As we get closer to ending the year, plenty of people are looking forward to going on holiday, whether it’s heading to the coast or hopping a jet to an exotic destination far away from South African shores.
But while soaking in the sunshine on a beach or backpacking through a foreign land sounds enticing, preparation ahead of our journeys can be a massive pain in the neck.
Often our trips can hit a snag when we realise that we have forgotten to take an item that we should have made a priority while packing – whether it’s a currency calculator, a translation book or a travel guide. But these items can usually be bulky, taking up much-needed space in your luggage.
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Fortunately, your mobile device can provide a solution.
“Your mobile device is a must-have for all important travel info carried in app format. You can download Apps which house everything you need at a touch of a button, to get the best out of your travel experience,” said Hazel Chimhandamba the Executive Head of Marketing at Cell C.
She recommends downloading the following before travelling:
Before you pack your bags, see if you can roam
The Service is available to all Prepaid and TopUp Cell C customers, and in certain countries only. Standard International Roaming rates, as defined, will be applicable when travelling internationally. Customers will have access to Voice, SMS and Data services when the Service is activated.
A currency converter
XE Currency app for android is the world’s most downloaded foreign exchange app. It converts the currencies of over 180 countries and features real-time exchange rates and historical charts. It also stores the last updated rates so that it works offline. This simple to use app has been rated as one of the top 20 Travel apps on Google Play.
XE Currency App is also available on the IOS app store.
A travel guide
The World Travel Guide app covers the entire world, helping you locate landmarks and attractions even when you’re offline. Once you state your desired location, you get access to basic navigation, things to see, eateries, hotels, and popular hotspots. Once you download the file it can be used without an internet connection.
The Triposo Travel Guide App offers comprehensive travel information for any destination in the world – from Aachen to Zimbabwe. In this iPhone travel guide you select the destination you are travelling to, download the content and use the guide offline during your trip. It’s the perfect travel companion.
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A language translator
iTranslate works in over 90 languages – meaning that you will never be misunderstood again. It can translate dictation and slow down audio playback to eliminate pronunciation errors. Ordering the correct craft beer from La brasserie will not be a problem again. Download via the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency services
The TravelSmart app is one you should never go anywhere without because you never know when you may need emergency assistance in a foreign country.
Using GPS capabilities, TravelSmart provides you with contact numbers for emergency services in your location as well as a comprehensive list of hospitals in 129 countries. It also allows you to translate first aid terms and offers a list of common medications in a variety of languages.
Download it on the Apple app store or Google Play store.
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
Markets and nightlife
The Musement app is a city guide that picks out interesting and unique local experiences in more than 350 destinations worldwide. It is particularly known for its ticketing element, which makes it easy to book tickets for events and attractions. Musement is available on iOS and Android.
