(Last Updated: 29/June/2012) We just returned from a trip to London. Both myself and my wife, Alina, have an iPad 2 3G 64GB each. Remember to take with you the proper power adapter changer.iPad 2 is a must have travelling assistant. As soon as we arrived to London, we purchased a 3G SIM for iPad 2. Just choose any provider that has pay as you go option for iPad 2 data.A small investment of around US $30. I had 3GB of data available. It is a good thing that iPad 2 is not locked to any provider, so changing the SIM is very easy. Alternatively you may use WiFi but I didn’t want to take the risk of being in an area that has no WiFi coverage.
I used the built in application Maps. It is amazing. You press once the notification icon and you find your position, you press twice and you receive your bearing. It also has a digital compass. You know instantly if you are heading to the correct direction. The application has also a feature to give you instructions on how to get to your destination by foot, car or public transportation. It also provides time estimations from your current location to your destination.You can see a list of turn-by-turn directions or a highlighted map route with estimated travel time. You can also mark specific locations and find the best route between them. So you’ll be finding your own way right and left. So, using the iPad 2 you’re less likely to get lost. Unless, of course, you want to.
The other 2 applications we used were:
Make sure to download the Skype for iPad application.
TripAdvisor helps have the perfect trip with access to real traveler reviews, opinions, photos, maps, and forums that can answer even the most specific questions when you’re on the go. TripAdvisor is the world’s most trusted travel site with over 50 million reviews and opinions by travelers.
Recently, I visited Switzerland. I took the train from Geneva to Lausanne. I had my 3G off and I was not connected to any WiFi network. I had location services on and I could track my route using an offline map. It was great. I used it also when I took a cab to track the road.
The application is Europe – Offline map with directU – (free)
Other useful application when traveling are:
The app covers more than 5000 airports and 1400 airlines. See flight details on zoomable maps or get real-time departure info, delays and gate numbers at a glance. Full international coverage means you can track all your flights worldwide. It’ll even update you on cancellations and help you find an alternate flight. FlightTrack Pro works seamlessly with TripIt. Forward your airline confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com, and flights appear automatically in FlightTrack Pro. Works with over 1000 travel sites! It can also sync with your calendar. There is also a standard edition for this application.
What programs do you use on your iPad 2 or the new iPad when you travel?
]]>