As the gathering enters its final days, there’s some good news for the Irish tourism industry.
Ireland has beat off stiff competition to be named the best tourism destination in a survey of more than 22,000 readers of a US travel magazine.
Travel industry bosses were presented at the award last night in Los Angeles by Global Traveler magazine, which asked frequent travellers to select their favourite destinations, airlines and hotels.
It is the tenth year of the Global Traveler awards and the second year in a row that Ireland has won.
Photo: Irishlandscapes.ie
More than one million people from North America visited Ireland this year, which Tourism Ireland says contributed around $1 billion (€730 million) to the Irish economy.
The summer time was the best for tourism in Ireland in the last six years, according to the Central Statistics Office, with more than 2.2 million trips to the country between July and September.
The head of Tourism Ireland said the award was good news for Ireland in the face of tough competition.
“Travellers nowadays have tremendous choice, which makes it more important than ever for us to ensure the island of Ireland stand out from other destinations – so this award is really good news, particularly as we prepare to kick off our extensive 2014 promotional drive in the all-important US market,” said Niall Gibbons.
The guys at "TheBlaze.com" have reported this story.
Rather than bag fees or lost luggage, over 250 airline passengers at airports in Toronto and Hamilton received a “Christmas miracle” from WestJet.
WestJet, an airline based in Calgary (Canada), first set up a virtual Santa who asked various passengers what they wanted for Christmas via a live video feed. “Ho, ho, ho!” Santa belted out.
He would know each passenger’s name after the boarding passes were scanned at the kiosk, enabling him to surprise children and adults alike.
Some asked for toys, others for clothes, while one couple jokingly asked for a really big flat-screen TV. It was all good fun and resulted in some laughs.
And that was it — or so they thought.
While the passengers’ flights were in the air, 175 WestJet volunteers ran out and frantically gathered the list of gifts the people had asked Santa for. As in, all of them.
We would all love to travel the world on one epic adventure I'm sure, but how many of us can realistically do it?
Well Louis Cole is one of the lucky few who can...and did! He made this two minute video showing what he did since the year began, and I'll admit, I am more than a little bit jealous.
The 30 year old adventurer is no stranger to YouTube fame having made some pretty weird videos of himself eating live cockroaches, scorpions etc.
Now he spends his free time (and he obviously has lots of it) travelling the world and documenting his adventures. His life looks like one massive music video. We salute you Louis!
One of my favourite bars, and indeed a favourite of the other locals in Killorglin, is Bunkers. A cosy, welcoming pub in the heart of Killorglin town. It is a vibrant and lively spot at the weekends, with an atmosphere to keep a silly grin on your face all night.
I tried frowning, didn't work
Part of the charm is the incredibly friendly staff, as with any bar or restaurant they are the life-blood of the place. If you're lucky, Tom the barman will have a few tales for you to keep you entertained for a while as you sip at your pint. Let's not forget the local punters, an interesting bunch always with stories to tell, sports to discuss or politics to debate. If you are a visitor, be prepared to have your family tree examined and find that you may after all have roots in Killorglin.
Your great-grandfather once stopped to use the loo here!
At the weekends you are likely to encounter some live music performed by various talented artists, or the occasional trad session on a Sunday evening. During the daylight ours, if you feel like grabbing a bite to eat, the food in Bunkers will delight and pleasure your taste-buds like no other food in the town. With delicious daily specials and an amazing A la Carte Menu, there are is a fine selection of magnificent food for you to choose from.
Countless Facebook pages are set up daily, most go relatively unnoticed, some peak quickly and are then forgotten about, and every so often one will appear that sticks in our mind. Things only Irish people will get is a page which is very popular at the moment. It is both witty, funny and relative to us all!
With Pictures like this how could it not be?
But I am not writing this post merely to promote a Facebook page, I am writing this post because this particular page has a story behind it. Created by a young man from Galway by the name of James Keane, he is using the popularity of his page to help raise awareness and funds for Aoibheanns pink tie, a charity which aids children with cancer (a very worthy cause I am sure you will all agree). James has been putting a lot of effort into the campaign, along with studying for exams, and deserves credit for both his generosity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Not to mention the Lady killer look.
It is always great to see the young people of Ireland dedicating their time and effort to help a good cause. The more people like James Keane that we have in this country, the better we will all be for it. It would be a shame for this young lads efforts to be in vain, so please log onto ireachapparel.org to aid this amazing cause, and maybe pick yourself up a nice t-shirt while your at it!
