Six websites to get you ‘Mumbai Ready’

(photo credit: Akash Banerjee, Flickr)

Does this happen to you? It’s a Friday evening and you’re wondering where do you even begin planning your weekend? Look no further, here’s a compilation of 6 Mumbai city guide websites that’ll help you scan parties, restaurants, plays, comedy shows, events and so much more. C’mon already, go ahead and get that weekend started!

Timeoutmumbai.net

Their magazine is colourful, pictorial, and a light and easy read. It’s just the thing to flip through while sipping coffee some afternoon at your local café. If you enjoy this, then you’ll surely like the website that carries the features from the magazine. It also covers more information listing everything from restaurants and cafes, to bars and pubs, shopping, events. Also watch out for a great weekly calendar of ‘Five things to do in Mumbai today’. Categorised by ‘what?’ as well as ‘where?’ that is specific locations within the city, to make it that much easier for you to narrow down your search.

Weblink: www.timeoutmumbai.net

Burrp.com

This brand has become synonymous with the framed certificates seen hanging in restaurants, spas, clubs and other hang out spots. The website is a cross between a listings site and a city guide. It covers just about everything from nightlife to events, what’s happening around town and where to eat to movie listings and shopping streets. The site also has something called ‘bitch slapped!’ where customers who’ve been let down have voiced their opinion about an establishment that in turn is ‘bitch slapped!’ by Burrp…now how cool is that!

Besides Mumbai, it covers 11 other cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, Chandigarh & Kochi. A weekly newsletter is available that comes right to your inbox

Weblink: www.burrp.com

Bpbweekend.com

With a catchy, tongue-in-cheek voice, Brown Paper Bag lists the freshest happenings around the city, contests & discounts and even recipes from your favourite restaurants! The website also has cool, novel sections like ‘Feel Good’ and ‘Invent!’.

Subscribe to the site and you’ll have a couple of newsletters in your inbox each week telling you about cool new places to eat at, things to do, a weekend guide and lots more. Starting with Mumbai, BPB has also now launched its Delhi site! Now this is one site we’d like to see covering many more cities.

Weblink: www.bpbweekend.com

Timescity.com

The home page immediately starts off by telling you ‘What’s Hot in Mumbai’ be it clubs, parties, food joints, and more. Making life easier for foodies, the website also lists restaurants according to some 100 different cuisines! This is not surprising as the parent company publishes the popular ‘Times Food Guide’ and the ‘Times Nightlife Guide’ each year, for which it seems they’ve done ample research.

Besides Mumbai, it covers 10 other cities including Delhi/NCR, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, Chandigarh.

Weblink: www.timescity.com

Lifesaparty.in

Where’s the party, you ask? These guys will tell you. Food, drink and party are what Life’s A Party covers. Whether it is new restopubs, latest party scenes, concerts or party listings, this site covers them all for Mumbai and Delhi. The site’s got an electric, edgy feel to it. The Party Calendar on the home page is highly recommended for those wondering where to party next.

Weblink: www.lifesaparty.in

BuzzinTown.com

Covering everything from events, movies, restaurants, nightlife to getaways even (linked through Yatra.com), Buzzintown is a clean, easy-to-read website. One can also make bookings for events and movies right here.

This is one of the city guide sites that covers multiple cities – 19 to be precise - including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Allahabad, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Goa, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Thiruvananthapuram. Phew!

Weblink: www.buzzintown.com

Compiled by Surina Sayal

New Year Escapes from Mumbai

Matheran: Nature walk

It’s that time of the year again! New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and everyone’s wondering how to celebrate it. Fret not, as for those looking to head out of the city with family, friends or your better halves, we have a few ideas on where you could ring in 2013:

Matheran

A quiet, peaceful hill station tucked away in the Western Ghats, Matheran is known for its red soil, vehicle-free surroundings and, of course, its monkey population. Dotted with a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses, a bustling market street, and surrounded by lush hills and valleys, Matheran is a getaway in the true sense. Chilly evenings draped with a velvety blanket of star-speckled skies, bonfires and a deck of cards can complete an enjoyable evening or two with friends and family.

Make it Happen: Situated 90km from Mumbai, local trains to Neral are the closest that run to Matheran. From here either take the toy train straight up to Matheran or a share-a-cab up to Dasturi Point (beyond which vehicles are not allowed) followed by a forest walk or horseback ride for the remaining 30-40 minutes. If driving, take your car up to Dasturi Point, park and walk or horseback it up.

