I’m going to try to keep an annotated record of travel apps that were useful. Suggestions and comments are welcomed.

Here’s the pre-trip list. Annotations to follow as things progress.

• Google Trips: Promising app that collects all of your trip information in one place–flights, hotels, etc. Tightly integrated with Google Maps and works offline if you download the trip elements before you leave.
• TripIt: Collects all trip info–flights, hotels, cars, tickets, etc. Reservations include confirmation numbers. This has been my go-to travel app but I’ll see how much I use it with the advent of Google Trips.
• Google Translate: Text to speech, translates signs and printed matter.
• CityMaps2Go: Pro version lets you download detailed maps of anywhere in the world and use them offline.
• Smart Traveler: From the Dept of State. Travel warnings and contacts for embassies, doctors, and other vital info in case of emergencies.
• Trip Advisor: Reviews of restaurants, hotels, attractions.
• Touchnote: Pretty cool way to send postcards while you’re traveling using your own photos. No need to get local stamps or calculate postage.
• Live Trekker: Maps your explorations and allows annotations and images. We shall see.

Added 9/25/16

• Rick Steve’s Audio Europe
• Opera VPN: Free, simple VPN that I plan to use in public wifi settings.