Thanks to Douglas Ackerman, whose email brought this young mans efforts to my attention Related Articles : The One Percent Difference
With exams and assignments coming thick and fast I have found little time to update my blog in recent weeks. After having a number of quiet weeks at the beginning of my time here, where there were no assignments or exams to speak of, all of a sudden it has become a rush of panic and confusion as to what is due when, and what to study for exams.
Group projects and presentations seem to be very popular over here, although in all honesty most of the group work we have been assigned could have been done easily by one person, so we end up with a "too many cooks" situation where everyone has an idea of how it should be done and it takes too long to decide on anything. When it comes to presentations, it is easy to see that the local students have had little or no teaching in how to speak in public, on the other hand, myself and Andrew have had lessons from our home institution on how to speak in public and the difference in quality of presentation is vast and obvious.
Outside of coursework, life in Madrid has been pretty relaxed for us. We meet with our friends in the city regularly or have them over to the apartment. So with just over 2 weeks remaining, I will have one final diary entry to follow this.
As Lonely Planet have released their Top 10 Countries for 2014 list, I thought it would be about the right time for me to do the same. But as I do not have the knowledge of as many global destinations as Lonely Planet (or the manpower to research them) I will limit my list to Europe and keep it to five destinations. Trying to choose just five countries for this list is an extremely difficult task as you can imagine! This list is based on my own personal views and if you have any other suggestions please write them in the comment section below.
#5. Spain
Not the picture you expected was it? Yes you can ski in Spain...on snow!
Far from being a sunshine only destination, Spain has much more to offer visitors. Ski and Snowboard holidays are becoming increasingly popular during the winter months, particularly in the north and eastern parts of the country. There are also hiking trips, city breaks...and yes of course the beachside resorts!
You can also ski on the water, just bring shorts not a jacket
How could I possibly mention Spain without including the summer sunshine, the reason why thousands flock here each year. Although this kind of tourism en masse is not the most luxurious or relaxing, it is affordable.
#4. France
Photo : bbc.co.uk
Regularly number one for international arrivals, France has pretty much everything you could want from a tourism perspective. From the bright lights and romance of Paris, to the mind-numbingly beautiful landscape of Provence and the alluring beaches of the south. France never fails to disappoint. If you do visit, you should try to get out of the cities and experience the splendour of the quiet countryside.
#3. Greece
Photo: Indiwall.com
Often overlooked in recent times due to the volatile political and economical climate, Greece is still a paradise in Europe. With its sapphire blue seas and spectacular sunsets, this beautiful country still has everything to offer its visitors. Aside from the millennia of history and famous mythology, there are scenic villas, secluded beaches and a night-life to thrill!
#2. Norway
Photo: National Geographic
Norway would make the list for its beauty alone, but it is also becoming a wonderful place for more adventurous holidays. Obviously mountaineers will find plenty challenges here scaling the peaks overlooking the many magnificent fjords, but there is also activities for stargazers, families and newly-wed couples looking for a romantic getaway (a cruise beneath the northern lights anyone?).
#1. Scotland
Photo: ntsua.com
I have gone along with Lonely Planet here who named Scotland their top European destination. Scotland is not only breathtakingly beautiful, it is also in for an extremely eventful year. Glasgow is set to hold the commonwealth games and there are a myriad of festivals and events taking place around the country next year. Throw in the highland games and the Edinburgh comedy festival and you are in for a real treat.
There are some interesting results there and it is well worth looking through to see if your favourite city has made it! To see the poll click here. I was surprised by some cities on this list, for example Budapest did not impress me in the slightest, and personally I would have expected Prague to be much higher, but who am I to argue with the majority verdict? Have a look for yourself and let me know in the comments section what you think.
Prague definitely wins the foggiest/creepiest category
Since moving to Madrid I have noticed a few differences between living here and living back home in Killorglin. There are certain things you do in a small town that you just shouldn't when you move to a big city.
#1 Crossing the road
Back home in Killorglin, if I want to cross the road I needn't go to a pedestrian crossing to do it. I can just walk half way across, salute the drivers as they slow down and then cross the rest of the way, simple. But I wouldn't dare try it here (even if you do go to a pedestrian crossing, drivers are still likely to attempt vehicular manslaughter) where this is more likely to happen!