Nasik: Red Red Wine

Nasik

Wonderful weather coupled with acres of verdant vineyards make Nasik a wonderful setting for ringing in the New Year. Known to be an educational hub and a pilgrimage destination, over the past few years Nasik has also gained another reputation, that of being India’s ‘Napa Valley’. A number of the wine companies here host memorable New Year parties with free flowing wine, food and fun music. Go with family or friends and unwind over delicious local cuisine and a goblet of chilled vino tinto.

Make it Happen: Nasik lies approximately 170km from Mumbai and can be reached in a short 3 hours. A smooth drive over the NH3 via foggy Igatpuri makes for a scenic, comfortable trip.

Daman: Fishing boats bobbing around

Daman

This well-planned town is a wonderful seaside getaway and offers an escape into the bylanes of history with its imposing forts, heritage lighthouses and churches. Its past is evident in the blend of cultures seen here: Portuguese, Roman Catholic and Gujarati; thanks to which a unique assortment of lip-smacking cuisines are on the menu. Wash this down with the easily accessible duty-free spirits and begin that NYE countdown.

Make it Happen: Daman can be reached via the Mumbai-Gujarat highway (NH8) that leads to Vapi. From Vapi, a left turn and 10km to the west is Daman (190 kms from Mumbai, 4 hours away).

Saputara (Gujarat)

If a commercial hill station is what you’re looking for rather than the tried-and-tested Khandala-Lonavla, try Saputara in the south of Gujarat. This well planned and maintained holiday destination has an abundance of pretty gardens, lakes, waterfalls, and a national park, making it a wonderful nature escape. What’s more, many hotels host New Year bashes for guests who choose to revel yet be surrounded by nature’s bounty.

Make it Happen: A 5-6 hour drive from Mumbai, Saputara can be reached via the NH3 and the Surat-Nasik Highway.

Goa: The ever-popular Baga Beach

Goa

That ‘susegaado’ Goa comes alive around New Year’s is a well-known fact. Head down south to the beach state for a true-blue party weekend. Many large-scale beach parties featuring international artists are usually held in Goa each year. Take in the electric party atmosphere or simply kick back on a sandy stretch and bring in 2013 over a chilled pint or six!

Make it Happen: Goa can be reached via road, train or air. Flights to Goa operate on a daily basis and take just 45 minutes, while drive time is about 12-13 hours. An exciting getaway for the whole jing-bang and the neighbours!

Alibaug-Kashid

The neighbouring beach getaways of Alibaug and Kashid are for those who want to get away from the chaos and crowds of New Year brouhahas. Stay at a nice hotel on one of these sandy stretches, enjoy delicious seafood along with the balmy sea breeze, and if you please, join in the merriment of folks celebrating New Year’s Eve at one of its many hotels.

Make it Happen: Alibaug & Kashid can be reached within 4 hours by road from Mumbai either via Navi Mumbai or the NH66. Alternatively, ferries to Alibaug leave Gateway of India for Mandwa Jetty at regular intervals daily. From here local vehicles can be hired to Alibaug and Kashid.

Panchgani : View from Tableland 

Panchgani

Wrap yourself in light woollens and explore the quaint strawberry county of Panchgani. Delightful Parsi-run heritage hotels here offer an old-world charm and a wonderful sanctuary to weary city dwellers. Enjoy the scenic valley views, try some of the local bakeries or sink your teeth into some delicious strawberry and cream, the area’s most famous offering. Better yet, take a walk through some of the strawberry farms and pluck your own fruit! A truly delightful and different way to ring in the New Year, we say.

Make it Happen: Panchgani is a 6-7 hour drive from Mumbai. Private buses ply this route daily. There are two ways to get there, either drive down the NH4 Mumbai-Pune Expressway or the older route, NH17. The little town makes for a pleasing getaway for couples and families alike.

Photographs by: Surina Sayal

Article as seen on Lonely Planet India website: http://www.lonelyplanet.in/articles/new-year-escapes-from-mumbai

*CHRISTMAS MARKETS* - ‘Tis the Season to go Shopping

Tuck into some Lebkuchen, Stollen, Glühwein and Eierpunsch – all food items by the way! Shop for Christmas decorations and local handicrafts, enjoy music, dance and more at the much-loved traditional Christmas Markets that have made their way across countries and continents...

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
(Photograph by Roshelle Fernandes)

Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, