Not so long ago, vacationers headed off on March Break with weighty travel guides and rumpled itineraries stuffed into their luggage. All that has changed in today's smartphone age.
Even diehard technophobes cannot help but be impressed by the breadth of travel apps that are available for smartphone and tablet devices. With thousands to choose from, consumers are harnessing these potent finds to create their own digital toolkits with speed and ease.
From booking flights to firming up reservations in cool restaurants, travel apps can make March Break holidays easier to plan and more affordable. But for those who haven't firmed up their travel plans yet, these six app essentials will get you on the road.
Packing Pro
Chosen as a finalist in the 2010 and 2011 Best App Ever Award competitions, Packing Pro has become an essential travel tool for a simple reason. It's designed to remember what to take on holiday in case you forget.
The app features a host of special functions, including to-do lists, packing list sorting and display options, weight and value totals, as well as collapsible categories with running item tallies.
The useful app is priced at C$2.99 and also offers customized device support for all iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad). Packing Pro is great pick for busy travellers planning a last-minute March Break getaway.
Expedia Hotels
Named one of the best apps of 2011, Expedia Hotels allows travellers to book March Break accommodations before they leave or while they're in transit.
Loaded with gorgeous, hi-resolution images of hotels, lobbies, rooms and pools, this handy app lets vacationers book accommodations at more than 130,000 hotels in 20,000 cities. For those en route to a destination, Expedia Hotels will also use GPS to find local lodging options and compare prices in the area.
The booking process is also easy and fast -- once you book your personal contact information is saved for faster future bookings. The app is a free download for to Android and iOS users.
TripIt
Keeping track of travel itineraries is often a major headache for travellers. TripIt eases that pain.
This helpful app can assemble a master trip itinerary for vacationers that can be accessed anywhere. Simply forward confirmation emails for flights, hotels and car rentals to a TripIt email address.
The app will automatically organize the information into a detailed travel summary, including confirmation codes. TripIt can also dial phone numbers found within your TripIt itinerary.
TripIt also features a social element as well -- link the service to your Facebook page to keep friends updated on your March Break vacation. TripIt is a free download for Android, BlackBerry, and iOS users.
Foodspotting
Unlike many restaurant apps that are available, Foodspotting is a picture-based reference guide to the most heavenly eateries around the world.
This free app works on a simple premise. Foodspotting's reviewers and ordinary diners from around the world photograph their orders, and then upload pictures accompanied by reviews.
The app also allows travellers to access guides from food and wine connoisseurs, such as the Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain. Available for Android, BlackBerry and iOS.
Google Translate
If you're heading overseas for March Break and only speak English, Google Translate is designed to help you navigate through airports, subways, restaurants or flea markets with confidence.
Supporting more than 50 languages, Google Translate lets vacationers speak or type phrases into their smartphones and translate on the spot.
Other features include dictionary definitions and support to save favourite translations for future reference. With this app, you'll never have to wonder what you're ordering on a menu again. Google Translate is available for only iOS and Android users.
HearPlanet Destination and Location Guides
If you're heading to a busy urban centre rather than a beach for March Break, make HearPlanet your own personal tour guide. Even if you've researched your destination thoroughly, HearPlanet offers details on local tourist attractions in thousands of cities.
Updated daily, this app treats the world like a self-guided museum tour, giving travellers the scoop on landmarks, historic sites and more. The full HearPlanet app is available for Android (C$2.99) and iOS (C$3.99) devices. There's also a free "lite" version for each, providing limited information.
AroundMe
Awarded a Best App Ever Award in 2009, AroundMe allows travellers to quickly find information about restaurants, hotels, gas stations, banks, bars and more in or near their destinations.
Available for free from the iTunes App Store, AroundMe instantly directs vacationers with great maps which can be emailed to friends and family members. AroundMe's "Nearby" listing also lets travellers find information using Wikipedia about what is in their vicinity. A fast, easy and accurate travel companion.
