8 Apps to download before your next trip
1. YouVersion Bible (Free)
Everyone is probably familiar with this Bible app. We're mainly including it in our list to remind you to use it! You can download offline versions of the Bible, so there's no need for wifi. The app makes a great pocket Bible; you never know when you'll have the opportunity to whip out Romans 10:9.
You also never know when you'll have some down time (on the plane, on the bus, etc.) to read and refresh yourself.
2. Google Translate (Free)
On the plane, on bus rides to and from your hotel/hostel, and even during downtime throughout the day, you can use Google Translate to learn the local language! In my personal experience, locals love it when you make an effort to learn their language. It's a great way to connect with locals, and it shows them that you're genuinely interested in their culture. It's especially fun when you get past the basic, "Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank You," phrases.
Google Translate is free and you can download offline languages, so you don't need to be on wifi to use the app.
• Text translation: Translate between 108 languages by typing, Offline: Translate with no internet connection (59 languages)
3. XE Currency (Free)
As you travel on a mission trip you typically run into several situations in which you'll need to use the local currency. Purchasing food in the airport and purchasing souvenirs from locals are a couple of examples.
This currency exchange app can really come in handy in these situations. You can store up to 10 currencies on the free version of the app, which is plenty for a mission trip. XE Currency uses wifi to update exchange rates, but if you "refresh" the app before you leave, you'll have pretty up-to-date rates during the week you're gone. The rest of the app works without a data or wifi connection.
XE Currency is especially useful for quick price conversions back into US dollars. So, if the price of a souvenir is 2000 Kenyan Shillings, you can quickly convert that, which would be about $23.
4. Entrain App (Free)
Developed by researchers at the University of Michigan, Entrain is a guide that takes user input to give you a schedule that promises to overcome jet lag faster. It doesn't use light sensors or any other automatic input, so it's important that the user submits data—it's not magic!
The science behind the app is that light is the primary diving input to the body's circadian rhythms, so if you feed Entrain your current light input schedule, it can figure out light stimulus that moves your body clock from one phase to another. Detailed math is available in a paper at PLOS:
Download: iOS
5. Connect Global (Free)
Our is packed with up to date content, trip information and other resources to help you grow and stay connected.
With this app you can:
- Watch or listen to messages from the Connect Global Team
- Follow along with our Bible reading plan
- Sign up for events and mission trips
- Read articles and blog posts
- Stay up to date with push notifications
- Share your favorite messages via Twitter, Facebook, or email
- Download messages for offline listening
6. Duolingo (Free)
Learn a new language with the world’s most-downloaded education app! Duolingo is the fun, free app for learning 35+ languages through quick, bite-sized lessons. Practice speaking, reading, listening, and writing to build your vocabulary and grammar skills.
Why Duolingo?
• Duolingo is fun and effective. Game-like lessons and fun characters help you build solid speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills.
• Duolingo works. Designed by language experts, Duolingo has a science-based teaching methodology proven to foster long-term language retention.
• Track your progress. Work toward your language learning goals with playful rewards and achievements when you make practicing a daily habit!
7. Mobile Passport (Free - Freeium)
Mobile Passport enables U.S. passport holders and Canadian visitors to save time during the entry process at most major U.S. airports and cruise ports! Securely submit your passport and customs declaration form and access designated lanes in the inspection area.
Mobile Passport plus ($14.99 annually or $4.99 monthly) provides even greater convenience with features to digitally scan and store passports in preparation for your next trip.
Mobile Passport enables U.S. passport holders and Canadian visitors to save time during the entry process at most major U.S. airports and cruise ports!
8. WhatsApp (Free)
WhatsApp Messenger is a FREE messaging app available for iPhone and other smartphones. WhatsApp uses your phone's Internet connection (4G/3G/2G/EDGE or Wi-Fi, as available) to let you message and call friends and family. Switch from SMS to WhatsApp to send and receive messages, calls, photos, videos, documents, and Voice Messages. When connected to Wifi this is the best tool for communication in large parts of the world outside the US. It can handle all of your messages including photos, multimedia, etc
3 disclaimers you should know before downloading:
1) Only bring a cell phone (or iPad or whatever) on your mission trip if you’re not going to get distracted by it. While you’re on your trip, it’s important to be focused on your mission, not Angry Birds and email.
2) Traveling with electronics anywhere in the world puts you at risk for theft. If you’re going to bring your smartphone or iPad, make sure you keep watch over it.
3) Put your device in airplane mode for the entire trip (if you don’t have an international plan) to avoid an insanely high data bill when you get home.
4) These are only suggestions, we do not necessarily endorse the manufacturer or owners of these apps or in any way take responsibility for their function or helpfulness. They have been apps we have used but we are always on the search for more tools that can help us while traveling.