5 apps you will need in your life when backpacking!
Friday, October 07, 2016
It’s plain to see that the world has been completely ‘tech-nified' in recent years. There’s not a person on my daily commute that doesn’t have some sort of laptop, tablet or mobile device. With the growth in technology, comes the growth in what we now know as ‘apps’. We use apps for various things, news, weather, gaming, lifestyle etc but since I’ve been backpacking in Australia the past 7 months, I’ve come to use apps like I depend on them for my life.
I’ve put together some of the top five apps that I could not be without and that you should seriously get downloading before your trip!
1.) Hostel World
Hostel World is an app that I came across mid-way through my trip in Australia. By simply typing ‘Hostels in Airlie Beach’ for example, I came across the Hostel World website, but in my opinion the app is way more accessible and easy to use. You simply put in the dates you want and the location and it will bring you up a list of hostels in that area. You can also filter it more to your needs by selecting price range, type of rooms and facilities etc. The hostels are also rated by other backpackers that have stayed there previously which gives you an insight into what you think will be good for you in terms of value for money, cleanliness and the facilities on offer. You can also book the hostel you want straight through Hostel World which is super fast and easy. The app is also FREE, so get downloading!
2.) Wiki Camps
This app is very well known and from the sounds of other backpackers it has been around for a long time and is used quite widely across all backpacking destinations. The app is mainly focused around accommodation and places to stay whether that be a camp-site, hostels, B&B’s or caravan parks. It gives you details on where they are located as well as the facilities and services that they offer such as free parking or on-site showers and bathrooms. The difference between this app and Hostel World is that if you’re a backpacker on a budget this app will be your go to because it also features FREE campsites which are completely legal to camp or park up for the night. The accommodation is all rated by fellow Wiki Camp users to so you will get an idea of what places are like before you book.
3.) Gumtree
Gumtree has been one of the most successful apps personally for me during my trip in Australia. It’s my go to for everything from jobs to accommodation as well as selling some of my own stuff to other backpackers. If you’re looking to get rid of camping gear or your camper van before heading home, Gumtree is the perfect app for that. I used Gumtree to sell our car and camping gear and they were both gone within a week of posting.
Gumtree is also being used more recently for job listings especially for jobs aimed at backpackers and those alike. In Sydney I found two of the jobs I had through Gumtree so it’s definitely worth having a look at it for that aspect also.
In terms of accommodation if your looking to stay somewhere long-term, then Gumtree is really good for that also. It has hundreds of listings of accommodation such as rental apartments, flat shares and it also features some adverts of people looking for roommates. Sometimes these arrangements can work out cheaper than a hostel, for us that was the case in Cairns when we rented out a studio apartment (which we seen on Gumtree) for just $320 a week with it’s own private swimming pool, jacuzzi and tennis courts.
4.) Trip Advisor
The one we all know and love! We all do it, someone suggests a place to stay and the first thing we say is “I’ll look on Trip Advisor first”.The TripAdvisor app works so much better than the website version as it’s quicker, easier and more efficient when travelling. Trip Advisor is a little like Hostel World in terms of giving you details on locations, ratings and facilities etc, however TripAdvisor doesn’t just focus on hostels, it offers recommendation on a variety of different accommodation to suit your needs. If you’re really unsure of where to stay, I suggest checking the reviews of places on Trip Advisor as there usually more detailed and honest than any other websites.
5.) Google Maps
When I say I could not live without Google Maps I am not kidding. It has been an absolute lifesaver since my travelling started. Driving or walking, it’s great for both. The maps are updated quite frequently so the chance of getting lost on a new road or a detour is very unlikely. It’s great for finding your hostel, places to explore as well as finding the nearest ATM, restaurant, coffee shop and petrol station which is really handy when on the road and you need to stop for that well-needed fuel stop, for both you and the car. Personally I also like that if you are in a place with limited coverage, Google Maps will use the satellite and location services on your phone so you are never left without navigation. I also like that if you get a recommendation for a great place to visit or eat that you can pop it into Google Maps and it gives you a variety of options to get there such as, driving, public transport or walking and it gives you an estimated time of arrival. The app is also free!
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