Top Locally Made Travel Apps

 

There seems to be an app for everything these days, from fitness tracking, photography and deal finders, to translation and even travel. So if you plan to travel around the country in the near future you might be wondering which of the thousands of travel apps might be worth getting hold of to help you have the best experience. You want to see all the big sites, find the best accommodation and do it all within your budget. Luckily, exploring and dining in a new city has never been easier with the help of some locally built apps that we’ve listed below.

 

Flapp

 

 

Decided to take your next trip by plane? Well the Flapp app, launched by well-known online travel agency Travelstart, allows you to search and book national and international flights simply and easily. The search functionality allows you to view flights up to a week in advance, view up-to-date flight prices, refine your search by price or date, book a flight on the day it departs, buy Travel Insurance and receive your ticket via email. Flapp is available for Android and iOS devices.

 

VoiceMap

 

 

Ever visited an area without a local or guide, and were unable to find out more about the location’s history? Well with VoiceMap you can take yourself on your very own walking tour, while listening to stories, tales and history of your route or location. The app recommends particular routes, and guides you through the one you choose, giving you the background and context you need to fully take in and explore your surroundings. Currently the areas available on the VoiceMap are Cape Town, Johannesburg, the Cape Winelands, Hermanus and the Overberg.

 

Madiba’s Journey

 

 

Madiba’s Journey guides you through 27 historical sites connected to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, with the 27 locations featured, representing the 27 years he spent in prison. Follow the locations around the country and the app will give you a written and an audio explanation of each site, operating times, ticket prices, contact information and even offers an itinerary planner to organise your trip before you set off. Venture onto Robben Island where he was imprisoned, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site where he was arrested in 1962 and the Union Buildings where his office was located as president of South Africa.

 

Awesome South Africa

 

 

If you’re travelling around South Africa on a budget and don’t necessarily have the time to go searching for the best deals, or you’re struggling to find what to do while you’re in a new city, Awesome South Africa lists all the current specials, deals, promotions and events near your current location. The events or specials are categorised for ease of use including restaurants, hotels, entertainment, spas, tastings, tours and many more. The app also provides contact information and a booking feature, all via direct contact with the relevant business. This provides the added benefit of no third-party payments or admin fees.

 

Kids Aid

 

 

While you’re on holiday accidents can happen, and it never hurts to be a little cautious in the event that one or more of your children is in need of medical attention. Just as you’d invest in Car Insurance for your road trip, so too can you invest in the Kids Aid app to give you first aid information no matter where you are. The app gives step-by-step instructions to follow according to the situation the child is in. This ensures the child is treated immediately while waiting for emergency services if necessary. Added features include voice-guided instructions, GPS usage to locate the nearest hospitals, provision of relevant emergency services numbers and information regarding upcoming first aid courses initiated by Emergency Medical Training (EMT) South Africa.

 

Gautrain app

 

 

Sam Wright, founder and editor of Tech Girl, suggests that “getting around Gauteng has never been easier courtesy of the Gautrain. While those familiar with the underground and subways of London and New York might find it easy to navigate the relatively new public transport –  even some Joburgers might find the Gautrain a bit daunting… which is why I love the Gautrain app. The official app gives you access to the train’s timetables, bus trackers, a fare calculator and important alerts. The fare calculator helps you determine how much a ride will cost and can also factor in parking charges or bus fare. While the bus tracker shows you the nearest bus stops to get you to and from the stations. I find the alerts really useful as well, they give you an indication of changes to schedules or delays that might occur so you’re always able to plan your journeys.”

 

Apps have become some of the most useful lifestyle tools to date, and these locally built travel apps are no exception. From being your personal tour guide, to offering an itinerary planner and listing your location’s events and promotions, you can go on holiday with the peace of mind that your trip is planned to perfection and that you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.

 

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