I’ve always been a planner. By planner I mean I prepare for what lies ahead even if I have absolutely no idea what the future holds. Such a statement about myself could never prove more true than when I begin packing for trips literally months in advanced. My parents may have laughed and shaken their heads when I packed for a spring break vacation in December, but packing is serious business. Never mind the location, time or weather forecast of the trip, if you’re like me, then you have a one-track mind and need to prepare for every possible scenario.
Companion:
Two points awarded to Companion for making me feel less lonely for free. This app locates all of the places you need to go in addition to reminding you to pack a toothbrush. What’s the weather like on Wednesday in Mumbai, or where’s the nearest café? Let the traveling companion find it for you. This app also configures what activities you have planned so it could make more recommendations for additional places to check out at your destination. Get ready to take your new “friend” with you to all the places waiting to be seen.
Pros:
- The list of personal items is pretty extensive. The app does a nice job dividing up how many pairs of trousers you’re bringing and even what medications or documents you need.
- Offers cool places to check out at your destination. Sirius Coffee Connection, here I come.
- Incase you’re worried about getting caught in the rain on one of your beach days, the app’s weather forecaster lets you keep track of which days might be the best tanning weather.
Cons:
- You must literally travel with someone for the app to configure your trip (i.e. the app does not count as your companion).
- There’s a few pop ads here and there. I’m not a Mobile Strike person, but if that’s your thing more power to you.
Price: Free
TheVane:
Okay, the trendy looking rooster attracted me to this app…but you know what’s also trendy about this app? It doubles as a shopping app. In a matter of seconds, you can look through the latest styles in fashion and shop on the site or add items to a personal wish list. The neat camera feature even lets you save style inspirations. Then, easily create a list of items to pack from tops to bottoms and everything in between. If you’re going for a casual, chic look off the rack or a casual, chic look to pack, this app helps you look fashion forward for any occasion. Shop until you drop with this app
Pros:
- With the amount of items you can easily search for, you might need an extra suite case to take it all with you.
- Going to a rocking journalism conference in Chicago? Or perhaps a leisurely trip to the Bahamas? Don’t worry TheVane assists you in packing for business and pleasure.
- What’s the weather like in Montreal? I have no idea, but with the handy-dandy weather updates on TheVane you’ll always know when to break out your new rainboots.
Cons:
- The app is generally geared toward everyday wear and shopping and doesn’t give as much focus on actually packing to travel.
- I have never experienced so much difficulty signing up for an app. It kept asking me if “TheVane” could access my location—I could barely escape!
Price: Free
Packing:
Shelling out an approximate dollar for this app, I tested its packing capabilities to see whether they lived up to my preplanning/packing standards. The ‘Master Catalogue’ organized everything I needed to pack into carefully separated categories. Here, I clicked on toiletries and it took me to four more sub-categories asking me what I needed for my hair, face, mouth and body. Talk about thorough. Especially when it took me to another detailed list, asking me how much toothpaste I had and whether I needed to buy more. This is the ultimate app for any person who constantly makes lists. You’ll have so many lists that your lists will have lists. List-ception. Master lists, sub-lists, lists of every category–you name it and there’s a list for it.
Pro:
- Listing pros can challenge themselves with this app, how many different kinds of lists can you make? I prefer one, but I’m also kind of lazy.
- Do you need toothpaste, like only one kind of toothpaste that no other kinds of toothpaste can possibly compare? Don’t worry, there’s a list option for that, too.
Cons:
- If you absolutely hate lists, and categorizing items or just being superbly organized in general, this probably isn’t the app for you.
- Packing won’t tell you if Maine will greet you with a foot of snow during your upcoming trip, so you might want to tune into the weather channel to find out. Once you do know though, Packing can make sure you have everything you could possible need.
Price: $0.99
