Business travelers have always had two things in common – smartphones and the need for applications that help them organize, streamline, and manage their schedules better.
Smartphones have revolutionized the way most people handle work and personal commitments, and business applications are no different. Most of these are designed to help business owners shift the focus from travel planning, hotel booking, and other aspects of business travel, to more important things like marketing and networking with potential clients.
Here is a list of five of the best smartphone apps that will help you become organized, and save time so you can focus on other tasks:
GateGuru
An app for iPad and iPhone, GateGuru helps travelers make their way around airports easily. It provides directions for where your gate is and even includes a list of eateries that are closest to your gate! Most places in the “Food” list run special deals for GateGuru users, helping you make some savings on your trip.
It’s a free app that is excellent for people who hate asking for directions and those who want to save time. GateGuru can also be integrated with your Kayak itinerary.
TurboScan
One of the most crucial tasks in business travel is filing expense reports. No one likes it, but everyone has to do it. Priced at $1.99, the TurboScan app can be used to scan all kinds of documents.
Unlike other similar applications, TurboScan straightens paper creases and wrinkles, adjusts shadows, brightness, and even sets the right contrast. Users have the option of saving the scanned files as PDF or JPEG, which can then be added to their Dropbox account or any other cloud service.
FourSquare
If you thought FourSquare was only for the young, college going crowd, you’re wrong. Business travelers can use FourSquare just as efficiently. Because the app reaches a vast audience, a lot of restaurants, shops, and other spots offer special discounts to FourSquare users.
A recent American Express partnership allows Amex users to get instant discounts as well. It’s a wonderful app for small business owners and entrepreneurs to make some savings on their business trips.
HelloWallet
If you just got a new iPhone and are looking for a money-saving travel app, look no further than HelloWallet. At $9 per month, HelloWallet may be expensive compared to similar applications, but it provides a lot more tools for budget planning, travel expense planning, and more.
The location based spending guide for iPhone users is one of the best features of this application for business travelers. All you need to do is enter an amount and HelloWallet will predict a budget based on the location you’re at, and how you’ve spent at this location on previous occasions.
Kayak
A travel search engine that specializes in finding the cheapest air fares, hotels, and rental cars across multiple providers, Kayak is a must have app for any frequent traveler. The iPhone app also has a currency converter and links to customer service numbers for all major airlines.
Trip It
TripIt for business is an iPhone app that makes it easier for travelers to share itineraries and travel related information with folks at their office. Team members can easily view details about upcoming flights, hotels, and car rentals, making it easy to keep their travel expenses in check.
Travel schedules can also be synchronized on the company’s travel calendar. TripIt can be accessed through smartphones, tablets, and even a traditional PC. TripIt plans start at $29/month for up to ten users.
There is definitely a plethora of travel applications for smartphones, and the one you choose to use really depends on personal preference, ease of use, and business requirements.