With the hugely-popular, top-rated Skyscanner app now available to BlackBerry users, we thought we’d check out some of the best free travel apps out there on Blackberry. Here are our top ten, in no particular order. Drum roll please….
1. Travel Safe with Eyewatch
This app takes the worry out of travelling alone by turning your phone into a GPS tracking panic button. Once installed, it sits on your menu ready. When needed, it silently starts to record your location, records five minutes of audio and takes a series of pictures then texts and emails two pre-agreed contacts with the information. Very fast and very easy to install and use, it’s a must-have for people travelling alone across the world.
2. Poynt
Ever sat staring blankly at your partner in an unfamiliar city wondering what to do next? Wonder no more! Poynt comes free with a basic BlackBerry and can help any ‘what to do?’ dilemma. Once you have chosen one of the five options (movies, events, restaurants, business or map), it uses GPS to suggest where to go in your area. You can share, save and even call your chosen venue.
3. Tripit
By synchronising your Gmail or Gapps account (or emailing itineraries from an alternative email if you do not have a Gmail account), Tripit creates an easy to use itinerary handler. Ideal for a multi-destination traveller, it keeps all information in one application. While this will not replace your need to carry tickets, it gives you an easy way of viewing all your immediate trips at the click of a button. No excuses for missing flights now!
4. Navita Translator
Designed specifically for BlackBerry, this translator is quick and easy to install and use. Just type in what you need to be translated, select ‘from and to’ in languages and hit ‘translate’. You can play back your finished translation too! Even if you think you know your stuff, this app is handy to have for those ‘how to order a beer’ moments.
5. Google maps
An obvious one, but very useful nonetheless. You can select your departure point (GPS will pick this up if it’s where you are standing – just select ‘My Location’), destination and your mode of transport, whether it be walking, public transport or by driving. The app works in the same way as the desktop version – it gives you a list of directions as well as a visual map where (unlike the desktop version) you can track your progress.
6. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is great if not everyone you know owns a BlackBerry! This messenger will work on iPhone, Android and Nokia. It works in the same way as BBM but it is, of course, cross-platform. Sending pictures, videos and other multimedia is just as easy with this app: you can have group conversations and there are no international charges meaning you can keep in touch with folk back home for free!
7. Photo Studio
Photo studio lets you take and edit photos on the go without lugging a heavy camera about. You can change the brightness and contrast, crop and apply filters and frames. You can also create artwork from your chosen photo by changing the colours completely. Share through BBM, Facebook and any other applications on your BlackBerry. This is the ultimate app for any wannabe photographers or just someone who loves to share their travels!
8. Bill Calculator
Does what it says on the tin. Calculates your bill (including tax and tip) and splits it between the numbers of diners who are in attendance. This makes travelling and eating with other people a lot easier if you want to keep money issues out of the equation.
9. Foursquare
This app is like Facebook for destinations. You ‘check in’ to places whether it is a country, city or café, earning points for doing so. Get tips from other users about specific places, add and invite friends and share your activity on Facebook, Twitter and BBM. It is a great way of documenting your progress, keeping in touch with friends and family, and getting real reviews from real people.
10. Skyscanner
The Skyscanner app, out now on BlackBerry (and other mobile platforms) makes it possible to find the cheapest flightswhen away from your desk. Ideal for off the cuff travel inspiration whether you are travelling all over the world or just deciding to visit Edinburgh for the weekend. This app is fast, easy to use, and free!
