World First Wander

October 29, 2011

Hello travellers!

Its time for the World First Wander, our regular rundown of the latest and greatest posts in the travel blogosphere. This week I thought we would have a look at what the travel world thinks is hot in the app world.

It seems there really is an app for that with my iPhone (a white one to match my Mac of course), loaded up with Google Plus, Twitter, Stumbleupon, Raven Tools and twelve different camera apps! It doesnt seem that long ago that I got my first text message I can see where I was, sat in my kitchen when, ding, ding my first text. I cant recall what it said, but I remember who it was from and I am sure it wasnt polite (thanks Damon if you are reading this).

Now there isnt a lot I cant do on my iPhone: tell people where I am with LinkedIn, what I am doing with Twitter and send them a photograph using one of my many camera apps. At World First, we use Twitter as a travel tool and a support channel. On holiday? Got a problem? Just tweet and well be on the case! Heres the lowdown on what one travel blog had to say about our Twitter use.

Lets take a look around and see what our travel friends think are the must have travel apps.

Interested in more photography apps? Gadling recently compiled a list of their favourites.

One phrase you really dont want to hear when travelling is I need the toilet and I need it RIGHT NOW. You are in an unknown town and cant find that much needed loo. Thats why Sit Or Squat is on our list. I saw this one pop up on more than one must have app list, including Fodors 5 best free travel apps and A View To A Thrills post. And just in case you ever lose your phone and cant find a nice shiny toilet, here is a great post on How to Use a Squat Toilet Like a Pro. As the boy scouts say, be prepared!

I am a music man. 24/7 I am listening to something. As I write this I am listening to a rock and roll album by Lemmy, Slim Jim and Danny B. I cant travel without music, so when I saw Grrrltravelers Is the Apple iPod Touch a travelers best companion? it made me realise that mine goes everywhere with me. Okay, I know its not an app, but it holds apps so its included.

My first language is English. Unfortunately, its my second and third language too. If you are like me and linguistically challenged then Lonely Planet has just released their offline translator app. Thats going to be essential for me.

After asking around the World First office what apps the team were using, Trip Advisors app proved popular, with quite a few having used it to help them plan trips abroad. I also decided to ask around on various social networks. Perhaps surprisingly to some, Google Plus proved the most fruitful. Tripit was mentioned for their mobile travel app. As their website says, TripIt organizes travel plans into an itinerary that has all of your trip details in one place. Simply forward confirmation emails and TripIt will automatically build an itinerary for your trip that you can access anytime, either online or from a mobile device.

Last, but indeed not least, is our old friend Foursquare. Now, the boss and myself have recently been doing battle to be the Mayor of the World First office a title which, much to his disgruntlement, I now hold. (Its worth noting that if you check in at World First, you get a discount on your travel insurance. And maybe a cup of tea.) I find Foursquare useful for when I am in an alien land as it can really help you find out whats nearby and what people think of it.

We would be really keen to hear what your must have travel app is. Just leave a comment below. I will let Bobby McFerrin have the final word today: Dont worry, be appy. I think thats what he said.

Tristan

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