#2 Asking names of relatives
A fairly common practice in most small towns in Ireland (probably in the bigger ones too). You meet someone new and question the family tree in an attempt to make a connection.
Isn't your Grandfather related to yer man who used to own the glass hammer shop?
Yes he's be a 5th cousin of my uncles wifes friends neighbour!
(Source; travellingadvisor.com)
But doing it here comes across a wee bit stalkerish so is probably best to just stick to getting to know the person before getting the in-depth family details.
#3 Blaming a tractor for you being late
It's happened to all us country folk! You overslept but you can still just about make it to work on time, but, oh no there's Jackie out with the tractor on the one stretch of road that's only wide enough for one car, and of course his field is right down at the other end of it.
He even has the nerve to be happy about it! Dammit Jackie!
(Source: meathfarmmachinery.com)
Unfortunately that excuse won't cut it in the big city and if you try to use it you can probably start packing your bags there and then.
I swear boss, hundreds of tractors, I couldn't get past!
(Source: bbc.co.uk)
#4 Having a conversation with the Cashier
In a small town where a) you know the cashier personally and b) there isn't a big que behind you, this is quite acceptable and even encouraged. However, in a big city there is likely to be a big que and you won't know the person behind the counter so it's probably best to just buy your stuff and go.
I can only force this smile for so long, please leave
(Source : 1000awesomethings.com)
#5 Greeting everyone in the street
Okay, there are a couple of reasons you shouldn't do this. Firstly, logistically speaking, in Madrid you walk past hundreds (thousands even) of people each day so it would be physically exhausting.
Secondly, in a small town there is a chance (a likelihood really) that the people you greet either know you or your family, even if you don't know them. In a big city, they won't, don't worry about offending anyone.
Oh hi, who the hell are you?
And lastly, it looks weird, people will stare at you, assume you're insane and call the guys with the white coats and the big needle to cart you off to the nuthouse. They are used to just talking to their own friends, not being acosted by an over-eager stranger with a funny accent.
So far almost everything I have written about my Erasmus experience has been positive, and rightly so. But it would be wrong if I did not mention the bad points which these past couple of weeks have highlighted to me personally.
First and foremost there is the homesickness which, I am sure, has hit almost everyone who has emigrated or done the Erasmus at some point or another. There have been times at which I have been tempted to book the next flight back home and call it quits. For me it is very small things that trigger it, like not being able to get a decent cup of tea or seeing everyone on Facebook discussing Love/Hate and wishing I could be part of it. Over time you get over these small things but, of course, there will always be that part of you yearning for the friends and relatives back home. But of course that is to be expected is it not?
Not one store sells Barrys tea, my life is over!
While the homesickness get better over time, the financial strife is a constant. even if you have saved all summer, got a bank loan or whatever else, there is the constant pressure to watch what you are spending. When you are in a foreign country, the safety net of your parents is not as prominent. Obviously each individual will be in a different state financially but I'm speaking generally here of course. It is a terrifying thing to find yourself in the middle of a big city with no family around and only a few euros in your wallet. But if you are any good at all at budgeting I'm sure you would do just fine, unfortunately I am horrible with money and have found myself nearly running short on many occasions. But, on the other hand, it is a good learning experience.
In a city the size of Madrid, with people rushing around to get to work, school, university etc. It is very easy to get lost in all the turmoil, so occasionally a small getaway is needed, some place to sit and relax, watch the birds, listen to music. Parque Del Retiro offers exactly that!
The size of the park is immense, you could spend hours wandering through it and not see the same thing twice. There are sculptures, old buildings, waterways and of course plenty of areas to sit on the grass and chill out. Entertainers come out in their droves in the park, there is always some extremely talented performers, from singers, to dancers and classical musicians. It would be very difficult to get bored here!
For the more active of you, Retiro is also a highly popular location for jogging, playing football and even rowing! There is a lake in the middle of the park which is highly popular with both casual and competitive rowers (also and ideal way to spend a romantic evening with a significant other!)
Of course the majority of people are content with strolling through the park, taking in it's many sights and sounds. Listen to some music, watch the dancers or feed the pigeons if you are so inclined.
And let's not forget, it's also a great place to bring a few friends and chill out with a beer!
