I hate technology. I hate it not working and I hate it distracting me from what I truly value when travelling – real experiences, off-screen, in a country.
Having said this, there are some apps I love on holiday – for their usefulness, simplicity and ability to share memories.
ETG’s travel app Vamoos profile page, shared on Instagram.
Here’s a round up of my favourites, I hope you find them useful!
1. Vamoos
Back in December, we launched a revolutionary travel app, free for ETG clients. Designed to make your holiday experience even more easy and informative, it holds a virtual version of your itinerary, etickets, hotel vouchers, a map and weather info – accessed offline (without data roaming charges) with a click of a button.
We’ve reviewed your feedback about Vamoos and it seems to be going well!
“I loved the Vamoos app and used it all the time – I carry my iPad everywhere and was able to check anything I wanted on our itinerary and show it to other people we met on our travels whenever necessary – brilliant!”
“Thank you so much for the Vamoos app – it is brilliant especially to have everything at your fingertips.”
“The Vamoos app is outstanding.”
If you are a current client with a trip coming up and would like a free Vamoos profile set up, just email [email protected] regarding your interest.
Vamoos on your smart phone. (Left iPhone and right Samsung Galaxy.)
2. Whatsapp
The best travel app for non-roaming communication, you can send messages, photos and or videos to friends across the world. Start groups or keep it personal with one-to-one messages – great way to keep friends up to date.
A whatsapp message in action. I sent this map of Kobe, Japan to my friend when I wanted to arrange a rendez-vous.
3. Instagram
Best photosharing app there is, in my opinion. It only needs internet connection to operate and you can edit photos with filters and cropping tools which is super useful. Take pictures of your travels across the day and then share them whilst resting by the pool with a cocktail and wifi.
Note iPhone/iPad Vamoos users- you can always share your homepage by taking a screenshot of your phone and sharing it on instagram. To take a screenshot hold the circular menu button at the bottom of your mobile whilst holding the sleep button, top right.
Our first instagram post, taken by ETG photographer Damon Wilder on his trip to Sidemen, Indonesia.
Experience Travel Group has just joined instagram – follow us @experiencetravelgroup to keep up-to-date with our consultants’ travel stories and holiday inspiration.
4. Facebooths
Sounds bizarre, but facebooths are some of the best apps for travellers. Can’t communicate with the locals? Bond by making you and your new friends 20 stone heavier, 60 years older and or a princess. The comedic value is priceless and you’ll all soon be chortling away at how bizzare you all look – this app cuts through all cultural barriers. Personal favourites are mix booth and bald booth.
A selfie of myself I took to show my primary school students, in Japan, what would happen if you only ate fastfood!
Finally, please do share your favourite travel app recommendations in the comments below.