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The Best Travel Hack for Your Smartphone (Hey, Siri)

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One day, I decided to search for a mobile app to help me edit photos. When I opened the Apple store on my iPhone, the first thing that popped up – before I even started my search –  was a Travel App suggestion! In fact, it was an entire curated selection of Travel Apps.

I say curated because I’m pretty sure there was a little AI (Artificial Intelligence) going on in Algorithmland for those Travel Apps to be the first thing I would see.

And the thing is, once I saw them I had to check them out. And once I did – I had to put these Apps out here for the world to see. I never did search for the photo editing App I wanted to use.

But the coolest thing I learned – the most important thing I want to share with you – I’ve saved for the end. You’ll want to keep reading for that – it’s the coolest.

Four More Great Travel Apps

First – FYI – I’ve downloaded these Apps and already tested two. I’ll let you know which ones down below. The other two I’ve downloaded but have NOT tested yet. I’ll explain in a minute.

Even though there’s a ton of content on this blog about the best apps to use while traveling, planning travel, and organizing travel – I’ve got to throw these four more out for you: 

App In The Air – Similar to Tripit, this App goes into your email account and looks for emails with flight information. It then compiles it and lets you sort between your flights and other people’s flights. For example, I had a few emails with flight information for relatives visiting in the next couple of months. Those flights were added to my queue, and I easily sorted them to “People.” You have three sorting options: My, Delete, People. (I deleted all the old flight information it found.)

I don’t think this App will take the place of Tripit for me. Tripit has so much more to offer under the hood on the Pro version ($49/annual subscription.) Here’s what you’ll find on the Pro version.

tripit-pro-options

Hitlist – Bucket list – meet Reality! I downloaded this one immediately. Hitlist is an app that lets you capture all of the wonderful places in the whole wide world that you dream of visiting. AKA – your bucket list. Ok – so what? If you’re like me, you’ve got lists and lists of those cities, and countries plastered all over your Language Arts PeeChee folder in cursive, block letters…(Never heard of a PeeChee folder? Can’t help you.)

But here’s the kicker with this App. You make a list, pick your home airport, and Hitlist starts to monitor airfares to the places on your list. According to the App, it will tell you when there are good or great fares for your wishlist destinations. You’ll be one step closer to making those dreams a reality and my advice, if you see a great fare, is – pull the trigger. Take the trip and check your bag! (I know…blah blah blah. It’s for your own good, People!)

Tile – I have one of these! Well, to be clear, I’m married to a car key loser and he has one. But since I’m the traveling bag checker, I’m going to download this App (have not done this yet), take his physical Tile (they cost $23 for one pack and $49 for a four-pack) and put it in my suitcase. Then, if my bag doesn’t come riding off the carousel when I arrive at my destination, I can use the Tile App to ping and help locate it.

However – there are distance limitations, so check out their website here. What caught my eye was the Community Find feature on the App. It’s why I’ll be trying this out on my upcoming trip to New York. You can enhance your ability to locate lost luggage even if you’re not close to ‘the item,’ with the Community Find feature.

When you activate Community Find, any Tile user close enough to your item (suitcase) will automatically transmit the info, and you’ll see the location on a map on the App. In other words, a network of other people using the Tile App will automatically connect you. Maybe you’ll even find your luggage before the airline can alert you!

ParkWhiz – If you’re taking a road trip into a major city in the US and plan on parking your vehicle, get this App. It helps you find and pre-pay for parking before you even get to the city. I can tell you from experience – if San Francisco is one of your destinations, or maybe even Seattle, this is an app that you’ll need. Or you could end up circling and circling.

It’s free – your time is not. 

It’s a Siri(ous) Trick

The real trick  I learned when I opened the App Store on my phone – is only available for iPhones. I don’t know if there’s a similar function for Android phones, so if you have that type of Smartphone, you can stop reading now. Or keep reading and then go find out if it’s out there for Androids. Email me if you find it!

I know. Everyone’s not a Siri user or lover but keep an open mind. Maybe, just maybe, you didn’t have a good enough reason to use Siri before now. 

If you have iOS 12 or later versions, you have something called Siri Shortcuts on your phone. Here’s the link to the how-to information on Apples’ support site. I wish they did a better job of pushing this information out to users proactively. Or maybe I wish I did a better job of receiving their notifications? Do they exist? Hello?

