I’ve been in love with my Android phones since I got my first one, and it didn’t take long to start using Android travel apps. As you know, I tend to stay away from recommending places, apps, hotels, airlines, etc unless I’ve used their services. And somehow, I always find something to complain about (must come with the job, I guess).

I’ve been using an Android phone since mid-2011 when my beloved java-based phone died on me (and repairing it turned out to cost quite a lot). So Alex gave me a nice gift, which at first appeared pretty sci-fi to me. But I got used to the touchscreen and to the OS and fell in love with it. Later I upgraded to my current phone (Sony Ericsson Xperia X10).

The travel apps that I will be writing about are used by me at least on a weekly basis (with the exception of apps for the airlines, which I use only when I travel and have to check in online, etc).

The Weather Channel app is my favorite weather app. I can add as many cities I want, it gives a lot of details and it’s pretty accurate.

Days Left Widget : it’s the app which helps me keep a tab on how many days till departure. It also helps me remember to tell my colleagues I need them to cover for me when I am away.

Evernote: I use this to keep notes of everything, including the order numbers for the flights, info of the hotel. It syncs online and I can access it via a laptop, too.

Foursquare’s new addition to the market is Swarm, used to check in. You don’t earn perks anymore, just stickers.

Instagram: was love at first sight (or is it love at first photo?)… I love it and the audience is incredible. Use tags to get more likes and followers.

Skype : a must for travelers. Add some credit to the account and you’ll be able to call landlines and mobiles via wi-fi for a fraction of a roaming call. I used it and plan to use it again for this purpose on my next trip.
We haven’t used Skype in years. With the Roam like Home Option in Europe, for as little as 8 eur / 4 months you can get a lot of roaming minutes. And if we end up having to use Wi-Fi then WhatsApp is the choice nowadays – since everyone is using it.

Twitter : in March 2011 I even got real-time advice on the app , that’s why I still keep it in the list. Otherwise, the content is not so great anymore (Google + is much better for content).
Update Nov 2023: I’ve deleted both my Twitter accounts couple of months back, when it officially became X.

WizzAir : this is a very new addition to my list of apps and haven’t managed to try it out much. It seems to force to apply for a member when you want to buy, but that might have been just because I tried it when they had a promotional offer. It should allow you to search, book and check-in.

FitBit: I’ve been using a FitBit tracker since June 2014. But I only had a cell capable of syncing to it in Nov 2014. Ever since, FitBit app is on my phone. It is rewarding to see how many steps to get in a day of exploring.
Update Nov 2023: My Fitbit Ionic died a very untimely death 2 years ago. I opted for a Xiaomi Mi Band 6, which just died in October 2023. Proud owner of a Xiaomi Mi Band 7 now . Let’s see how long it lasts. I’m using their app Zapp Life now , which, by the way, can track dancing.

As you can see, I didn’t add Facebook, Gmail, Google + or GTalk to the list. I consider them something that you’d have on the smartphone anyway if you use the respective services. Google Maps also comes with all Android phones (and is often quite handy but I still prefer the good old printed maps). For the ladies, I suggest using Period Calendar (I’ve got an app called PT installed, though) to keep track of the “sensitive days” and try to avoid traveling on those (especially if you have to take long train or bus rides).

Note: post updated as of 2016