5 Apps to have on your phone: Part One
Going on a trip? Planning one? Thinking about one?
You can use the crazy powerful computing device in your possession (your smartphone) to make your voyage a tad easier.
This list covers some commonly used apps (some of which you should have at all times). For a more complicated list of never heard before apps, head HERE
Here’s the list of basic apps you should have on your phone before you head out:
Google Maps
I’m sure you already have this on your phone (or you’ve seen someone use it) This is one app which proves handy weather you’re taking a trip or not. The largest database of places combined with traffic-influenced travel times, you’ve got everything here. Reviews, tolls, roadblocks (even satellite views!) – you name it, it’s here. You can even pick a place, choose a radius, and download the surrounding area in your phone – to use the app offline. And they recently added a feature to call an Uber right from the main screen – neat!
Trains: IRCTC Connect
Most Indian cities are best connected to each other by trains (or buses: see below). The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited – which handles the catering online ticketing operations of the Indian railways, or IRCTC, has an impressive app that lets you easily book tickets, check schedules, and more.
Note: This app is currently only available for Android devices, with IRCTC claiming an iOS version is in the works.
- Free; Android
Flights/Hotel bookings: Make My Trip/Yatra/Goibibo
You can use any of the three apps mentioned to book flights and even hotels – basis which one has offers running on your time of travel. All three of them have a semi-loyalty program too – you can rack up points for every booking, and then redeem them when you use it next. As an addition, you can book Hotels and full trips on any of these apps – and get discounts there too.
Budget Hotels: Oyo Rooms
The primary selling points of Oyo Rooms are low-cost rooms and a standardized experience across all their catalogue of hotels. All rooms come with the basic necessities: Breakfast, Wifi, and clean washrooms (Yes. That’s important). On the tech side – the app is pretty easy to use.
Homestays: Airbnb
Just looking to park your tent for the night? Not looking for room service? Looking for local culture? Airbnb has you covered. Offering up spaces in rooms people aren’t using in their homes (or in some cases, boats and yachts), this app can get you a bed in more than 65,000 cities.
Bonus: Zomato (Because, Food.)
If you’re going anywhere within India (and a bunch of countries abroad) – Zomato has you covered with the largest restaurant directory. From the well organized options, you can find whatever you’re in the mood for, look for a place, read the reviews to make up your mind. Even more – get the directions and an Uber from within the app.
For the second part of this list, go here: Part Two
