“Like most people I use my smart phone as both a communications tool and mini computer while traveling or on the road. My Apple iPhone is my primary device, because I like its exhaustive selection of applications. However, for those times when I need to travel with a second handset (to save on data roaming costs or to access local networks), I use my Android OS phone, which also offers a great range of apps.

1. International SOS Travels
August 2010
Top 10 Travel apps for iPhone and Android
As International SOS’ Director of Security Services for the Asia Pacific region, Tony Ridley knows travel. He
himself spends more than 120 days out of the year on the road, and he supports the traveling workforces of
international companies every day. So how does Tony stay connected? Here, he offers his thoughts on the best
apps for both the Apple iPhone and HTC Android smart phones – critical tools for helping him stay in touch and on
top of things while traveling.
“Like most people I use my smart phone as both a communications tool and mini computer while traveling or on
the road. My Apple iPhone is my primary device, because I like its exhaustive selection of applications. However,
for those times when I need to travel with a second handset (to save on data roaming costs or to access local
networks), I use my Android OS phone, which also offers a great range of apps.
I am constantly testing and sampling new apps to meet both my own requirements as well as those of our clients.
Below is a list of my favorite travel apps – those that I find indispensible to helping me stay engaged even as I
cross time zones. I selected them based on three criteria:
1. Provision of knowledge or data that I don’t possess myself
2. Backed up by expertise and a richer web-based content version
3. Ease, speed and functionality of the application version
Here are the key travel applications that I would recommend for iPhone users:
WorldMate (Gold)
This application is the powerhouse of all my travel management requirements. I can
centralize and view all my relevant travel information from flights, accommodation, meetings
and various other travel support options. WorldMate (Gold) is the portable version of the
online (cloud-based) application. WorldMate even helps me visually map out locations,
distances and travel requirements between airports, hotels and meetings in Google maps.
TripIt
This application has some overlap with WorldMate. However, I use TripIt because it primarily
allows me to share my travel location and dates with colleagues, clients and even family. My
itinerary can then be synchronised to prevent conflicts, or keep select contacts informed of
my travels. This application works great with social networks such as LinkedIn. It also tracks
my cumulative trips, countries visited, cities, miles and nights spent on the road. Lastly, it
links me to the International SOS travel group so we can see where our fellow team members
are traveling or have been.
XpenseTrkr
An inevitable part of traveling is accounting for expenditure on expenses. Therefore, I find
this tool excellent for keeping independent and accurate tabs on all my spending, expenses
and other reimbursables. The cumulative archive of all my trips also helps in planning and
future budgeting.
Tungle
I have a lot of meetings. It seems everyone in every company has a slightly different platform
for managing e-mail and scheduling calendars. Additionally, I loathe endless e-mails and text
messages back and forth purely to determine availability and the best time to meet. Setting a
meeting time can be complicated enough with just one person but is further compounded
when multiple parties are involved! Tungle is the perfect tool, centralizing all of my meeting
appointments and quickly and simply determining both my availability and that of the client,
colleague or other parties. This tool is fantastic as it synchronizes my desktop calendar,
mobile device and web-based applications.

2. FlightTrack Pro
Before I even commit to a trip or a meeting I like to know if there are compatible flights for
the time and location required. I find FlightTrack Pro an outstanding tool to determine the
reliability and flight options to and from specific locations. In addition this tool also gives me
the probability of departure and arrival running according to schedule. This application is
great not only for my own travel, but also for being able to track the arrival and departure
flights of friends and family.
Evernote
This is an excellent productivity tool that I find invaluable for travel also. Evernote enables
me to cut & paste, capture, drop or simply add all the information relating to a particular trip
or multiple trips. This application synchronizes between desktop applications (Outlook, Word,
Internet Explorer, clipboard, etc). This ensures that all the information such as itineraries,
hotel bookings, restaurants, navigation guides to client offices, local or translated phrases,
maps and anything else I synchronized is available in electronic format whenever I might
need it. I create separate folders for each location or activity, enabling me to quickly and
efficiently access the information without opening my laptop or carrying around lots of printed
or duplicated sheets of paper.
Foyage
Because I’m constantly bouncing around from one location to another, I often find myself in
locations that I may not very familiar with. It is important to me than I make informed
decisions or find locations quickly and efficiently. I therefore use this application to help me
find other people in my network, ATMs, restaurants, supermarkets or anything else I may
need quickly and simply
Dropbox
I’m constantly working on projects, information, issues or hobbies between multiple
computers or formats. I use this daily to quickly share files and content between computers,
colleagues, clients and myself. I can even review presentations and notes from my iPhone
just before a walk on stage without having to print or open my laptop.
Worldcard Contacts
The management of information – and in particular contacts – is becoming increasingly
challenging. To help me with this process I use this application to make an immediate copy
or store a contact business card. The information is scanned directly into my contacts list, but
I can also reference this directly on my iPhone. Built-in functions allow me to call, text, email,
or navigate to a particular address directly from the electronic copy of the business card. This
application has saved me hours of heartache and provided timely access to valuable
contacts and details.
Convert Everything
Part of the excitement of travel is often from the challenges foreign environments bring.
Everywhere is different. Different measurements, different currencies, different languages
and so on. This application can help with converting pretty much anything I want transferred
from one unit of measure/language into something else.
International SOS Travels | April 2010
Here are the key travel applications that I would recommend for Android OS users:
Oanda currency converter
When you travel a lot, or you’re a first-time traveler, it’s important to keep updated on the latest
currency conversion rates. I like the Oanda Currency Converter because it’s quick and simple to
use for single or multiple trips.

