There are apps for pretty much every major metro system in the world. Rather than treading on a dozen pairs of toes every time you try to spot your stop, take a couple of minutes ahead of time to download an offline map. Figuring out how to get from A to B isn’t always easy, especially once you get into a crowded carriage and can’t even see the little map on the wall. Subway systems are a great invention for locals and travelers alike-when you know how they work. Download them onto any device, including smartphones and tablets, laptops, Kindle, or Kobo. Being able to download individual chapters is an added benefit if you don’t need the whole book. When all you’re after is saving a bit of space and weight, the trusty Lonely Planet guides now come in ebook format (including ePub, Mobi, and PDF). You’ll get more features with an internet connection, but the basics work just fine without one. You can also point the phone camera at a sign or menu for real-time visual translation. Heading somewhere where you don’t speak the language? Sure, you can (and should) pick up a phrasebook to get the basics down, but there are many other ways your phone can help you figure out what’s going on.īoth the Android and iOS versions of Google Translate let you download many different language packs for offline use. You can quickly convert between your chosen currency and all the others on a single screen, even when you’re offline. Rates are updated whenever you get an internet connection. Just install the app and add the currencies you think you might use anytime soon, and it will take care of the rest. Use it to figure out how much money to take out of the ATM, how much dinner is about to cost, and pretty much any other transaction a traveler could make. There are a number of currency conversion apps out there, but XE Currency is one of the oldest and still one of the best. There’s a Pro version for $49/year that adds award point tracking, realtime notifications of delays, and so on, but the basic, free app works just fine for most people.

You’ll get a local map and a few other extras if you have a data connection, but the main features work offline as long as you’ve synced your latest itinerary. It’s exactly the tool you need to double-check confirmation numbers, hotel addresses, and more. The app takes your email confirmations for flights, accommodations, and car rentals, and turns them into a detailed trip itinerary.

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