In today's world, our cell phones are extensions of not just our hands, but our brains. Traveling without our Smartphones is unimaginable, so traveling without the right app? Well, that just seems like leaving a piece of our brain behind! Here are some great apps to help you travel smarter.

​TripIt - I've been using this app for years and it has saved me a number of times. Not only can store all of your travel documents here, but it also helps you stay up to date on health regulations and guidelines. And, if you add flight information, it will alert you to flight changes and cancellations. This app has alerted me earlier than the airlines, giving me a head start on making flight adjustments. The app makes it easy to share plans with friends and family too.

​OpenTable - This app is best known for making online dining reservations. But this table-booking platform also gives you a great lay of the land in terms of local and authentic dining and is essential when traveling domestically. When traveling somewhere unfamiliar, all it takes is a simple search to get on top of the trends and find out what’s good nearby and review menus before making the reservation.

​Uber/Lyft - Ride-sharing is a quick, convenient, and often affordable way to get around if local public transportation or taxi service isn’t as readily available. Downloading these apps and finding out in advance if they service your domestic vacation destination is good for peace of mind and flexible exploring. You can even pre-arrange rides to and from the airport, etc. However, they’re no substitute for managed airport transfers, guided tours, and excursions to international destinations. Be sure to book those through your travel agent for guaranteed service and safety.

​Google Translate - Real-time translation tech has taken a lot of anxiety out of visiting destinations where you don’t share the same language, and Google just keeps getting better and better. Over 1 billion people have sought out assistance from Google’s translation app to help them understand over 108 international languages. And you can use it for text, documents, and even websites, too.

​Resort App - Many hotel and resort brands have their own apps now, including Disney, Universal, and all-inclusive properties. These are great to preview the property where you’ll be staying and can help get you acquainted with the amenities, and the layout. Many of these apps include menus, activities, inclusions, show times, and more days, weeks, or months ahead of your trip to make the best use of your time in your destination.

​Lookout - In addition to downloading traditional travel apps, you should take steps to protect your device and digital information while on the go. The FTC is cautioning travelers to be on guard for online travel-related scams such as stealing traveler’s credentials through phishing campaigns that pretend to be an airline, credit card company, or TSA. This app will automatically monitor and identify unsafe WiFi networks as well as scam URLs in email, text messages, and on the web and block you from threats that can do harm.

What are some of your go-to travel apps?

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