Seven supplemental travel apps for a smoother experience

Travel is full of annoying little problems that can ruffle your trip. Before you head to the airport, consider downloading these travel apps for your Android device or iPhone so you can enjoy a smoother experience.

PackPoint

A good trip starts with packing the right things. PackPoint is an intelligent list builder that reminds you what you should bring based on specific criteria from your trip. Simply enter where you’re going, length of trip, weather conditions, along with activities planned and PackPoint will help you make sure you don’t forget anything.

Roadtripper

When you visit new destinations, it can be tricky to determine which local spots you should try.  Roadtripper will help you plan an itinerary in advance so you can make sure you hit the great local gems from meals to scenic points and other roadside attractions.

 LoungeBuddy

If you have a long layover in a new airport it may be hard to decide if an airport lounge is worth paying for or which one might give your free access. LoungeBuddy provides information for over 900 major airports worldwide and lets you browse through photos and reviews of lounges. Once you’ve decided on a lounge, simply enter your flight class and any elite status, credit cards or other memberships and the app will tell you if you can access it for free or for a fee.

 Prey Anti-Theft

Regardless of where you travel, you could become a victim of theft or you could accidently leave your phone, tablet or laptop behind. Help protect your data with Prey Anti-Theft. This app will not only help you find a missing digital device, it will also let your retrieve photos, wipe data and prevent further loss by locking down the unit from anywhere in the world.

 WiFi Map

Since using international data plans can be expensive, you may want to take advantage of free Wi-Fi. However, it can sometimes be challenging to find free Wi-Fi when you’re traveling. With Wi-Fi Map you can find locations nearby that offer free Wi-Fi, along with the passwords for those hotspots anywhere you are in the world. You can also download free offline maps before you travel so you can determine the Wi-Fi passwords even when your phone isn’t connected to the internet.

Moovit

Available in 1,500 cities, which is far more than many of the other apps in the market, Moovit is a great local transit app that provides live step-by-step directions that update in real time. Unlike other apps, you don’t need to keep checking your phone during your bus, subway or train trip since Moovit will notify you when it’s time to get off at your stop. Moovit provides information for almost every major transit operator and can even connect you to a local bike share. You can also download offline maps, so you can still use Moovit when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi.

 Mobile Passport

Avoid getting stuck in often long, slow-moving customs lines on your way home from an international trip with Mobile Passport. This U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) approved app lets you complete CPB entry forms via the app so that you can then zip through customs at 24 major airports in the United States.