10 Best Travelling Apps for Android

Planning a trip can be very tedious especially if it's your first time. Worry and tense no longer, as there are travel apps on Android that will help you through the planning process. These apps will help find the best means of transport, give you the best information about the place you are going and even help you learn a new language. 

Some of the best travel apps include:

Triplt

Triplt offers services for free at the basic level. Triplt Pro goes for $49 per year (do confirm though). The basic app organizes all your travel plans in one spot and in sync with your calendar. It also lets you share this information with close people and import information to your email.

Triplt Pro has all the features in Triplt and a few more. It gives information on any flight changes. In case of a delay, it offers alternative flights. It tells you when the seat you want is available and when you are eligible for a flight refund.

Airbnb

This is a free app that allows you to find accommodation in places owned by private hosts in very many places worldwide. It gives a variety of places to choose from depending on the number of hosts in the app.

Once you have found a place that suits you, you can book it through the app. It also allows you to have a conversation with your host. This helps you to get better accommodation with all the things you need, like smoking or not smoking, and directions to the place. If you need to get the best accommodation for your trip, you should give Airbnb a try.

LiveTrekker

If you love documenting your trips, this free app is suitable for you. It allows you to document your adventure and access it in the cloud. You can go back on those moments by just searching the keywords or time that match the photo or video you would like to see.

It also allows you to add pictures or videos taken by other means. The information on the app is private to you and confidential unless you desire to share it with close people. You can also update thoughts on previous videos and pictures and delete what you find unwanted.

Skyscanner

If you are on a budget and still looking to go to a vacation, Skyscanner is the app for you. It gives information on the cheapest flights to the place you are going. It also alerts you when there has been a price drop in the flight prices. The app also helps you find hotels and the deals they are offering and the rooms available. It allows you to search information about car rentals too. You can also get inspiration on where to go by searching ‘everywhere' and you get information about the cheapest places to visit.

LoungeBuddy

If the idea of being in a place to relax, having drinks and enjoying tasty food as you wait for your flight appeals to you, then you need this app. With just a few clicks on your android device, you can buy lounge access as long as you have this app. Once it has information about you, it can also tell you which lounge you can access for free. The app also gives an insight of the special treatment you are supposed to receive in each lounge including all the amenities available. The information on this app is from all over the world.

XE Currency

When you are traveling in different countries, you have to deal with different currencies all the time. This can be confusing and hectic but not worry; there is an app that can save you from all the trouble. It has a currency converter that monitors up to ten currencies at once. It can be used while offline since it stores the last updated exchange rates. The XE Currency refreshes its exchange rates every minute hence keeping you more updated. It also offers market analysis information and information about previous exchange rates in a chart for the user.

Evaneos travel guide

This is a free app with no in-app purchases or advertising. It gives you inspiration on the places to visit. When you go to a trip; Evaneos travel guide automatically groups your photos of the trip according to locations for you. This makes it easier when revisiting the awesome pictures and when sharing them with people. It allows you to comment and give stories about the places you visited after the holiday too. If you are looking for an app to guide you through fun vacations around the world; the Evaneos Travel Guide is a must have for you.

Duolingo

While traveling all over the world, you are bound to meet different people who speak different languages. To bring down the language barrier, you will have to learn new languages and Duolingo is just the free app for you. There are very many languages that you can learn in the app, for example, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch and many more. The app allows you to play a game while learning. It starts with basic words used in the language and then helps you to improve skills by giving you questions to answer.

Google Maps

Google map is one of the best maps to use when traveling. It helps you to save time by offering information about traffic and closed roads and also giving you alternative routes. It also helps in getting real-time transit information on means of transport. It also gives you restaurants around the area you are in; then you choose the best place to visit based on the ratings and reviews given. It also gives you a chance to give your own review on the places. The app is good but some features do not work in some countries.

