I always pride myself in doing my research and being prepared whenever I go abroad. One of the most important pieces of homework I always do is try to familiarize myself with the place I’m going, because I’m always worried about getting lost.
Fortunately, digital technology has made my job easier by providing navigation apps that make going around a strange place easier.
One of the major benefits of using navigation apps is that they go beyond simply providing you with a map of the place you’re visiting. You can actually be provided with guidance on how to get to your destination, provide traffic alerts and updates, and even give you real-time tracking of your location. Navigation apps also act as mobile guidebooks, since they can display points of interest in your locality.
One of the best features of this navigation app is that it is linked with the Google search engine, so that you can immediately research any points of interest you find. Google Maps also has an “inside maps” feature that provides you with maps of huge buildings that you can easily get lost in, such as airports and museums.
You can download the free app for iOS and Android devices.
If you are planning to get around by car, then the Waze app can be very useful. Its main selling point is that it crowdsources information on travel and traffic conditions, providing you with real-time updates on traffic jams and other road issues. It also features integration with Calendar and Facebook, so you can connect with friends and coordinate travel plans with them.
You can download the free app for iOS and Android devices.
This is a great navigation app for those who are planning to travel in a city. It allows you to download maps for offline use, and city maps are available for more than 100 countries. If you are connected, you can avail of real-time updates in select cities for public transport that gives you information about pricing and directions, and even lets you order a taxi using the app.
You can download the free app for iOS and Android devices.
This is a good navigation app if you are willing to pay a small fee for its more professional capabilities. One feature that makes it stand out is that it provides parking information from more than 40 million parking lots from all over the world. It also provides you with highly detailed 2D and 3D maps from almost every continent.
You can download a basic free version for iOS and Amazon that lets you use features such as offline maps and points of interest. You can also use the Traffic + Premium features for a seven-day trial period, after which you will have to buy the package if you want to continue using it.
This navigation app is the ideal choice for backpackers whose travels take them off the beaten path. It offers routes and navigation for hiking and biking for most continents. There are also offline options such as downloadable topographic maps and voice navigation so you don’t need to look at your phone while you go trekking.
