Although your accommodation and itinerary are expertly arranged by your chosen travel agency, there are certain everyday resources you can use to make your journey smoother. And, having them right on your smartphone makes it even easier. So, without further ado, here are the most useful apps for your next walking holiday.
Weather app
Checking the weather each morning will help you dress appropriately for the day ahead. Now, if you’re going on a summer walking holiday in Italy or Spain, it’s unlikely to be anything but sunny and warm. However, destinations like Scotland or Ireland can be very temperamental, with clear skies one minute and a downpour of rain the next. There are hundreds of weather apps you can choose from, but make sure they have a good coverage on local forecasts specifically, including precipitation and wind speed. For example, BBC Weather and Met Office are brilliant for the UK, while AEMET is a common favourite in Spain.
Google Maps
While you will be provided a detailed itinerary and the trails are normally well-marked, an app for navigation provides the extra peace of mind. It’s also great for when you have some free time in one of the villages and you are looking for a specific attraction or, perhaps, the nearest pharmacy. Google Maps is the most popular free app that works great in most countries around the world, but there are plenty of other options.
Currency exchange
Unless you’re travelling from one EU country to another, you will have to manage the local currency. Having a currency converter app, like XE Currency, is super handy, as you can quickly type in the prices and know whether or not they’re within your budget. Even better, you may also open one of the quick and easy borderless banking accounts, such as Revolut or Wise. These allow you to convert and hold money in various different currencies, with exchange rates typically being much more competitive than physical cash exchange outlets.
Translator apps
To overcome the language barrier in a foreign country, having a translation app readily available on your phone is incredibly convenient. Again, there are many different options available, with Google Translate being the most popular free app. It doesn’t just let you type in foreign words for translation, but also take pictures of text as well as use the “conversation” more for spoken translations. You can even download language packs for offline use, meaning you can use Google Translate when there is no signal or if you want to disconnect from the online world.
Google Lens
Another popular Google-owned app, Lens is a visual search tool that can enhance your experience in a surprising way. When visiting new landscapes, it’s an opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna. For example, when you spot a flower or bird that you’ve never seen before, or encounter an interesting landmark. Google Lense allows you to simply point your camera at that thing, quickly identifying what it is and providing context or facts around it. It’s like having a nature expert or a historian readily available in your pocket!
Travelling smarter
It is always encouraged to treat your walking holiday as a digital detox, leaving your smartphone in the backpack. However, while that is certainly true, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t utilise the powerful tools which will make your time there easier, safer and more convenient.
