Going anywhere? Seven travel Apps you can’t leave home without

Whether you’re traveling to Denver or Dubai, your iPhone can make for one savvy travel companion, thanks to a selection of Apps that offers information on dining, transportation, and even restrooms.  Below are seven Apps that any traveler should add to his digital suitcase.

Currency Converter

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t share a universal currency. Fortunately, there’s Currency Converter ($1.99), which not only provides support for more than 200 worldwide currencies, but also commodities (such as gold) and even virtual currency (such as Linden Dollars from Second Life).  Other notable features include inverse conversion support and up-to-date exchange rate information. 

Flight Status & Flight Tracker

Don’t let delays catch you by surprise. Flight Status & Flight Tracker  ($4.99) allows users to track flights from an astounding 1,143 airline carriers among more than 4,000 airports worldwide.  This App provides detailed information on estimated takeoff and arrival times, gate and terminal locations, baggage claim, and more.  Plus, users can develop a travel itinerary under the Trips module, which also allows for several flights to be tracked at once.

Mobile Translator

If you’re unsure of how to say, “Where is the hotel?” in Chinese or need to know what “Il bagno” means in English, Mobile Translator ($4.99) can provide a translation in a snap.  This intuitive App utilizes Google Translate and features support among 37 languages, including speech in English, French, German, and Spanish.  One minor drawback is that this App is only at its most effective when connected to the Internet.

Clothes Size

If your shoe size is 12 in the States, what would it be elsewhere?  Clothes Size ($1.99) compares men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes among the US, Canada, UK, Europe, France, and Italy.  Users can also create their own profiles, consisting of their personal measurements. Hopefully, more countries will be added in future releases but even in its current state, it serves as a valuable resource for those who love to buy clothes abroad.

Zagat to Go ’09

If you’re itching for something fun to do, rely on the extensive guide featured in Zagat to Go ’09 ($9.99) for some prime tips.  Over 40,000 listings for restaurants, nightlife hot spots, shopping, and hotels spanning the world’s top metropolitan cities will be at your fingertips.  And unlike a traditional paperbound guidebook, Zagat to Go ’09 will automatically update throughout the year.  Other features include integrated Google Maps and booking reservations.

Rocket Taxi

Calling for a cab can be stressful and often fruitless.  Rocket Taxi ($1.99) eases the frustration, with a directory that includes over 17,000 cab companies in over 10,000 cities. WiFi or GPS guides users to nearby cab companies.  Also included are a fare tip calculator and personal rating system.

SitorSquat

If nature grips you so bad you have no time to ask where the closest bathroom is (or look up how to say it in another language, for that matter), there’s SitorSquat (free).  This user-based program not only provides locations on the nearest toilets, it also gives information on which locations have handicap-friendly stalls, changing tables, vending machines, and more.  This self-described “Wiki” for worldwide lavatories offers over 50,000 listings, and is still growing.

The above Apps are excellent for universal usage.  However, plenty of niche travel Apps also exist for more specific needs.  For instance, you can download the Disneyland California Mini Guide (99 cents) if you’re planning on paying Mickey a visit, or TubeDeluxe (99 cents) if you want to make the most of London’s renowned public transportation system. 

Forget lugging around a guidebook or harassing locals–just load your iPhone up with these handy Apps and have an enjoyable trip.  Bon voyage!