Be that as it may (favorite old school phrase), you can set up shortcut commands to use these apps, and others, via Siri. I followed all the instructions and now have a command in Siri that goes like this: 

“Hey, Siri.”

“Yes?” (Says the male, Australian accented voice set up on my iPhone)

“Give me flight status.”

smartphone-shortcut-command

And Voila’ – he reads me the information on my flight and when it’s scheduled to leave. I have a shortcut command to tell me hotel information, baggage carousel (I absolutely HATE standing around trying to figure out the correct baggage carousel), connecting flight, and gate information. All the features that come with the Tripit Pro version.

How’d I do all this? The Apple support site gives you the steps, but here they are (save time):

  1. Open up Settings
  2. Go to Siri & Search
  3. Go to All Shortcuts
  4. Choose an App and select the + sign
  5. Press the red dot at the bottom of the screen and record a short phrase (short – or you’ll forget!)
  6. Hit Done and it’s added to the My Shortcuts list

Don’t worry – if you do forget what you recorded, go into the My Shortcut lists and see what phrase to use with Siri.

Hack With an App

Finally, whether you use the iOS or Android operating system on your smartphone, head over to the App Store. Now search for ‘Travel Apps’ and scroll through what comes up. Many of the Apps have been mentioned on this blog here and here. But it’s a constantly changing landscape. Apps are created and Apps are retired/abandoned. So keep watching the App store – you might find the one cool App that will transform your travel into the Easy Travel experience we (I) crave.

Ok – game on. I’m using my Siri shortcuts on my next trip. I love step saving hacks, and not fumbling through multiple screens, pressing and swiping (while walking through a crowded airport?) sounds like a slice of heaven to me. 

I added one for Weather reports too. Umbrella out or in the Tote? 

Safe Travels,

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The Best Travel Carry-On Essentials for Long Flights

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Have you noticed? There are lots of “things” available these days that – supposedly – make a long airplane flight easier. The list of new travel carry-on essentials goes on and on. Literally. 

But are they all really essential?

That turns out to be an evergreen question because new, essential “things” keep being invented. Some look super cool and so necessary! But are they?

I conduct my own essential gear test every time I travel. No, it’s not the most frugal thing to do – but I buy one cool, amazing new invention for every trip. To try it out and see if it solves ‘my problem’  – as advertised. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now.

Spoiler alert: some don’t live up to the hype and most work just okay. But I ‘m not dragging an overly heavy bag around an airport, airplane or destination. If I’m not going to use something, or even NEED it, it’s not going in my travel tote.

That’s prime real estate. And it’s reserved for the absolute best things I’ve tested and now use before or during my flight, or while I’m at my destination. Here’s how I pick what goes into my bag.

What to Pack

I work backward to select the lucky items riding inside the plane with me. I pack what I’ll need when I arrive. If my checked bag is still ‘en route’ when I arrive – there are some personal things that need to travel with me. This includes

  1. Medications
  2. Clean undies
  3. Basic toiletries (face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush+paste, mascara, blush, lipgloss, brush)
  4. Appropriate power converter
  5. Portable charger for all devices
  6. Contact lens supplies

But a clean shirt is a want-to-have, so it goes on the waitlist.

Next up is my laptop (if it’s a work trip) and a camera. Although, depending on the purpose of the trip, my phone might be all the camera I bring.

Once that’s settled, I turn my attention to what I need in the air. It’s a concise list:

  1.  Neck pillow
  2. Eyemask
  3. Blanket
  4. Noise-canceling headphones
  5. Earplugs
  6. Reusable water bottle
  7. Allergy-safe snacks (“she’s one of those people!”)
  8. And something to read (sometimes a book but usually a device)

These are the basic non-negotiables and there are so many options for every item on the list. Which ones go in my limited cargo space? Read on to see what I use and how to buy them.

