TRAVEL ABROAD

Skyscanner Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows Price: Free

a comparison site that searches other travel sites to find the cheapest offers. There are separate skyscanner apps for flights, hotel rooms and car hire. But all enable you to find and book the best offers for the dates and places you require.

Airbnb Apple and Android Price: Free

an onLinE exchange for people with spare rooms or properties to rent, and travellers in search of a bed, airbnb has more than 800,000 rentals (including 3,000 castles!) in 192 countries. The app shows you properties and puts you in touch with owners. a ‘Find a place tonight!’ facility suits spontaneous types.

XE Currency Apple, Android, Windows Price: Free

iF YoU’rE going abroad, you’ll need a good currency converter and this one is arguably the best. rates are refreshed throughout the day and it’s easy to convert euro into any world currency (and vice-versa).

TripAdvisor Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows Price: Free

Bad publicity about the trustworthiness of some of the reviews on which its hotel and restaurant ratings are based has hit Tripadvisor. But it is still the best way to find a place to stay or eat and its ratings are, by and large, reliable. The app works well, particularly on tablets.

Triposo Apple, Android, Kindle Fire Price: Free

This world travel guide app harvests information from the internet to compile good-looking, factpacked guides – including sightseeing, dining, directions and bookings – to more than 25,000 destinations.

WorldMate Apple, Android, Windows Price: Free

aLL-in-onE travel organiser. Forward confirmation emails for travel and hotel bookings to Worldmate and it creates a detailed in-app itinerary with all your info. You can book flights and rooms, check in and track flight updates and there’s a currency converter and tip calculator.

Citymapper Apple, Android Price: Free

This guide to getting around 10 great cities, including London, paris and new York has won multiple awards. it tells you how to get from a to B, when the next bus or train is due and sends links to friends to show them where to meet.

Duolingo Apple, Android, Kindle Fire Price: Free

ThE 2013 iphone app of the Year, with a sky-high android rating, duolingo is a free course in six major European languages. simple, entertaining tasks help you translate new words and phrases, while a points-scoring system makes you want to keep going. a bright, modern, effective way to learn.

Expedia Hotels & Flights Apple, Android Price: Free

ExpEdia is the world’s biggest travel website. so if you want to scan flight and hotel options, compare prices, make bookings and keep a record of your trip, Expedia’s app is a safe choice.

Hotel Tonight Apple, Android, Windows Price: Free

iF you love a deal – and have no problem with lastminute bookings – this could be the hotel app for you. it allows bookings no longer than seven days in advance of your stay but offers substantial discounts. ideal for regular travellers.