We've got your travel worries sussed with these handy apps
Grab that smartphone and get ready for your smoothest trip yet...
At a glance
- Download a couple of apps to keep kids entertained on long journeys
- Having an app that translates will be handy in sticky situations
- Skype is great for keeping in contact with family back home
Baby Pack & Go Packing List, 69p
Keep the stress of packing for a baby at bay with this handy app from Red Box Productions.
It sets you up with checklists according to where you’re taking your tot. So you’ll have a different set of essentials waiting to be ticked off depending on whether you’re popping to the shops, off for a family minibreak , or taking a sunny trip overseas. You can customise your own lists, too, so there’s never any chance of leaving Lenny the Lion behind!
SitOrSquat, Free
This genius app from tissue veterans, Charmin, is brilliant for car journeys. Specifically, car journeys with little (or not-so-little!) ones in tow.
Quite simply, what it does is track your location when you’re on the go, and point you towards the nearest public toilets.
Not only that, but it’ll also tell you if they’re open to use, and how other users have rated their cleanliness.
iTranslate Voice, £1.49
So, you’re in a foreign country driving in what seems to be endless circles, and the kids are complaining on repeat that they’re tired/hungry/both. What do you do? Stop and ask for directions, of course. That is, if you can remember any GCSE Spanish/French/insert local language here.
Thankfully, this sticky scenario is avoided with the iTranslate app. Just like the name suggests, this clever little gadget translates languages like Spanish, French, Greek and Italian in an instant.
You simply tap the flag of the country you need a translation for, press down and speak into a button, and the foreign translation will pop up on your screen.
Skype, Free
If you’re treating yourselves to a romantic weekend without the kids this summer, or you’re away with them and want to let the grandparents know how you’re all doing, the Skype app is great.
It’s completely free to instant message, voice or video call your loved ones, wherever you are in the world, so you’ll save a fortune on calling if you’re overseas.
Wikitude, Free
Wikitude is like your very own pocket tour guide. To use it, you simply hold your camera up to your surroundings, and the app will pop up with useful info about what’s around you, whether it’s restaurants, hotels or historical landmarks.
It’s really handy if you’re exploring a new place, plus, you might even be able to teach the kids a thing or two.