Smartphones have become an indispensable device for the traveller. Whether you’re a corporate traveller or a tourist, this small device allows you to access unlimited information to aid you in navigating and experiencing a new city.

We’ve collated what we think are the top seven apps that you should download and install on your smartphone. Here they are:

Dcovery Place Finder

We always advise travelers to make preparations before their trip. The Place Finder browser extension from Dcovery is the perfect aid to your travel research. This nifty travel extension will get all of the places or landmarks mentioned in articles and web pages. You can then categorize the information, add photos, maps and directions. After you’ve done this you can sync the information you’ve compiled to your iPhone. The phone app transforms that information into a personal travel guide that you’ve made yourself. If you're going to book with us at Boutique London Lets, you should be aware that there are a lot of attractions near all of our apartments. So keep that in mind when doing pre-departure research and add these attractions your Place Finder travel guide.

ICE: In Case of Emergency

Not many people know about the concept of ICE or “In Case of Emergency”. ICE is a safety note that you place inside your phone that other people can read. In the event of an emergency or an accident, the ICE information will provide contact numbers, specific medical instructions (if you need any) and other important data needed in case something bad happens to you on your trip. The app can be accessed by anyone even if your phone is locked; and the phone will remain locked. Only the ICE app can be accessed. This is one safety-related app everyone should install.

Travel App Box

The Travel App Box has been called the “Swiss Army Knife” of travel apps and with good reason. The main app is basically a tool box filled with various apps that will be useful for any traveler. A currency converter, a flight tracker, and a tip calculator are just some of the extremely useful utilities you can find inside this app. You’ll also get access to various offline maps, as well as public transportation guides in over 40 cities all around the world, which is quite handy if you’re in an area that doesn’t have WiFi or you’re not using a 3G service while on tour.

Skype

The hugely popular internet messaging and video-calling service is the perfect messaging app to bring with you when you’re traveling. You’ll be able to send and receive free messages and calls from other Skype users. You and your family won’t ever need to make an expensive phone call to talk to each other. You just need to “skype” each other.

Google Translate

A translation app should always be installed on any traveler’s smartphone. While there are many translation apps out there, Google Translate remains one of the best mainly because it really works and it’s completely free. Using Google Translate is easy, all you need to do is to write or speak the phrase you want to translate and the app will do it for you.

Packing Pro

Packing stuff for your trip can be quite stressful because there’s always the huge possibility you’ll forget something really important. Packing Pro helps eliminate that problem by allowing you to create your personal packing list. If you’re not sure about what exactly to bring then you can access the individual templates that are in the app. There’s a template for family, business, men, women, and camping, among others. There are even various preset reminders that will alert you on what you need to do like locking up your valuables, packing your phone charger, or buying travel insurance.

Postagram

Gone are the days when we’d receive postcards from family, relatives or friends who are traveling. But you can bring that tradition back with Postagram – this time with a twist. Using the Postagram app, you can take a photo with your smartphone, or choose photos from your Instagram or Facebook accounts. Input a short message and enter the address of the person you want to send it to and a personalized postcard will arrive in your recipient’s mailbox  a few days later. This is a cool way of telling people about your travel experiences and do it in an extremely personalized way. The app is free butpostcards cost 99 cents each for US delivery and $1.99 for international addresses.

 By: Derek Gallimore