The Best Travel Apps

Let’s face it, technology has changed the way we live, work, and travel. While there’s an app for just about anything, for every useful app there are a dozen or more not-so-useful ones, simply taking up space on your phone for no good reason. Before you embark on your next trip, consider downloading these (actually useful!) best travel apps, developed by the experts like mobile apps sydney experts, to help make your planning and the journey itself run smoothly.

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Packpoint

Travelers who hate packing, rejoice! Packpoint takes the guesswork out of packing and shows you what to bring based on the length of your journey, the weather in your destination, and the activities you have planned.

Lounge Buddy

Regardless of which airline or class you’re flying, Lounge Buddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world. When you enter your trip details, the app advises which lounges you have access to based on the airports you pass through, and how to purchase access if you don’t have it already.

Timeshifter

Traveling through different time zones? Timeshifter will help you avoid jet lag long before you take off, as well as offer in-flight and post-flight suggestions. The app itself relies on neuroscience and circadian rhythm research and creates a personalized plan for you based on your age, gender, sleep patterns, and specifics surrounding your travel plans.

Calm

One of the most popular meditation and sleep apps on the market. Calm offers an array of themed meditations, sleep stories, and music. Meditation topics run the gamut and include self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels, and happiness.

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XE Currency Converter

The XE Currency Converter app will keep you from getting swindled on those exchange rates the next time you’re abroad! Providing live up-to-the-minute rates that you can store and view off-line. You’ll be glad you had this techy travel companion to keep track of your funds.

Google Translate

Easy to use and navigate, Google Translate allows users to translate over 100 languages while typing. You can access 59 languages off-line, and translate bilingual conversations into over 70 languages. It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s convenient for travelers who want to get around and communicate with those around them.

TripWhistle

Safety is paramount when traveling, and TripWhistle is built around just that. Users can map their location to send to loved ones, along with GPS coordinates. TripWhistle also offers emergency numbers for firefighters, police, and medical personnel in over 200 countries. Don’t forget, 911 is just for North America.

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Explore The Beaches Of Antigua

There are 365 beaches in Antigua, you can choose one for each day of the year. Antigua’s coastline is 95 miles of superb Caribbean beaches. The islands are known best for their friendly and welcoming people. Pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and the most enjoyable climate in the world are waiting for you.

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The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are the perfect place for your romantic beach escape. A place for dream weddings and honeymoons. A selection of hotels provides the perfect romantic setting for couples looking to celebrate. One of the top 25 resorts in the Caribbean as voted by Conde Nast Traveler, is Galley Bay Resort. Three romantic open-air restaurants and lounges will welcome you. Live entertainment, cocktail parties, and barbecues will fill your evenings. There are complimentary watersports and optional excursions. Relax by the dramatic cascading waterfall and swimming pool. There are jogging trails, bicycles, and tennis courts for the more energetic guests. Relax at the spa in serene gardens overlooking the calming waters of a natural lagoon.

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You will find a new era of luxury at Hammock Cove Antigua. Hammock Cove Antigua features 42 villas with a focus on gastronomy and personalized service. Entering your villa, you will be greeted by vast views of the ocean. Each villa features a plunge pool, modern amenities, and a contemporary design. The Executive Chef brings a Michelin-starred experience to both classic and creative dishes at the resort’s two restaurants.

To start planning your visit to explore the beaches of Antigua, reach out to me to find your place in the sun

Tips For A Terrific First Trip To Ireland

Have you been to Ireland? Is it on your bucket list? Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit. Having been to Ireland many times, and helping clients experience this magical place, below are some of my expert tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland.

You’ve put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It’s finally time to take that trip to Ireland! I applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin’s Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make for a more enjoyable trip.

Tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland
The perfect country for a road trip

Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right; it takes some getting used to and is not for everyone. Also, in light of my recent experience, I firmly advocate using a mapping site like https://layermap.com/map-layer-index to explore the UK’s hidden gems. While travel guides and popular blogs often highlight major attractions, they frequently overlook the quaint, lesser-known spots that can truly enrich your journey. Remember, it’s not just about the big cities; the UK’s charm lies equally in its charming villages, historic sites, and stunning landscapes.

Tax-Free Shopping

All those goodies you’ll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That’s right, travelers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Ireland. Make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card prior to your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on your purchases.

Differing Currencies

And while we’re on the topic of shopping, it’s important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro.

Dress Appropriately

Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you’re traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season’s days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a few hours. But during summer, the sunsets as late as 10 p.m. Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and you should be just fine.

Public Transportation Pointers

The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey. So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers. If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful

If you plan to visit the country’s many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.

So now that you have the tips to a successful Ireland trip, be sure to call or email me to help you plan your trip. As an Ireland destination specialist, I will help you plan your custom itinerary, and have more tips and tricks to make your first trip to Ireland one that you will never forget.