X

Grab these apps to make the most out of traveling with Windows Phone (pictures)

Taking a trip? Don't forget your Windows Phone, or these great apps.

Nate Ralph
Associate Editor Nate Ralph is an aspiring wordsmith, covering mobile software and hardware for CNET Reviews. His hobbies include dismantling gadgets, waxing poetic about obscure ASCII games, and wandering through airports.
Nate Ralph
kayak.jpg
1 of 9 Screenshots by Nate Ralph

Kayak

Whether you already have a vacation planned or are just thinking about taking some time to roam, don't leave your Windows Phone behind. We've got a collection of apps that'll help you get where you're going, find things to do, and get around while you're there. We'll start right at the start, with planning your trip -- all on your Windows Phone.

There are a myriad of options for planning your trip, but if you're looking to feel out your options on your Windows Phone, the Kayak app is a good place to start. Much like the website of the same name, the app pulls together prices on flights, hotel rooms, and car rentals, based on your search queries. You can create price alerts too, and have the app's Live Tile keep you update on cheap flights you might be interested in.

Price: Free

flightaware.jpg
2 of 9 Screenshots by Nate Ralph

FlightAware

So your trip's planned. If you just need to keep tabs on how delayed your flight is, FlightAware has you covered. Punch in the airline and flight number and the service will attempt to track your flight down; it can even display the plane's location on a neat little map. If you're just a little curious, you can see all of the flights in your general vicinity, and can also check in on major airport delays to see if there's trouble afoot before you set out on your trip.

Price: Free

xe.jpg
3 of 9 Screenshots by Nate Ralph

Currency

Traveling abroad? If you'll need to juggle multiple currencies on your journey, a currency converter app could help. I recommend XE's Currency. The website has long been a great way to see exchange rates for a just about every currency under the sun. The app makes it easy to see what the current exchange rate for a particular currency is (updated as often as you'd like), and helps you quickly calculate prices in foreign currencies. And there's a Live Tile too, so you can always check the current exchange rate at a glance.

Price: Free

translator.jpg
4 of 9 Microsoft

Translator

Microsoft's Translator isn't going to be a substitute for learning a language. But if you're in a foreign place and need a hand translating a menu or asking for directions, it just might prove useful.

The app lets you translate text by speaking to it or typing in something to be translated aloud. You can also point your camera at words or characters in a foreign language and see them translated on the screen in real time. And you can download some language packs, so you can have basic translation where you lack network connectivity.

There are plenty of limitations though: some languages are available only in particular translation modes, and most aren't available for download. But take a look, as it just might work for you.

Price: Free

yelp.jpg
5 of 9 Screenshots by Nate Ralph

Yelp

Yelp has long been the go-to service for checking out the restaurants around you, and the Windows Phone incarnation of the mobile app behaves much like it does on other platforms. You can read reviews, find out what's nearby, and even scope around for nearby deals. If you have a Yelp account, you can also check in to your particular venue, and see what your friends are up to.

Price: Free

zomato.jpg
6 of 9 Zomato

Zomato

Zomato is a lot like Yelp: you can use the app to read up on reviews of nearby restaurants, offer ratings and reviews of your own, and share photos with friends who also use the app. But it's also available in lots of places Yelp doesn't cover all that well, which could be useful if you're looking for a bite to eat.

Price: Free

foursquare.jpg
7 of 9 Screenshots by Nate Ralph

Foursquare

Let's not forget Foursquare. Fire up the app, and you'll be prompted to pick the things you like -- it'll then attempt to keep tabs on events or restaurants that are nearby that you might be interested in. You'll need to grab the Swarm app if you'd like to check in, too, but if you're just interested in suggestions while you're out and about in a new place. Foursquare is a popular option.

Price: Free

here-maps.jpg
8 of 9 Screenshots by Nate Ralph

Here Maps

You'll probably load up on physical maps to help you explore foreign locales, but a map app on your smartphone could be helpful in a pinch. Check out Here Maps: it doesn't have nearly the coverage of a more established player like Google Maps, but its Windows Phone app is easy to use, and more importantly, it lets you download maps for offline use -- that's going to be crucial if you need to find your way but don't have a local SIM card.

Price: Free

uber.jpg
9 of 9 Uber

Uber

Uber is available in more than 40 countries, which makes it a compelling option if you're in a foreign place, haven't figured out public transportation just yet, and can't seem to hail a cab. You'll still have to navigate the language barrier, but at least you won't have to worry about figuring out foreign currencies while you're jetlagged.

Price: Free

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos