning or jet lag. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures such as consulting your doctor before traveling, taking the necessary vaccinations, carrying a first aid kit and following some hygiene tips. There are some apps that can help you with that task:

• CDC TravWell (iOS | Android): CDC TravWell is an app that helps you plan a safe and healthy trip abroad. The app provides you with destination-specific recommendations on vaccines, medicines and health advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can also create a personalized checklist of items to pack for your trip, set reminders for when to take medicines or vaccines and store travel documents.
• Travel Health Pro (iOS | Android): Travel Health Pro is an app that helps you stay updated on health risks around the world. The app provides you with country-specific information on disease outbreaks, vaccine requirements, travel restrictions and health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). You can also access news alerts on emerging health issues affecting travelers.
• Timeshifter (iOS | Android): Timeshifter is an app that helps you avoid jet lag when traveling across time zones. The app creates a personalized jet lag plan for you based on your sleep pattern, chronotype and flight details. The plan tells you when to seek or avoid light exposure, when to sleep or stay awake and when to take optional melatonin supplements or caffeine.

How to Respect and Learn About the Culture of the Place You’re Traveling to, Including Its Customs, Language, Cuisine, and Religion?

Traveling is a great way to learn about other cultures, but it also requires respect and curiosity. When we visit a new place, we should try to understand and appreciate its customs, language, cuisine and religion, and avoid any behavior that could be offensive or inappropriate. There are some apps that can help you with that task:

• Culture Trip (iOS | Android): Culture Trip is an app that helps you discover the best of the culture of the place you’re visiting. The app provides you with articles, videos and podcasts on topics such as art, history, food, music and festivals. You can also find recommendations on where to go, what to do and where to stay, curated by local experts and travelers.
• Duolingo (iOS | Android): Duolingo is an app that helps you learn a new language in a fun and effective way. The app offers courses in more than 30 languages, from Spanish and French to Arabic and Japanese. You can practice your skills with interactive exercises, games and stories. You can also join a community of learners and chat with native speakers.
• Eatwith (iOS | Android): Eatwith is an app that helps you experience the cuisine of the place you’re visiting in a authentic and social way. The app allows you to book a seat at a table hosted by a local chef or foodie, who will prepare a delicious meal for you and other guests. You can also join cooking classes, food tours and wine tastings.

How to Keep a Lasting Memory of Your Trip, Both in Your Mind and in Your Heart?

Traveling is an unforgettable experience that we want to keep in our memory and in our heart. There are many ways to preserve the memories of our trips, such as taking photos and videos, buying souvenirs, writing a diary and sharing our experiences with our loved ones. There are some apps that can help you with that task:

• Google Photos (iOS | Android): Google Photos is an app that helps you store, organize and edit your photos and videos from your trips. The app offers unlimited storage space, automatic backup and smart features such as face recognition, location tagging and album creation. You can also create collages, animations and movies with your photos and videos.
• Souvenir (iOS): Souvenir is an app that helps you buy unique souvenirs from your trips online. The app connects you with local artisans who make handcrafted products that reflect the culture of the place you visit. You can browse through different categories such as jewelry, pottery, textiles and art. You can also request custom orders and get them delivered to your home.
• Polarsteps (iOS | Android): Polarsteps is an app that helps you create a beautiful travel diary of your trips. The app automatically tracks your route and places you visit using your phone’s GPS. You can then add photos, videos and stories to your diary. You can also share your diary with your friends and family or order a printed book of it.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been useful for you to plan and enjoy your trips to the fullest with Google Travel and other useful apps. Traveling is an unforgettable experience that we want to keep in our memory and in our heart. There are many ways to preserve the memories of our trips, such as taking photos and videos, buying souvenirs, writing a diary and sharing our experiences with our loved ones. With these apps, you can make your travel dreams come true. Happy travels! 😊

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