The best apps for vacation
If you want to start your summer vacation this year despite Corona, you should consider a few things. We put together the most important apps for you, so that your holiday will also be a complete success in 2021.
After more than a year of pandemic, not only is everyday life still restricted, there are also a lot of regulations to be observed when it comes to travel. Many countries impose strict entry and quarantine rules and a negative corona test is also required in many places.
Often there is also a problem: What do I have to consider when entering the country on the subject of customs, what is the best way to find your way around the holiday area, is the quickest way to get from A to B and what is the best way to overcome language barriers? We will introduce you to the most important apps so that you can travel relaxed in 2021 as well.
Entry: quarantine and corona regulations
The most important topic this year is probably the question of where and under what conditions one is allowed to enter a country at all. The Re-open EU app of the European Union. If you travel within the EU, you can easily find all the important Corona regulations for the respective country here. If the holiday destination is outside the EU, that offers Foreign Office with the Safe Travel app also an opportunity to find out about applicable regulations for entry.
Prove negative test result & vaccination
To prove a negative corona test, a recovery or a vaccination, the CovPass-App or the Corona-Warn-App at. In addition to the vaccination, proof of recovery and test results can also be presented here. Another advantage of the Corona warning app: Numerous EU countries support the warning system so that you can also be warned abroad if you encounter an infected person at risk.
Google Translate: Overcoming Language Barriers
One thing will help you on site: the national language of the travel destination. It is quite normal that there are sometimes communication problems or language gaps. With the Google translator you get a free interpreter who also offers offline functions.
The features of the app for Google translator are diverse and very helpful. In addition to the common translation of individual words or sentences, you can use your camera, for example. In this way you can translate texts from pictures you have already taken into a desired language. Alternatively, just take a new photo in the app. It is also possible to record entire conversations – this allows you to speak fluently with other people, even if you do not understand their language. The app also offers handwritten translations.
Komoot: hiking on vacation
The most beautiful bike tours or hiking routes are not always easy to find. Often, however, travel routes and times are also problematic. Getting to popular hiking areas like the Alps can be difficult, especially without a car. In addition, transporting bicycles could prove to be relatively complicated. The app Komoot creates a remedy for all of this.
At Komoot you can choose between different sports. In addition to hiking and cycling tours, there are also routes for mountain bikes, racing bikes and jogging trails available. The app is great at tour planning. First you enter important parameters, such as the type of sport, your fitness level, the starting and finishing point and the desired duration or distance. You will then receive several route suggestions that will be calculated based on your information.
The map material consists of topographic maps – you can choose a region for free. Then you have to buy each region individually for 3.99 euros. The region package for just under nine euros or even the world package for around 30 euros unlocks significantly larger regions. At the start you can choose an area without additional payment.
Customs and travel: can I import this?
Importing goods from abroad is often complicated and opaque. So that you don’t lose track of things, there is “Customs and Travel” app from the Federal Ministry of Finance.
In a clear application you will find all the important information about importing goods from abroad. In the built-in tax calculator, you set the amount of imported tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and the value of other products using several sliders. If you are below the maximum permitted limit, the app will give you the green light. Otherwise you will be asked to declare the goods to customs. Conveniently, you will be charged how much import fees you have to pay.
Netflix: perfect for boredom
Unfortunately, summer also has its rainy days. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the all-purpose weapon among the apps helps: Netflix.
The streaming service is not only perfect for film and series junkies. The huge selection of different titles has something to offer for almost every taste. Netflix also offers stand-up comedy and documentaries in abundance.
Over thousands of titles are on offer, including a number of award-winning works. In addition to many licensed titles, Netflix also offers numerous in-house productions, all of which are of very high quality. Often there is also “behind the scenes” material for these.
A Netflix basic subscription costs 7.99 euros per month. If you want, you can take a free trial month.
Particularly practical: if you want to bridge the time on the plane or in the car, you can download series and films to your smartphone or tablet and enjoy them offline.
TripAdvisor: The real insider tips
Finding comfortable hotels or culinary insider tips is not always easy. It often happens that the pictures on gastronomy websites are deceptive and do not quite show the truth. The numerous functions of TripAdvisor help you a lot, however. No matter if restaurants, hotels or various activities – TripAdvisor is indispensable for the vacation.
In the app, you can either enter a specific travel destination or simply search in your area. Thanks to the many reviews from users, you can see immediately whether you have really found a culinary highlight or should change your plans. Often you will also see insider tips from locals so that you can soak up the full gastronomic culture.
Uber & ÖPNV: How to get to your destination
Taxi rides are often expensive, but a great way to get to your destination, especially when you’re on vacation. The popular private provider Uber is a cost-effective alternative with a few additional features. Before you book a ride, you’ll see the price. Thanks to the payment in the app, you can be sure that you will not be ripped off, even when you are abroad. There is also a practical choice between different types of vehicles, including vans or environmentally friendly vehicles.
Alternatively, if you prefer to get from A to B more cheaply by public transport, you can use the in many large cities free app Citymapper To fall back on. Often not only buses, trains etc. can be used here, but also various sharing services for cars, bicycles or e-scooters.
Categories: General