Building a Digital Pocket Guide

Travel nowadays is virtually impossible without technology. Tickets, rail cards, and maps are all accessible through a smartphone. I am not even sure how people used to do it. Before traveling, I think it is important to build a strong "digital pocket guide," a collection of apps I find helpful. Below, I have compiled a collection of my favorite apps and websites, how I use them, and why I prefer them.

Apps and Websites

ABC Taxis Norwich

My go-to for public transportation through town is public buses, but sometimes that is not an option. Buses sometimes do not run in certain areas or at certain times of the day. I need to get somewhere in Norwich, and the bus is unavailable, I make a booking online through ABC Taxis. It charges £9 per journey to book a ride in advance in Norwich. Available as an app and website. 

Bolt

Driver for hire, just like Uber or Lyft. Request a ride on-demand or schedule one for later. 

Booking.com

Reserve hotels, flights, car rentals, taxis, and tickets for activities through Booking.com. I typically use it to book hotels and prefer to book flights directly through flight companies. Similar to Expedia, but sometimes have different availabilities, prices, and deals. Available as an app and website.

Currency

Converts all types of currency; works like a calculator. It updates fluctuations automatically and will show trends in value. I use it frequently to find the price of things in USD instead of GBP. There are several apps and websites similar to this one that would work just as well. 

First Bus

View bus times, routes, and plan journeys through Norfolk through First Bus. Coach cards are available to make journeys cheaper for frequent users. I take First Bus at least once a week, and there are service lines 25 and 26 that stop at the university and go to the city center. Secure a ticket in advance or buy two singles for cheaper travel in town. Available as an app or website. 

Sky Scanner

Compare cheap flights across all airlines. Available as an app and website. 

Google Maps

Connects to a Google account and allows for navigation and location lists. I use this app the most and prefer it over Apple Maps. See travel times by car, plane, walking, cycling, and using public transport with a look at available flights and train/bus lines. It also updates road accidents and traffic. Available as an app and website. 

Google Photos

Every Google account has access to a personal photo and video backup. Store for free for up to 15 GB. If you take as many photos as I do, this helps to clear up storage on your phone so you never see the dreaded "iPhone Storage Full." Available as an app and website. 

Greater Anglia

Book trains, view times, and book full journeys in East Anglia and to London. Will offer special deals Trainline does not, otherwise, I always book through Trainline. Available as an app and website. 

Hostel World

View hostels across the world, ratings, connect with other travelers, and book beds/rooms online. Well trusted by those who frequently stay in hostels. Available as an app and website.

Hotels.com

Book hotels and get access to deals. The parent company is Expedia, a company similar to Booking.com. Available as an app and website. 

Time Converter

See acceptable hours for reaching out to those in different time zones. Any app or website will do just fine. I use this frequently to see when I should schedule online meetings for people in the States.

Trainline

I purchased a 16-25 rail card through Trainline, which earns me cheaper trains across the U.K. See live train times, train platforms, and book train journeys in advance. Trainline uses SplitSave, making journeys even cheaper. Tickets and rail cards are all stored in the same place with Trainline, or download them to a digital wallet. Available as an app and website. 

Tripadvisor

Compare prices at hotels and airlines and book reservations for activities and restaurants. I use this app mainly to check reviews. If people do not like something they will absolutely let you know on Tripadvisor. Available as an app and website. 

Weather

A weather app with places of interest saved has come in handy, especially when it rains. I use the Apple Weather app that was already installed on my phone. 

Whatsapp

Connect with phone numbers from all across the world and avoid international fees. Free international calls. I use this app to talk with society groups and to coordinate with other international students. Snapchat, Instagram, and Messenger work just the same. Available as an app. 

Other Tips

- Digital copy of important documents on hand (Ex: Passport, Driver's License)

- Digital wallet because many places are cashless and you can still access your bank cards and train tickets even if your phone is dead

- Link Apple Airtags or an equivalent when traveling with valuables

- Invest in a portable charger because your phone will lose battery very quickly, especially when navigating with map apps

- Be careful when pulling out a phone or camera in public, especially in large cities or areas with heavy foot traffic; Pickpockets and phone snatchers are a problem

This blog post was written for HON491C