Savvy travelers carefully review their cheap traveloptions, such as cheapairplane tickets, cheapfares, discounthotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages. Given that travel disasters, whether big (ahurricane) or small (a rental car accident) can expectantly strike, travelers shouldlook to cell phone apps for help before leaving for their destinations.
Prevent on the road catastrophe, or learn how to best copewhen it occurs, with the following must have smartphone apps recommended bySmarter Travel:
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SmarterTraveler is an app from the U.S. Department of State which provides officialcountry information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, U.S. embassylocations, and more. You can check forupdated safety and security alerts at your destination and access a list ofembassies that can help in the event of a lost or stolen passport. Available is a Smart Traveler EnrollmentProgram which can help family and friends reach you in the event of anemergency, such as civil unrest.
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bSafe isa personal safety app designed to keep people secure on the road or athome. Users can set up personal networksof friends and family, and send notifications of their locations using GPSenabled service. The apps timer modesends out automatic alarms if a user has not checked in to pre-appointedlocations and can even set up a fake incoming call to be used as an excuse toget out of unwanted conversations. LiveGPS tracking makes it easy to meet friends or family. If an alarm is triggered, a cell phone cantransmit a siren sound and record video.
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Hurricaneby American Red Cross tracks and monitors conditions at a users destination,offers a simple checklist for hurricane preparedness, provides access to atoolkit with a flashlight, a strobe light, and an audible alarm. You can alsouse this apps one-touch Im Safe messaging system to alert people in theevent that a storm hits and you cannot be reached. Users receive NOAA weather alerts whenlocation services are enabled.
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TravelSafe provides a list of emergency numbers at your location on an easy to accesshome screen that features one touch dialing. Once you location services are enabled this app automatically detectsyour location to access medical, fire and police numbers. Users can create a custom list of emergencycontracts and personal information for emergency responders.
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iWreckedhelps users create a fully detailed accident log and import photos of damagecaused by a car wreck as well as vehicle numbers and insurance information ofother drivers. This app helps findnearby taxi and towing companies as well as, if needed, access to one touchemergency department calling.
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FirstAid by American Red Cross provides invaluable information about emergencymedical intervention, whether you are dealing with a snake bite or a sprainedmuscle. This app offers step by stepmedical care instructions for a number of injuries and illnesses. Preloaded content allows users to still beable to access safety information even if they do not have a data or Wi-Fisignal. Users are able to make emergencycalls directly within the app at any time.
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GateGuruhelps avert airport mishaps by keeping you organized and sane whiletraveling. Its JourneyCard stores ausers itinerary and displays security wait times, flight delays, gate changes,and layover adjustments on one easy to find screen. Its AirportCard proves easy access to airportamenity information, maps, weather forecasts, and traveler tips.
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TripAdvisorOffline City Guides is a must when Wi-Fi access is spotty or an overseas dataplan is too expensive. Users candownload information before arriving at their destinations. Once downloaded, users can access reviews,photos, and city maps.
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