At last count, there were almost 110,000 “apps” for the ubiquitous iPhone, with several thousand of them devoted to traveling and getting around. The boss wouldn’t approve the time to try out all of them, but we did give more than a few a test run. Not surprisingly, some were better than others – and some were way better.
Below are five of the coolest apps we found that make traveling a little easier and more fun. If you’ve discovered your own, share them with us and the rest of your fellow vanpoolers!
1. Where – It’s one of the most popular travel-related apps and for good reason – Where is a virtual travel guide that provides detailed information on restaurants, gas stations and tourist spots all overlaid on a GPS-located map. If you’re in an unfamiliar city, it is an invaluable resource that helps you get around and find the best things to see. Better yet, it’s a free app.
2. Monocle – Here’s the deal: Take an iPhone 3G S uploaded with Yelp’s latest app and shake it three times. That activates the Monocle feature, which provides on-screen information for just about anything the phone is pointed at – be it the Golden Gate Bridge or a corn field. It’s not all-knowing, but it’s fascinating to see what it recognizes and the information it calls up.
3. Flashlight – It’s so simple, but oh-so helpful…A free app that brightly fills the iPhone screen to provide helpful illumination. You can choose from the brightest white or a variety of subdued colors and the feature even allows you to adjust the brightness of the light by sliding your finger across the screen. We love this feature for map reading and finding the right door key in the dark.
4. How Fast – By leveraging the GPS-guided location feature built into your iPhone, this app tells you how fast the bus, train or boat you’re traveling on – and even your vanpool van – is going, allowing you to more precisely gauge your travel times. It even works for slower modes of transport, such as bicycles. (It’ll work on airplanes, but when the attendant says turn off electronic devices, you’ll have to turn off this app, too.)
5. SodaSnap Postcards – This free app converts any photo on your iPhone into a clever postcard format, complete with a space to write a “wish you were here” note. Along with sending it to friends and family, you can also share it openly and view others’ postcards from around the world. You can even include a Google Maps link for subject of your postcard image. The Postman app does pretty much the same thing, but it costs a whopping 99 cents.
Are there any other awesome apps you’ve tried?
Tags: applications, apps, best, Flashlight, GPS, great, How Fast, iPhone, Monocle, postcards, SodaSnap, top, Transportation, travel, traveling, Where
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
