If you like to keep your money close, and make the cash stretch wherever you go, then the chances are that you know there’s more to caring for your finances on holiday than simply ensuring you store all your cards in a waist security belt. It’s also important to budget carefully, and keep a close eye on the amount you spend each day – to avoid bank-related problems when you return home.
Fortunately, as travelers discover an app for almost anything today, we’ve made it our mission to find you some of the best tech-boosting solutions out there. With that in mind, here’s our list of helpful travel apps for budget-conscious travelers.
1. Skype, for Communication
One of the easiest ways to use up all of your vacation money without realizing it, is attempting to share your adventures with the people you care about through phone calls and texts. If you don’t have a plan that allows you to make long-distance calls without spending a lot of money, one of the best things you can do is download something like Skype. With millions of registered users, Skype will let you call the people you care about for free – so long as they have an account, making it one of the best travel apps for budget-conscious travelers.
2. A Translator (for Haggling)
In many foreign countries, you’ll find that haggling is actually the norm. If you’re not willing to argue about a price, then you might even be charged a seriously high one for something that’s not worth a great deal – simply because the seller assumes you have money to burn. If you’re having trouble haggling in your native language, a good translation app could be a great solution to help you find the simple words and phrases you need to make your point heard.
3. Hotel Rating Apps
There are plenty of websites that help you to book your hotel from the comfort of your own home – but did you know that these can also be fantastic travel apps for budget-conscious travelers? With an insight into ratings, testimonials, and even hidden last-minute deals, you might find that you get a more agreeable price on your stay regardless of where you’re headed. Some booking apps will also send you vouchers and deals after you’ve signed up with them.
4. A Wi-Fi Wizard
Rather than pay through the nose for roaming charges, why not use an app that helps you to track down the free Wi-Fi you need? For instance, an app like Wi-Fi finder, which is free for iPhone and Android, can give you a handy map showing off all of the Wi-Fi locations in your chosen area. You’ll also have the option to restrict or limit your results according to a selection of specific factors, such as types of place.
5. A Budgeting App
Finally, take a leaf out of the savvy student’s book and download a budgeting app that helps you get a better understanding of your money before you even go on vacation. This will help you get a better idea of what you actually have to spend – before you end up getting yourself into unwanted debt.
