Traveling in 2010 has gotten easier with the increase in applications now available through smartphones. With over 200 travel related applications available for download in BlackBerry’s App World, BlackBerry’s official application store, there are many applications to choose from. Weather traveling for business or pleasure, this list captures both the most versatile and user friendly applications available to fit your traveling needs.

Lodging

HRS Hotel Organizer
Hotel bookings are made simple with HRS Hotel Organizer. HRS’s network includes 250,000 hotels globally. Search for hotels by location, availability and current rates, and then review the facilities through photos and critiques made by past guests. Free of charge online bookings can be made directly through this application and a confirmation will be sent to you by text or email. Once confirmed, these hotel plans can be added to your phone’s calendar. For your convenience, HRS tracks your past hotel stays for easy repeat booking. It should be noted that some reservations will require credit card information, however many hotels do not require it and have no cancellation fee, even on the schedule day of arrival.

Price: Free
Restrictions: Not available on all BB devices and requires an internet connection.

WorldMate Live
With so much to keep track of while traveling, wouldn’t it be nice if all of those things could come together in one nifty application? WorldMate Live takes care of most traveling related needs. WorldMate takes the fuss out of travel plans by creating travel itineraries as well as allowing users to sync their calendars with email, hotel bookings, and flight and rental car information. WorldMate Live also includes world clocks and maps, its own social networking platform, currency convertors, mobile hotel bookings, weather forecasts and real-time flight updates. Aside from all of these useful tools, WorldMate Live is also compatible with navigation applications such as TeleNav Navigator for easy to follow directions and street maps.

Price: Free version and Gold version: $11.95 per month; $99.95 a year

Translator

Translation Software by Transclick
There are several translators available, with the key difference being whether they are language specific or offer multiple languages. Language specific translators are generally superior as they have more comprehensive databases. That being said, this translator by Transclick is the ultimate companion for the international business traveler because it features 16 languages and specialized dictionaries to translate industry terms.
Price: $10

Restaurants:

Urbanspoon

Being in a new city can make going out to eat difficult, after all, what’s good? Urbanspoon uses GPS and user ratings to narrow the restaurant search. Either see all that is available locally or select a location, cuisine and price point to filter the results. Search results will include ratings and reviews from other Urbanspoon users, blogs and newspaper critics.
Feeling lucky? Try the Urbanspoon slot machine and the app will pick a restaurant for you. If you’re unhappy with the spin, keep spinning until satisfied.

Price: Free
Restrictions: Not available on older BB models but can be found via the web on Urbanspoon.com. Currently displays restaurants only in the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK.

OpenTable
Making reservations is a snap with OpenTable. OpenTable’s network is comprised of 10,000 restaurants throughout the USA, Canada and the U.K. Aside from making a reservation, this application allows users to make special requests for the Maitre D’. This free reservation service has search capabilities by size of party, price, cuisine, date and locale. Once reservations have been made, users can send email reminders or invitations to their guests. OpenTable repeat users accumulate Dining Rewards Points which are redeemable for Dining Cheques usable at any OpenTable supported restaurant.

Price: Free

Transportation

Taxi Magic
Exploring a new city and in need of a cab? Instead of wasting time trying to hail a cab, TaxiMagic connects users directly with local taxi company’s dispatch systems. This application has easy credit card payment options and receipt features. If the system is unable to connect to a taxi company’s dispatch center, it will provide phone numbers of companies in the area.
Taxi Magic will also give real-time updates with taxi location and estimated arrival time.

Price: Free
Restrictions: This helpful app is currently available only within the continental US.

TeleNav Navigator

Forget about bringing your GPS with you, TeleNav Navigator is all you need. This application uses the GPS navigation in your phone to provide oral directions while providing maps which update both travel progress and traffic reports. TeleNav will reroute your course in the event of missing an exit or traffic delays.

Can’t look down at the BB to edit your trip? Not a problem, TeleNav has speech recognition software that allows users to say streets or the names of businesses to create a route.
*This application is compatible with WorldMate Live

Price: $9.99 per month after 14 day free trial.
Restrictions: There are several versions of this application dependent on BlackBerry Model

Tracking Expenses

Exgis Time and Expense Lite
Regardless if you’re a business traveler or a student backpacker, keeping track of time or expenses is not an enjoyable part of any trip, but it can be easier. The Exgis Time and Expense Lite application functions like a spreadsheet which permits documenting expenses while on the go. The expense form has a pull down category list which includes date, location, client, notes and project. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Adding your own category is easy and can be reused in the future. The list can then be saved, exported as a .csv file and emailed. Please note there are several versions of this program that may better suit your needs.
Price: $10

Personal Assistant
Who doesn’t want a personal assistant? The Personal Assistant app keeps track of various online accounts such as credit cards, bank accounts, flights, bills, and even your Netflix queue. From investments to phone bills to how much you’ve charged on your Nordstrom’s card, Personal Assistant conveniently shows this information while you’re away from your desk.

