First, I want to thank all of you who have responded receptively and encouragingly to my first blog. I appreciate all of your kind comments in writing and in person. Second, a lot of you liked the subject and the message of the first blog and have asked me to write more about this topic. I promise to do so in the future. I will also add (when appropriate) a positive quote at the beginning of my blogs to get you inspired. So here is one:
"Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done, rather than saying it can't be done." -- Unknown
Now to today’s blog.
I was going to write an enlightening blog about a new technology this week, but decided to write about traveling instead. Don't worry, I will enlighten you all soon :)
With schools out for the summer, a lot of people are getting ready to go on vacation. We just got back from a vacation to Hawaii, and I thought I would share with you about some traveling apps and gadgets (some of which I used during our vacation) that will make your travel easier.
Since I use Apple iPhone and iPad, my suggestions are based on that system but I am sure most of these apps are also available for Android users as well. So, here are a few tips in no particular order.
1. TripIt
This is the first app you need before you leave to organize all of your travel information in one place. Add your trip details such as flight information, car rental, lodging, activities, restaurant, and maps to create a full itinerary. No need to search your emails to find the confirmation numbers or print and carry a bunch of papers in your pocket. TripIt can also link to your e-mail account and automatically pick up every confirmation number that comes into your inbox and put them into an organized itinerary. Flight delays and last-minute changes that are sent to your e-mail will be updated in the app.
2. frē and Nüüd
I leave the pronunciations to you! The last thing you want to happen while traveling is for your iPhone or iPad to break down, especially if you have used Tripit to store everything on them. Who wants the hassle of replacing a phone while vacationing? And who can live without one while traveling? You can protect your gears with Lifeproof frē for your iPhone and Nüüd for your iPad. These covers protects your precious equipment against water, rain, snow, bumps, shocks, dirt and more, without impeding access to the buttons even the camera. Buy at http://www.lifeproof.com/en/
3. SeatGuru
This is a great app for finding the best seats on your flight. It also offers flight searches and flight status. Once you enter your flight information, it shows you the seating configuration of your plane and which seats are good, or not so good. As you click on any seat, it gives you a review of the seat and its amenities such as leg room, in-seat video options, reclining limitations, and power outlet. SeatGuru has more than 700 aircraft seat maps across almost 100 airlines. SeatGuru is owned by TripAdvisor.
4. Trakdot
One of the coolest travel gadgets that is also FAA approved is a little battery-powered gadget ($50) that has a built-in GSM chip. Place it in your luggage and it will track your luggage. When you fly, Trakdot Luggage knows and goes to sleep. Upon arriving at your destination, Trakdot Luggage wakes up and reports it’s new location, which hopefully is the same as your new destination. Depending on your preferences, a text-message or email is sent to you confirming that your luggage has arrived with you (or is in some other airport). You can also monitor it on your smartphone or the Web. Buy at http://www.trakdot.com/TrakDot/
5. Flight Tracker
There is nothing more frustrating than arriving at your airport only to find out your flight has been delayed for several hours or cancelled altogether. The Flight Tracker app will keep you up to date. Now, you can track flights with maps, and receive real-time info on departures, delays, and gate assignments. There is also FlightAware app which has similar functions. One fun thing is you can search the sky in your area for the planes in the air and see their status! If you are on a cruise, there is also shipfinder app which can find and track all the ships around you.
6. Best Parking
As the name indicates, this is an app that can find and compare prices for public parking lots. While on travel in a new area or a big city, this app can quickly find you a spot to park.
7. Foodspotting
This is an app for finding the best dishes not just restaurants in your area. With its good visual guide and where to locate it, you can find whatever you’re craving. Of course, it also finds the best restaurants with their reviews around you similar to Yelp. As a bonus, it provides a list of discount coupons for various restaurants in the area.
8. Eton Boost Solar
This is a handy solar charger that is easy to carry and pack in your luggage. It is sturdy and splash proof so you can carry it around at the beach or at any other outdoor activities. It stores enough juice to revive an empty smartphone twice or a tablet once. It can be charged via a wall outlet or just leave it in the sun, next to your beach seat or on the dashboard of your car! Buy at http://www.etoncorp.com/en
And finally, don’t forget Yelp, Google Translate, Google Maps, GasBuddy, Trip Advisor, and Wi-Fi Finder.
Save a fun and safe trip!
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