TripIt

This travel-planning app is a good choice for anyone who’s always on the road or who needs to keep up to date on flights and organize hotel and car rental reservations. While casual travelers might not need such a specific travel planner (in most cases, a calendar app will do), frequent travelers typically have too many confirmation codes and details to keep in their heads or on a standard planner.

TripIt bills itself as a virtual travel assistant, but that may be a bit too flowery. TripIt's biggest claim to fame is being able to parse a confirmation/reservation email for all the necessary information after being forwarded to plans@tripit.com. You can always access the information via the mobile app, get directions from the airport to your hotel, share itineraries with friends or coworkers and stay in contact with other travelers through the itinerary comments section.

While this app does pack a lot of information, it isn't as suited for the casual or occasional traveler. Still, we can see how it would benefit frequent travelers or someone planning a long trip.

Reviewed: May 23, 2011 | Barbara E. Hernandez