Best Travel Apps: 10 Essential Downloads

Frommer's released its list of the top 10 smartphone apps for travelers -

1. TripAdvisor

One of the Web's most popular travel review websites has made its way to the iPhones and Androids. This Web-based app pairs your GPS coordinates with content from the TripAdvisor website, so you'll need a data connection to use it. You can see ratings, read reviews and book hotels directly from the app.

2. Skype

Skype transforms your WiFi connection into a virtual cellular network, enabling calls to anywhere in the world for pennies on the dollar.

3. TripIt

After creating an account on TripIt.com, simply forward your flight, hotel, or rental car confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com, and essential travel details will be stored online. Use the iPhone app to access all your trip info on the go, including flight status info. All for free. Trip details are saved on your device, so you only need a data connection to synchronize updates.

4. Yelp

With user reviews of businesses in virtually every city in the United States, Yelp has become a priceless resource for consumers.  The app also offers a Nearby mode.

5. AroundMe

This Google ad-supported app utilizes your iPhone's GPS to find your current location, then provides categorized lists of nearby shops, restaurants, and even hospitals. The app doesn't offer any reviews, but plots business locations on a map, which can be saved as a contact with just one click. (Requires a data connection).

6. OffMaps

This app allows you to download maps to your iPhone for offline use, so you can find your way around without racking up international data usage charges. The app costs $1.99, but includes two Guide credits, for downloading city-specific travel listings and maps. International listings are somewhat limited at this time, but the app can still pay for itself in a day, considering how much you'll save on data usage.

7. Urbanspoon

This is a slot machine-style restaurant selector. Restaurants are categorized by neighborhood, cuisine, and price. Narrow down and lock in the restaurant and shake your iPhone. The app will randomly select a cuisine and price range. Or give up all control and leave all three categories blank, letting the app lead you on a culinary journey across town.

8. OpenTable

Need to reserve a table on the go?  OpenTable's  app provides real-time inventory of table availability for major cities around the world.

9. iTrans

A transit app for for cities around the world, providing  transit info even when you don't have a connection to the Web. You can find a new route without heading above ground for a signal, calculate trip distance, and even see when the next train will arrive.

10. SeatGuru

SeatGuru.com is a website that features aircraft seat maps, seat reviews, and a color-coded system to identify superior and substandard airline seats. It also features information about in-flight amenities and airline specific information regarding Check-in, Baggage, Unaccompanied Minors and Traveling with Infants and Pets.

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