“Appy” Traveler: 16 Essential Travel Apps

Apr 29, 2014

Book a killer flight, find the perfect hotel, eat at the cutest restaurants and send jealousy-inducing postcards. There is an app for literally everything, making your phone an invaluable travel companion. Finding the right ones can save you time and money while vacationing, letting you get the most out of your trips. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or planning a weekend escape, don’t leave home without downloading these 16 essential apps.

1. Tripit (Free): Remember those days of digging through a messy folder of flight confirmations, hotel bookings and printed itineraries? Well, save some space in your carry-on and use this app for keeping all those important details in one easy to find space. Tripit links to your email, picks up every confirmation number and creates an organized itinerary. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android, this is the ultimate in travel organization.

2. Packing List ($3): For all you chronic list makers out there, this app will make sure you don’t forget to pack anything. It even has a weight estimation for each item so you don’t end up with that nasty overweight baggage fee!

3. TripAdvisor (Free): A classic travel app that never fails to point you in the right direction when it comes to good eating and cozy hotels. Instead of having to carry around heavy guide books, just pull out your phone. Peers rate every hotel, restaurant and tourist activity available in whatever city you’re visiting.

4. Hotels.com (Free): This app will ensure you get a dream hotel for the best possible price. It securely stores your credit card information, and it’s clutch when it comes to last-minute hotel emergencies. You can read reviews from fellow travelers and see real photos — not just the glamour shots the hotel wants to you see.

5. SkyScanner (Free): Whether you’re doing a multi-leg international trip or just need a quick weekend flight, this app is perfect for finding the best possible prices for flights. It also shows you a month-long estimate for when flights will be at their cheapest if your travel plans are flexible.

6. XE Currency (Free): Even if you’re not jet-lagged and exhausted, it’s intimidating to walk up to a foreign ATM and wonder how much you’re actually withdrawing. XE Currency stores the latest rates so internet connectivity is hardly a must, which is huge when you’re watching those data roaming fees!

7. WiFi Finder (Free): For most of us, that wonderful LTE just isn’t an option during international travel unless you’re willing to sell your first born. This app will point you in the direction of the nearest free and paid WiFi when you need to send some emails, Skype with family or upload pictures. The offline mode means you can download maps before you leave home, thereby dodging a scary bill when you return.

8. Pocket First Aid ($2): Whether you’re out hiking The Great Trails or traveling alone in Europe, this is the only app you hope you’ll never have to use. From allergic reactions to burns and snake bites, it gives step-by step guidance to navigate medical situations. It also lets you create personal profiles so first responders have easy access to important information.

9. FoodSpotting (Free): Exploring Paris and craving that perfect macaron? This app searches by dish reviews, not just restaurant reviews. Peer reviews with pictures and estimated distance from your current location are included. Simply type in the dish you’re craving, and you’ll soon be off to the bakery, sitting pretty with the best macarons in town.

10. Everplaces (Free): It’s like Pinterest for traveling. Everplaces lets you save and share your favorite places with others so you never forget a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or boutique hotel again. You can follow locals for insider tips and share your personal findings with friends who may be traveling to the same city. A big bonus is the app also works offline, so forget roaming when you’re traveling internationally.

11. Photosynth (Free): Nothing is more annoying than trying to fit all of Machu Picchu’s awe-inspiring breadth into one photo frame. This excellent app creates an immersive panorama that adjusts for light and focus changes to give you the feeling that you’re standing right in the middle of the action, even when you’re back at home, sitting on your couch.

12. WalkJogRun ($5): If you like to get out and do some jogging while you’re traveling, this app will give you a map with the safest routes to run. With more than 1.8 million worldwide running routes, you’re sure to find the best trails to stay on track with your workout schedule, no matter where your travels may take you.

13. Postale ($2): Customizable e-postcards are perfect for the busy traveler. Postale comes with several themes as well as dozens of adorable stamps to choose from. You can choose a photo right from your iPhone or iPad, put a stamp and a message on it and share it via email or social media.

14. CityMaps2Go (Free): Perfect for the international traveler watching their data roaming fees, this offline map app will make sure you never get lost by giving you directions, addresses and points of interest. The initial app is free, but for $3 you get unlimited map downloads for thousands of cities.

15. HopStop (Free): HopStop gives you the DL on public transportation options like metros, buses, even biking and walking directions, which saves you the trouble of figuring out the subway system or paying for a lot of expensive taxis. The directions also list real-time updates like accidents and construction that may disrupt your travel time. It’s available in cities throughout Europe and the US.

16. Yelp (Free): Want to see the city through a local’s eyes? In 26 countries across the globe, Yelp gives you local business recommendations through the photographs and words of the locals who live in whatever city you’re traveling to.

