Before you hit your next destination, download a few apps that can make the experience more memorable and free of worry!  Take advantage of what technology has to offer. Travel smart and travel well!

HeyWire: You've heard of ways to contact people when you're abroad, but this app allows travelers to send text, pictures, songs to friends back home for free! The best part? They don't even need the app to do it!

There are a variety of great apps for finding nearby places to eat, play, or hang out.  Here are some options for the best, depending on app preferences.  Kamino: Live like a local in foreign cities!  Choose a city and know all the events, places to see and best food to eat. OR Foursquare: Finds places to eat, drink, and visit based on personal preferences.  When searching for your favorite things, you can use specifics like "fried chicken" or general like "outdoor seating." OR AroundMe: Find whatever you need to find, right near you! Find anything from movie theaters to ATMs, from hospitals to gas stations‚ 

Wifi Finder by JiWire: Don't want to run up your data bill? Shows all the local places where free wifi is available!

Convert Units by Alan Mrvica: Convert any units that your heart desires! From volume to weight, currency to length, temperature to fuel-mileage, this app will help you convert any units you could use abroad.

Postagram: Miss the good ol' days of snail mail?  Send post-cards of your trip to friends and family, using your very own pictures! Simply put in a picture, store their addresses and Postagram will send the actual post card for you! Each postcard costs $.99 and postage is included!

Google Translate: Translates words you speak or type into different languages.  This app also has a word lens so you can use the camera on your phone to translate a sign right in front of you!

Ulmon Mobile City Guide: Download a detailed map of the city you are traveling to!  There can be so many unknowns when going to a new city, especially how to navigate through it, but this app helps ease that stress!

Jetlag Rooster: Reduce the negative effects of jet lag using this app! Simply put in the departure city and destination, your usual sleep time, and when you want to be adjusted.  The app will set a plan for when to sleep so adjustment becomes easy!

Smart Traveler: Created by the US department of state- helps you out during international travel by sending travel alerts and warnings, vaccination information and details on the embassy in each country.  Also, you can look at information and reports on where you are traveling to prepare before you go! AND TravelSafe: Have local emergency contact information at the click of a button.  The emergency services will have your location within seconds! Cost: $.99

What are your favorite travel apps?