In addition to providing users with the ability to send and receive phone calls, smartphone technologies have also introduced useful computer software applications. These applications, or apps, cover a wide range of topics and aim to make user’s life easier by providing them with a one-touch resource to access information and entertainment. There are a wide-range of smartphone apps that are compatible with the Android, BlackBerry and iPhone platforms. Some apps can even be used with tablet computers such as the iPad, Sony Tablet or Motorola Xoom. Some of the most useful apps on the market target frequent travelers who are looking for ways to keep track of their travel information. While some of these travel apps focus on helping travelers find discounts on airfare and hotel accommodations, other apps specialize in helping tourists navigate new cities or assist in language translation. If you plan to travel over the holiday season, be sure to review the top four apps for travelers.

TripIt
TripIt is a travel management application that helps travelers keep track of flight, rental car and hotel confirmation numbers. The app aggregates all of your confirmation emails and then puts them into one convenient place for easy access. TripIt is available for Android, BlackBerry and iPhone platforms. A lite version of the app can be downloaded for free; however, TripIt Pro and TripIt for Business, the more advanced versions of the app, cost $49 a year and $29 a month respectively.

AllSubway HD
AllSubway HD is the perfect app for tourists who need to learn how to navigate the subways of a new city. AllSubway HD includes subway maps for approximately 130 different cities around the world. The app also features downloadable maps that can be referenced just in case you lose service while you are underground. AllSubway HD can be downloaded to the iPad, or travelers can choose to download the non-HD version of the app for their iPhone and iPod Touch. AllSubway HD can be downloaded from iTunes for $0.99.

Google Translate
Google Translate is one of the more helpful apps for world travelers. The app translates words and phrases from over 50 different languages and can make awkward foreign communications a breeze whether you’re in a foreign country or in an alternate-language neighborhood. Using voice recognition software, users can speak or type common questions and requests, and the app will translate them in the language of their choice. The translation appears on screen or can be played in audio playback. Google Translate is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android and can be downloaded for free.

Kindle
No need to wait for a Kindle eReader to go on sale: If you have an iPhone, you can simply turn your device into an eReader with the Kindle app. Created by Amazon, the makers of the Kindle eReader, the Kindle app allows iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, and Android users to access digital books, magazines and other online content directly from their devices. The app supports several languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese. Even better, the Kindle app can be downloaded to every smartphone platform for free.

This article was written by Holly Adams. Visit MobilePhones.org.uk for the best deals on the latest mobile phones on the market.