Will you be using any of these travel apps on your next trip? Let us know in the comments below!

What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Small Businesses?

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

Sign up for our newsletter for more takes on current events. Follow us on TikTok to catch exclusive content!

Illustration by Claire Shadomy

Your First Look At 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Season 6, Plus When You Can Watch New Episodes

There are a few dystopian stories that feel so relevant, they almost feel like nonfiction, and readers have always considered Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale to be one of those stories. The book was published in 1985 to rave reviews, and when Hulu adapted the novel into a TV show in 2017, it became the first streaming series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. No big deal!

Fans have been waiting for news on the show ever since the season 5 finale aired in November of 2022, and after a nearly two-year wait, The Handmaid's Tale season 6 is finally in production. Here's everything you need to know about the final installment of the hit series, including a sneak peek from the upcoming season.

Is there a season 6 of Handmaid's Tale release date?

Elisabeth Moss/Instagram

We don't have an exact release date for The Handmaid's Tale season 6 yet, but we do know it'll premiere in the spring of 2025, according to Disney+'s first look in their Coming In 2025 teaser video. That ideally means we could see it anywhere from March to May!

The eligibility period for the Emmys ends in May, meaning the show will be eligible for 2025 Emmys consideration! The Handmaid's Tale season 6 was scheduled to film in 2023 but was delayed due to last summer's Hollywood strikes.

On September 7, actress Elisabeth Moss posted an image from set. "Guess who's back? Production on the final season has officially started," the caption reads. In addition to starring as June, Moss will direct the first episode of season 6.

Your First Look At Season 6

Disney+/YouTube

Of the clips shown in Disney+'s sneak peek of The Handmaid's Tale in their Coming In 2025 teaser video, the first shows Serena saying: "Something big is about to happen." 👀

Disney+/YouTube

The next clip shows a wide shot of June walking with a backpack down a long dirt road.

Disney+/YouTube

The final clip from the most recent season 6 sneak peek shows June with a look of stern determination on her face, saying: "Let's bring them home." Oh, we are so pumped.

What is The Handmaid's Tale season 6 about?

Sophie Giraud/Hulu

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 is sure to pick up right where season 5 left off: June and Nichole board a train for Vancouver (to later transfer to a boat bound for Hawaii), while Luke stays behind at the train station and is arrested for the death of a truck driver who attempted to assassinate June. On the train, June is reunited with Serena and Noah.

Who's in the cast of The Handmaid's Tale season 6?

Sophie Giraud/Hulu

The Handmaid's Tale stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger. Sydney Sweeney, Alexis Bledel, and McKenna Grace have also had roles on the show.

Alexis Bledel won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in 2018!

Is The Handmaid's Tale done?

Sophie Giraud/Hulu

The show is almost done! The Handmaid's Tale season 6 will be the last installment of the series.

Is The Testaments going to be a series?

Amazon

Yes, Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel The Testamentswill be a Hulu TV show. The book revolves around Aunt Lydia from The Handmaid's Tale (played by Ann Dowd in both series), Agnes, who lives in Gilead, and Daisy, who lives in Canada. Bruce Miller, who was the showrunner for the first five seasons of The Handmaid's Tale, will be showrunner for The Testaments.

Are you excited for The Handmaid's Tale season 6? Check back here for the latest news on the series.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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9 Black App Creators You Need To Know

In an increasingly digital world, mobile apps change the way we access information, stay connected to friends and family, entertain ourselves, and even manage our mental health and anxiety. Behind every great app is an inspiring fleet of developers who have taken a spark of creativity and turned it into something totally new and useful.

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating some of our favorite Black app creators who have been instrumental in revolutionizing their respective industries. These talented women have used their passion for coding and design to create apps that are both innovative and indispensable.

Aurelia Edwards, Founder of Nailstry

Aurelia Edwards has created the ultimate destination for beauty lovers through her app Nailstry. This exclusive marketplace is tailored to help those aspiring to perfect their press-on nails with unique designs from nail art designers across the country. It doesn't stop there; Aurelia also seeks out opportunities that give back and donates a portion of her sales towards programs like Black Girls Code.

Damilola Awofisayo, Founder of TecHacks

Damilola Awofisay is a young leader making waves in driving the tech industry forward. She is using her coding skills to create apps that address issues such as sign language learning and dyslexia support for students, actively cultivating a more inclusive future of digital innovation. Moreover, she's making STEM more accessible for young women through TecHacks, a nonprofit that brings women and nonbinary individuals together virtually in hackathons.

