Amazing Apps for Vacation Time

On a family vacation, these five apps will make life much simpler.  In fact, these apps are still useful well after you've come back home.  

All of the apps are free to use and four are available for use with multiple smartphone platforms (iPhone, Android, Blackberry).

The apps can also be used with portable computing devices (tablets, iPad) and online via the internet.  While on vacation without a computer internet connection, these apps have been lifesavers for yours truly.


1. Cozi (www.cozi.com)– Lists, Calendar and Journal

This nifty app can help manage a packing list and a family calendar which syncs with Outlook or Google calendars.  Simple To Do lists or checklists can be created and checked off in a breeze.  The amazing Journal feature allows users to make quick work of photos and notes to create an online scrapbook.  I use this app daily on my iPhone and it is accessible by computer on the internet.


2. Dealmap (www.thedealmap.com) - Local Deals

Scour the latest local deals in one spot.  Thankfully, the mobile app does not require that you register an email before scouring deals.  Finding deals based on your current location is a snap.  Dealmap combines many popular deal sites, such as Groupon and Citysearch and maps them out for you.


3. Evernote (www.evernote.com) - Online Sticky Notes

Jot notes, tag a picture or add voice memos to remember virtually anything you need to in a way that you can remember. Evernote works with computers, smartphones and tablets, so you can use any of these devices and find the information you want to remember when you need it.

4. Photo Loader (www.yakamozlabs.com/apps/photoloader_for_facebook)

Share your vacation photos with friends as you go with Photo Loader.  The free version of the app allows users to upload four pictures to Facebook.  I paid $1.99 to upgrade to the paid version and it was well worth it.  

With the capability to upload up to 200 photos at a time, add captions and tag Facebook friends, there is no more sifting through photos after your vacation is over.  This app is only available for iPhone or iPad and is specifically designed to interact with Facebook.


5. Walgreens (www.walgreens.com)

Forgot your prescription medications?  Need a refill?  The Walgreen's app allows you to refill your prescriptions and pick them up at any Walgreen's location.  Use the scanning feature on your iPhone to refill your prescriptions by barcode.  

Pick up at the drive through and you can still enjoy vacation without missing a beat.  Better yet, upload and print photos right from your phone and leave a few memories for your family and friends before you leave.

Bonus: Stay connected with what's happening in your community while you are away by downloading the Patch app for the iPhone at Apple's App Store . Hometown news everyday.