What was once a major hassle has now become a much easier task. While a tablet won’t help you get through the airport security line any faster, it can make the process of booking and organizing travel a snap. With just a few apps you can reduce the stress of flying. Here are five iPad apps that can get the job done for any traveler.
Kayak
In the past few years Kayak has gone from an unknown brand to one of the biggest names in travel. That’s because its mobile apps, and particularly its iPhone and iPad apps, are among the easiest to use.
From the app you can search for flights, hotels, and rental cars. That lets you reasonably plan your itinerary. In addition, you can book hotels rooms right from the app. These often come at a discount as well, so you’ll save money by booking from your iPad.
After you book your trip, you can then use Kayak as an organizational tool. It stores all of your information, from flight times and details to rental car pick-up to hotel accommodations. It even has a flight tracker, so you’ll know if your flight is delayed or cancelled — maybe even before you leave for the airport.
Yes, Kayak is completely free. You can download it from the App Store.
Orbitz
While Kayak offers the ability to book hotels right from the app, it does not let you book flights and rental cars. Oftentimes, though, you can save money by booking flight, hotel, and rental car all at one spot. There are many travel sites that provide these features, but Orbitz takes it to another level with its iPad app.
The mobile app basically provides an easier interface for the normal Orbitz website. Through the app you can search for and book cheap flights and hotels, and even book a rental car on top of that. Orbitz does also offer an itinerary manager, so you don’t even need another app to handle that. It’s all there right in front of you: search, book, and organize.
It would be pretty silly for Orbitz to charge for this, since the idea is to get people to spend money through the app. As such, you can get it for free.
WorldMate
Being stuck with one booking service means being stuck with their prices. While Orbitz does offer low prices on airfare, hotels, and rental cars, there are other services: Expedia, Travelocity, and more. You might even book directly on an airline or through a hotel. In that case, you’ll need another app to manage your itinerary. WorldMate provides that interface.
Just forward your confirmation emails to WorldMate, and they automatically populate the app with the information. That means everything is right in front of you, automatically. You can also search for accommodations, and can book hotels reservations from within the app. WorldMate takes things a step further, too, providing you with even more travel services: currency converter, maps, and weather forecasts.
Dig it? Then get WorldMate for free.
Yelp
Maybe you want to conduct some research about popular restaurants and attractions at your destination. Or maybe you need something practical, such as a grocery or hardware store. Again, a free app comes in handy here. Yelp is one of the most popular apps for finding local establishments. It will make your trip much easier.
The mobile app has a wonderful interface — much better than the web version. It integrates maps and user reviews into the same screens, so you can see the most possible information. Read user reviews, get information, and find directions right from the app. The days of aimlessly driving around looking for something are over.
Get Yelp.
By combining these apps, you’ll make travel a snap. Combined with apps already on your iPad, such as Google Maps, you should have no trouble booking, organizing, and actually living your travel experience. These apps make the iPad the ultimate travel tool.