Dayo Akinrinade, Founder of Wisdom

Dayo Akinrinade is empowering people everywhere with Wisdom, an app that connects users to inspiring advice and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Through the platform, users can learn from each other on topics ranging from business success to personal wellness in one inclusive setting. Through Wisdom, closed networks are replaced with limitless opportunities for knowledge sharing!

DeShuna Spencer, Founder of kweliTV

Deshuna Spencer translated her passion for storytelling and black culture into creating a platform that celebrated the intersection of the two. She launched kweliTV, a streaming app, features 550 titles from 450 global filmmakers. With almost 50,000 users, kweliTV has earned $800,000 in revenue, 60% of which goes directly back into the film community! This is innovation at its finest; disruption through creativity while still giving back to support others who share this same vision.

Janique Edwards, Co-Founder of EatOkra

Janique Edwards, along with her husband Anthony, are connecting foodies to Black-owned restaurants and culinary experiences through their app EatOkra. Seamlessly streamlining the discovery process, EatOkra is bridging audiences with over 11,000 black-owned eateries across the country.

Kaya Thomas, Founder of We Read Too

Kaya Thomas is a true inspiration! Combining her passions of reading, coding, and writing, she founded We Read Too, an app that enables young people to explore hundreds of books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and featuring characters who look like them. Through this innovative idea, Kaya is bringing equity and inclusion to the literary landscape for children across the globe.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder of Irth

Kimberly Seals Allers is an inspiring leader who was driven to make a difference. After her own negative hospital experience, she devoted herself to researching disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women during childbirth. This spurred the creation of Irth, an app designed specifically with these communities in mind so they can have equal access leading up to and beyond their child’s birth.

Simmone Taitt, Founder of Poppy Seed Health

Simmone Taitt is the visionary behind Poppy Seed Health, an incredible app that provides 24/7 on-demand access to midwives, doulas, and nurses for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Driven by her own pregnancy journey, Simmone recognized an opportunity in the tech startup scene to build a community for those embarking on one of life's most beautiful yet challenging journeys: parenthood. The culminating result? A warm digital refuge!

Tanya Van Court, Founder of Goalsetter

Tanya Van Court is the mastermind behind Goalsetter, a personal finance app that has empowered families to help their children realize their financial aspirations. Goalsetter is on an ambitious and compassionate mission. The goal they're setting? Striving for one million Black kids worldwide to open savings accounts!

These are just a few of the creators whose work is transforming industries, connecting communities, and promoting equity within our digital landscape. We hope that they serve as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs who have bright ideas and big dreams. Be sure to support these incredible Black app creators and the amazing work they’re doing!

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We Just Got A Major 'White Lotus' Season 3 Update

I'll never stop daydreaming about the sunny, all-inclusive resorts popping up on Instagram (including Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's dreamy Bahamas vacation). And now that The White Lotus season 3 is officially on its way, I'm daydreaming about a beach vacay even more! (Well, just without the drama, please.)

Even though we won't be getting season 3 until 2025, there's still plenty to be excited about. Keep checking back here for all the most important White Lotus theories, plot, cast, and release date details. Until then, check out our best new TV shows of 2024!

Keep reading for the latest news on HBO's The White Lotus season 3.

The White Lotus season 3 is coming to HBO and Max in 2025.
This year, we're headed to Thailand.
The cast includes Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Dom Hetrakul, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Aimee Lou Wood.

Check Out The First Look At 'The White Lotus' Season 3

Max

Max's latest preview for the 2024-2025 season gives us a look at Dune: Prophecy, The Last of Us season 2, and The White Lotus season 3. This season, we're headed to Thailand and this first look is beautiful. However, if past seasons are any indication these carefree vacation vibes won't last long...but we'll enjoy them while they're here.

Max

We also get a look at Natasha Rothwell's return as Belinda, who's the character we've been waiting to see! I need this floral 'fit for my next vacation.

When can I watch The White Lotus season 3?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Max confirmed on August 5 that we'd see The White Lotus season 3 in 2025. Stay tuned for an official release date!

Your First Look At The White Lotus Season 3

Sam Nivola/Instagram

Cast member Sam Nivola shared some photos from the set of The White Lotus season 3 set featuring Sarah Catherine Hook and Patrick Schwarzenegger (along with their friend Iris Apatow) hanging out on a boat together. Talk about a dreamy work day!

"The pookinator is looking absolutely FIRE tonight," Sam says on Instagram. "LOML," Sarah Catherine commented, while Patrick added a bunch of heart-eye smiles.

