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I write the Travel Tech column each month in our sister magazine, Conde Nast Traveller. Here is the column from the December 2011 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
This column's mission to end hotels' scandalously high Wi-Fi charges continues. A few weeks ago, I took the crusade to the World Youth and Student Travel Conference in Barcelona, where after giving a keynote speech I implored the industry to boycott hotels that charge for basic internet access (make us pay for high-end access by all means, I explained, but gouging us for simple email-checking is like charging extra for running a bath).
You can never predict how an audience will respond to such provocation, but in this case the applause suggested the campaign is gaining ground. Whew.
I came away with something else I'd like to share with you: the results of a contest launched by the conference to identify the industry's best travel apps for smartphones and tablets. Organisers estimate that there are 17,000 travel apps on the market -- which presents quite a challenge in terms of knowing which are actually worthwhile. You'll have downloaded Conde Nast Traveller's own supremely useful city guides, of course. Beyond these, the contest's top five, as chosen by thousands of votes, offers a pretty useful list of others you might want to explore.
TripLingo
A translation app with features such as a phonetic pronunciation guide, a "Slang Slider" to include more or fewer colloquialisms, and flash cards to help you memorise phrases. Inevitably it incorprorates a points system that turns language-learning into a game. It's available in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Dari and, er, Pirate.
For iPhone (£6.99 to free), triplingo.com
Ask a Nomad
If you have a pressing travel question -- Where to go birdwatching in Ireland? Can you cycle on the Golden Gate Bridge? --the World Nomads community of more than 11,000 travellers from 129 countries will share its knowledge in search of an answer. Useful for researching a destination before you go; also offers a "Nearby" feature to help you discover interesting things once you're there.
For iPad (free), worldnomads.com
TripSketch Green Book
If you're looking to cut your carbon footprint as you travel while optimising your experience, this app is designed to help. It offers "eco-friendly activities and experiences" in more than 80 cities so you can support more sustainable local businesses without missing the main sights.
For Apple, Android and Ovi (£2.99-£4), tripsketch.com/mobile
The don Quijote Spanish PhraseBook
A portable Spanish phrasebook that works offline (helpful when avoiding unwelcome roaming charges). Download the app before you go, and you have access to categories of vocabulary, with a basic 500 words and phrases to help buy that movie ticket or order those tapas.
For Android, Windows Phone 7 (free), donquijote.org
Tourist Eye
A trip-planner that lets you create a personalised itinerary before you go, and a journal of your photos, messages and check-ins to enjoy once you're back. Usefully, it works offline so you can avoid those nasty roaming charges.
For iPhone and Android (free), touristeye.com
Hmm, maybe our next campaign should be aimed at bringing down those appalling data-roaming charges. Anyone want to come on board?
Image: Shutterstock.com
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
