The more you travel, the more you know that even the best laid travel plans don’t always go, well, according to plan. There are far too many variables that are outside of your control. Between weather delays and flat out flight cancellations, airplane mechanical issues and air-traffic congestion, flights that are overbooked or cancelled because they’re too lightly booked, passengers are generally left at the mercy of the airlines. That means that getting to your destination on time can be completely out of your hands.
So what do you do? If you’re stuck in an airport or overnight in an unfamiliar city, make sure you have options. These six apps and websites will help to ensure that when things go wrong, you have a back-up plan!
HotelTonight
HotelTonight is an essential app for travelers, especially when your expected travel plans fall through. Through the HotelTonight app, users are able to book last-minute hotel stays at last-minute rates. This is perfect when you suddenly find yourself in need of a hotel room. Simply open up the app and take your pick from an extensive selection of hotels that have been carefully vetted to ensure you’ll love what you’re getting. The HotelTonight app is available for iOS, Android and also on their mobile site.
LoungeBuddy
If your flight is delayed and you’re stuck at the airport for an extended period of time, your best bet is to find a lounge where you can relax, have something to eat and maybe even take a shower! But what lounges are available at what airports? Now, you no longer have to wonder. The LoungeBuddy app will tell you exactly what lounges are at a particular airport, where they’re located and how to get in.
TripIt
Well, we think it goes without saying that TripIt is an essential app for travelers but admittedly, we’re a bit biased! But with TripIt Pro in your pocket, you’ll know immediately when there are changes to your flight’s status. You’ll get real time flight notifications so that you’re ahead of the pack if your gate changes or if your flight is delayed or cancelled. If your flight does get cancelled, search for alternate flights straight in the app!
TravelSmart
Having travel insurance can be enormously helpful when things go wrong on your trip. With the TravelSmart mobile app from Allianz Global Assistance, you’ll have access to all of your policy information on your smartphone, so you won’t find yourself scrambling to determine what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. The app also provides an international hospital search, overseas emergency numbers for the police, fire department and ambulance, a medication dictionary and will translate first-aid terms for you.
Postmates
If your travel plans are scuttled late at night, you might have a hard time finding something to eat. A lot of hotels don’t offer room service or, depending on the time, the kitchen might be closed. Don’t worry. With the Postmates app, you’ll be connected to a local courier so that you can have food delivered straight to your hotel. Available in many major (and not so major) cities across the country, you can have food delivered from a large variety of restaurants. Whether you’re craving McDonald’s, something fancy or something local, there’s plenty to choose from.
Soothe
So, your flight was cancelled but you finally found a place to spend the night using the HotelTonight app. Maybe you’ve even ordered dinner using Postmates. Awesome! Now, how about a massage delivered straight to your room? With the Soothe app, you can order an in-room massage by a licensed therapist. They’ll bring all the equipment (massage table, sheets, oil, music) and all you need to do is relax and let the stress of the day melt away.
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