The iPad has rapidly become one of the must-have items that people are taking with them when they travel. It offers more options for both productivity and entertainment than a smartphone. At the same time, it’s easier to carry around than a laptop. It makes perfect sense as a travel companion for both business and leisure travelers. What you may not realize, though, is that there’s a lot to know about taking an iPad on the road!
Must-Have iPad Apps for Travelers
o Documents to Go. This is a must-have app for anyone who is going to use Microsoft Office tools on their iPad. That’s most of us!
o Dropbox. This is the most efficient iPad app for file sharing and syncing. You’ll especially want to make sure to have this app if you’re a business traveler but even some leisure travelers find it useful.
o Facebook and Twitter. You’ll want to update the world about your activities using your favorite social media platforms. Download the apps of your choice. For example many iPad users make use of the Tweetie Twitter client.
o Flight Track Pro. This app will help you keep track of the status of your flight so that you don’t get to the airport too late or too early.
o Kindle for iPad. The built-in iBooks feature is terrific but you can also open yourself to a world of additional iPad reading during your trip by downloading the Kindle for iPad app.
o Language Translator. You don’t want to find yourself stuck trying to have a conversation with someone in a language that you don’t understand. This translator can make the conversation go smoothly.
o Loopt Pulse. This iPad app will help you find real-time activities and events in nearly any destination so that you’ll never be bored during your trip.
o OffMaps. One of the most important things to have when traveling is a map of your location. This is a great app because it allows you to download maps for offline use on the iPad. This is terrific for people traveling in areas where online use is pricey.
o Weather Pro for iPad. Travelers often need up-to-the-minute information about weather issues in the area where they are about to arrive. There are a lot of iPad apps for weather but this one combines user-friendliness with tons of detailed information.
Top Tips for Taking Care of your iPad on the Road
o You must have a case for your iPad. The ideal case is a flip-open case that essentially makes your iPad look like a book. The case should be slim and have a handle that makes it easy to carry. The reduced bulkiness will prevent problems with dropping it or banging it against things while traveling.
o Don’t take the iPad out at bars and restaurants. Chances are that sooner or later you’re going to spill something on it if you do. Wait until you’re done eating to get it out and get to work on it.
o Always put your iPad in your hotel safe when leaving the room. This protects it from theft.
Getting your iPad through Airport Security
One question that many travelers have when it comes to their iPads is whether or not it needs to be removed from carry-on luggage when passing through airport security. The answer is now. You can keep it in the bag unless for some reason airport security asks you to remove it for closer inspection.
Saving Money on Travel with your iPad
Using your iPad on the road can either cost you money or save you money. Here are some tips for making sure it’s a money-saving tool for you!
o Stay off the Wi-Fi in other countries. You can easily incur huge roaming charges if you’re traveling with your iPad and don’t have a good roaming plan. Plus turning off Wi-Fi (as well as 3G) will increase your battery life.
o Compare costs on activities in your destination area. You can easily utilize the iPad to compare prices on restaurants, museums and entertainment in your destination.
o Access mobile coupons. The iPad is a great tool for finding coupons that can be used at your destination. Just log in right before you enter an establishment and see if there’s a relevant deal that you can use while you’re there.
This is a guest post by Kathryn Vercillo, a blogger who writes about travel, consumer electronics and saving money for multiple sites including the Money Saving Blog.
This is a great list of apps! I use most of them already but you did leave off my favorite app of all, the TV Everywhere app through DISH Network. Over the holidays I was able to take some time off my job at DISH and do some traveling…the TV Everywhere app allowed me to watch live or recorded shows anywhere in the world as long as I can get a 3g Connection.