Quirky Apps to Aid Your Travels

This blog has thus far covered those travel essential applications for both domestic and international travel. While some of these apps may not be a first priority download, they are all worth looking into as they can transform your trip from just average to a substantially first-rate endeavor.

SitOrSquat- powered by Charmin, this app is something every traveler can appreciate. It lets you search bathrooms based on your current location. Not only does the search show you the results of bathrooms near you in a "can-no-longer-hold-it situation", but you can also see how cleanly the bathroom is based on the color of the roll. See the screenshot below of a district in London. Avoid the red rolls like the black plague or be prepared to squat. If you encounter sub-par bathroom amenities, be sure to leave your own ratings to help out your future fellow travelers.

Convert Clothes (Apple) / Clothing Size Conversion (Android)- This app is a lifesaver for the shopaholics of the world. When you're shopping and want to quickly figure out the conversion of your 7.5 shoe size into the measurements of another countries' seemly bizarre numbering system, this app is extremely handy and saves time. It also converts dresses, blouses, rings, socks, pants, and hat sizes for your own purchasing pleasure.

Tipping Bird (Android) / GlobeTipping (Apple)- When you're traveling around the world you will encounter various culture differences. One important difference is tipping. For example, in Japan is it extremely rude to leave a tip of any kind. Tipping Bird takes away the uncertainty of not knowing whether to tip, how much to tip, which situations to tip in, and it can even convert the percentage of the tip into that country's exchange rate- pretty neat! The best Apple equivalent is GlobeTipping which does the same basic function, but costs $0.99.

GateGuru- Most of us have had those long, drawn-out layovers at some point in time. I've spent countless hours trying to sleep, roam around and explore, play cards, and entertain myself in airports all over the world. If you travel extensively, this app is a lifesaver. It features more than 120 airports across the globe. It helps you find cafes, services, relaxing areas, workout facilities, yoga stations, and anything else you can dream up. My favorite part are the reviews and tips. See an example tip to the left giving security advice for the San Francisco International Airport. 

Sunscreen- One of the best things about travelling is kicking back and relaxing in the sun on a sandy beach. One thing we can all sympathize with is the overzealous thought that if we don't apply that second round of sunscreen we'll just tan and not get burnt. I don't know about you, but I get fried every dang time. This free app can detect the UV rating of your current location, lets you input your skin type and SPF of choice to count you down until your next needed lathering of sunscreen to keep your skin nice and healthy.

HopStop- This app named a Top 10 Mobile App by Travel Magazine is an on-the-go necessity. It gives you taxi, walking, biking, and metro directions in over 300 domestic and international cities. There are schedules, city guides, and updates in real-time to let you know any possible delays in travel. Whether you need to snag a bus out of Wales, or hitchhike your way across Saint Petersburg, you'll find this app extremely helpful. 

Foodspotting- Arguably one of the best parts of travel is trying the best local dishes and restaurants. This app visualizes popular dishes and eateries near you. You can type in what you are craving at the moment, but take note that there is no disclaimer for your salivary glands inevitably going into overdrive. Foodspotting makes it easy for you to save your favorite dishes or hide the ones you don't desire to sample. You can keep track of what your friends are trying out, as well as expert food critics on the Travel Channel. See what popped up on my radar in Cedar Falls, IA below (Scratch Cupcakery made the map hint, hint)!

What are other apps you like to use while travelling? Have any of you had experiences with any of the apps above?