Price: Free, upgrade to Personal Assistant Premium (Currently on sale: $2.99) and have unlimited accounts and real-time flight updates.

Citations:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/179132/best_exgis_time_and_expense_lite.htmlhttp://www.wirelessandmobilenews.com/2009/04/best_free_travel_blackberry_storm_apps_from_blackberry_app_world.html
http://www.blackberrycool.com/2009/02/25/how-to-travel-effectively-with-your-blackberry/http://www.cio.com/article/497717/20_Best_BlackBerry_iPhone_Apps_for_Summer_Travel?page=3#slideshow

Exploring all San Francisco has to offer is a thrill in itself. From outstanding restaurants to a developed arts and music scene, there is quite a bit to experience.; Whether you are a lifelong resident of the city or a newcomer, there is always a new restaurant, club or gallery ready for your discovery. With a city that is in constant flux, sometimes a list of places that are tried and true local favorites that will not let you down is appreciated. Below is a thematically organized list of places that locals hold dear to their hearts and will quickly steal yours as well. ;;

Drinks:

The Church Key
1402 Grant Ave (between Green St & Union St) Neighborhood: North Beach
(415) 963-1713

If you’re looking to have a nice glass of wine, you’ve come to the wrong place as this is easily a Beer Mecca. Church Key is slang for beer can opener, and with that name it comes as no surprise that when it comes to beer this place means business. The staff is friendly, so if you’re overwhelmed by your beer options or want some guidance on tasting new brews, the bartenders are knowledgeable and will help you find one to suit your tastes.

Known For: Beer Menu, but be warned, the “mystery beer” is PBR and parking is scarce, public transit is advised.

Top of the Mark
1 Nob Hill (between Mason St & Pine St) Neighborhood: Nob Hill
For Reservations: (888) 424-6835 (Recommended)

This bar is at the top of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, and offers some of the best views of the city. With 100 martinis to choose from, a house piano player that will make you want to dance and gorgeous views of the financial district, you can expect a lovely evening at Top of the Mark. Although Top of the Mark attracts tourists, a fantastic view and great martini is appreciated by locals as well.

Known For: Excellent views of the city and martini men.

Restaurants:

El Metate
2406 Bryant St (between 22nd St & 23rd St) Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 641-7209

This place is slightly off the beaten path, and always has a line out the door, but sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for and in this case, that saying is right on. The food and ambiance will make you think you’re in a taquería in Mexico rather than in San Francisco.

Known For: Chile Verde Pork Tamales and Horchata, a rice and cinnamon drink that tastes more like a dessert than a drink.

Caffeine Fix:

Blue Bottle Coffee
315 Linden St (between Gough St & Octavia St) Neighborhood: Several Locations
(415) 252-7535

Skip corporate coffee and explore the wonders of artisan coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee. There are several locations including at the top of SFMOMA which is perfect for a break from the museum, but the best place to experience Blue Bottle coffee is at their original location in Hayes Valley. Hipster as it may feel to have coffee in a roll-up garage door shop which requires you wait in an alley if the line is long, your taste buds will thank you. The Mondrian cake will make you want to stay, and skip taking your coffee to go.

Known For: Artisan Coffee

Culture + Food + Drink:

111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Street (A few blocks from SF Museum of Modern Art) Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 974-1719

To be clear, this is an art gallery, however Monday nights from 5:00 to 10:30pm you can enjoy EAT with Tommy Halverson, the executive chef at the Phoenix Supper Club. EAT features a rotating menu, art and music scene that is worth frequently checking on. There is even a blog devoted entirely to EAT.

It should be noted that EAT is cash only.

Known For: Art and music mélange.

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
Golden Gate Park
(415) 379-8000

Every Thursday from 6:00 – 10:00pm, the Academy comes to life for the 21+ crowd with musical and theater performances. Cocktails and food plus the ability to dance and explore the innards of the Academy makes this a must see for locals and tourists.

