From providing you with packing checklists, to supporting you in an emergency or even helping you overcome jet lag - if you're planning to travel abroad for your Elective, the latest apps are incredibly handy tools to have - and they don't even take up vital room in your luggage! Here are some of the best to download before you go.
1. Travel SafeTravel Safe connects you to emergency services within just five seconds of opening the app. It also allows you to send a pre-composed emergency messages to friends and family, minimising response times.
Available for
iPhone and
AndroidPrice: £0.64
2. Brightest FlashlightThis app switches on all available lights on your phone to turn it into a flashlight. This can be particularly useful in places that don't have streetlights, or when camping.
Available for
iPhone and
AndroidPrice: Free
3. OffMaps2Never feel lost again! Use
OffMaps2 to download maps for all the places you're looking to visit during your Elective. You can then even access these offline while you're travelling.
Available for
iPhone Price: Free
4. TripltTriplt automatically links to your email account to pick up all confirmation numbers for hotels, flights and other travel documents that arrive in your inbox, and then neatly sorts them into an organiser.
Available for
iPhone and
AndroidPrice: Free
5. Xe CurrencyKeep tabs on your spending while you're away with the Xe Currency app. The currency calculator even works offline, so it's ideal for use in remote areas without an internet connection.
Available for
iPhone and
AndroidPrice: Free
6. Packing ProTell
Packing Pro your travel plans and it automatically provides a suggested list of everything you might need, from essentials such as passport and currency, to items of clothing and the latest gadgets.
Available for
iPhonePrice: Free
7. Word LensWant to decipher a foreign restaurant menu or street sign? Simply take a picture with your phone's camera, and the app instantly translates it for you. Once downloaded, this app even works offline.
Available for
iPhonePrice: Free
8. FlightAwareTired of waiting around at the airport? Track information on all your flights, with automatic notification for delays, gate changes or cancellations.
Available for
iPhone and
AndroidPrice: Free
9. SAS Survival GuideBased on the popular survival handbook by John Wiseman, this app includes all of the book's original content and videos on essential survival strategies, including Morse code, first aid tips and photos of edible/poisonous plants.
Available for
iPhone and
AndroidPrice: £3.85
10. EntrainProblems with Jet-lag? Try using the Entrain app which has been developed by researchers from the University of Michigan. It uses information on your normal sleeping habits to help you adjust to new time zones and help you overcome jet lag as quickly as possible.
Available for
iPhonePrice: Free
Are you planning your Elective abroad?
Enter our Facebook competition for a chance to win £1000, an iPad and free Elective insurance.
If you're interested in more information
about elective insurance from Wesleyan, contact your
local Student Liaison Manager.