While in the past you may have had to bring a guidebook, paperback books, a walkman, a dictionary, and a watch with you on any trip—these days you can leave all those things at home and just bring along one endlessly useful tool: the smartphone. Let’s be honest, we could barely get around without them. So here are three apps you can download to your phone that will make your trips that much smoother.
Timeshifter
There’s no better way for a trip to be ruined than for you to be so jet-lagged you can’t keep your eyes open during the day. That’s where Timeshifter comes in. This app uses the latest science about circadian rhythms as well as data about you and your destination to help you avoid jet lag by timing your sleep, light exposure, and supplements.
Google Translate
Not sure how to say something in the local language? No problem; Google does. It even has camera translation and two-way instant speech translation for over 30 languages.
Google Maps
Google Maps does more than just stop you from getting lost in a foreign country. It also helps you find your way to restaurants, bars, and stores—offering reviews so you know what you’re getting yourself into.