In this age of smart phones, it's hard to imagine going anywhere without a little assistance. Whether you're an expat living abroad or just in China for a short stint on your way to destinations unknown, a smart phone – like the Android or iPhone – helps keep you organized, on time and just a little bit saner. Luckily, there are oodles of apps for before, during, and after your trip. Here's a list of the top travel apps to have on your phone when jet setting around the world. Just keep in mind that some apps are offered for both the Android and the iPhone.

Apps for Android

1) Google Goggles
Price: Free

Besides being a tongue twister, Google Goggles is what the industry calls an “augmented reality” app – meaning that it takes what you see at that very moment and searches it on Google's seemingly unending database. Staring at an ancient Chinese temple but don't know the first thing about it? Just take a picture and Google Goggle it – this app will search and produce the most relevant results about its history, timeline, etc. One of the best things about it, though, is that it can even Google translate text within a picture – so next time you're frustrated at not being able to read the Mandarin plaque at some historic site, take a picture and have it instantly translated!

2) Star Translate
Price: Free

Based on the ever-handy Google translate feature, Star Translate acts as both dictionary and, yes, translator, for over 50 different languages. Enter what you want to say in English (or your language of choice) and choose which language you want it translated to – there is even a speaker icon that, when pressed, will read the translation aloud with (presumably) the correct pronunciation. This is especially handy in a country where tone is of vital importance (aka: China). This app also translates SMS messages and emails, so you never have to feel lost in a foreign country again.

3) TripIt
Price: Free

Especially handy if you're one of those people who tend to miss a flight or two, TripIt shows you all the details concerning your upcoming trip(s), such as flight status, weather, hotel location, maps, and directions – you can even check into your flight with it. All you have to do is forward your trip information (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) to plans@tripit.com (or, if you're too lazy even for that, you can give it permission to scroll your Gmail account for it) and you're whole trip will be laid out right before your eyes. It's especially handy because you don't actually have to be online in order to use it.

4) Trip Journal
Price: $2.90 USD (about 20 RMB)

This app is particularly handy for those who love sharing their day-to-day whereabouts with family and friends (and really, who doesn't nowadays?). By recording your travel route via GPS tracking and photos you take with your phone, Trip Journal gives you all the information you would ever want about the distance you've travelled and the sites you've seen along the way. You can add notes as you go at any place you find particularly exciting, then upload your route to Google Earth to show your loved ones exactly where you went and what you saw. There is also a free version of this app, called Travel Journal, that does much the same thing but doesn't have quite the same number of features.

Apps for iPhone

1) Omaps
Price: $1.99 USD (about 13 RMB)

Yes, the pre-installed map application for iPhone is amazing. So why would you need another one? Well, the map app that comes with the phone usually needs a 3G connection to work – and if you're travelling around the world (or living in China), you'll quickly rack up quite the roaming charges. Additionally, if you're one of those people who like to take off into the great wild wilderness, chances are you'll come across a spot or two where you won't even have an internet connection. What then? With Omaps, you can download maps of your intended destination before you get there, allowing you to peruse them at your leisure once you arrive at your destination – and all without using your 3G capabilities. While not quite as detailed as Google maps, you'll still find information on metro stations, restaurants, hotels, etc. to help you on your way.

2) Lonely Planet Phrasebook
Price: $9.99 (about 65 RMB)

Lonely Planet is basically the gold standard of travel books – and their phrasebooks aren't much different. Expect the same high quality and easy-to-use format of the Lonely Planet guides, only packaged as a handy app. Simply type in the phrase you want translated (which saves a lot of time over a dictionary, where you would have to look up each individual word) and the app does the rest. It will spell out the result phonetically so you can try your hand at speaking, or simply press the audio and have the automated voice say it for you. You can choose from over 17 different languages (including Swahili!), with each one containing over 600 words and phrases.

3) HotelPal
Price: Free

Ever decide to spontaneously book a trip, only to have no place to stay once you get there? You'll never have to worry again with HotelPal, an app that uses the iPhone's GPS system to locate where you are and all the hotels in your area. While browsing, you can check out user reviews, pictures and basic information on the hotel itself. It's a great tool to have if you're the spontaneous type, or if you're simply in the mood for an adventure.

4) Sit or Squat
Price: Free

One of the handiest – and funniest – apps for the iPhone, you'll quickly find yourself relying on Sit or Squat to find the closest public toilet available. If it's a non-emergency, you can even take the time to read the user-generated ratings on each one. Based on convenience, cleanliness and other factors, these reviews help you pick the lesser of many, many evils. Especially useful in China, where public toilets can be few and far between, you'll be surprised how much your mind will be put at ease when you don't have to worry about where to sit or squat next.

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