Hipmunk

Hipmunk is like most travel apps that allow you to book flights and hotels online but it helps you choose the best flight at a cheap price. Using a system called Agony; it analyzes all the flights available to come up with the best. It uses the price, layover time and number of plane stops to come up with this analysis. The best planes are usually found at the bottom of the list and vice versa. If you are looking to have a short flight at a cheap price then Hipmunk is a must have for you.

Cheapest Destinations For Penny-saver Travelers

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Montevideo

If you love adventure and appreciating the greatest places all over the world, you need to visit Montevideo and experience the beauty of the people, the tourist attractions and the landscape.

The best time to visit Montevideo is every time of the year. However, for the very time and weather conscious people, the best time is March to May and September to November, in order to enjoy yourself to the maximum. Summers are too humid and warm. Montevideo, despite being said to have a high cost of living, teems with things to see, do and visit and to cap it all up, there is incredible nightlife for everyone.

A few of the places to visit while in Montevideo:  

Rambla

This large sidewalk separates the sea from the city. It is just perfect place for walks. During the walks along this sidewalk, you enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset and the view of the sea. There are beaches along La Rambla so be ready to have fun on the beaches. Restaurants along this sidewalk serve good meals including the best fish. The walk might be too long and tiresome but the food, scenery, and fun are worth the pain.  

Teatro Solis

This is the most valued theater in Uruguay. It was built in 1856 hence has the beautiful ancient architecture which you will enjoy to look at. If you intend to visit this beautiful place, you should make sure you arrive on time for the guided tour. 

Once you get there, you should get a ticket (which is more symbolic than a charge) and find a tour guide. There are English-speaking tour guides who help to make your walk around the theater more interesting. The performances are also amazing especially the acoustics. 

Mercado Del Puerto

This is a steel-constructed building, which was originally a market for vegetables,fruit, and meat, is a must visit for all tourists. The place is filled with restaurants, which provide great meals especially the amazing Uruguayan beef. It is the perfect of combination of good food, good people, and a good place.

Vegetarians will also enjoy the place despite the dominance of meat in the restaurants since there is an also vegetarian meal served on the menu. You will like it best if you visit Mercado Del Puerto on the weekends.

If you are looking to have a delicious meal and still get lost in the activity of the market, Mercado Del Puerto is the place to be. It is also important to know that it closes at 6PM.

Plaza Independencia

This place should be one of the first places to visit once you step into Uruguay. This place offers you the perfect historical experience. To enjoy the visit here, you should either read a little about the history of Uruguay or get a tour guide.

There is a statue of Jose Artigas - the independence father of Uruguay and underneath it is the mausoleum of Artigas. The changing of the guard 12PM is interesting to watch so do not miss it for anything. To add to the new things you will learn from the place, this is a good spot for photos and there are very good tourist shops around.

Palacio Legislativo

The construction of this building started in 1900 and was later inaugurated in 1925 and so many years later, it is a monument and the place where the Uruguayan parliament meets. 

It is one of the most beautiful parliaments. Not only are you allowed to walk about in the grounds, but you are also allowed to take pictures. 

You will, however, not be allowed to get into inside since the house meetings are often in session. Like most places in Montevideo, you will need to have a guide in order to enjoy yourself to the maximum.

Museo Municipal de BellasArtes Juan Manuel Blanes

This place was opened in 1930 and was named after Juan Manuel Blanes, an artist. The building has ancient architecture and has artwork from Juan and a few more artists. The place is the perfect example of the good things that come in small packages.

This is the ideal place to visit if you love art. You will be impressed by the art done by Juan. The place has free tours and a very good atmosphere. You should make a point to visit the well-laid out Japanese garden, it will leave you awed. While visiting this place, make sure you know the address to the place since it is not well known and you wouldn’t want to get lost, would you? 

Catedral Matriz

This is the main Roman Catholic Church in Montevideo. It is also known as Iglesia Matriz. It may look like any other cathedral but in this place, there have been two major historical events; the blessing of the Uruguayan flag and the inauguration of the first constitution. 

