According to The App Date a few months ago, Spain now has 27.7 million mobile app users. If we add to this the fact that over 151 million trips are made in this country every year, according to the latest data from the Survey of Tourist Movements of Spaniards (Familitur), we will understand the craze for travel apps.
It's a sector that continues to evolve; web development specialist Tecnilógica predicts that by 2017, more than 60% of tourism-oriented applications will incorporate geolocation systems, which are also the basis of local SEO.
Coinciding with the summer holidays, B2 Performance wanted to review some free travel apps that, despite not being among the most well-known — unlike the ubiquitous TripAdvisor — can get you out of a tight spot. With them, your getaways will be even more comfortable and secure. Go ahead and download them to use on your mobile phone or tablet!
The best travel apps
1) Free Wifi Finder
This is the perfect solution for finding a free internet connection abroad. Thanks to this app, you can see on an interactive map where the nearest open Wi-Fi hotspots are located. Currently, this application allows searches in nearly 150 countries and also works offline. You can download it for Android and iOS.
2) Gluten Free Road
This app can be a saviour for coeliac sufferers. With it, you can consult nearly 40,000 establishments that serve products for people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. You can also check other travellers' opinions. Available for Android and iOS.
3) Hipmunk Hotels & Flights
Get this free app to book flights and accommodation. It features an intuitive, user-friendly design (especially for flight searches), as well as heat maps that visually show whether your chosen hotel is near or far from areas with the most dining and entertainment options. For Android and iOS.
4) MetrO
This app will be an indispensable travel companion if you plan to visit a city with an underground system, such as London, Paris, New York, or Rome. The app calculates the fastest route to your destination, considering the time you will use the metro or the day of the week, as this also affects train frequency. Available only for iOS. Make sure it's on your smartphone!
5) Postagram
Although new technologies have practically retired traditional postcards, they can sometimes provide a lifeline for this once deeply rooted habit. With Postagram, you can create postcards from your own Instagram photos… and request them to be sent via conventional postal mail (though you will have to pay for the shipping). Simply brilliant, isn't it? You'll find this app for Android and iOS.
6) SeatGuru
If you're a fan of comfort on planes, you can't miss this practical app, available for Android and iOS. With it, you can find the best seats on flights from a hundred airlines. The app gathers user opinions and provides over 700 seat maps, with details on comfort and services offered. It also includes real-time flight updates.
7) Smart Layover
While flying is the fastest way to travel, any delay or cancellation can become a real nightmare. Smart Layover aims to ensure these unforeseen events don't spoil an unforgettable trip. This app lets you enjoy the leisure and cultural offerings of your current location: typical gastronomy, short excursions, hourly hotels to rest in while awaiting your next flight... Plus, it notifies you of boarding times. What more could you ask for? Get this app for Android and iOS.
8) TouristEye
If you are still looking for new ideas and destinations for your trip, regardless of its purpose or duration, this is your app. Among other options, this application allows you to share wish lists (i.e., places you want to visit) and collaborate in creating albums about all kinds of destinations, with photos, recommendations, and comments. TouristEye can be downloaded for Android and iOS, and is one of the best solutions for planning a trip.
9) TripIt
It's the perfect complement to TripAdvisor. Unlike the latter, TripIt doesn't consider user suggestions and recommendations; instead, it focuses on the trip planning itself: confirmations, flight and hotel bookings, museum and monument tickets... You can download it for Android and iOS.
10) WorldMate
This app, focused on travel organisation and very similar to TripIt, is specifically designed for business trips, although it is suitable for any type of travel. The application not only gathers all travel information but also offers the possibility to configure notifications and other small aids to ensure everything goes perfectly. Available for Android or iOS.
How can geolocation help my business?
Some of these travel apps are the result of geolocation systems: a crucial factor in local SEO, a strategy that can also help you increase sales in your city and reach your closest geographical audience.
If you want to know how, contact us or call us on 93 532 93 78 (also in July and August). At B2 Performance, your digital marketing agency in Barcelona, we will advise you without obligation so you can make the most of this business avenue. We look forward to hearing from you!
