6 Dependable Text-Messaging Apps for International Travel

Text messaging is having a big moment in the travel industry. New text-based travel applications have been springing up seemingly overnight, such as the upcoming Hyper Travel app, which will provide both text- and email-based booking services.

Established companies are also joining in by offering text-based travel services to augment their websites. Kayak’s co-founder Paul English, for example, is working on Lola Travel, which will have clients and travel agents interacting via app to reserve flights and hotels, in addition to arranging rentals.

However, texting doesn’t stop at trip planning. When clients finally land in their destination, they’re going to want to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Springing for an international plan can be costly. Verizon, for instance, charges $40 a month per device, while AT&T charges $30 a month and still charges if you choose to talk instead of text. No wonder that these free text-messaging apps are the travel accessory du jour among the jet set. (But be careful: Using these apps will take up cellular data unless you’re connected to Wi-Fi — which can be costly. Additionally, be sure to turn data roaming off.) 

Before your next trip, consider downloading one of these apps.

Read more at TravelAge West.