7 useful applications for independent tourists

Every year, software developers are releasing more and more applications for smartphones that will help travelers navigate in unfamiliar cities, create optimal routes and save on transport and guides …
7 useful applications for independent tourists
To make the trip as comfortable as possible and save yourself from unnecessary difficulties, install 7 free applications from the App Store or Play Market.
MAPS.ME application
This free application works on the basis of the free geographical map OneStreetMap. Paid features in the application there.
Detailed maps of countries and cities work offline. All objects are divided into categories, so you can easily find the nearest cafe or supermarket. There is a separate category of facilities with free Wi-Fi.
Each object has a description, where the phone number and address of the site. The app paves the optimal walking, cycling and car routes between the two selected points. The user has the ability to independently edit the map.
Disadvantages: maps for each region are downloaded separately and saved only in the internal memory of the phone; battery power is consumed quickly; public transport routes are not always displayed correctly.
Google Maps application
Google Maps mobile client is one of the most convenient applications for independent travelers. Accurately responds to search queries. You can search for objects by category: “supermarket”, “hotel”, “shoe store”, etc. The application will show the distance to the requested object and operating hours, optimal walking and car routes, several options for public transport.
Disadvantages: the application works only online, the routes of long-distance carriers are not displayed.
BusRadar application
The application displays all long-distance flights of buses and trains with ticket prices and stops along the way, as well as the ability to travel along the selected route from the BlaBlaCar travel site. BusRadar works in Russia, Ukraine and in all countries of Europe. When planning a trip, you can make a route between cities of different countries. The application allows you to select the date of travel and go to the carrier’s website to purchase a ticket. To select a vehicle, just click on the icon of the bus or train. Clicking on the icon of the car will display a trip with BlaBlaCar, however, when using this service, you should keep in mind: the savings are insignificant, and drivers who want to save on gasoline are often late or forget about the fellow travelers.
Disadvantages: the application displays only the routes of major bus and railway companies.
FlixBus application
The application of a large German bus company is useful to anyone who travels independently in Europe or the United States. Daily FlixBus buses make 300,000 flights between 1,700 cities. The main advantage of the company is low ticket prices and a convenient schedule. Now it is not necessary to look for FlixBus offices: using the application, you can buy a ticket for the selected date. For a successful payment, you need a stable Internet connection. Immediately after payment, e-tickets will arrive in the mail in PDF format. You do not need to print them – just save them in your smartphone and present the QR code to the controller before boarding the bus. On some flights, passengers get a nice bonus – free snacks and hot drinks. And FlixTrain, a subsidiary of the largest European carrier, offers low-cost tickets for intercity trains. The company, which appeared in March 2018, is developing rapidly and already has its own application.
Disadvantages: it is possible to book a seat in a bus or in a car only for an additional fee. Application City Guide
The free application from iniCall.com contains thousands of articles in Russian about the sights of the popular tourist cities of the world. If you purchase the full version, the application allows you to find addresses and build walking and car routes without connecting to the Network in such a way as to bypass all the interesting sights. In addition to historical and cultural monuments, the “City Guide” displays hotels, restaurants and clubs. Before you start, you need to install from the list of cities or regions that are planned to visit. The Store also has separate applications of the same developer for many large cities.
Disadvantages: perpetual access to offline maps is paid and costs 199 rubles, photos of some of the sights do not correspond to reality.