When scooting through the airport with a suitcase handle in one hand and phone in the other is your every day, you probably actively seek out ways to make traveling easier. So don’t forget to use the power of your phone! Whether you’re looking for real-time updates on flights, need to make last-minute lodging arrangements, or even want help packing, there’s an app for you. Use these apps to experience even smoother sailing.
Planning your trip
Hopper
Love keeping an eye out for the best deals on flights? Hopper needs to have a home on your phone or tablet. If you have a business trip coming up, enter your route into Hopper and tap “watch flight.” The app will notify you about the best time to buy your flight. You can save a few bucks on airfare, and your employer will thank you for it!
Free
DUFL
For the true road warriors, DUFL can be a lifesaver. DUFL is a premium business service that ships, launders, and stores your business attire. First, you send DUFL your business clothes. Then all you have to do to ‘pack’ for a trip is log into the app, pick which clothes you want and where they need to be shipped, and your DUFL suitcase be waiting for you at your destination. At the end of your trip, send your suitcase back so you can do it again next time. Can we take a moment to appreciate the idea of flying without a suitcase? Ahh.
Free app, paid service
Yelp
If you’re the kind of business traveler who seeks out local cuisine, you must download Yelp. You can search the app for nearby restaurants, bars, and more, and you’ll be able to read user reviews, see pictures of the food and location, and check out the menu. A simple Yelp search sure beats walking the streets looking at menus that are posted outside.
Free
Getting around
Uber
The days of hailing cabs on city streets are quickly fading thanks to ride-sharing apps like Uber. Uber makes getting around easy: just set your pickup location and type in where you want to go, and a car will be on their way in a matter of minutes. Never be late to a business meeting again!
Free
Google Maps
Google Maps is jam-packed with features that help you get around unfamiliar places, and it’s not just for drivers. You can also use Google Maps for public transit and walking. The app offers real-time updates on traffic conditions, so you can get to where you need to go faster. And since Google Maps is tied into the rest of Google’s tools, you can explore nearby restaurants, read reviews, and make reservations — all in the Google Maps app.
Free
Making last-minute lodging arrangements
Airbnb
Hotel life isn’t for everyone. So if you’re looking for a place to stay that feels a little bit more like home, make sure to download Airbnb. The Airbnb app can help you find a place to stay closer to city centers, making it perfect for business adventures. Airbnb is also a great alternative when hotels are all booked up — it never hurts to have a contingency plan!
Free
Hotel Tonight
In the world of business travel, sometimes making last-minute arrangements is unavoidable. That’s why it helps to have apps like Hotel Tonight. Hotel Tonight is designed to help travelers find sweet deals on hotels, even for same day arrangements. The simple interface makes it easy to filter results by basic, hip, and luxe, so you can find exactly the kind of place you’re looking for — and at a great rate to boot.
Free
At the airport
Twitter is great for getting up to speed on news, checking basketball scores, and exploring the latest trending hashtags, but it also works really well for keeping in the loop with airlines and airports. If you don’t already have the app and like updates in real time, we highly recommend Twitter.
Free
Lounge Buddy
When airport crowds and noise start to get under your skin, wouldn’t you rather be in a lounge? With Lounge Buddy, you can find the nearest airport oases and book a day pass right in the app. Then all you have to do is show the lounge attendant the confirmation code you received and voila! You’re in. Whether you choose to work or relax, well… that’s up to you.
Free
Available on iOS
Bridging cultural gaps
Google Translate
Visiting a foreign country can be intimidating, especially when you don’t speak their native language. With the super-simple Google Translate app, you can communicate, “Coffee, please” or “Can you please pull up last quarter’s report?” with relative ease. Google Translate might not help you with your accent, but it sure gets you a lot further than language translation books — and a lot faster, too.
Free
XE Currency
XE Currency is a currency conversion app that works just as it should. So instead of typing in dollar amounts into Google to see how far your money will go, arm your smartphone with XE Currency. All of the exchange rates are updated in real time, so you won’t ever have any surprises.
Free (pro version available)
Taking care of business
Concur
Ranked the #25 app for business in the iTunes store, Concur takes the pain out of managing expense reports. Concur allows you to take photos of receipts and import them immediately into expense reports. Three cheers for no lost receipts! Also, the app has admin controls where you can review and approve travel requests, invoices, and more. There’s a lot more to Concur than just scanning receipts, so make sure to check out their website.
Free
Slack
If your business communicates through Slack, downloading it to your phone or tablet is a no-brainer… as long as you like to stay in the loop. The mobile app works very much like text messaging, so it’s perfect for quick conversations that don’t require a whole email. Plus, you can adjust your notification settings so your phone only dings when you want it to.
Free
There’s an app for Park DIA, too. Download it here and start earning loyalty points today!