It would later be proclaimed a National Landmark in 1975. The building is beautifully decorated, however; you should visit it because of the cultural experience in it as displayed by the parishioners, religious or not, you will enjoy it. 

La Carreta

This monument is considered the best work of sculptor Jose Belloni. It shows the classic means of transport in Uruguay. You might stop by Parque Jose Batlle y Ordonez to relax and enjoy the view but this monument will strike you most. You should also take pictures of this breathtaking monument. 

Palacio Taranco

This museum, which is free, has a perfect display of ancient artifacts and has rooms that show the condition of a private residence that belonged to a rich European when Montevideo was rich. It is worth the visit.

Beaches

There is a collection of pristine beaches in Montevideo, both private and public. You should try lazing on white beaches like Malvin Beach, Buceo Beach, Ramirez Beach and Pocitos Beach. 

Touring the World – 5 Random Places On Earth that You Must See In This Life

Forget the afterlife for a moment, and all the goodies that all the holy books promise. And for a moment, just think about touring the world and seeing some of the most exotic places in the world. Believe it or not, when the traveling bug bites an American, it haunts him until he gathers his traveling bags and off he goes. Only this time, you will not go to the Grand Ol’ Canyon, or the Shenandoah National Park, Hawaii… you name them… not that there is anything wrong with those national destinations, but you would maybe want to try a different place, different cultures, different foods and so on. The world is so big. You should travel and see more of it than just America.  

Here are a few places to visit in this life:

Australia and its coastline, nightlife, kangaroos and road trains

I picked this as the first great choice for an American because of two things. Firstly, it is so far away from home – many thousands of miles away. Secondly, it is a marriage of many things – American in its free-spirited way, English in administration and Africa in natural heritage and resources. 

Believe it or not, you will fall in love with Australia. They will call you mate down there … don’t worry about it too much.

They are free spirited just like you, they “detest” authority in a fun way and when they go out to have a ball, they do break a leg. You can visit some of the biggest cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and you can also go see some interior cities like Darwin. With a long stretch of coastline, you can laze around all you want, with a sombrero and a hammock. Australia is a jolly boy’s destination. Pack your travel backpack and go see it. Be sure to take a picture of the road trains and kangaroos and post it on your Facebook timeline.

You must go and see the Great Barrier Reef, which is not only 1400 miles long but is also the longest coral reef in the entire world. The marine life found here is going to knock you off your feet and tell you what, it is something that you will never ever forget. From bird life to marine life… only a good snorkel and scuba dive will let you in on the secrets that these coral reefs hold. Are you game for the nightlife in Melbourne?

China and its Great Wall

China is more than 3000 years old, making it one of the oldest civilizations still standing today. However, one of its amazing spectacles that you must see is the Great Wall, and then let your imagination fly.

Think … why did they build the Great Wall? Do you know?

It was built to hinder the Mongolian warriors, who had long terrorized China. However, if that is so, why then is the wall so scalable in all places, sometimes just a couple of meters off the ground?

The truth is that the Chinese feared the Mongolian horses because back then, nothing was as fearful in war as a Mongolian Warrior on a horse. You cannot outrun a horse on foot, can you? So the wall was built to level the ground a bit because it was quite hard for a horse to scale.

This wall was not built in one continuous length. Rather, it is a series of small walls. The best hike is said to be the Jinshanling Wall, which is about two and a half hours away from Beijing.

The Great Wall can be seen from space. Yes, so if you are booked for the one way trip to Mars, be sure to check it from out there, and then … adios!

India, and it’s unbelievable chaos, temples and hot curry

So you think that because you are a New York boy you can survive anywhere? Of course, you can, if that “anywhere” does not include India, New Delhi and Kolkata to be precise. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, being more than 5 millennia (5000 years) old.

Over the 5 millennia, there have been so many kingdoms coming and going. Every one of those kingdoms has left something behind. Go find it. The ruins, the museums, the Sikh and Hindu temples…what is there not to like about India?

