If you’ve decided to take your iPhone with you, make sure you download all the apps you need before you go. The free wifi access in Asia isn’t great for downloads…
Skype – Free
Keep in touch with everyone at home for free! Get your mum set up on Skype before you leave. It’s an absolute nightmare trying to talk her through it on the phone…
Whatsapp – 69p
Another opportunity to send free messages to your friends!
Travelfish guides – Free
For Southeast Asia goers, you can get these nifty guides for Luang Prabang, Koh Phi Phi and Angkor Wat. There’s not a whole lot of info in terms of where to stay on them but the ‘What To See’ parts are really handy. I think the paid apps are more thorough though and cover more areas.
WordPress / Tumblr – Both Free
Of course I had a little travel blog to update everyone at home on my journey, and it was so useful to have an app on my phone. It meant I could write posts in ‘notes’ whilst on buses/trains and copy them into the app when I had Internet access. Massive time saver.
Skyplanner – Free
You tell the app where you are and where you want to be and it finds you the cheapest possible flight. So useful! I’d recommend to download it even if you have a RTW ticket, you never know what will happen or if you will need a domestic flight that’s not on your ticket. For example, I flew from Hanoi to Luang Prabang because I heard from other travellers that it’s a ridiculous bus journey and I found a cheap flight. Sorted.
The Weather Channel – Free
Sometimes your next destination or the activities you’re going to do will depend in the weather. Sure the one already on your iPhone will do but I find the Weather Channel app a bit more thorough and it has a 10 day forecast.
Trip It – Free
This is a new one to me. I didn’t have it when I was away, but it seems pretty nifty. You forward your travel confirmation emails to it and it organises your schedule so your flight times and hostel bookings are all in one place. I haven’t had a chance to use it yet but sounds quite cool!
Hipstamatic / Instagram – Both Free
Tease your friends with your amazing lomographic photos!
XE Currency – Free
Quick Currency Converter for every currency you’ll be using out there, and best of all, you can use it when you’re not connected to the Internet. Done.
Lonely Planet Guides – £3.99
Travel Guides at your fingertips! Now I think I can safely assume that these would be far more detailed and helpful than Travelfish’s free guides, but unfortunately I was too cheap to download them so I can’t know for sure! But I think it’s good to know that they’re available to download if you arrive at a new city and need a travel guide fast.
Speakeasy Languages – Free
Your iPhone is now your phrasebook. Available for French, Italian, Russian or Ukrainian. If you want to learn a language in a bit more detail, there’s also languages ‘For Dummies’ for 69p.
Kindle – Free
If you’re bumming around Asia, there are second hand book shops all over the gaff. But if you’re in Australia, books are extortionate. Download from Amazon onto your Kindle and it’s better for your budget. It’s also better for your back when your backpack isn’t weighed down by books. Oh more room for shoes…