Apps
There is so much to see and do in Cartagena, that you might need some help getting your head around it all. So below you can find some handy travel apps which will assist you with everything from discovering the city to picking a beach.
Eurail Planner
One of the best ways to travel throughout Spain is by using the country’s excellent and relatively inexpensive train network. Eurail Planner is the app you need if you’re getting about in this way: it offers a wealth of information about train times and fares and, even better, can be used without an internet connection.
Best Beach
Beautiful beaches are so abundant in Cartagena, that it can be difficult to choose amongst them. If you’re seeking a day of sun and sand, then, the Best Beach app is indispensable: with information about more than 3,400 of the Spain’s world-class playas, including all of Cartagena’s beaches, it’ll help you find just the one for you.
Google Maps
The best way of exploring any city is to get lost, but sometimes you’ll just want to get somewhere as quickly as possible, and for that Google Maps is your best bet. It offers real-time directions which are easy to follow, even when you’re navigating the narrowest and oldest of Spanish streets.
Google Translate
When sightseeing around Cartagena, you’re bound to come across Spanish words and phrases that you don’t understand, so it’s nice to have the Google Translate App in hand. It’s great for short phrases and single words.
Word Reference
Another handy translation app to install before flying off to Cartagena is Word Reference. It’s superb for single words, especially modern slang and regional variations, both of which you’ll hear a lot during your stay. Example sentences also make the meanings of words crystal-clear.
Triposo
For sightseeing suggestions and general information on over 100 Spanish cities, Triposo is hard to beat. It offers tips on which monuments to go and see, where to eat out and where to party, as well as maps that can be accessed without WiFi. It’s great to have with you at all times.
The ubiquitous messaging app is particularly useful to have when staying in Cartagena, as many businesses – especially tourist attractions and restaurants – use it as a means of communicating with clients. It’s also a great way of avoiding overseas SMS charges if messaging people back home, or sending them envy-inducing photos.
XE Currency
There is no shortage of currency apps out there, but XE is easy to use and available offline. It’s perfect for when you’re comparing prices in with those back home and for making sure you’re getting a good rate when exchanging currencies from or to euro.
TripIt: Travel Planner
If you want to travel around Spain with an itinerary and intend to pack as much into your days as possible, check out TripIt. By simply entering all your practical details – flight times, attractions, restaurants booked, and car-hire pick ups – you receive a helpful timeline of your daily plans, ensuring that you don’t forget anything.
I came to the UPCT to study International Business. Since I arrived, I’ve made a lot of friends to travel with! From Cartagena you can easily reach many other Spanish cities like Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid or Valencia…