APPY GO LUCKY
Must-download digital travel tools for your smartphone
A S if our world isn’t divided and sectarian and alt-this and alt-that enough, the 7-year-old travel app/site Trip.com sorts the human species (ak a, users) into 20 “tribes.”
If it sounds anthropological, that’s because it is — think interest groups from “Art Lovers” to “Vegetarians” to “Trendsters” to “LGBTQ.”
According to CEO and co-founder, Travis Katz, “Our top three tribes are Foodies, Adventure and Budget.” So, they figured out we’re mostly fat, bored and cheap. Yeah, that seems about right.
To work Trip. com (rebranded last year, it was formerly “GoGoBot”), you tell it with which tribe(s) you identify, and it gifts you with Expedia- and HomeAwayintegrated and bookable insider-y recommendations (with reviews; they have more than 1 million) for where to stay, what to do, where to eat and all other ingredients that go into a good vacation gumbo.
Some 10 million users logged in to plan or book trips, near or far, in 2016 alone. In a world obsessed with identity politics, this might just be the most fitting app on the Web right now. But it’s not the only fun download out there, travelers.
Here, six more to snag (the following testimonials are either from the author, his colleagues or app stores like iTunes and Google Play).
BANDSINTOWN (BandsInTown.com)
Whaaaat? The Deftones are playing in Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg tonight? What a coincidence, that’s where I am springbreaking! Use this app to find live music wherever in the world you happen to be. You can search by both band or place. User testimonial: “Clutch. I can’t be the only one who forgets to check concert schedules when traveling or is looking for something fun to do on a random night and then realizes there’s an awesome show to see.”
AIRPORT SHERPA (AirportSherpa.io)
Craving some Cinnabon Stix at the airport but can’t bear to leave the comfort of Terminal 7’s ice-cold, metal benches? Have no fear, this is the first app to let you order food from an airport restaurant and have it delivered to you at your gate. It’s launching at Baltimore/ Washington International June 1, and rolling out to other major airports like LGA and JFK throughout the year. “New York is a top priority for us,” said a spokesperson. User testimonial: None yet, but soon!
ROVER (Rover.com)
It’s a cruel truth, but when we vacation, usually the one person not invited to come along is our best friend: the family dog. The next best thing: good hands to put him in while you’re gone. This free app gives you access to the America’s largest network of pet-sitters and dog walkers. It has reviews, photos, the works. User testimonial: “The woman who boarded my dog is amazing!”
MyTSA (Apps.TSA. DHS.gov)
Because we don’t have enough TSA in our lives. But this updated app, unlike the agents, wishes to help you, not hinder, by calculating wait times for clearing security in domestic airports, showing delays across the country and locating where TSA PreCheck is available. It reminds you what’s kosher to bring aboard. User testimonial: “The “Can I Bring” section is definitely improved.”
FEEBELLY (FeeBelly. com)
The scariest part of travel isn’t terrorism, it’s hidden fees. This app reveals the loads atop loads
atop loads of finely printed hidden fees buried like the deep state in airplane tickets, hotels and baggage checks. User
testimonial: “I am happy someone finally came up with this, so I know what I am getting into before making big purchases. ”
HeadSpace (HeadSpace. com)
If you suffer from flying anxiety, usually the move is bobbing for Xanax in a glass of bourbon and just passing out the entire flight. But your liver might vote for an alternative plan, like this app, which uses a series of mental exercises to help you meditate the stress away. Some sessions last minutes, others an hour. Subscription fee required ($7.99/ month when you opt for a year). User testimonial: “The fear of flying meditation tracks come in handy for nervous fliers like me . . . and the sleep ones, too, since it’s extra hard to sleep in a hotel for many.”