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Use a Specialized App to Save Money on Travel
Whether you’re planning a vacation, weekend getaway, or business trip, one of the easiest ways to save between 30 and 60 percent on your airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise, or all-inclusive vacation is to shop online, via a travel site like Travelocity.com, Hotwire.com, Kayak.com, or Priceline.com.
Of course, you can access these and many other travel-related websites via your iPhone or iPad using the Safari web browser. However, to make navigating around these sites easier, some offer their own iPhone or iPad-specific apps. So, not only can you save a fortune on your next trip, you can plan that trip and book your reservations from anywhere, as long as an Internet connection is available.
To find travel apps from companies like Kayak.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz.com, or Priceline.com, check the App Store’s Travel section. Here, you’ll also find proprietary apps from major airlines (including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, United Airlines, and others), that allow you to find the low online-only rates typically available exclusively from each airline’s respective website.
From the App Store, you’ll also find apps from specific hotel chains and rental car companies that can be used for finding deals and making reservations.
Last-Minute Gifts Are Only a Few Screen Taps Away
With the power and functionality of your iOS device and the Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, and Notification Center apps that come preinstalled, you really have no excuse for forgetting someone’s birthday, anniversary, or a special occasion.
However, if you do wind up needed a last-minute gift[md]and you’re too busy to visit a local store[md]as long as your iPhone or iPad has web access, you can have flowers, balloons, jewelry, a gift basket or a teddy bear, for example, shipped directly to someone to and from anywhere in the world.
If you’re constantly on the go, or find yourself in need of last-minute gifts often, there are a few “must-have” apps you should keep installed on your iOS device that allow you to shop for gifts and have them delivered on the same day or next day.
For example, the free 1800Flowers app allows you to shop for gorgeous flower arrangements, plants, or gift baskets from your phone or tablet. You can view online photos of what’s available, and keep your credit card information securely stored with 1-800-Flowers, so you can place an order with a few taps on the screen in less than a minute.
Godiva and Harry & David also offer specialized apps for sending edible gifts. To arrange to have a birthday cake, cupcakes, balloons, or other items delivered anywhere from a local florist, bakery, or vendor while you’re on-the-go, the Cakephone app will help you find a company that’s close to your location, or where the gift needs to be delivered.