My apologies for the massive delay in posting, unfortunately I managed to burn out the fuse on my laptop plug. But thankfully I have now fixed it, I have had a frantic couple of weeks since the last post. I have finally begun my classes at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Erasmus process I will give you a brief summary. The process begins months before you actually arrive at your intended University. For me it began mid-way through my previous semester in Tralee. You must contact the international relations officer in your college and they will explain to you what universities you can attend, how long for and how much of a grant you can get, depending on the university you are going to.
Once this is done, it is then time to begin researching various colleges with which yours is affiliated. It is important to chose one that has courses similar to what you are studying so you can choose classes which (roughly, they don't have to be exact) tie in with your course. Once you have put in the research and found relevant classes from your desired college, you must then have said classes approved by your department head and year tutor.
Then once all this is completed, you will get a forma called a "learning agreement" where you fill out your class details, amount of credits and all other relevant information. (Yes it sounds like a lot of hassle but it's easier than I make it sound, I promise you!) Once this is completed, the international officer in your college will forward your nomination to your desired University.
Then once you arrive for the Erasmus programme, you will receive an enrolment certificate along with a few more documents to fill out, most of these are just registration forms for the classes and are easy to take care of, just make sure they are done in the specified time-frame.
Unfortunately for Andrew and I, our paperwork is not quite finished. We are enjoying the majority of our classes, they are not overly difficult thank god, and our classmates have been amazingly friendly and welcoming. But one our classes which was supposed to be taught in English is, in fact, being taught in Spanish. So rather than risk failing we are filling out the "changes to learning agreement" form. Which does exactly as the title would suggest, it is a change of classes from the original agreement, again this must be approved by the home institution (your college) before it can proceed.
As well as starting classes, we have begun to join in some of the Erasmus/Munde student events in Madrid city, these events range from club nights to picnics to trips to Morocco and Ibiza! We are making friends from all over the world and they are all genuinely nice people and easy to get on with. So far, only three weeks in, this is already proving to be a once in a lifetime experience.
It has been a week since we landed in Madrid and already this is shaping up to be one of the best decisions I ever made. In 7 short days we have made friends from all over the world, we have hung out with people from as far away as Japan and California and are already learning so much about various cultures. Our grasp of the Spanish language has already improved dramatically (to be fair anything is an improvement from the level I was at), and with a little help from O'Neills Irish Bar (hat tip to Mr. Mark Young) who have organised a "language exchange night" every Tuesday, we should be speaking the language to near perfection at the end of our stay here.
Within two days we had found an apartment to stay in. A nice four bedroom with a view of "Plaza De Toro". We had done a bit of research before coming here and previous Erasmus students told us to stay somewhere near the city as opposed to living nearer to college as it could get quite boring and we would spend our days going to the city anyway.
So, since we moved into our new apartment, the majority of our time has been taken up with trying to find a suitable supermarket for our weekly shopping. Needless to say the majority of our meals for the first few days were bought in a restaurant. But after a couple of days we found an Aldi just a few metro stops away, which means we won't starve! (always a bonus).
So I would count our first week in Madrid as a success, we are managing to cook for ourselves, do the washing and even managed to meet Gary Cotterill outside the Bernabeau stadium on transfer deadline day, probably a more familiar name to those of you who watch Sky Sports regularly.
So for anyone considering doing the Erasmus programme in future, my advice for the first week is, expect to spend more on food the first few days, find a flat near the city centre and most of all, make friends! Without friends, homesickness will kick in very quick!
When flying I do most often travel with Ryanair. I go through the usual routine, herded like cattle onto the plane to sit in cramped conditions for up to 3 hours with screaming babies, grumpy passengers and everything else that goes with it! That is what we have come to expect from Ryanair but we tolerate it for the low fares.
Recently, however, I have had the pleasure of travelling with Aer Lingus a number of times, and the difference is staggering! With Aer Lingus I was actually treated like a person, not a seat. I was greeted by very friendly staff who were kind enough to have a quick bit of banter with me before showing me to my seat (assigned seat I might say). Then the seats are so much more comfortable than Ryanair, there is actual legroom and the seats recline. Is that luxury or what?
