there’s an app for that.
Just because you’re dying to get off the grid, doesn’t mean you can’t use modern technology to get you there. To score the most choice deals, price compare, read reviews, and book your accommodations, there really is nothing as convenient as turning to the world wide web before you explore the real world. Travel & Leisure shared their top picks for the best resources to save your valuable time and money.
GetGoing:
“If your plans are flexible, take advantage of the website GetGoing, which promises to save travelers up to 40 percent. Choose two destinations in the same region of the world (for example, Vienna and Geneva, or Costa Rica and Panama) and enter your travel dates. Then provide your billing information to complete your reservation. The Get Going team randomly selects one of your two options.”
Pintrips: “The idea of pinning something on the web began with Pinterest. Now, Pintrips brings that kind of functionality to online airfare searches. You can pin fare results you like and collect them in a personal folder on the Pintrips site. It makes it easy to compare your flight options and share them with others.”
SeatGuru: “Enter an airline and flight number and SeatGuru calls up a detailed airplane plan, indicating seats that are desirable (emergency exits, those with extra legroom, etc.), average, and simply bad (reduced legroom or recline). It also has reviews of different airline services, as well as quick-scan icons for such in-flight amenities as food, entertainment, in-seat power ports, and Wi-Fi.”
Hipmunk: “You can filter hotel searches by price, quality, and distance, as well as “Ecstasy,” a rating based on a mix of price, amenities, and reviews. Hipmunk also offers a series of heat maps that show you which hotels are closest to food, shopping, and nightlife.”
Guestmob: “Guestmob lets travelers choose between collections of similar hotels in one city-all with names and picture galleries—at the same price. Pick a collection and you’re guaranteed a spot in one of its hotels at the advertised rate (up to 50 percent off).”
WordLens: “Aim your phone’s camera over a written phrase for an instant translation courtesy of WordLens—no costly data connection is needed. The service is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.”
GlobeTipping: “With tipping guidelines for more than 200 countries, from Afghanistan to Zambia, GlobeTipping is the most comprehensive of the global tip calculators. It can factor in tips by percentage and divide the overall bill by number of diners.” — Casandra Armour
