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You’ve packed your toothbrush, jacket, and socks. It seems that you’re ready, but have you packed your translator and tour guide? If you’re planning on traveling abroad, you may find yourself at a loss for words and directions unless you happen to be able to speak the language that is used at your destination. Various types of travel apps will make your journey much more enjoyable if you are venturing to a place where you don’t speak the language.

Language Apps

• Jibbig

This app for the iPhone has a bank of approximately 40,000 words. Simply speak a word into your phone and Jibbigo will translate it for you. Jibbigo retails for under $30 and covers the following translations: Spanish-to-English, Japanese-to-English, Chinese-to-English, and Iraqi Arabic-to-English.

• Rosetta Stone

This classic language tool teaches you a language through a total immersion technique. If you have time to prepare before your trip and want to really learn how to speak the language, this app for Mac or iPhone offers an excellent way to gain valuable language skills. The price tag is a little hefty, however, at $250 to $500.

• ProVoc

The ProVoc app for Mac and iPhones is a free way to learn some basic vocabulary. This app incorporates video and audio clips, has a search feature and allows you to listen to various words repetitively to build your personal memory bank.

iPhone MapSightseeing Apps

• Lonely Planet

The free iPhone app from Lonely Planet offers a wealth of information about a multitude of international sites. With city and country guides at your disposal, you’ll learn about what to see and what to avoid. This app will help you relocate your hotel or your group as well, even if you can’t read the signs around you.

• ShipMate

This app for Android and iPhone offers cruise-goers tools such as ship maps, budget tools, packing checklists and excursion planners. Best of all, the app is free.

• It Happened Here

The free ShipMate app is excellent for Android and iPhone trivia buffs. Enter your location to learn about little known facts concerning historical events, scandals and other interesting trivia bits.

Don’t make the mistake of finding yourself in a foreign country without proper tools for finding your way around. Language barriers can cause serious trouble unless you come prepared with apps that will help you to communicate, plan excursions and find your way around. Whether you’re traveling to Greece, Menorca, Australia, Africa or Mexico, these travel-friendly apps will make you feel confident and secure on your excursion.

Photo credit: HA0478-006 by Highways Agency/flickr

Author Francesca Santelli is a travel advisor who suggests holidays abroad for a real change of scene, like menorca holidays in the Mediterranean.

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