When it comes to travel there is an app for that! There are all sorts of different apps that can be downloaded before your trip to enhance your travel experience and help things run smoother. Here at AVL, we’ve compiled a list of travel apps to check out before your next trip.
Transportation and Wayfinding
• Airlines: All major airlines have their own app. It is important that you download your airline’s app before you fly. These platforms allow you to check in, access your boarding passes, receive important updates and more. In some cases, the airline app may provide more up-to-date information about your flight than the ticket or gate agents. All of the airlines that fly at AVL have apps available!
• Airplanes: Ever wonder who might be flying over your house? Inspire your inner av geek with a flight tracking app. There are multiple options that allow you to receive flight updates and track flights via radar. Examples: FlightAware and Flightradar24.
• Rideshare: If you plan on using rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, make sure to download, set up and practice using the app before your trip. Depending on where you are traveling you may also have the option to prebook your rides through these apps.
• Public Transit: Many cities with public transit offer apps to help you navigate and pay. Whether it’s subways, trains or buses, if you plan to use a major transit system download the app when it’s available. If you have tap-to-pay enabled on your smart phone, you may be able to bypass purchasing a physical ticket or pass and just use your smartphone at the turnstile. Check with the public transit system to see if this feature is available.Examples: Amtrak, Greyhound and Transit (this app also tracks ART, Asheville’s local bus system, Metro for NYC transportation, Ventra in Chicago, SmarTRIP in DC, etc.)
• Rental Cars: Like airlines, rental car centers have their own apps. Their apps can often assist in bypassing counters and allow on-app check in. Examples: Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Sixt, Alamo
• Wayfinding: No one wants to get lost in an unfamiliar place. Fortunately, there are many options for navigation apps whether you are driving, walking or even using other forms of transportation like a bike. Examples: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Mapquest, and Waze.
o There is also the app Citymapper, which is available for major cities in the US and around the world. This app provides multiple transportation options that allow you to compare different modes of transit and routes in real time.
• Track AVL’s parking shuttles: You can now track AVL’s parking shuttles in real-time with the Passio GO! App. Riding the AVL parking shuttle has never been easier!
Communication, Money and Translation
• Communication: Having a way to communicate is especially important if you are traveling out of the country to an area where your cell phone plan doesn’t provide coverage. There are multiple options that allow you to keep in touch with others in your group as well as everyone back home. Keep in mind, that in order for these apps to not incur international data fees, your phone will need to be connected to Wi-Fi. Examples: Google Voice, WhatsApp and FaceTime.
• Translation: If you are going somewhere where you have a tenuous grasp of the language, make sure you have a translation app downloaded. Like most apps there are both paid and free options available depending on your needs. In some cases, translation apps have a camera translation tool which can come in handy reading menus or signs. Examples: Google Translate, Good Translate, iTranslate and DeepL.
• Money: There are several money-related apps that can be helpful. If you are traveling to another country, a currency converter app can be useful. There are also payment apps that can be used for making payments or splitting costs if traveling as a group. Examples: Currency, Currency Converter Plus and Xe Currency Converter for currency conversion apps. PayPal and Venmo for payment apps.
Planning and Reservations
• Fly My Airport: This feature on the AVL website makes viewing flight options and booking easier than ever. Powered by KAYAK, you can compare rates and view options for booking your next flight from AVL.
• Weather: Make sure to have a good weather app downloaded, especially if you plan on doing things outdoors. Examples: The Weather Channel, Weather Underground, Windy, AccuWeather and WeatherBug.
• Booking: There are a lot of apps available for booking lodging, flights and car rentals that make the process more streamlined. And booking things in advance is always recommended! Examples: Expedia, AirBnB, Hotwire, Booking, trivago, Kayak and Vrbo.
o (Note: Many booking sites are third party resellers and cannot assist you in the case of cancellations, delays and other issues. It is always better to book directly with a hotel, car rental, or airline directly).
• Hotels: Like airlines, large hotel chains have apps that can make reservations, check-in and other services easier. Examples: Bonvoy (Marriott), Hilton, IHG, World of Hyatt, Wyndham
• Reservations: Reservation apps allow you to easily make dining reservations so that you are guaranteed a seat at the restaurants you want to check out on your travels. Examples: OpenTable and Resy.
Before you leave on your next trip make sure you have your apps downloaded and ready to go. Be a savvy traveler and utilize the technology at your disposal so that you can spend less time on keeping track of details and more time exploring and enjoying your trip!