Travelling has never been easier, with apps for everything from weather reports to transport now available for your smartphone. Here’s a list of some excellent apps to help you plan your holiday – and they'll also help you make the most of it once you’re there.
TripAdvisor
Top of the list is undoubtedly TripAdvisor. Hotels, restaurants and destinations around the globe are rated by holidaymakers like you.
Not only is it a great way of finding out more about a venue, you can also see how management responds to an issue and get tips from other guests on what to do once you're there.
Use this app to research your destination and hotels with maps, photos and reviews. Download TripAdvisor »
AirBnB
AirBnB has taken the travel world by storm, with people opening up their homes to travellers around the globe. You can search for shared accommodation, a private room in a shared space or an entire private space.
The long list of search filters adds details such as a kitchen, washing machine, child-friendly facilities, Wi-Fi, air con and more to help you find the perfect spot for a self-catering holiday.
The bonus is that you will often get an insider’s view into a destination and a feeling of how real people live in a city – this is ideal if you want an authentic experience by staying in someone’s home rather than staying in a hotel. Download AirBnB »
VoiceMap
Once you’ve decided on your destination, there are some wonderful apps that will help you make the most of your time there. VoiceMap is an app that was designed by two South African entrepreneurs, and it takes tourists on a charming guided journey through various sightseeing spots.
Download the app and use it offline to save on data: listen to the narrator, who can be a local living there, a journalist, a novelist or tour guide sharing fascinating stories of the area. The interactive maps keep you on the right track.
Explore street art in Woodstock, Cape Town, walk to the southernmost tip of Africa in the Overberg, or experience Braamfontein in Jozi. International destinations include cities all over the world from Sydney to Buenos Aires, London to Hong Kong. Download VoiceMap »
Madiba's Journey
A must for local and international tourists alike is Madiba’s Journey. This interactive app is GPS enabled, and shares fascinating information on 27 attractions around the country that represent an important event or time in the life of Nelson Mandela.
From the Apartheid Museum to Robben Island, Constitution Hill to the Grand Parade, the sites are described through audio narration in the app, plus you'll also get a photo gallery, map, contact information and a customisable itinerary. Download Madiba's Journery»
Africa: Live
If you’re heading to the bush this summer, the Africa: Live app will be your new best friend – it's like having your own personal tour guide in your pocket.
Find and share wildlife sightings and your own game photos, search for specific animal sightings and even get expert field-ranger commentary.
Best of all, maps are used offline, as in some remote areas you may struggle to find a cellphone signal, let alone Wi-Fi. Download Africa: Live »
Note: While these apps are free to purchase in the app store, you will need data to download and use the app.You can buy data bundles and stay on top of your balances by logging in toMy Vodacom »
