By: Diana Lewis, Account Executive

The summer travel planning and booking season is upon us. While traveling is extremely rewarding, we all know that packing can be a nuisance and airports are not the ideal place to sleep. Whether you’re headed to the Caribbean for some fun in the sun or London to watch the Olympic games, don’t leave home without these six  handy travel apps:

1. TripIT
Before I found this app, I used to carry around a folder packed with confirmations and itineraries for my trips. Now, instead of shuffling through tons of paperwork and confirmations,  everything I need is on my phone. TripIt gets you organized: simply forward all your confirmation emails to your TripIt account, and all the details are organized into one neat itinerary for you. All your travel details are available through the app.

2. XE Currency
Let’s face it, math is not everyone’s strong suit, and it can be especially challenging when it comes to currency conversions.  XE is a FREE and simple currency calculator that  has received over five million downloads, and was featured by the BBC, the LA Times, CNN and The Travel Channel! Next time you’re ever trying to decide whether or not to splurge on those Italian leather shoes – converting dollars to Euros will be easy (as long as you remembered your outlet adapter to charge your phone.)

3. TripAdvisor
Next to Google Earth, TripAdvisor is the world’s second-most-popular travel app. It’s downloaded 25 times per minute and has been downloaded more than 15 million times.  Not only does TripAdvisor provide helpful reviews of accommodations, but it recommends popular restaurants and places by city. So when you’re looking for the secret local spots or just need a safe place to sleep, TripAdvisor has you covered with reviews from people who have “been there, done that!”

4. FlightBoard
FlightBoard instantly turns your iPhone or iPad into an arrivals or departures board for any airport in the world. This app is very handy for travelers trying to find out if there’s an earlier flight to their destination while they’re still en route to the airport. It’s also a handy app for the family member, friend or host on airport pick-up duty to see if flights are running on time, so you don’t get stuck waiting at the airport with an unnecessary parking expense.

5. Vocre
Traveling abroad? This app translates anything you say into the mic. Set the language you want to translate from, then choose the language to translate to. There are six languages to choose from: English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. All you have to do is speak into your mic and turn your phone and the app will say—and write—the phrase you need.  Yes I know, using this app in public screams tourist, but isn’t it worth the minor embarrassment, rather than shouting and motioning like a frantic Clark Griswold?

6. Packing Pro
Don’t forget your passport! You’ve finally made it out of the house, you’re running late to the airport and then BOOM: halfway to the airport, you realize you’re forgotten your passport.  If you’re the type of person who always forgets something at home, this is the perfect solution. You can create lists of what to pack from scratch or from a set template (male, female, family, business, camping and more) and have a preset collection of reminders—with adjustable quantities.

Next time you’re planning your trip to paradise, download these apps before you go, and you’ll be traveling like a pro!  And always remember, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain