Planning to explore a snow-covered hill station in the North or tranquil beaches in South? You’re going to need a lot more than just a backpack and some money. To avoid any hassle, you will have to plan, research about the destination and then make the reservations. If not, then even before you know, your much-awaited trip will turn into a disaster.
What if there’s no time for research and planning? You ask?
You can rely on your smartphone. Yes, you heard it right; there are multiple mobile applications developed by trusted organizations like the Ministry of Tourism that can ensure a safe and undemanding travel experience. Have a look at these 10 useful travel apps which you must download before your next trip:
1. Aarogya Setu
Due to the on-going pandemic, the Government of India launched a mobile app to prevent the spread of infections like Coronavirus. This contact-tracing app helps in identifying containment zones across India using which you can steer clear of the areas where you are prone to being infected. Another objective of this application is to connect the essential health services to the people who are/might be at the risk of being infected.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
2. Incredible India
Now you don’t have to rely on word-of-mouth to find places worth exploring in the country. Incredible India, an innovative app by the Ministry of Tourism, is the information hub of popular sightseeing places, restaurants, certified hotels and various experiences that India offers. The app can also be used to find important facts about cities and landmarks in the country.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
3. TripIt
TripIt is a saviour for every traveller who lack in planning. If you’re also one of them, worry not! All you need to do is download TripIt. As soon as you login, the app will ask the details of your travel (like the duration, budget and time of the visit) and it will plan and create a suitable itinerary for the same. It can also sync details of your flight, hotel, car and other reservations with the calendar in your cell phone and add it further to your master itinerary.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
4. PackPoint
You keep on forgetting the most important things while packing? Fret not! PackPoint is a free travel packing list organiser that will literally pack the bag for you. The app helps in keeping a tab of the essential items that you would need for your trip whether its leisure or business. Not only this, it also tells you what to pack according to the destination and its atmospheric conditions. Another mind-blowing feature of this app is that you can link it with the travel planner apps like ‘TripIt’ and it will automatically create a packing list.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
5. IRCTC Rail Connect
IRCTC Rail Connect is the official app of IRCTC, launched by the Indian government. It can also be used for online rail ticket booking, checking PNR status, train routes and seat availability. All in all, IRCTC Rail Connect answers to all queries related to the Indian railways.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
6. FabHotels
FabHotels is a budget hotel booking application. You can use this app to find 100% hygienic hotel rooms anywhere in India. Another good thing is that all FabHotels come with modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi (free) and air conditioner among others.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
7. Google Maps
You must be quite familiar with this one as Google Maps is one of the most used applications in the world. It helps in checking distances and finding directions. You can also locate nearby ATMs, restaurants and landmarks which is a huge advantage for travellers. What else? The app also shows multiple routes to a destination which comes handy while dodging heavy traffic across congested towns and cities.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
8. Uber/OLA
Both Uber and OLA are cab service providers present across all major Indian cities. Travellers can either go for mini car, sedan, motorbike or auto-rickshaw ride with both these apps. Further, travellers can also share their rides to safe on the taxi fare. Uber and OLA also offer outstation trips.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
9. Google Translate
If you’re North Indian and you’ve ever been to the South, you know the hustle of not being able to interact with the locals; neither can you ask for directions nor enquire about any certain place. Thanks to Google, there is an app that can translate not only notes but also conversations (into 43 languages), handwriting (into 95 languages) and images (into 50 languages).
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
10. TravelSpend
Last but not the least; TravelSpend is an application to track your travel expenses. It can work wonders for travellers with a restricted budget. The app will help you in sticking to your budget. You can also use TravelSpend to split bills or convert currencies.
Available on: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Though there are multiple substitutes to each one of these apps, we made sure that only the most trusted ones are included in this list. So, install these before planning your next vacation for a safe and sound trip in India.
