The litany of apps now available has unveiled
a whole host of new ways we can use our everyday tech to maximise our holiday
experiences. The need for innovation and an increase in better user experience
has moved the mobile phone device to something more than a channel of
communication but an essential everyday tool to survive, especially when
abroad.
For example, apps such as Uber and Airbnb have proven crucial for tourists trying to get around in unfamiliar territories. It can also be very cost-effective knowing the right apps to use when spending on transport, food and accommodation.
Below is a list of some of the best apps to
save money whilst abroad:
- Viber –
Viber is
the ultimate and essential travel tech companion and has some of the best
features among other messaging apps for travellers, the app allows you to make
free Viber-to-Viber calls and in case you’d like to make a call to someone
without an internet connection or to a landline, you’ll be able to use Viber
Out’s low-cost calling service.
Viber Local Number is a useful service that offers great value inbound
calls. Users are able to add a local phone number in another country where friends
and family can reach them as though they are at home, wherever they are in the
world!
Viber also provides an in-chat translation feature, which allows users to translate a text message sent to them in either
one-on-one chats, group chats, Public Chats and Communities. All users have to
do is tap on their received message and it will be translated back into their
Viber default language of choice. However, users can also choose to translate
it into another language. Viber’s translation feature is essential for
travellers who wish to be a part of every conversation.
Being uncertain of how much you’re spending
can be a very common occurrence whilst away. The app allows you to capture live
exchange rates and helps you to keep tabs on what you’re spending in the
currency a user might be more familiar with. Don’t make the mistake of
conflicting euros and pounds!
- Monzo –
This app has almost revolutionised spending
abroad given it is a fully-fledged mobile-only bank. With no fees for spending
abroad being its most enticing feature, the app allows users to set budgets and
see a graphical breakdown of all their spending. It can be quite handy for
those keen to not overspend and regularly monitoring their outlay.
- Digit –
The app is solely designed to manage how
much you’re saving using sophisticated algorithms and with access to their
user’s spending history, it can automatically put money away depending on your
preferences for a holiday or towards a car.
- Airbnb –
Known as one of the biggest disrupters to
the accommodation market, the platform is the go-to app for tourists looking
for a place to stay instead of going to a hotel. Many have become fond of it
due to guests getting good value accommodation at a huge range of price margins,
from a few pounds a night to hundreds and often in prime locations where a
normal hotel would cost infinitely more.
There aren’t many bigger barriers tourists
run into than encountering language issues. Described as the ‘personal
interpreter’ everyone needs, the app allows users to better communicate
translating key terms and phrases whilst on their travels and at no cost.
Automated features like holding your camera up to text – such as a sign, allows
Google to translate its meaning for users
Known as one of the leading resource tools
for selecting destinations and price comparisons but it can also be ideal when
selecting where to go next or saving money on a return flight. With more travellers
opting against booking return flights at once, the app locates the most
affordable and best options via its travel partners and provides updates when
the price changes.