Simple, clearly designed maps and driving instructions are just the beginning. The standout stuff: live feeds of traffic conditions and street views of major U.S. cities (only slightly creepy); addresses, phone numbers and Web sites for what you're mapping.
The Basics
CONVERTING CURRENCY
Xe.com
180 currencies from 250 places, updated every minute. The conversion application is easy to locate (unlike that of close competitor Oanda), and you can bookmark go-to conversions. Caveat: Animations and flashing ads create a bit of sensory overload.FINDING RELIABLE WEATHER FORECASTS
Weather.com
A notch above AccuWeather and Weather Underground, 11-year-old Weather does the best job of delivering the essentials clearly. Get current conditions for 98,000 destinations worldwide, updated every 20 minutes.
LEARNING ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD
Tripprep.com
A comprehensive resource with recommended vaccinations, embassy listings and crime advisories for 204 countries. (Information is culled from the state departments of the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K.) Also included: tips on local customs and transportation. Caveat: Incomplete listings of doctors abroad. Free registration required.
8 more to watch
Vayama.com A booking engine that pulls prices from all international flights originating in the United States, including those of low-fare carriers.
Yapta.com Tracks airfares after you book and will send an e-mail about a significant price drop, along with info about how to use little-known loopholes for a refund.
Travelistic.com A compilation of on-the-ground travel videos (there were more than 4,100 at press time) from real people around the world.
Meethalfway.com U.K.-based site, with a soon-to-launch U.S. version, that helps you find a geographic compromise.
Seriouseats.com New York Times writer Ed Levine filters, compiles and analyzes all the juiciest global food news and opinions.
Airtreks.com Helps you plan complicated multi-leg itineraries without the hassle and expense of one-off tickets.
Dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com Create your own handy before-you-leave checklists.
TheBathroomdiaries.com A seemingly silly, surprisingly useful resource reviewing 12,000 public bathrooms in 120 countries.
The Basics
CONVERTING CURRENCY
Xe.com
180 currencies from 250 places, updated every minute. The conversion application is easy to locate (unlike that of close competitor Oanda), and you can bookmark go-to conversions. Caveat: Animations and flashing ads create a bit of sensory overload.FINDING RELIABLE WEATHER FORECASTS
Weather.com
A notch above AccuWeather and Weather Underground, 11-year-old Weather does the best job of delivering the essentials clearly. Get current conditions for 98,000 destinations worldwide, updated every 20 minutes.
LEARNING ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD
Tripprep.com
A comprehensive resource with recommended vaccinations, embassy listings and crime advisories for 204 countries. (Information is culled from the state departments of the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K.) Also included: tips on local customs and transportation. Caveat: Incomplete listings of doctors abroad. Free registration required.
8 more to watch
Vayama.com A booking engine that pulls prices from all international flights originating in the United States, including those of low-fare carriers.
Yapta.com Tracks airfares after you book and will send an e-mail about a significant price drop, along with info about how to use little-known loopholes for a refund.
Travelistic.com A compilation of on-the-ground travel videos (there were more than 4,100 at press time) from real people around the world.
Meethalfway.com U.K.-based site, with a soon-to-launch U.S. version, that helps you find a geographic compromise.
Seriouseats.com New York Times writer Ed Levine filters, compiles and analyzes all the juiciest global food news and opinions.
Airtreks.com Helps you plan complicated multi-leg itineraries without the hassle and expense of one-off tickets.
Dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com Create your own handy before-you-leave checklists.
TheBathroomdiaries.com A seemingly silly, surprisingly useful resource reviewing 12,000 public bathrooms in 120 countries.
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