B

etween packing, preparing the itinerary, booking accommodation and buying transport or activities tickets, there are a number of tasks to be done before going on vacation. To facilitate the preparation and be able to enjoy your well-deserved rest days, there are some apps that you may want to download to your smartphone and that can prove to be very useful.

From a GPS so you don't get lost along the way to a list of passwords that aims to ensure you have free Wi-Fi wherever you go, as well as a guide to start your days with a meditation session, Coverflex has put together a list of 10 apps you should know about.

PackPoint 

Are you one of those people who, when packing, never know which clothes to take? Or do you always forget something? This app can help: just input some details of your trip, such as the destination, the day of arrival, the number of days, the purpose of the trip, and even if you intend to practice some sport or other activities. After this brief questionnaire, PackPoint will suggest the items to take, including the quantity, based on the weather forecast for the location.

The app is free and is available for both IOS and Android

Waze 

Very popular and known as the “social network of the road”, Waze works using GPS, showing maps, traffic and other warnings in real time. In other words, it alerts users to unforeseen events on the road, thanks to the sharing of other users who have already passed by the location, and it even lets you know which gas stations offer the most competitive prices.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

Info Praia

If you intend to visit beaches in Portugal, this app, developed by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), will help you choose a beach in Portugal. In this app you will find up-to-date information on the quality of coastal, transitional or inland bathing waters in mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores, as well as the status of occupancy of the beach.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

WiFi Magic 

This app is aware that using your smartphone outside your home can mean extra consumption of mobile data, and therefore shows you the passwords of public Wi-Fi networks located, for example, in restaurants, hotels, bars and cafes, among others. It works as a collaborative network, in which users enter passwords for the first time and the entire WiFi Magic community has access to them.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

Headspace 

Considered one of the best apps for meditation, Headspace promises to make your life happier through options to relieve stress, sleep better or practice concentration. On these holidays, try following the meditation sessions suggested by the app.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

Goodreads 

Vacation often means catching up on reading. That's why we take the opportunity to read on the beach or by the pool many of the books that we can't read during working season. Through recommendations from other users, Goodreads helps you choose which book to read, also allowing you to rate your readings and write your own recommendations.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

If you're looking for other suggestions, we have also gathered the books that have been read and discussed in the Coverflex Book Club. You can check out the titles here.

Castbox 

If you prefer to listen rather than read, this podcast app can't be missing from the app list on your smartphone, at leat while you're on vacation. Castbox offers continuous playback with custom playlists, the possibility to download episodes for offline listening, and single-click subscription options.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

Citymapper 

For those who prefer to use public transport while traveling, Citymapper has a mapping service that presents transport options, usually with live timing, between any two locations in a city (provided it is supported by the app).

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

Happy Cow 

If you are vegan or vegetarian, Happy Cow is the ideal guide to find restaurants that have options that suit your diet in the place where you are vacationing. In addition, the app's users can rate the restaurants to which they go, leaving reviews and suggestions that can be useful for those who come across the place in the app next.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android

TripAdvisor 

Well known around the world, TripAdvisor is always a great choice when it comes to finding information and opinions on everything related to tourism: from flights, hotels and restaurants to local activities, cruises and even car rentals.

The app is free and is available for both iOS and Android.