TripAdvisor

A good app can save you a lot of trouble while you're away in unmapped urban jungles. Not really unmapped, but you know what I mean. Just imagine that your guide left you alone to fend for yourself in a land where you don't know of either hotels, museums, or restaurants! Oh, no!

There's still a chance though. Installing TripAdvisor will transform your device into a vacation tricorder. It doesn't scan rocks, but can find you what you need. The first thing you need to do, unless you prefer motorways is to book a flight ticket. From regular flight fares to accommodation bundles, the search will reveal prices, flight times and other details.

You will find this app most useful for navigating your destination environment. Whether you're looking for hotels, restaurants or other attractions you will always be able to locate them relative to other points of interest and also relative to your physical position. There's no option for itineraries though. On a second thought, there is a category for travel guides, where available. These also have a rating system. Just like everything else, you can write and read mini-reviews and vote on a 5 point system.

To vote and write reviews requires registration. This will create a profile that will expand with badges for each of your traveling achievements. This also enables you to send messages to other reviewers and share opinions... if you're into that.

The coolest part of TripAdvisor though is the attention to lifelike categories of travelers. Whether you're searching for accommodation or dinner, there are quick filters that can easily present you with relevant options for lovers, vegans or luxury savvy persons.

Features

• Flight, room and dinner booking
• Reviews and discussion boards
• Sorting by distance to POI
• Intuitive filtering

Pros

• Almost eliminates the need for browsing elsewhere
• Restaurant bookings!

Cons

The app runs a bit sluggish
Sometimes you hit a blank page and need to go back

Conclusion

TripAdvisor is not only useful for finding your way around popular places. It is also a good tool for booking flights and accommodation. The wealth of information that is condensed in this little app is enough to satisfy any melancholic personality type.