Photography by Jen Roberts
Even if you're not a seasoned traveler, you might be familiar with some travel mainstays. Tripadvisor, for instance, offers travel guides, places where you can search hotels and flights, detailed reviews, and forums on everything from visa requirements to itinerary suggestions. Airbnb provides an alternative to hotels, with rooms, apartments, and homes, including such unique stays as yurts, treehouses, and campers. And while it might not seem like an obvious travel website, Flickr is a convenient way to get a visual sense of a destination. For those on the go, there are myriad other helpful digital resources. Here are five more under-the-radar apps to consider.
1. Skyscanner: It's one of the best apps (and websites) to find cheap flights. Users can search fares for an entire month or scan flights from a specific destination. It's a great way to see what destination is the cheapest to fly to. You can also book hotels and car rentals on Skyscanner.
2. Duolingo: This app is like having a free language tutor on your phone. You can work through the levels at your own pace. And as you learn, the app offers a podcast to help practice your listening skills. The best part: You can connect with friends and motivate each other while learning another language.
3. Pack Point: If you need help packing for a trip, Pack Point is the app for you. The app can create a customized packing list based on your destination and the length of your trip. It will even recommend such things as swimsuits or snow gear and check the weather for you.
4. Gas Buddy: On a road trip and need to find a nearby gas station? Gas Buddy is allows you to compare prices among the closest options. Filters let you search by brand and amenities as well.
5. Flush: This app can help you locate the closest bathroom. You can even search via filters to find bathrooms with changing tables or other specific amenities.