Tip: The Rain Forest room closes on the earlier side (7:30pm) so be sure to head there first.

Price: Tickets are $12 for non-members with last entry at 9:00pm. NightLife VIP tickets are available for $59/person and provide express entry into NightLife and a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s collection with an open bar beforehand.

Known For: A cool place to explore both the sciences and their drink menu.

General Art Tip: Many San Francisco galleries are open late (5:30-7:30pm) and for free on the first Thursday of the month. 49 Geary Street building is where most galleries are located and is considered the hub of it all, but other downtown galleries are also involved. For a map of all of the participating in First Thursday visit: http://www.firstthursdayart.com/

Music:

222 Hyde;
222 Hyde St (between Turk St & Eddy St) Neighborhood: Tenderloin
(415) 345-8222

If delicious pizzas, a killer sound system, and tasty drinks are on your criterion for a good night out, 222 Hyde is a must. Described as a place where DJs experiment with great electronic music, this is a favorite spot in the Tenderloin.

Known For: 2nd and 4th Fridays feature “Lights Down Low” and the first Tuesday of each month features Auralism Records’ monthly event famous for its house beats.
*Closed Mondays

Travel experts can slip on their tongues too. There is a lot of good travel advice on the Internet, but there are also plenty of boneheaded tips that leave you wondering what these people could have been thinking. Like any other kind of tip, travel advice needs to be taken with a grain of salt, and maybe a nip of tequila and lemon too. Always go by your instinct. If a travel tip sounds like bunk, it probably is. Use your head. You may not travel all the time, but you are an expert on what you desire out of a vacation. Here are some dumb tips for travelers in 2009. Don’t follow them blindly.

“When you eat at a buffet, skip the items at the front and head to the end. The cheap food is always up front, where you fill up your plate first. Owners save the best food for the end so you reach it will a full plate.”

That may be great advice for a heart attack or a gut to pack home, but it’s horribly unhealthy. Cheaper items may be at the front of the line, but these are also often the healthiest items like salad fixings and vegetable soups. Instead of trying to get as much food value as you can out of a buffet, eat what you most enjoy. You can be completely satisfied without taking out your calculator and estimating the cost of the meal against what you actually paid. You are there to enjoy yourself. Eat what you like and what’s good for you.

“Taking a cruise is a smart way to control a budget. You’ll know the cost of the trip in advance, and your major expenses will be covered in one rate.”

What kind of planet are these people on? When you go on a cruise, the finer things such as drinks, extra activities such as the gym and shore excursions, and many of the luxuries that are the reasons people take cruises in the first place cost extra. The finer things in life you’ll get charged extra for, just like the real world. Unless you plan on never leaving your cabin, you’re going to pay extra. If you want to save money, try camping at a state park. Cruises are vacations designed for those who are prepared to spend.

"Consider purchasing Goodnites that protect kids from accidents but are more underwear like. You can even get them for kids over 125 pounds. Any kid you travel with should wear them as they save hotel beds, car seats and restaurant chairs.”

Would you wear a diaper on vacation, especially if you are 10? Kids hate being degraded just like the rest of us, and most come potty trained after the first few years. Why doesn’t the whole family just pack catheters to avoid having to ask where the bathroom is in French? These kinds of tips are downright ridiculous when you say them out loud.

“For cruises, always choose one that’s the last to sail in a particular region because the souvenirs are on sale.”

Sure, why not book a cruise that costs thousands of dollars so you can save 75% on t-shirts and cheap plastic mugs? In fact, why not just skip the cruise and hit the thrift store? You can find most of that stuff much cheaper at the Goodwill, and it will only cost you 35 cents. Most people make decisions on which cruise to go on based on the luxurious accommodations, not the cheap prices on souvenirs.

It’s natural to be paranoid about using long term airport parking. Aside from your home, your car may very well be your most valuable possession. Leaving it in a public place where you don’t know the security, light issues and public access can breed doubt. Especially, when you are thousands of miles away from your vehicle with no way to check up and little power to do something if a problem develops. Lighting and security issues can vary dramatically from airport to airport.

There are things you can do that will make your vehicle more secure, ease your worries, and make your travelling more enjoyable. Here are a few tips for preparing your car for long-term airport parking.

Clear Out Your Car

Most people assume that airport parking is safe due to the security provided, but this does not guarantee against theft. The biggest danger to getting your car broken into is temptation. Make it worth their while, and somebody will find a big enough rock. Remove all belongings from your car, even those items that don’t seem to be of much value. A desperate enough individual will cause hundreds of dollars of damage to your window for a handful of change. Stash your radio and other equipment under the seat so it’s out of sight. A clean car deters potential thieves. Don’t tempt fate.

