Taking time out of the office to travel to a meeting (or even heading overseas for a conference or speaking opportunity) can be a lot of fun. Getting away from your desk to travel to another city or country can be very refreshing and provide you with a much-needed break whilst still technically working. However, business travel can also be a massive inconvenience in many instances, specifically when you don't prepare yourself properly.
Losing a full working day to travel from A to B can be very frustrating. It can also mean that you lose vital contact with work colleagues who you work alongside every day. Added to that can be wasted time due to struggles finding your way, on public transport or even keeping a tight hold of those precious receipts to be able to claim your expenses.
Thanks to the ever-expanding world of smartphone and tablet technology, however, these problems are being solved in the form of apps.
With this in mind, we have put together this list of 15 MUST-HAVE business apps for travel which will make sure your days spent on trains, planes or in the car aren’t totally wasted.
1. Concur
Available on: iOS, Android
Do you spend at least half of your business trip worrying about your expenses? Fear not as Concur is the ultimate tool to help you efficiently manage your business and travel expenses. Its ability to link back up with your main office for necessary approvals is a stand out feature.
2. Skyscanner
Available on: iOS, Android
Bringing together all of your last minute travel needs, Skyscanner allows you to search, compare and book last minute flights, hotels and hire cars. With their three interchangeable apps, Skyscanner is your safety rope when your travel plans are delayed or cancelled at the last minute.
3. Google Drive
Available on: iOS, Android
Don’t already have it? What on earth have you been doing? Google Drive allows you to store, share and edit any type of document on the go. Perfect for sending or receiving hefty content instantly as well as keeping in the loop with calendars and workflow back in the office.
4. Uber
Available on: iOS, Android
In a new and confusing town or city? Unsure of a local taxi number or where the nearest taxi rank is? Never fear, with Uber you are just two clicks from booking a taxi to pick you up from the very spot you stand. You can follow your cabs arrival via GPS and payment is made via the app, so the days of those awkward conversations about your lack of cash are long gone.
5. Evernote Scannable
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS
Another issue with business travel is relaying hard copy files to colleagues back at the office. Even with a good smartphone camera, it isn’t always perfect. Thankfully there is Scannable, an app which is designed to highlight text on paper and produce the best possible image. You can then bring together a number of files, create a PDF and email them on.
6. Food Spotting
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS, Android
We’ve all been there. You check into your accommodation and fancy a bite to eat. However, you have no idea about the local restaurants. Food Spotting is a unique take on the restaurant search engine, simply type in the specific culinary delights which you fancy and it’ll tell you the nearest places that serve it.
7. WiFi Finder
Available on: iOS, Android
Business travel can play havoc with your phone’s data allowance, especially when you’re abroad. The answer is free WiFi, however running through the streets looking for cafés is going to take a while. This app uses your GPS to find all of the nearest free WiFi spots, saving you both time and money.
8. XE Currency
Available on: iOS, Android
If you are lucky enough to travel abroad for your work, you’re going to need to convert some cash for the trip. XE Currency lets you convert at the click of a button into any currency around the globe.
9. Google Translate
Available on: iOS, Android
Whether you’re struggling to navigate an airport or train station abroad or simply can’t read a menu, Google Translate is the quickest way to get back on track. It works both online and off, plus the camera feature is perfect for interpreting road signs or anything which you struggle to type.
10. AroundMe
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS
A common theme of business travel is that you often find yourself somewhere you’ve never been before. When you’re up against it, it can be tricky to find anything which you need. Thankfully AroundMe uses GPS to search for shops, petrol stations, bars, hotels, hospitals and so on.
11. HelloSign
Available on: iOS, Android
The tricky thing about being on the move and handling virtual documents is that when your signature is required, you’re a bit stuck. HelloSign lets you import documents into the app from emails or google drive/docs and write your signature with your finger, which is often almost as convincing as a pen.
12. Handshake
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS, Android
No matter how sharp you are at sales, there will always be THAT missed opportunity because you’ve been short of a business card or brochure. With Handshake, you can quickly show potential customers catalogues and services in a presentable, quick app. Perfect for trade shows and conferences.
13. Evernote
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS, Android
On the move, you'll often need to store information as quickly and as well organised as possible. Say goodbye to writing on the back of your hand. Evernote is great for creating quick lists, reminders and plan projects, both personal and professional. Plus, the app syncs between all your devices to save you any later hassle.
14. TripIt
Available on: iOS, Android
There are plenty of great travel apps, but it’s a pain having to go between them all to work out all of your different arrangements. TripIt lets you save all your travel documents and details, be it for a train, plane or car, into a clear, chronological list so don’t have to panic when another app starts playing up.
14. GateGuru
Available on: iOS, Android
Worried you won’t have time to grab a new book or bite to eat between flights? Concerned you can’t find your flight’s gate? Check out GateGuru which knows literally everything about every airport you’d likely to visit.