3. Wi-Fi Finder
Connectivity and communications remain a constant concern to business travelers, even in
developing countries. Therefore I like to know of any paid or free Wi-Fi spots within vicinity of my
accommodation or current location should I need access information or send receive files. Wi-Fi
Finder is a great tool for preplanning and ongoing travel information regarding Wi-Fi hotspots.
Talk To Me Classic
If you’re traveling to locations where you don’t speak or understand the local language or writing,
it is vitally important to be able to communicate, even if it’s just the basics. Talk to me gives you
the option is to translate your native tongue into a variety of written and spoken languages so
you can share and communicate more effectively. This is a great one speaking with hotel staff
and taxi drivers.
Places Directory
Whether you’re a first timer or even a frequent traveler, Places Directory can always give you tips
and advice and guidance on the nearest ATM, restaurant, entertainment facility or even just
shopping. This application is constantly being updated and I find it great to getting my bearings
and reducing the amount of time I spend wasted looking to somewhere eat in the life while
traveling.
Call Log Calendar
Easily track phone calls and conversations when you’re on the road or focused on other business
tasks. This application enables you to export all of your phone log information into your calendar
so you can keep track of times dates, conversations for follow-up, or even info for billing purposes.
Kayak Hotel and Flight Search
Again, I like to spend some time planning before I commit or confirm any trips. The kayak
application gives you great data and information for budget planning, hotel/flight selection and
other journey management requirements quickly and efficiently from a phone. Not only do I use
this as part of my preplanning regiment but it’s also excellent on the road or when plans change.
My Tracks
While this application primarily targets the fitness and exercise market it’s a great tool for business
travelers too. I use this if a traveling to a new location or following directions that are unclear, so I
know where I’ve been and where I’m headed to. It’s also an excellent tool for planners when
considering emergency/evacuation routes or simply the shortest rout between two points.
Footprints (HTC)
The HTC Android device comes preloaded with HTC Footprints, which enables people to
permanently chronicle their chosen location and events by capturing a digital postcard on their
phone. Once captured, Footprints provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that
favorite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific geographical location. In addition to
identifying each postcard with its specific GPS coordinates, Footprints also auto-names each
postcard with its general location or area. This one is great for revisiting or remembering client
locations, accommodation or places to eat.
WaveSecure Mobile Security
Mobile phones are an attractive item and easily misplaced when traveling. It is therefore important
to protect both your own personal information and any relevant information relating to your
company or job function. The WaveSecure Mobile Security application enables you to remotely
lock down your device and generally preserve the information you wish to protect. You can also be
notified should someone attempt to install another or SIM card.
PdaNet
It seems there’s always an urgent requirement to communicate. This application is great for
communicating with your laptop and other devices via your mobile. It enables you to tether one or
more devices in order to send and receive e-mails or access cloud computing sites. I always keep

4. in mind costs when doing this but it’s a great alternative that gives immediate and easy access at
airports, hotels or even client locations.
In addition, for any professional who manages other travelers, I recommend that they arm themselves with travel
tracking technology – such as our TravelTracker product – that is accessible both on mobile devices and online.
Programs such as these help monitor, locate and contact globally-mobile employees and, when offered in mobile
versions, allow you to do so from virtually anywhere. In addition, some – including TravelTracker – offer push
notifications that alert users when their travelers have potentially been exposed to incidents or serious events such
as natural disasters, airline strikes or even terrorist attacks. This can be indispensible when situations arise
abroad.”
About the Author: As the Director of Security Services Asia Pacific, Tony is responsible for International SOS'
Corporate and Commercial Security Services to clients around the world. In addition