By Lily King

When most people think about the apps they will use on holiday, the first thing that springs to mind is Instagram or Facebook to share their holiday snaps. But this only scratches the surface of how you can use apps to make the most of your holiday.

1. Find food blogs

It can be a challenge to decipher between good and bad food spots while traveling, particularly in big cities. To avoid ending up at McDonalds for every meal, get inspiration from those who know the area best by following food bloggers based there on social media. Instagram is a great place to find them, but you can find many more online too.

2. Find travel blogs

On the topic of bloggers, it’s also worth following travel bloggers to get top tips on what to do and where to visit at your destination. After all, many of these people travel for a living, so if they don’t know what they’re talking about, no one will!

3. Follow safety updates

For safety updates that might affect you whilst travelling, follow the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  Another key tip is to download a news app, or follow a news broadcaster on social media for the city/country you are travelling to, so you can stay up to date with any smaller-scale issues that might affect you.

4. Use public transport apps

In many countries and cities there are apps for local and regional travel. You can use these to find travel routes, timetables, and sometimes even to buy tickets, saving you time and stress on your holiday.

5. Download a translator

Nothing is quite as frustrating as someone not understanding what you are trying to say! While many people abroad speak English, particularly in areas with many tourists, not everyone will be able to in a country where English isn’t the native language.  Download a translator app before your travels to help you, and you could even use it to learn a few phrases before your trip even begins!

6. Create a WhatsApp or Messenger group with the people you are travelling with.

Make a group chat with your whole group before you start your travels so that you can keep track of one another’s whereabouts.  This will help to keep you safe and will help you to find someone if they get lost or get into danger.

And finally: Remember to keep your phone charged so you can take full advantage of these apps on your trip!