If all the world's computers were to simultaneously fail in some sort of Y2K fueled technocalypse I severely doubt I'd have the necessary skills to survive. In fact, the only way I'd even know how to find survival information would be via Google or The Discovery Channel. I suppose such information is listed in books, but I can barely even work a card catalog.
The most crucial piece of technology I carry with me on a daily basis is my iPhone, Apple's response to the question "Hey, what if there were a pocket-sized machine that could render the human brain utterly redundant?" The best part about an iPhone is customizing with an array of applications and as an avid budget conscious traveler I'm always on the lookout for the best free iPhone travel apps. Here are a few of my favorites.
Urban Spoon 
When traveling with a group it can be hard to decide on and find a restaurant that caters to everyone's taste and budget. Urban Spoon solves this culinary conundrum with a shake of the wrist. The app allows you to set your budget, determines your identity, then with a shake the dials spin and a randomized restaurant nearby pops up. Keep on shaking for more options (and entertainment). It's a great way to be a traveler and explore in your own city too.
Hop Stop 
Deciphering a new city's public transportation system can be daunting, I still get lost in New York and I live here. If I had a dollar for every time I've taken the wrong train... well I could still afford this free application! Hop Stop uses your iPhone's GPS to determine your location and guide you along the way to your destination, providing all your bus/train transfers as well as an estimation of how long your journey will take you. It's like having a really helpful, savvy local in your pocket for every city you go to.
Trapster 
So it's the first day of your road trip and you get pulled over for speeding. That ticket isn't just a buzz kill, it's a buzz massacre! Not only are you out some cash from your precious gas budget, your friends are going to make fun of your freeway faux pas for days to come. With Trapster, your phone will alert you if you are nearing a known speed trap, so you can learn from the mistakes of others. I believe it was Isaac Newton who said "If I got fewer tickets, it was because I was standing on the shoulders of giants." Perhaps I'm paraphrasing, but with Trapster you can avoid costly mistakes all for the price of free.
Simultravel Hotels 
The best part about backpacking travel is that you don't have to plan stuff in advance. You just wander til your feet hurt or your backpack feels too heavy (you just HAD to by that 20lbs iron Buddha statue, didn't you). Use Simultravel Hotels to find a place to stay nearby and drop off your stuff to explore the area. Combined with Urban Spoon, you'll be eating and sleeping in style right away.
QuicknEasy Translator 
Do you speak Hungarian and need to figure out a way to say something in Eskimo? QuicknEasy has got you covered. While this application may not be free, it is 99 cents and thats pretty close to free. Can't afford it? Lift up your couch cushions and pick up the change; it is now in your price range. For just 99 cents you can find out how to say all those things you so frequently need to know how to say such as "please don't arrest my friend" or "how much is beer?"
There are so many more apps that I can't even mention them and there are new ones all the time, but these are my favorites of the moment. Please comment and post some of your favorite travel application freebies.
