Android Travel Necessities: Apps and Accessories for Trips

Trips abroad with no data

Band trips to the United States meant no data except at Wi-Fi hotspots. The author recommended:

• AC and DC chargers for long car rides.
• Cached maps and saved map points.
• Downloaded movies and books.
• Free calls over Wi-Fi with a voice app such as GrooveIP.

Calls and texts still work but are expensive. When Wi-Fi shows up, download what you can.

Camping with no reception

• Books and simple games, such as tic-tac-toe or a drawing app with a stylus, for children.
• A trickle charger for the car so the phone does not drain the battery. A solar charger the author tried added only about 10 percent in a full day of sun.
• A camera app, such as an HDR one, since there is more time to take photos.
• A cached map or photos of maps for hiking, and Endomondo or Tracks to record your route.
• Blogger to gather the memories.

Big city trips

There is plenty of reception but lots of walking, so battery life matters. Google Maps with a cached area gave directions, though constant GPS use drains the battery. The See Toronto and Schemer apps helped find things to do, and Poynt was another suggestion. Drivers could use Gas Buddy to find fuel.

Other ideas

Banking apps, hotel apps and flight apps can help, though the author prefers planning accommodation ahead.