Summer is officially here, it’s time to travel and, yes, you guessed it, “there’s an app for that!” (Several actually). In a hyper-connected world how can you get the most out of your travel experience? If you have a WI-FI connection and a mobile device, you’re wired to explore new cities and destinations. Location based technology has made it economical to easily connect people geographically to cool spots and create unforgettable experiences. Let’s examine seven mobile apps that integrate mapping, photos, food, and trip management and much more. <em><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/author/hajjflemings/">—Hajj Flemings</a></em>
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<strong><a href="http://maps.google.com/" target="_blank">GOOGLE MAPS</a></strong> has changed the way we look at maps and is a great utility when exploring new destinations—from travel directions to public transportation routes it is a must-have.
<strong><a href="https://foursquare.com/" target="_blank">FOURSQUARE</a></strong> is a lifestyle app that helps you to explore cities and share your experiences with you network. You can use it to check-in to locations that you want to journal for your personal history. Foursquare is also creating new partnerships almost daily to enable you to take advantage of promotions that restaurants and other establishments are providing.
<strong><a href="http://www.yelp.com/nyc" target="_blank">YELP</a></strong> is a great site that connects people with local businesses. The site contains reviews of local and national restaurants locations and other spots to hit when you’re traveling.
<strong><a href="http://weather.weatherbug.com/support/smartphone.html" target="_blank">WEATHER BUG</a></strong> is a great app to help you plan for the elements in your destination of choice. Weather Bug allows you to receive updates and notifications of changes in the weather.
<strong><a href="http://instagr.am/" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a></strong> is a great photo sharing app that enables you to take photos on your iPhone, digitally enhance them and share them immediately in up to seven different social networks.
<strong><a href="http://www.foodspotting.com/#/" target="_blank">FOODSPOTTING</a></strong> is a visual guide to good food and where to find it. It’s a site that allows you to recommend your favorite dishes at restaurants, eateries or places you dine at.
<strong><a href="http://www.tripit.com/?ot=4" target="_blank">TRIPIT</a></strong> organizes your travel plans. You can create an itinerary, manage flight status and organize your travel arrangements from your mobile device.
In major markets that have well developed public transportation systems you can download apps that provide you schedule information and station locations for the train and subway systems. For example, <strong><a href="http://www.routesy.com/" target="_blank">ROUTESY</a></strong> is a iPhone mobile app for Bay Area public transportation schedules (includes: Caltrain and BART in San Francisco and surrounding cities). There’s also <strong><a href="http://www.hopstop.com/" target="_blank">HOPSTOP</a></strong>, which is a city transit guide that provides directions and maps to subways and buses for many major cities, including NYC, San Francisco, Atlanta, and DC.
