Those who often travel will know that you need to be strategic about the apps you have on your phone and the gadgets to pack with you. That’s why we’ve handpicked 7 apps and gadgets curated to elevate your travel game. From language translation to itinerary planning, these tools are indispensable companions for the modern traveller.
Whether you’re going for a long weekend or traversing the globe over a few weeks, you might just find these helpful.
1. Naver Papago
For an alternative to Google Translate, download Naver Papago. It’s an AI language translator that supports 13 different languages – Korean, Japanese, English, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesia.
The app offers features like real-time voice, text, conversation, and image translation. Plus, the interface is intuitive, which makes navigating the app while talking to someone while you’re travelling a lot easier.
Download Naver Papago on the Apple store or Google Play.
2. AIRSIMe
Gone are the days when you had to buy physical SIM cards at every destination, especially with the advent of e-sims. One app you can purchase e-sims on is AIRSIMe, which offers 4G data in 100+ destinations such as Japan (from $1.67/day), Korea (from $1.67/day), and Indonesia (from $2/day).
Those who are travelling to multiple destinations can also choose the combo packages such as Australia & New Zealand (From $1.71/day), Europe 34 Countries (from $2.57/day), and China & Hong Kong (from $3/day). AIRSIMe ensures that you can stay connected to the Internet while travelling without worrying about high roaming charges or scrambling to look for a telco store selling physical SIMs.
Easily download it to your device via the AIRSIM app or by scanning a QR code. Then, simply use two mobile apps, AIRSIM ROAM and AIRTALK ROAM, to enjoy every data package purchase with free 30-minute local calls.
SAFRA members get 10% discount off AIRSIMe, by entering the promo code “SAFRA10” when checking out on the AIRSIMe website. For more info, visit safra.sg/promotions/airsime
Download AIRSIMe on the Apple store or Google Play.
Always on the road for work? Check out these must-have travel gadgets for the working traveller.
3. JBL Live Pro 2 TWS
Any seasoned traveller knows that noise-cancelling earbuds are a life-saver on flights or at the airport. A good pair to purchase is the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS, which boasts the brand’s signature sound with 11mm dynamic drivers. The most important feature, though, is how seamlessly you can switch between True Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Smart Ambient mode, depending on your environment or situation. That way, you can catch some well-deserved rest on the flight even when the cabin is too noisy.
The earphones will be your companion even for long-haul flights, as you can get up to 40 hours of playback, including 10 hours in the earbuds and 30 hours in the case. Plus, it also charges wirelessly.
The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS comes in 4 different colours – white, black, navy blue, and pink – and you can purchase it on See Hear Live’s website.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off storewide with a minimum spend of $100 if they use the code “SAFRA10”. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/seehearlive.
4. Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker
Here’s a travel hack: Attach a bluetooth tracker to your luggage if you’re checking it in. That way, in the rare occurrence the airline loses your luggage, you’ll be able to track it down.
The Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker is a versatile tracker you can attach to your keys, backpacks, or luggage. All you need to do is download the free app and use the two different modes, Find Nearby, which uses the Tile app to ring your Tile when it’s within Bluetooth range; or Find Far Away, which allows you to view your Tile’s most recent location on a map.
It’s available for $34.99 on Metapod, which allows you to purchase via Atome.
If you’re a first-time Atome user, you’ll be glad to know that SAFRA members enjoy 20% off with the code “ATOME20OFF”. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/atome
5. Nano Facial Mister
With the weather being so hot and humid these days, some of us have been bringing a mini facial mister around. But it’s also a handy gadget for when you’re travelling, allowing your skin to adjust to the different weather conditions, whether in a warm destination or somewhere wintery where your skin gets dry.
The AHIER Nano Facial Mister is a multi-function nano face sprayer with skin detection and LCD screen, suitable for face, body, and hair. It has a 50ml water tank that offers over 15 uses, keeping your skin hydrated and balanced. It’s also USB rechargeable, making it both convenient and eco-friendly.
Available on Amazon.
6. Xiaomi Electric Shaver S101
For men on the go, the Xiaomi Electric Shaver S101 has become an essential for savvy travellers. This compact and travel-friendly design now comes with 18 blades, which allow for faster and cleaner shaves.
Its dual-track foils capture three times more hairs, while three independent floating heads adapt to every facial contour for precise shaving. Enjoy a stable, quick shave with consistent speed, even on low battery. Its Type-C charging port ensures convenient charging anywhere, but you won’t even have to recharge it when doing short trips as it fully recharges in 1.5 hours for a 60-day battery life.
Available on Xiaomi’s online store or in physical stores like Plaza Singapura and VivoCity.
7. Wanderlog
If travel planning stresses you out, then it’s time to download Wanderlog, an online travel planner that helps you organise itineraries, activities, and accommodations seamlessly. It’s available both on web or as a free app on your phone, making it super convenient to access your itinerary while on the go – especially since the app allows for offline access.
You no longer need to have multiple Google Docs and Excel spreadsheets for just one trip. Wanderlog has plenty of features like expense tracking and splitting, the ability to import your flight and hotel reservations from your email inbox, personalised suggestions, and checklists to keep you organised.
Plus, it also has features like collaborative planning, which makes group trips a lot easier to organise. The app is free to download, but you can also upgrade to a Pro account to unlock premium features like offline access, unlimited attachments, flight deals, and seamless syncing to Google Maps.
For more information, visit wanderlog.com.
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