Best travel apps

Tingo

The promise: After you book a hotel, this site tracks the latest rates and rebooks you if the price drops.
Price: Free
Available on: Website

Unlike sites that just alert you when a rate changes, Tingo automatically locks in the savings.

The site offers this service only on refundable rooms, though, so your credit card is charged when you reserve. But if you cancel or a lower rate is found, the difference is returned to your card.

 

 

Waze

The promise: Provides crowdsourced traffic information.
Price: Free
Available on: Website, iPhone, Android

Get real-time updates on accidents, jams, and detours, plus alternative route suggestions and the latest local gas prices.

One caveat: Because the data are provided by other drivers, the app works best in cities and other densely populated areas, says CNET automotive technology editor Antuan Goodwin

 

 

 

 

Head-to-head: Kayak vs. Google Flight.

The fight: Flight aggregators

Tools that pull from hundreds of booking sites simplify flight search. Which aggregator will get you to the beach first?

STRENGTHS

Kayak: Offers fare alerts and historical price charts. Shows fares that combine different carriers. More international options.

Google Flight Search: Lightning-fast search results. Flight Explorer feature lets you enter a date range and see the lowest fares for multiple destinations.

DOWNSIDES

Kayak: Comparatively slow search results.

Google Flight Search: No mobile app or ability to set fare alerts. only fares that include one domestic leg.

THE WINNER

Kayak: The original triumphs. Remember, though, airline sites may have offers that don't show up on either, says George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.com.

Availability: Both sites are available on their individual websites. Kayak is also available on the iPhone, Android and Windows Phone. Both apps are free.

 

Tripit

Price: Free or $49/year for premium
Available on: Website, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone

Turns your air, hotel, and car-rental confirmations into a mobile itinerary. The app is especially helpful for business travelers, says Kevin May of travel tech site Tnooz.com.