Who's in The White Lotus season 3 cast?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 cast is slowly rolling in, with characters which range from 18 years old to 80-something, and include a patriarch, a corporate executive, an actress, two mothers, a misfit, and a yogi. Naturally, the internet immediately started fan casting who'd get to be in the new season. Fans have tagged everyone from Dianna Agron (by far the most popular fan cast) to Keke Palmer and Harry Styles. I feel like it's only a matter of time before we see Madelyn Cline. 👀

So far, The White Lotus season 3 cast includes Leslie Bibb, Miloš Biković, Carrie Coon, Christian Friedel, Walton Goggins, Dom Hetrakul, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Morgana O’Reilly, Lek Patravadi, Shalini Peiris, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood.

On February 12, it was announced the BLACKPINK's Lisa would join The White Lotus season 3, but her role has yet to be disclosed. It will be the singer's acting debut, and she'll be credited under her given name Lalisa Manobal. Since the season begins filming this month, we're sure to get updates soon! Jennie from BLACKPINK also made her acting debut recently in HBO's The Idol!

What is The White Lotus season 3 about?

Mario Perez/HBO

“It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus,” creator Mike White told EW. “It’s going to be longer, bigger, crazier. I don’t know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that’s a good thing…I’m super excited about the content of the season.”

While the first season provided commentary on money, and the second season highlighted sex, Mike says at the end of the second season finale featurette, “The White Lotus: Unpacking S2 E7,” that he hoped at the time to move to something resembling even more of a black comedy: “I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus.”

Who is the recurring character in White Lotus season 3?

Mario Perez/HBO

Natasha Rothwell, who we all loved in season one as spa manager Belinda Lindsey, will return for The White Lotus season 3. No other cast members have been announced just yet.

“I've just finished the season 3 scripts, and I'm going to have to say White Lotus is going to give you a run for your money,” Natasha tells PEOPLE. While she “can’t confirm or deny” just how much we'll see her in season 3, Natasha does promise "it's an excellent season and people are going to be very pleased.” We can't wait!

Where is season 3 of White Lotus going to be?

Mario Perez/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 will take place in Thailand. The show will be filming in and around Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok, Thailand (via Variety).

Does Daphne sleep with Ethan?

HBO

There was a lot to process at the end of The White Lotus season 2, but one detail that wasn't confirmed at the time was whether Daphne (played by Meghann Fahy) and Ethan (Will Sharpe) ended up sleeping together. However, Meghann pretty much confirmed it when she talked about the season with Variety.

"I definitely think something happened," she says. "I don't know what exactly happened, but I do know that it was something. Honestly, in that moment, I think Daphne just saw this broken man and wanted to do something to make him feel more empowered in her own strange way. I really don’t think that she led him there to get back at Cameron or Harper."

Will Jennifer Coolidge be in season 3 of White Lotus?

Mario Perez/HBO

No, sadly Jennifer Coolidge is not coming back for The White Lotus season 3. “I’m jealous of everyone that’s going," she tells TODAY.com. "I just want to stress I’m not a good sport about it, but there’s nothing I can do. When they kill you, you have to accept it. Because it means they’re not calling for your costume sizes or anything."

But Jennifer is just as sad as we are that she's not in the new installment! "I just want to say in all honesty, I’m very sad I’m not in it," she continues. “I think it’s going to be good. There’s going to be all sorts of good stuff in it, probably great sex stuff. You know how Mike White writes — it’s never, never a dull moment. I think he’s going to slay with this one.”

Will Meghann Fahy reprise her role as Daphne?

HBO

So far an actual confirmation is TBD, but we could see Daphne and other stars from The White Lotus grace our screens at a point during Season 3. She told Deadline, "He [Mike White] did once say that he would love to do like an episode with Theo and me and the couple from the first season, Alex and Jake."

We're imagining how chaotic that episode will be if it comes to fruition!

What's your biggest theory for The White Lotus season 3? Until the new installment drops on Max and HBO, read up on the Fall Movies you won't want to miss in 2024!

This post has been updated.

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41 Thanksgiving-Approved Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes

When it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone usually knows who's making what. Grandma handles her famous desserts. Your aunt always comes in clutch with the green bean casserole. And your cousin can (sometimes) be relied upon to bring the plates everyone likes – you know, the big platters with the separated sections, so the food doesn't touch. But what happens when the mac and cheese person is at their in-laws for Thanksgiving? You take a few deep breaths, open up Safari, and start googling for the best mac and cheese recipe that you can find.

So, now you're here.

Sure, it would be a lot easier to call that person up for the recipe, but it's your time now. And since you're the holiday underdog this year, we've supplied a few recipes that are sure to earn you that permanent "mac and cheese person" position.

Let's get into the cheesy stuff.

Brit + Co

This article has been updated.

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