Travel Essentials List

It wasn’t easy to narrow down my all-star list of items to bring on long flights. I kissed a lot of frogs along the way. And I’m still keeping my eyes open for things to bring because, on top of the one new thing I try every trip, I keep a revolving list of things I plan on purchasing in the future, based on:

  • Doing continual research
  • Needing something mid-flight – one time too many
  • Making do with a substitute of some kind for far too long 

But let’s get on with it!

boarding-plane-with-carry-on

Photo by Anugrah Lohiya from Pexels

First up is my pillow and blanket. The Cocoon Cool Max travel blanket is warm, portable, and lightweight but the real reason I was sold is the small, squishy packing bag it comes inside. Some of the blankets I’ve tried were ok but failed on the fold/wad test. Too big.

To go with my Cocoon blanket I chose the Trtl travel pillow. I’ve gone back and forth on this decision. I was tempted to buy one when they first came out (“ohhh, so shiny….”) but I’d purchased a perfectly good (squishy) travel pillow that squished into its own bag like my blanket. 

Then the incident happened.

It was a flight from Berlin to Copenhagen and the string on my travel pillow bag got dragged onto the wet tarmac as I boarded my flight. Never saw it happen. But when I lifted my tote into the overhead bin – it dragged.

The wet string. Across the FACE of the man sitting on the aisle. Fortunately, I don’t understand German swear words…

I threw it away when I got home and pulled the Trtl trigger. It’s a unique design with a light fleece covering. Reviews are great, especially the one where the reviewer wanted to hate it. And the one that pointed out that the excess fabric can be used to hide your open mouth. Sold. 

My blanket and soon-to-be pillow are almost all I need for falling asleep on a long flight. And all I’ve used til now. But I’m about to buy myself a sleep mask. I don’t use them – ever – but something has to change. My level of in-flight sleep has fallen to zero. 

On the last two long flights, people had lights on next to me or went in and out of the mid-plane bathroom near my seat. Light on, light off, light on…Again with the research to find a way to use a sleep mask for the first time and avoid claustrophobic panic. Here’s what I found and what I’m buying: Nodpod weighted sleep pillow for your eyes. Same principle as the weighted blankets and I’m a big fan.

More Travel Necessities

The other piece of my light sleeping issue is noise, but I fail at ear plugs. Something about it – no can do! What I can do is block external airplane sound with a pair of cozy, comfy earphones. Time for an upgrade on this item as well and this time I’m going with a pair of Sony Bluetooth headphones. These are the exact ones I’m buying. Might sleep like a baby.

noise-canceling-headphones

Photo by Anugrah Lohiya from Pexels

I alternate between binge-watching movies and entire Netflix seasons and reading on my Kindle (they’re so compact and lightweight now!) Up to this point, I’ve used my earbuds, but I’m done with ear pain from overwearing those when traveling for 6-12 hours on a plane.  

While I’m reading and bingeing, I’m snacking. I mentioned that I’m ‘one of those people.’ Food allergies to almost everything but lettuce. Not really but it feels like that at times. And airplane and airport food are slightly – shall we say problematic? So I bring my own. 

Those snacks keep me from becoming hangry but I’m tired of the plastic baggie trap. (too much plastic!) When I found the Stasher Reusable Silicone food bag I thought I’d give it try. Can’t sing its praises high enough. When I got home, I closed my eyes and threw it in the dishwasher. It was fine! Now going on my fourth trip using them! 

After the success of the silicone bag, I wanted to try an alternative to a hard-sided water bottle. Once I pass through security and fill up my water bottle, it’s fine, but until then I want to stay with the packable squishy theme. I found the Nomad Collapsible water bottle. I bought it to travel – but use it on the daily now. 

Empty, the bottle rolls up and the attached strap hooks onto a small latch on the front of the bottle. The latch is a bit shallow and the first time I tried to roll up the bottle, it was new and stiff and came unfastened. I planned on tossing it when I returned from my trip until I realized it no longer unhooked itself! 

I think after using the bottle it became more pliable and the strap/hook works fine. At least that’s been my experience.

Stay Charged the Right Way

When traveling internationally, part of your carry on travel essentials must include a portable charger and an adaptor/converter. AND, if you’re like me and packing a blow dryer (yaaaassss), you need to get an adapter that will accommodate that portable wind tunnel machine (blowdryer). This is something I did not know while traveling in Italy back in 2014. 