Clean out old parking stubs and receipts

The last thing you want to do is lose your airport parking pass in a clutter of trash and old receipts. Airport staff may not be very forgiving if you hand over a receipt covered in trash or it’s just thrown on the dash in a pile of other receipts. Keeping your car clean will make getting your car that much easier at the end of a big trip.

Throw out any trash

Remember your car will be in the parking lot for a while. Fast food wrappers may be ok now, but they can be downright smelly when they’ve been sitting for a few weeks. They’ll stink up your car, making that drive home very unpleasant.

Thieves aren’t always after valuables, but also your financial information. Mail, bills and paystubs may lead a trail right back to your financial vault. Most likely, you won’t know the crime has happened until you look at your credit report and find debt that doesn’t belong to you.

Fully inflate tires

Make sure your tires are fully inflated. If your car is going to sit around for a while, the air pressure will naturally go down. Finding flat or underinflated tires is the last thing you want to deal with. Even the slowest leak will leave you with a flat tire and yet another hassle to deal with when you just want to go home.

Stock an ice scraper

If you travel in the winter, you may return to your car covered in glaciers of ice. You’ll need to chip it out, so make sure your ice scraper is in good condition and easy to access.

We’ve all heard the clichés about why travel is good. Due to this, we often take the benefits of travel for granted. Everyone knows travel broadens cultural horizons, as it’s hard to be xenophobic when you’ve seen what different cultures offer. It’s obvious you’ll meet people and you’ll clearly experience new worlds. These reasons to travel are so bland they’ll put you to sleep. Yet there are so many other benefits that are less obvious; you really don’t discover them until you’ve experienced frequent travel yourself. For a little inspiration to pack your suitcase, here are 5 of the less obvious reasons why travel is good for you.

(Image Source) 

Travel makes you more employable

Don’t let anyone ever tell you that travel is simply pointless wandering for lazy bums, avoiding the real working world. Actually, travel can really open up your world to new employment possibilities and, furthermore, teaches you important career skill sets. Backpacking, for example, gets you to think on your feet. You learn key skills you’ll need for any job, such as planning, problem solving, communication and creative ingenuity. You are also likely to make important contacts in the world that can offer employment opportunities. Thanks to the Internet, employment is no longer limited to one locale. Seeing the world gives you important contacts that can lead to a more satisfying career.

Find happiness at home

Sometimes you have to leave home to realize how good your home really is. Living in a hotel and experiencing new people makes you appreciate what you have in your own living room or backyard. We can tend to get a sense of cabin fever if we are in one place too long. Get out, and you’ll be much happier when you come home again. Travel offers a fresh perspective to kill the boredom of typical surroundings.

Strengthens developing relationships

What doesn’t break you will make you stronger. When you travel with a significant other, there’s a bond that develops because you’re in it together. You share adventures, laughter and challenges as a pair, and that can really improve a relationship. Granted, there’s always a chance you’ll grow not to be able to stand each other, but that really just serves as a nice weeding mechanism. It’s better to know you can’t stand a boyfriend or girlfriend after a month in India, than after 30 years of a boring, pointless marriage that slowly saps your soul.

Travel is therapeutic

When you are dealing with trauma, grief or other difficulties in life, travel offers a great way to gain perspective. It takes us out of our shells so we can grow new wings. You step out of your problems and get away so you truly think. When you come back, your problems will still be there, but they’ll look different, smaller, and more surmountable.

Journalist Elizabeth Gilbert describes a beautiful transformation she achieved in her book, “Eat, Pray, Love.” Following a devastating divorce, Gilbert decided to travel to Italy, India and Malaysia in the span of a few short months. She learned to enjoy life through the wonderful flavors of food in Italy, found peace through meditating with a guru in an Ashram in India, and discovered new spiritual wisdom studying with a medicine holy man in Malaysia. Her travel taught her to live, laugh and find spiritual peace that she could never have found in her backyard.

Travel teaches independence

There’s nothing like hitting the world on your own and finding your own independence. We’re actually capable of doing much more than we give ourselves credit for. When we step out of the bubble we’ve always lived, we realize our own potential and confidence. Find yourself by leaving the world you’ve always known. The earth is enormous, find your place on it by experiencing all it has to offer.