That's a problem because unlike vacationers who have room for error, business travelers often find themselves with tight travel deadlines, last-minute scrambles and plenty of stress. While technology can't get you out of a trip, it can make it smoother, plus save you some money.
Let's take a look at 5 great apps every business traveler should have in their phone.
1. Find Wi-Fi anywhere
When you're in a strange city, hopping online isn't as easy as it should be. Sure there are Wi-Fi hotpots everywhere, but if you're in a rush you don't have time to guess.WifiMapper (Android, Apple; Free) lists all free and pay-to-use Wi-Fi spots near you so you don't have to do that panicked march around an unfamiliar neighborhood or city block. Instead, you will know exactly where to go and how far it is from you.
2. Plan for traffic and avoid jams
If you have ever walked into a meeting late on a business trip, you will agree that there are few things quite so unnerving. Unfortunately, just about every city comes with its own unique traffic issues that can delay you. So, if you plan on doing any driving in an unfamiliar city, prepare with an app that keeps you informed of traffic and accidents.Waze (Android, Apple; Free) is one of the most popular apps for commuters. What makes it great? It will let you know if there are travel delays on your path, and if there are, it will help redirect you to a better route.
In fact, it's so good that Google bought it and is adding a lot of the same functions in Google Maps. Still, many people prefer to use the original.
3. Get a great deal on a hotel
Have you ever been out of town on business when you suddenly realize you need to stay over one more night? It will at some point, and the hotel you're staying at won't necessarily have your room, or any other room, available.That's when you can turn to the Hotel Tonight app (Android, Apple; Free). This simple app can help you quickly find a discounted last-minute reservation in your area. Now, it doesn't cover every city yet, so check to see if your destination is supported before you depart.
4. A backup plan for booked hotels
If you've ever tried to book a hotel room during a major convention, you know that sometimes there are simply no vacancies. That is unless you are willing to accept a 50-mile drive from your hotel room to your meeting.For those "no vacancy" times, fire up Roomer (Android, Apple; Free). It helps you find people with an unwanted prepaid hotel reservation and take it off their hands. That saves them money and gets you into a hotel room, so it's a win-win.
Besides, maybe you are the traveler who has to leave unexpectedly. If you have a prepaid hotel room that you can no longer use, Roomer can just as easily help you this way, too.
5. Maps when you have no connection
Will your business trip have you traveling abroad? If so, don't even think about boarding your plane until you get City Maps 2 Go (Android, $4; Apple, $5). Once it is downloaded, this great little app will let you find directions with detailed maps, in-depth travel content, popular attractions and more.But what makes it really stand out is that once install it, you don't need to be online to use it. That can be a huge bonus when facing overseas data charges.
There are thousands of destinations included, covering virtually the entire globe. With this free download you'll get Paris, France, London, UK, Rome, Italy, New York, USA and all other major and not-so-major destinations in Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.
