Download these apps before you travel

Wintry weather getting you down? If you’re looking to get as far away from the cold and wet as you can, it pays to do a little digging before jetting off to sunnier climes.

There are stacks of travel apps out there that can enhance your holiday – many of them free.

So whether you’re booking flights and hotels, or looking for places to explore, check out these six essential travel apps. app before you go. Whether you’re spending a weekend in NYC or channelling your inner Thelma and Louise and setting off on an unforgettable road trip, Localeur’s “community of local tastemakers” share tips on everything from restaurants and coffee shops to art galleries and museums.

Get to the heart of a destination with this excellent app. Packed with offline maps, must-see sights, neighbourhood guides and audio phrasebooks, Lonely Planet’s city guides are the ultimate resource before and during a trip. With a currency converter, neighbourhood guides, transport info, and ‘near me’ functionality, this is one trustworthy travel companion.

Skyscanner compares millions of flights to find you the cheapest deal, fast. Whether you want to go to Barcelona or Belfast, it links you directly to the airline or travel agent. What’s not to like?

With more than 500 million reviews and opinions by travellers, TripAdvisor makes it easy to find the lowest airfare, best hotels, great restaurants, and fun things to do, wherever you go on your travels.

There are stacks of map apps out there, but Google’s remains the best. Google Maps makes navigating your world faster and easier. Find the best places in town and the info you need to get there.

Book hotels, read about local attractions and discover heaps of “hidden gems” such as the best bar and restaurants in 50,000 destinations worldwide. Triposo works offline so you can wander freely.