Written by Sheree Strange for Travel Without Limits, August 7, 2024
Technology has changed the way we travel, and it doesn’t always have to come at a cost. Here are five free apps to install before you travel.
Travellers with disabilities can now experience their destinations more fully than ever before, thanks to software that’s available for free at the tap of a button. Here are five free apps to install before you take off.
Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is a brilliant free app designed for users who are blind or have low vision. It connects the user to sighted volunteers, who can help with any task that might be made easier with visual cues. This is perfect for navigating unfamiliar spaces and reading signage. Users can request video chat support from a live support partner, or even snap a photo for analysis by AI technology. There are seven million volunteers available to help, across 150 countries, and speaking over 180 languages.
Available on iOS and Android
MyTherapy Pill Reminder
When you’re changing time-zones, taking flights, and staying somewhere new, it’s easy to lose track of your essential daily routines. MyTherapy Pill Reminder is a free app that ensures you stay on track with medications and health checks. It’s a combination reminder service and health journal, allowing you to track your doses and record your readings. You can even save and print your data for your doctor. The developers have prioritised accessible design, ensuring it is compatible with screen readers, and incorporating visual and haptic feedback.
Available for iOS and Android
Wheelmap
A lot of apps promise to be “Google Maps for accessibility”, but Wheelmap is the closest we’ve found. Using user-sourced data, updated daily, the free app offers accessibility information using an easy-to-understand traffic light system for millions of locations worldwide. You can search for specific locations, or browse around an area you’re planning to visit to see what’s accessible. There’s even a specific toilet search function to find facilities that suit your needs. The app has been running since 2010, and has been translated into over 30 languages.
Available for iOS and Android
Google Translate
It might seem easy enough to simply type or paste text into the Google Translate web service, but the Google Translate app offers a lot more functionality and ease of access. You can translate offline (perfect for areas with limited internet access), translate bilingual conversations in real-time, save translated words and phrases for future reference, and translate hand-written text. Best of all, the app offers instant camera translation (translate text by simply pointing your camera), which is great for menus and street signs.
Available for iOS and Android
VacayIt
Our favourite local app for travellers is VacayIt, which offers the best audio tours in Australia – for free, via your smartphone. Plug in your earphones and find yourself fully immersed in the world around you, listen to local stories and learn about local history. There are over 250 locations already listed for audio exploration, with more added each month. The app is compatible with assistive technology (including screen-readers), allows voice search and includes transcripts. It also offers additional physical accessibility information for each location, perfect for groups with travellers who have different specific needs.
Available for iOS and Android
More free ways to travel better with tech
- Take a picture of your medications and save it as your phone’s lock screen. In the event of an emergency where you’re not able to communicate, paramedics and assistants can see at a glance what medications you’re taking without needing to unlock your phone.
- Install free messenger services – like WhatsApp – and familiarise yourself with them before you go. Use these to send updates and photos to your loved ones at home. International roaming charges for traditional phone calls and messages can really sting!
- Save important phrases or documents (e.g. allergy translation cards) as photos in an album on your phone. It gives you a back-up digital copy that you can access, even if there’s no WiFi.
- Before you arrive at your destination, check for local public transport apps. These are often free, or have free versions, and provide helpful up-to-date information about timetables, accessible services, and service disruptions.
- Check whether your travel insurance provider has an app, and install it before you go. Often, provider apps offer a streamlined process to report issues, an easy way to register your travel plans, and helpful information.
This story first appeared in Travel Without Limits. You can subscribe to the magazine here