Top 10 Free apps and advice for traveling and exploring Christmas Markets

These are recommend from beginners to the seasoned traveler. I use an IPhone 4 and have had no difficulty using the below applications. I’m about to head back overseas to host my two Christmas market tours and look forward to using these in some new cities I will be visiting, such Plauen.

If you have a phone that has ‘Apps’ or Applications all ten below are free of charge but be leery of international data roaming charges (more on that after my top 10).

1. XE Currency - you can quickly put in an amount in Euros and it will instantly give you the most accurate rate in US dollars or your currency.

2. Converter Plus - a unit converter with very extensive list of units in hundreds of categories. The list includes area, weight, energy, force, length, mass, power, pressure, speed, temperature, volume, bits and bytes and many more. Great for your metric conversions.

3. Free Wi-Fi Finder - just what it states- Instantly find FREE Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are in the world! This free Wi-Fi app uses your iPhone’s GPS and networking capabilities to locate free Wi-Fi Internet access

4. Alarm Clock Free - great looking alarm clock free – don’t oversleep due to jet lag! What I like is it displays local weather conditions before you even crawl out of bed to see if snow is falling.

5. Qype Radar is an all-inclusive travel guide for most Countries in the European Union, including categories for bars, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Featuring multi-language settings, in-depth and personal reviews of anything looked up, and sync support with Google Maps, and your Qype account, Qype Radar is recommended for those looking for a place to eat in Europe

6. Weather Channel - great for using overseas as well! Easy to navigate and I recommend to save the cities you are visiting to in advance.

7. Foursquare I’m addicted to Foursquare. Use your mobile phone to ‘check in’ to venues and look for specials. You can read other peoples reviews on places and its fun to explore around you. I have found numerous specials only valid on Foursquare such as a free appetizer or gift or discount. I enjoy reading posts when I’m checking into a location.

8. Google Translate - Don’t waste your time trying to figure out what Feuerzangenbowle is at a busy Christmas market stand – this great App will assist you with translating the German language. So what is Feuerzangenbowle? A very cool drink involving hot mulled wine, high percentage alcohol rum and open flames. (I actually just knew that one). Another great language translator is Free Translator by codesign.

9. Frommers Travel Tools- This app has it all – with applications on tipping, packing lists, convert rates and measurements, basics on how to get by and try not to look like a typical tourist. I find it handy for even the seasoned traveler!

10. World Customs and Cultures - great for the local cultures with basic tips as simple as Germans like their personal space and a few taboos to follow. This is great if you are crossing the border into Poland and need to feel a bit more comfortable. Very basic tips but has fun advice for almost every country in the World!

An honorable mention goes to iLlumination US – Universal Flashlight by Erik Storli. I’ve tried numerous lights for the iPhone and have found this one to be nice and bright for a free App. It takes a second to load but is very bright for dark areas and rooms – great for peeking under the bed for that lost sock. It even has a strobe light that lights up the screen in the color of your choosing.

So what about a new app just for Christmas Markets? Weihnachtsmarkt by Das Ortliche Service will be one I cannot wait to try. It’s in German but boasts over 1500 Christmas Markets as well as opening hours, Glühwein stands as well as nearby parking. I’ll let you know how well it works in just a few short weeks!

With smart phones, it’s important to watch data-roaming charges. A three-minute video watched from a restaurant in Regensburg on YouTube can cost about $45. While doing some casual browsing and emailing costs way less (figure around 20 cents to send or receive a basic message), these charges can pile up quickly.

To avoid these costs, it’s easiest to cut off this feature entirely by calling your carrier to disable it and/or always turning your data roaming off in your phone’s settings. I recommend to do this BEFORE you get on your transatlantic flight to Germany. You can still use the Internet, but you’ll have to wait until you reach a Wi-Fi hotspot using the app mentioned above or find free ones in the city or your hotel. Otherwise, for the best rates, talk to your carrier about international data-roaming plans.

There are numerous travel-oriented applications available out there even if you don’t use your phone’s apps or call features. I actually still prefer glancing through a guidebook or holding a real paper map to have while I’m strolling or driving through places but there are still numerous free map options online as well as numerous travel guides in ebook format. Don’t forget well known apps such as TripAdvisor and Yelp which give you instant access to lots of user reviews of hotels, attractions and restaurants.

So find me at a market on Foursquare between November 26 and December 7, 2011 and let’s have a Glühwein together!

Christina Ernst has visited over 500 European Christmas and Christkindl Markets. She specializes in small group tours and traveling in Western Europe.

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