4 apps you should download before your next holiday

Although holidays are great fun, they also entail a bit of stress. You’ve got to plan and pack well before you go, as well as ahead of any days out. Throw in a foreign language and different transport links and some people struggle to relax while abroad.

To minimise any stress and ensure you enjoy your holiday, we’ve suggested four apps you should download. They’ll complete simple tasks for you so you’ve got less to worry about.

1. A currency converter

Before you go on holiday, you’ll probably have set yourself a travel budget. No-one likes to spend more than they have to and everyone loves the feeling of grabbing a good deal. On holiday, this usually involves a bit of haggling – in fact, 55% of travellers prefer to haggle on holiday. However, to make sure you know you’re getting a good price download a currency converter to quickly do the maths for you.

The popular choice for travellers is XE Currency, with over 20 million downloads since its launch and the ability to convert every world currency.

2. Google Goggles

Everyone enjoys a bit of sightseeing on holiday, but organised group tours aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. A lot of people would rather go it alone, and at their own pace. Luckily, by downloading Google Goggles, you won’t miss out on any of the fascinating facts about local landmarks.

All you’ve got to do is take pictures of whatever it is you’d like to know more about, and Google will provide all the information you need. What’s more, it can also read text in many different languages – so you’ll still get the details, even if you can’t understand the sign you’re pointing it at. Users have called the app “revolutionary” and full of “amazing technology”, although admitting it still needs a bit more work. Test it out for yourself to see if you enjoy using it.

3. Citymapper

The point of downloading apps for your holiday isn’t about filling your smartphone with gimmicky tricks, it’s about tools you’ll actually use. Top of The Guardian’s user-friendly travel apps is Citymapper. It will help you get around in loads of the world’s cities, with real-time updates on how long your journey will take you on different forms of transport and estimated costs. You’ll use it time and time again.

4. A translation tool or language learning guide

To be a holiday-goer all locals love, you should give the local language a go. Rather than relying on the assumption everyone will speak enough English to understand you, download a language learning app like Duolingo to learn some key phases before you go.

Alternatively, a simple translation tool will give you enough to practise some conversation at the local shop or restaurant. You might feel silly, but people appreciate the effort. Who knows, you might just pick up a new skill.

Have you downloaded any useful travel apps? Share your recommendations with us.