Now, to the chaos… let me tell you something… India has some of the richest people in the world. It also has some of the poorest people in the world, all in the same country. When you step out of the plane, one thing that will hit you is just how warm India can be, how organized and how beautiful. But wait until you get to the CBD and the traffic, the masses and hordes of people, tuk tuks, bicycles and cows (don’t hit any one of them, they got as much right as you to be out there, you know) will knock you flat out.

Tell you what you should do… try hard to adapt. Most people touring the world try to fight India, but it is a battle they cannot win. You can only adapt and go with the flow.

Be sure to try some of the local fare. It is hot, chilly, and good! However, if you must, do not go for street grub. Rather, try the local food in some of the up class restaurants. Some of their recipes have been passed down generations for thousands of years. The last thing you want to catch here is traveler’s diarrhea. Savvy?

Visit a Jain, Hindu or Sikh temple. The architecture is breathtaking. Above all, you must see the world famous Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Garden and the Bahai Lotus Temple. You will love their outstanding architecture and history.

One day at a time sweet India! That is my motto. You cannot see this country in a hurry. So have an itinerary, or have a travel agency arrange one for you so that you can catch some of the most important sights. Maybe you can go back later if you have the chance.

From Delhi – the eternal city, Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai… the list is inexhaustible and I wish you the very best.

Do you think I am right in my brief summary of India? Frankly, it doesn’t matter because India is something different to every person who has been there. If you ask a thousand people who have been there what they think about India, they will give you a thousand views on India.

Tanzania and its Kilimanjaro and wildlife collection

When it comes to East Africa, I have a bias for Kenya but this time, I must pass the baton to Tanzania. If you love the wild, they have it all. In the world-renownedSerengeti National Park! There is a huge collection of wildlife, all gathered together. With close to a million herbivores, thousands of lions, cheetahs, leopards, the drooling hyenas, the mighty elephants and monkeys… if this part of Africa does not sweep you off your feet, nothing ever will, I promise you that. If you can time your visit to coincide with the great wildebeest migration as they cross the Mara River to Kenya, you will see just why this spectacle is categorized as one of the wonders of the world.

Be sure to see the ever-angry Cape Buffalo, the battle tank-like rhino and the antelopes. One more thing, be very afraid of the African snakes because most of them are poisonous. Do not step out of the vehicle unless the guide says it is ok to.

If you have itchy feet and would like to hit the trails, try hiking on Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is the highest mountain in Africa. You will love it. When you get some time too, sneak to Kenya, or to Zanzibar. The latter is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Egypt and its pyramids

Egypt is home to one of the most popular historical site, the Giza Plateau. This is home to the pyramids where the Pharaohs were buried in great splendor thousands of years ago. Now, one of your main interests here will be to see The Great Pyramid of Giza, which until 1889 when the Eiffel Tower was built was the highest building on earth. L Well to us Africans, it still is!

There will be a lot more to see in Egypt. For example, the museums in Cairo, Alexandria and other cities have a great documentation of history as well as artifact collection that will leave you gaping in wonder. You cannot go to Egypt and your life remain the same, never!

Be sure to go there in a group, or let your agency arrange a package for you. That way, it will be safer. Remember the Arab Spring? Do not be deterred. Egypt is as great as it will ever be, what with its wonderful collection of pyramids that display ancient engineering genius? Its temples, tombs, Nile River boat tour leave nothing to be desired. This is the ultimate experience.

Where else do you get to see history that has been preserved for more than 3800 years? Remember, the Great Pyramid was the tallest artificial structure in the world for close to 4000 years.

Conclusion

There, what do you think of this five places that every American should visit before they die? Touring the world does not have to be confined to Europe and the Americas, you know. The world is much bigger than that. Maybe later we will look at five places you can visit in South America, Far East, Africa and so on.

Are you ready to do a Marco Polo? Good luck.