In Sorrento, we stayed in a Relais (upscale B+B) that was once the home of a wealthy shipping magnate. I brought the right converter/adapter for my electronics but every time I used my blowdryer – poof! Electricity out. Hubby had to trudge downstairs and ask the owner to flip the breaker more than once. No one involved was the least bit happy. 

Finally, he came back to our room carrying a crappy little blowdryer that wouldn’t blow the circuit. My bad hair days in Sorrento are photographically preserved. (no power – no “Do”) Now I travel with the Travel Smart by Conair, a worldwide converter + adapter. No matter what country I’m in I look like my old self!

Ok, let’s talk about charging your smartphone before you head out sightseeing for the day. You have maps saved offline to lead the way and your photojournalist instincts are on high alert. And then it happens right after you stop for lunch. Ten percent battery alert on your phone. Panic!!

Seems silly but I let this happen to me time and time again. I’ve had portable chargers over the years – several in fact. But they die or get lost or don’t do much more than a little boost to get me to the next closest wall plug. No can do on the travel trail. 

Plus I use my phone a lot while flying – with podcasts to catch up on and Netflix bingeing. It’s the road to dead battery life. Until finally.  Finally. I got this Anker portable charger. That’s my answer for you if you’re taking an international trip or a domestic road trip. 

I did so much research before picking this one and chose it for its ability to charge my laptop as well as my smartphone. According to the Anker website, this little baby can get you more than seven phone charges before it needs to be recharged itself. Give it a good 24 hour charge the first time, though.

Carry Your Airplane Essentials

Finally, on top of those 14 items – I can’t leave you without sharing my favorite bag for bringing them all on the plane. Two words: purse and tote. 

If I’m on a trip without my laptop (non-work), my purse stores inside my tote while getting from point A to point B. Less pack-mule, more ease of travel that way. 

If that’s not possible – which happens – I sling my purse cross-body and hang it to the front. Definitely not on my hip. I’m hyper-aware of those around me for my purse security. I don’t want anyone slashing a strap, slashing the bottom/side, or slyly opening it unbeknownst to me. 

I’m also hip to the electronic reader today’s thieves employ. They can steal my data as they stroll by me. I need the latest RFID material to prevent this from happening. It’s a lot to ask of a cross-body bag that has to be Swiss-Army knife useful and semi-chic. Here’s what I found after much searching. The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag in black. 

The material used makes slashing difficult. Zippers on the exterior have little locking mechanisms and it’s got RFID material everywhere. 

I’ve seen its little RFID protection in action on the streets of Berlin. A couple approached me near Brandenburg Tor asking for directions. I answered while the woman stood in front of me and the man moved next to her – then up behind me – close. I stiffened, then remembered my little Travelon was working this situation for me!

I laughed and laughed all the way home.

And finally my tote. I use Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street Cabin Bag. It has RFID pockets, an interior pocket for my Kindle, and another for my laptop. There’s plenty of space for my travel items and a long strap to hang from my shoulder or go cross-body. In my seat, it easily fits below but can be maneuvered up to access my stuff.

I’m happy with it! I’ve gone through so many iterations of totes, including a couple of backpacks. I don’t know what it is about me or about backpacks but when I see one I’m so drawn to it. I want to do that – carry that. Yet when I actually have a backpack – nope. Hate it. It’s just a personal preference.

So there you have it – all the things I absolutely need in my travel kit when I’m in for a long haul flight to a fabulous place. It’s easy to go overboard and fall for the next new thing. Been there, done that, lather-rinse-repeat. But when I add to this list, I’m just bringing something that’s either pure dead weight or I’ll use it when I don’t need to.

Does that make sense? Have you lugged your own dead weight? Heavy luggage isn’t always about your main bag. Before you overpack your carry-on tote, stop a minute. Think about your shoulder,  back, and wallet. You don’t need any more than THIS list! And if you need a lesson in packing to get your head on straight, check out this article and this one too!

Safe Travels,

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The Best Travel Apps You’ll Really Use

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We all rely on mobile apps every day. Maybe you use an app to navigate local traffic, get directions, as a calculator, for banking, or a camera. They’ve become part of our daily life and a reliable convenience.

But what happens when you’re traveling – either at home or abroad? Can you use the same apps you rely on in daily life or do you need different apps? Apps designed to help while you’re on a  journey?

