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