Riding the Rails in Europe? There’s an App for That.

Travel industry experts say most people are continuing with their summer travel plans despite high prices. For those heading overseas to Europe, traveling by train may not be cheap, but a new iPhone app may make it easier.

Rail Europe has released a new booking app that allows travelers to plan and book trips on their iPhone and iPod touch. The application uses geo-location technology that connects 35 railroads in 32 European countries. App users can choose their seat, buy their ticket, and plan their arrival with a calculated time and distance function.

The app is available at Rail Europe’s site at http://www.raileurope.com/mobile/index.html.

Three Great Smartphone Apps That Will Take the Stress Out of Travel

Not many people travel without a smartphone these days, and many frequent travelers are using phone apps to keep them on schedule and less stressed. Going on a trip soon? Try these three popular smartphone apps to keep it on track:

• FlightTrack. With frequent travel updates and a user-friendly layout, FlightTrack gives detailed information on flights from over 4,000 airports and 1,400 airlines. FlightTrack, also available on iTunes, offers alternative routes, real-time updates on departure and arrival times, and flight route maps. Travelers can also sync the app with their calendar.

• Boingo. This app, available at boingo.com, enables unlimited Wi-Fi at selected airports, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and other venues in more than 200,000 hotspots worldwide.The app is great for frequent business travelers, allowing them to stay connected to the Web without roaming fees.
  
  
• AllSubway HD. In a strange city and need to find the fastest way to your next meeting? This app has 115 subway maps from city hubs all over the world. AllSubway HD, available on iTunes, gives travelers access to a detailed map of the subway system with user friendly zooming abilities.

And don't forget the number one way to lower your stress while traveling: Travel Insurance from USI Affinity.

Will Facebook Change the Way We Travel?

Facebook launched its new geo-location app "Facebook Places" last week, and many are saying it could change the way we travel. The feature lets users "check-in" at locations like movie theaters, restaurants, and landmarks and broadcast their location with friends.

So, you're on vacation in Italy and you broadcast that you're headed to a restaurant in Naples. A friend recognizes the name of the restaurant and says she's been there as well, and you should skip the tripe and try the Osso Bucco. Great tip, right?

Or, you can help fellow travelers by adding notes with tips to getting around a location, or to avoid it altogether. Plus, if you use Topguest, the check-in program for frequent travelers that's now integrated with Places, you can earn rewards if you use Facebook to check-in.

5 Amazing and Free iPhone Travel Apps - Don't Leave Home Without Them

No one can guarantee that your next trip will be seamless, but these new iPhone apps might just be a traveler's best friend.

Travel Channel GO
Free
This app is a great first step to a well-planned trip. It lets you virtually experience sites and culture from across America via Travel Channel's hosts, including Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown.

TripIt 
Free
TripIt is a travel itinerary management service that keeps you on track with no worries, whether your trip is business or pleasure. Just e-mail your itinerary to TripIt, and the service organizes everything in one easy-to-access location. You'll receive alerts that tell you when it's time to leave the Scappoose Sauerkraut Festival so you won't miss your next flight.

AroundMe
Free
A life saver when you're in unfamiliar territory, AroundMe literally tells you what's around you. Need to know where the nearest gas station, grocery store, ATM, or whatever else you might need is? AroundMe will find the closest one and give you maps and directions.

Wi-Fi Finder
Free
You can rack up some hefty roaming data charges when using Edge and 3G internationally. WiFi is usually a better option, but it can be difficult to find a signal when you're traveling. The Wi-Fi Finder app has a directory of over 280,000 Wi-Fi access points in 140 countries worldwide.

Yelp
Free
You can act like a local with the scoop on the best places to eat, hang out, shop, and anything else you can think of. Yelp offers reviews and recommendations on where to go, and what to avoid from people around the world.

Need to rely on more than your iPhone on your next trip?

 

The 10 Best iPad Apps for Travel

The new Apple iPad is thin and lightweight enough for travelers to take with them to almost any destination.  And with so many travel applications, travelers can pack the portable devices full of relevant local information.  Here are the top 10 best iPad apps for the connected traveler.  (Don't have an iPad yet?  Enter the Travel Insurance Services 2010 Apple iPad Giveaway.)

1. 1,000 Ultimate Experiences
Inspired by the LonelyPlanet book, this iPad application offers a graphical narration of many popular travel destinations.

Price: $3.99 (iTunes link)


2. Kayak Flights
Quickly search, compare prices, and book your next travel destination with this app. The Kayak Flights app is clean, intuitive, and easy to use.

Price: Free (iTunes link)


Submaps HD
In a foreign city and looking to use their subway system? Submaps HD will help you navigate and get to your proper destination.

Price: $0.99 (iTunes link)


FlightTrack - Live Flight Status
Track flight information with real time updates. You can also check gate numbers, flight delays, and flight cancellations with this nifty app.

Price: $4.99 (iTunes link)

FlightTrack Pro
Get push alerts, real-time flight itinerary updates, automatic synchronizing, and zoom able maps that work offline. Find alternative flights if your flight has been canceled.

Price: $9.99 (iTunes link)

AccuWeather
Nice graphics with all the weather data you need for your travels. Get details on current weather conditions, 15-day forecast, and hourly weather details.

Price: Free version and paid for $0.99 (iTunes link)

World Atlas HD
Put the world atlas in the palm on your hands with this National Geographic World Atlas iPad application.

Price: $1.99 (iTunes link)

The World Clock
Use this application as a clock or an interactive time zone converter.

Price: $0.99 (iTunes link)



GlobeConvert Pro
Simple converter when you travel for converting currency, weight, length, and many other units.

Price: $0.99 (iTunes link)



Urbanspoon
Urbanspoon shows you all the restaurants in a city. For the traveler who can't decide where to eat.

Price: Free (iTunes link)

Summer 2010 Travel Insurance Services Free iPad Giveaway

If you haven't already done so, enter to win a free iPad during our summer giveaway.