I couldn't have been more happy with my latest flight from Dublin to Madrid. That was at least until I had a drugged up idiot park himself next to me. He seemed okay at first, a little odd but no matter. Then he fell asleep, having taken a cocktail of various pills to knock himself out. He began drooling and lost all sense of personal space. I didn't mind so much when he put his feet under mine, or when his arm fell over the arm-rest onto my side. But then he actually dropped his head on my shoulder and I swear he was trying to spoon me! I was never so disgusted, no matter how much I shook him or pushed his (rather heavy) head off of me. It wasn't long before other passengers began to take notice, laughing and pointing. The whole thing was quite embarrassing. But God bless those Aer Lingus staff. When one of the stewards saw what was happening he immediately went to look for an alternative seat for both myself and Andrew (my friend who was moving to Madrid with me). He very kindly set us up with seats in the emergency exit row, affording us even more legroom and further validating my already sky-high opinion of Aer Lingus.
The fares were similar to Ryanairs. On many routes the prices only differ by €20 to €30. So my recommendation is, if you get the chance. Choose Aer Lingus!
I enjoy surprises very much, especially when it comes in the form of delicious food!
Myself and Dominika recently found ourselves in Killarney town feeling quite hungry. Not feeling like having McDonalds or other fast food, we decided to have a look at the various restaurants scattered throughout the town, and there are many of them!
Salvadors was one of the last we checked out, by this time we were pretty starved so it was out of necessity more than desire that we went in. Immediately we were greeted by extremely happy, friendly staff and shown to our seats. The interior of the restaurant is so warm and welcoming, it was a fantastic atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, as if you were dining with extended family at Christmas time.
The menu has a fine selection which you can check out here. I decided to have the chicken goujons, and let me tell you, I have had some nice chicken in my time but this was right up there with the best!
Between the fantastic food, and friendly staff this is a restaurant that I would definitely recommend you try if you are looking for places to eat in Killarney.
While driving through Moneygall this Saturday past, we came across the most blatant display of "Arse-lickery" you are ever likely to see in this country. The place was absolutely coated with American flags and Obama-related pictures, pubs and what have you.
Not that I have any major problem with that, towns must use what they have going for them to increase tourism, and for Moneygall that happens to be their connection to the prez. But it did get me thinking as to why we in Ireland love America so much, and also why we hate them! So here are the reasons (In my opinion at least) as to why we love them (the hate list follows later).
1. Tourism
The first, and probably most obvious reason is the all important dollar! Not as strong as it used to be, but we love when those folk from across the water come and spend their hard earned bucks in our little green island. So we roll out the welcome wagon, throw on a leprechaun costume and bombard them with as much paddwhackery as a drunken ginger farmer on Saint Paddys day!
2. The Drink
We seem to love nothing better than showing them yanks how to drink, really drink! (Who says the Irish have a drinking problem, we drink, it's no problem!) The tales I could recount of lads who were down the pub and "drank them Americans under the table and over the counter" and were still able to walk home while those same Americans were on their way to A&E. It might help that we (legally speaking) have an extra three years of practice.
3. The Movies
There is no denying that we all love a great American action movie. Die Hard, Terminator, Fast and Furious...need I say more?
4. The Accent
Whether it is the really annoying version, or the version that makes you want to unbutton your pants. The American accents (It's plural for a reason folks) are instantly recognisable. From the souther drawl to the New "Yoik" swagger, we all turn our heads when we hear it. (Unless of course we are IN America in which case we would get a crick from constantly turning...)
5. The Celebrities
Nobody does fame like the Americans, and we love famous Americans! If Enda Kenny walked down the street nobody would blink an eye, but if Eminem took a stroll to the shops or went for a pint in the local, their would be women fainting within a 2 mile radius and men rushing to be the first to buy him said pint.
How the hell am I gonna get served?
6. We hope they will turn out to be a secret agent
Is it just me that has a slight hope that when we meet an American that they are going to whisk us away on an epic crime-fighting adventure and turn us into the next CIA superspy? No? Just me then?
If you like this post, please help me out by voting for one of my previous posts here. I would really appreciate it!
Following on from my previous post about why Channel 4 was wrong to attack Ryanair on its Dispatches programme, I decided I should give you my tips for avoiding the airlines various ad-on charges.
We have all heard about the infamous Ryanair excess charges, boarding pass fees etc. But you need not worry, there are some very simple steps you can take to ensure you do not have to pay anything extra. So take the time to read this list and make sure you avoid those dreaded charges.
1. Travel insurance
When initially booking your flight, an option for travel insurance will pop-up, and you cannot move forward until you have selected "your nationality". Most people assume that this is just to re-confirm their nationality, it does in fact charge you for insurance if you select your nationality, be it Irish, Spanish etc. You need to select the "Travel without insure" option to avoid adding the charge to your flight.