The answer is you need travel-specific apps built to help you while you’re on the road. So here’s a list of travel apps for you with descriptions of what they do and why you need them!

First let me explain that the apps you might need, or use the most while you’re traveling, will depend on your specific trip. Details like where you’re going, for how long, solo or group and type of travel will all play a part in determining the apps you need.

That’s why you’ll find this list is categorized so you can decide if it’s an app you need for YOUR trip. I’ll also let you know if they come for iOS and/or Android. Get ready to find some great tools to use on your next trip.

All the Map Apps

Many smartphone apps give you more than just a map, including Google Maps. Taking time to get the details right on this part of your trip planning will have a major impact- so get it right (for you) before you go! Check out these options and make your choice!

Pocket Earth: This one is only available for iOS, but it would be a great app-of-all-trades to take with you on your trip. Whether you’re a Culture or Adventure traveler, the App allows you to use offline maps and gives you access to travel guides, hotels, restaurants, public transportation and Wikivoyage links, which you can read about here. If you’re an adventurer, the App gives you offline hiking, cycling, and street maps.

Citymapper – iOS + Android. Your relationship to traveling and maps is going to be close and confusing and comforting and crazy. My advice is to dive in, pick your map app, and learn the hell out of it. This one is a gold mine of public transportation info, and it started in London. As for using Google Maps or Apple Maps – you’ll have ‘above ground’ info available, but with Citymapper – you’ll have detailed info on the London Tube. If you plan to use public transportation – and if you’re traveling to Europe or even New York City, you probably will – this might be a gold nugget to have on your smartphone. I haven’t tested its capabilities yet, but here are instructions straight from their website for how to access the maps offline.

Get Connected

When you’re boots-on-the-ground, and your trip is happening – there’s a chance you’ll suddenly feel a bit disconnected. You did a rock-solid job of planning and mapping everything out, but you need to connect to the internet to get that one last – whatever it is you need. But you’re not at the hotel and won’t be back there for hours. Now what?

Check it out!

Facebook for WiFi – you can access the Facebook app for both iOS and Android. This is a crazy little secret trick, which is pretty much the norm for my relationship with Facebook. I don’t know half of what it can do for me – to me – etc. But using it to find WiFi – it’s actually cool. Here’s how you do it. Open the App, and then find the three lines (for my iphone, they’re on the bottom right of the screen.) Click on them, and scroll down slowly (so you don’t miss it) till you find “Find WiFi” and click. Then enable it to find the WiFi spots nearby.

WifiMap – iOS + Android. Another great option for finding free WiFi while you’re traveling. It gives you access to offline maps. Make sure you get this set up ahead of time.

And best advice for accessing public WiFi is to pay for and use a VPN (virtual private network.) There are several options, and many travelers feel like this step is overkill. It all depends on how much you’ll be online while you’re traveling. If you will be accessing the internet whenever you possibly can – pay for a VPN. Here’s a recent article by PC Magazine that gives great options for 2019.

It’s ok to be a bit paranoid about cybersecurity while you’re traveling. In fact – please be a bit paranoid. The latest hacking and identity theft scams happen to travelers – often. If you are logging onto a free public Wifi in an airport or at a local business, ask someone who works there to verify the name of the network before you connect. Hackers routinely set up ‘fake’ free Wifi networks and unsuspecting travelers log on virtually opening the door to all their private data.

Also, charge your phone with your own portable power source to avoid another clever identity theft opportunity for hackers. The ones putting a device used to hack into your phone on a public charging station to access your personal information unbeknownst to you. By doing these two things – you’ll avoid an experience that might destroy your dream vacation.

Travel App for Your Money

Whether you’re on a tight daily budget, you’re naturally budget conscious, or you have steady fiscal habits of tracking your spending – here are some mobile apps options for you. There’s even one that helps track who paid for what when you travel with others, and everyone is whipping out their wallet!

Trail Wallet – iOS only App. Brought to you by the couple behind Never Ending Voyage, this App helps you easily track all of your expenses while you travel. The App lets you organize your expenses by trip or month, and then set a daily budget. It’s easy to add expenses, and you can organize them by customizable categories. Auto backups to the cloud! I love the camera feature so I can take a pic of my receipt that gets uploaded.

