Apple News, Analysis and Podcasts

 The iPhone is a great tool for traveling. It can replace a phone, camera, notebook, maps, and travel books, all in one small package. Traveling out of the country does present some problems since most iPhones are locked to a specific carrier. Yet, even with this disadvantage, the iPhone is the one device that travelers should always carry with them.

Apple's built-in iOS applications for the iPhone are some of the best tools for traveling. The maps tool is the best tool for finding one's way in a new place or when trying to find a specific location. Safari (Apple's Web browser), is still the best tool for looking up information while on the go. Having access to a browser while traveling allows users to use their time wisely to find information on locations they are visiting. Apple's clock application comes in very handy as a travel alarm clock. While these tools are great, adding tools from the App Store makes the iPhone a master multi-function device. Some of the top applications for traveling are:

AroundMe [Free]: AroundMe shows a list of things around the location of the iPhone based on a specific category. Users can find banks, ATMs, gas stations, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and many others. While the list is not always complete, it does show most of the things in a given category. Apple's Maps application does a better job of finding specific places, but if one does not know what to look for, this should be the first place to start. In-App purchases include an ad free version for $2.99. This is a must-have application for travelers.

GoodReader [$5.99]: GoodReader stores files for offline viewing. Travelers need to store information about the location they are going to, so they can retrieve it when they get there. In the past, paper was used to store that information, but this paper can get lost or destroyed while traveling. Paper can also take up a lot more space. With GoodReader, all that information can now be stored on the iPhone. Files can be synced with computers or most cloud based services. Many times, travelers don't have Internet access while traveling, so storing on the iPhone is a must. GoodReader is the best place to store location information while traveling.

Maplets [$2.99]: Maplets stores maps for offline viewing. With over 6000 maps available for download, it is one of the best places to find maps on a destination of choice. Cell coverage is not always available, so maps need to be viewable offline. Maplets does not have all the maps available, but it is the first place to look for maps. Some maps have location information, which allows users to see where they are on the map, a very nice feature. This application is a must as a great place to store maps for a trip.

TideGraph [$1.99]: TideGraph shows the tide table for a given location in the US. It uses harmonic predictions from thousands of US coastal stations for the tide table. This information is invaluable for users traveling to coastal areas. If one lives or is traveling to the coast, this applications is one to pick up.

There are many more great applications for travelers in the App Store. I use these four on a regular basis while traveling. These applications help to gather and organize information about one's destination, making the trip more enjoyable and relaxing. They can gather that information before the trip starts or during the trip for more spontaneous traveling. Either way, these are great applications to have on the iPhone while traveling.

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