2. Print your Boarding pass
I can't tell you how many times I have been at the airport and people witnessed arguing fiercely about this! Ryanair state very clearly that you must print your boarding pass BEFORE you travel. If you don't you are liable to re-printing charges at the airport. So either print it out at home, or get a friend to do it. You have two weeks before your flight to do it, and for the love of God please don't leave it at home on the day of your flight!
3. Priority Boarding
I still don't see why people pay for priority boarding (unless you have a small child and need to get a specific seat). The plane will not be overbooked with Ryanair. And regardless of whether or not you get on the plane before everyone else, you are going to be in the same seat as them. The only difference, the people who get on after you didn't pay for the "privilege" of being first on. So save your money, and don't bother with it!
4. The Cabin Bag
This is the one that seems to catch most people out. Ryanair have very specific measurements for cabin bag allowance. As quoted from the Ryanair website "Strictly one item of cabin baggage per passenger (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm is permitted. (handbag, briefcase, laptop, shop purchases, camera etc.) must be carried in your 1 permitted piece of cabin baggage."
So make sure you measure and weigh your bag before you leave the house! And make sure you do not fall to the wrath of the bag checking apparatus! Make sure you wear the heaviest clothes on the day of travel so as to keep the weight of the bag down!I hope this list has helped, happy travels!
This is just a short post to let you know that I have been nominated in two Categories for the "Blog Awards Ireland 2013". Those categories are, "Best Personal Blog" and "Best Newcomer". Thank you so much to all who nominated me! I am truly honoured to have even been nominated, whether or not I get any further in the awards process.
I would also like to give a hat-tip to my fellow bloggers, Erika Fox of Retro-Flame.ie and OntheQt.ie (who I was also honoured to write a guest blog for).
I am not one to usually defend Ryanair, in most cases I am quite critical of them, but in this particular case they have been unfairly criticised. 1. Ryanair comply with all safety regulations
Despite implications that Ryanair are risking passenger safety by carrying "just enough" fuel. Ryanair has an impeccable safety record and must comply with the safety regulations of all relevant authorities. Said authorities also investigate the airline regularly to make sure they are up to scratch, and so far no concerns over safety have risen.
2. They do their best to be economical As Mr. O'Leary has stated today, Ryanair does not want "boy racers" flying their planes. In other words, he wants his pilots to fly, slow and smooth so as to be both economical and environmentally friendly.
And let's face it, they do a damned good job of it too. There is no need for them to be filling their tanks to the brim.
3. Channel 4 omitted some vital information.
According to "thejournal.ie" the IAA informed Channel 4 that Ryanairs safety is on a par with every other Airline, not just the average but the safest. As well as omitting this vital piece of information, Channel 4 said that 3 planes were diverted due to fuel emergencies, this was out of over 1 million flights so clearly these fuel emergencies are the exception, not the norm.
Everyone and anyone is jumping on the smartphone bandwagon these days, the Travel and Hospitality industry included. You can find literally thousands of apps from many different companies. Although many are just repetitive, there are some really useful ones. Here I have compiled a list of 5 smartphone apps which I believe everyone going travelling should have.
1. Airline App
Almost every airline these days has their own app which passengers can download. These apps allow you to keep track of your booking, review the flight status and download your boarding pass. Highly convenient as you don't have to continually check emails or worry about which sheet of paper is the right one.
2. TripIt Travel Organiser.
The "TripIt" app is a handy one to keep your entire itinerary in one place. Here you can store your flight information, hotel, car rental etc. Which is very useful if, like me, you have a habit of forgetting those vital bits of information such as hotel names, reference numbers and such.
The TripAdvisor app is fantastic for checking out what to do wherever you are. Whether you want to see how good a certain restaurant is, what attractions are nearby or which street has the nicest architecture or shopping malls, TripAdvisor gives it all to you at the touch of a button.
You never know what can go wrong on holiday, you may have a delayed/cancelled flight or as happened me, you may miss a flight (See here). This is where the "Hotel Tonight" app comes in. It shows you hotel rooms available on last minute deals, saving you both time and money.
One of the top travel apps on the apple app store at the moment. HailO finds your current location and can call a taxi right to you. Very useful if you find yourself lost in a foreign city without a number for a taxi or a notion on how to use the public transport system (trust me it happens).
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