Smart phones have helped revolutionize the way people navigate the world, and the smart phone applications below can help change the way you travel. From parking to maps to flight info, these apps help make for a smoother trip.

• Google Maps
  This free application can help you steer clear of traffic jams on the way to the airport. In addition to driving directions, it also displays traffic conditions on your planned route, alerting you to congestion and accidents. The app comes preinstalled on many smart phones or is available for download.


• Take Me to My Car
  This application does exactly what its name suggests: helps you remember where you parked that car. It lets you save your current position with two taps and lets you get directions to your parking location with just one tap. The app is free for the iPhone, and other similar applications are also available for purchase.


• FlightTrack
  Get real-time status for flights from around the world. Just plug in your flight number or route to learn your flight's status, gate and aircraft type. Also offers live weather radar updates. Maker of the app, Mobiata, also offers FareCompare, which sends real-time alerts to your phone from more 500 airlines worldwide as they happen, so you can stay up to date on the best airline deals around.


• FlightCaster
  This application aims to predict the likelihood of a flight arrival delay up to six hours before airlines notify passengers. The app costs $1.99 and is available for U.S. flights on iPhone or Blackberry.


• Next Flight
  Miss your plane? Canceled flight? Arrive at the airport ahead of schedule and want an earlier departure? Not to worry. Next Flight searches for all available flights from all airline carriers and airports worldwide. Just punch in your origin, destination and departure date, and the application lists all the available flights for the selected day from all airline carriers including their departure and arrival timings. Available for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, the app costs $2.99.


• GateGuru
  This free app lists available amenities at more than 100 airports in the United States, Canada and Europe, sortable by Food, Shops and Services. It also offers real-time ratings, reviews and photos so you can avoid unappealing airport lounges and restaurants or poor service. Currently available for iPhone.


• MyTSA
  Developed by the Transportation Security Administration, this free app helps you find out which airport checkpoints are backed up and determine what items you can bring through security. Find info on wait times, security policies and how to deal with special travel needs. Available as an iPhone app or as a Mobile Web app.


• TripIt
  This free app will put "all your travel plans in one spot" and keep you organized. Just forward your travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com, and the app creates a master itinerary that can be accessed from your Android, BlackBerry or iPhone, synced to your calendar and shared with friends.





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