Seven travel apps you need on your next vacation
GateGuru.com is a free app to help travellers navigate the airport. Upload your flight itinerary and you’ll get real-time updates on security waits, departure delays and gate changes. There’s also a list of restaurants, bars and boutiques that are closest to your gate (directions included).Getty Images/iStockphoto
Build a highlight reel of your trip with TripleSpot.com. The free iPhone app uses captioned photos that can be organized and shared. Take snapshots, explain why you loved it and then add it to your “spot list.” If you’re curious, scroll through other people’s spots using the easy-to-use explore function.Getty Images/iStockphoto
Connect with UrbanBuddy’s in-the-know locals. Tap a question into the iPhone app (“Where is the best pizza in Brooklyn?”) and it’s answered in minutes. The app covers Chicago, New York, Mexico City, Barcelona, Paris and Berlin, plus more cities soon. Download it at the Mac App Store.Getty Images/iStockphoto
VadoVia.com (“I’m leaving,” in Italian) is a website and soon-to-be-released iPad app that turns travellers into tour guides. Design a walking, driving or cycling itinerary based on your own travels, add a catchy name, designated stops and photos. The result is mapped out on a Web page that can be shared.Getty Images/iStockphoto
Tap into the hotel deals on HotelTonight.com. The same-day booking app features a properties in more than 100 cities. Search by style (Solid, Hip and Luxe) and expect discounts of up to 70 per cent on published rates. Rooms can only be reserved from noon onward.
Canada’s top chefs share their favourite places to eat at Chefsfeed.com. The free app recently expanded to include Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Top picks from such culinary insiders as Rob Feenie, Vikram Vij, Lynn Crawford and Susur Lee include salted caramel waffles at Medina Cafe and anchovy nigiri at Hiro Sushi.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Printic.com lets you send Polaroid-like snapshots from your holiday to friends by mail. Compatible with iPhones and Android 2.2 smartphones, your photo is printed and mailed in an orange envelope. At 99 cents (U.S.) per print (shipping included), the service is pricy, but the finished product has a novel look.