Two options for Android are TravelSpend and TripWallet Smart Spending. TripWallet is also available for iOS, but I’ve not tried either of these apps. They look like there’s similar functioning as TrailWallet and the apps are free.

Splittr – iOS + Android. Traveling with a friend(s)? Who paid for the drinks last night? Were you the one that set up and paid for that food walking tour? Who owes what to whom? I’ve lived through the loss of friendship over poorly tracking who paid for what and what that exchange rate was at the time. Seriously (and pretty shallow too.) When you set out with an app like this one, and everything goes into it, you can track without hard feelings. At the end of the trip – you settle up. According to the Splittr website, all currencies are supported, it works offline, and you can share with friends. I know it worked like a charm for me on a trip to Poland with one other travel companion! With all travelers using/sharing the App when someone pays, they can enter the expense and app tracks it all – spitting costs appropriately.

Miscellaneous – But Essential Apps

These apps well cover money stuff that comes up on travel:

XE Currency Converter – iOS + Android. Wait – how much did that driver say the cab fare would be in euros? What is that in US dollars? Download this mobile App and get instant currency exchange rates right on your phone! Make sure you determine the exchange value that the establishment or cab is using for the day, but with the App, you can input the amount, and it will do the math for you. (Where was this in Algebra?)

Globetips – iOS and try GratitudeTipping for Android. The United States has its own thing going on as far as hospitality tipping goes. And other countries and areas of the world have their own thing. How are you supposed to adjust and do the right thing, no matter where you travel? Memorize it? Was that no tipping in Bulgaria but always in Bruges or vice versa?!? Too much – download the right App and use it! They’re free.

Travel Apps for Talking, Sleeping + Riding

Here are a few more Apps that are no fluff for your travel.

Google Translate – iOS + Android. When you download this app, according to Google, you’ll be able to translate text, handwriting, photos, and speech in 100+ languages. We are incredibly fortunate that so much of the world speaks English – but when they don’t, and even when they do – this App is going to help you be a more responsible traveler.

Hotel Tonight – iOS + Android. This little gem has been on my smartphone for a couple of years, and I’ve had some fun trying it out. When the app first came out, it was a place to find last-minute hotel rooms that were left unfilled. And by last minute I mean the morning you were staying. You opened the App, looked up your location, and started seeing hotel prices for that night – way below market rates! One spontaneous weekend in San Francisco we were luxuriating at the boutique Hotel Vitale right on the waterfront in San Francisco for half the regular rate. Another last-minute night, we slept in the elegant St. Francis. At some point, Hotel Tonight stretched things out and allowed users to search ahead – longer than the day of arrival. So if you’re on the road and something happens to your regularly scheduled accommodations, but you have this App on your phone – no problemo!

BlaBlaCar – iOS + Android. This is a long-distance carpooling app that connects drivers and travelers going to the same place to share the cost. Now they’ve added a Coach service (think Bus) and a commuter carpooling service. Their coverage appears to be in Europe, Central/East Europe, and Mexico. For a budget option that also gives you access to travel with a local – what a cool find!

Mytaxi – iOS + Android. For a select number of countries in Europe, this App is the best way to get a pre-paid ride. Like the US versions of Uber and Lyft, you set up payment methods ahead of time on the App. Then, when you need a taxi – you open the App and put in pickup and destination and get a car. Just like Uber and Lyft. While in Berlin, this was my go-to, rainy day, my feet hurt, I ran out of time way to get to my next stop. Great App to have on your phone, check ahead of time if you’ll be in a country they operate within and then use! (Also available is the Gett app in certain European countries, and Via in Chicago, Washington DC, or New York City.)

Technology for the Win

You can use technology to organize the rest of your trip, too. Start with the planning by reading this post and this one too. Once you have it all planned out, keep those details organized while you’re on the road – details on how-to in this post!

Since technology changes in the blink of a nano-second, make sure you send me your tech tips and travel App recommendations. Or if you want to stay in the loop about what I find on the interwebs from the techy travel world – sign up for my Later Letter over on the sidebar. I’ll keep you posted I promise.

In the meantime

Safe Travels,

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