When we’re packing for a trip, our most precious cargo can often be the apps we download before departing. (Right after our lucky socks, of course.) These apps take on added importance, helping navigate challenges whether we’re traveling domestically or abroad.

We’ve taken the time to research and break down a selection of travel apps that can help make your trip more enjoyable.

So, double check that you have those socks, charge up your smart phone, and read on…

The High I.Q. Download: Allyz® TravelSmart

By now, it’s become a no-brainer: a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance is the best way to protect your trip investment (And you can find your right-fit plan right here). But why stop there when the free Allyz TravelSmart app can make your travel insurance plan work harder — and, yes — smarter. By downloading Allyz TravelSmart, you’re able to access your policy, claims, itinerary, and more at a glance. But that’s not all. When travelling, you always want to have a Plan B. Allyz TravelSmart does the heavy lifting here, providing resources including 24-hour hotline assistance, the ability to find nearby medical facilities in a pinch, and one-touch access to local emergency services.¹

‘Look Merchant, No Hands!’ Apple Pay, Google Pay & PayPal

There are no shortage of payment apps, from Venmo to Facebook Pay and the Cash App.

But those offering contactless payment capability, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are becoming the go-to option. With the ability to make payments by simply touching your phone on or near a merchant’s reader, along with the push of a button (or other steps depending on security preferences), you won’t need to sanitize after every transaction. Simply save your preferred payment method into the app and you’re good to go. (Note that Apple Pay only works on iOS devices, while Google Pay works on Android and iOS devices).^{2, 3}

While you can also use these apps to split bills with travel companions, PayPal is another solid option to download before your trip gets underway. With top-shelf encryption and the ability to make domestic and foreign transactions, it’s a dependable choice wherever your travels bring you. With a PayPal Key, you can even use your account anywhere cards are accepted online.⁴

The Last-Minute Fun Finder: HotelTonight

There’s a big downside to planning a trip a few weeks or even days out vs. a few months out: availability. And it’s not just the challenge of finding available flights, train tickets, and accommodations — it’s that they can cost more when you’re booking a trip at the 11^th hour. The HotelTonight app specializes in helping you find exclusive rates on rooms spanning the globe. So, before you dismiss the idea of escaping for the weekend, take a gander at HotelTonight’s cut-rate deals.⁵

Your New Favorite Road Trip Jam: Just Ahead

If the journey is the destination, then the soundtrack is your tour guide. Just Ahead pushes pause on your Journey mix tape to unleash actual audio tours — synced up to follow and narrate your adventures in real time. Take, for example, this scenario: you’re piloting your RV through Yellow Stone National Park. And you’re curious — what’s that rock formation? Where’s the best place around here to view the sunset? And is that an elk or a moose? Just Ahead provides relevant, compelling, and expert-produced content to narrate your trips so that you arrive more informed and entertainmed. After a free trial period, guides range from $7.99 to $9.99 each.⁶

As travel presents unique challenges, apps emerge to bridge the gaps and fill the needs. Simply knowing what these apps are and taking a moment to download them can go a long way toward making your next journey as exciting or relaxing as you want it to be.

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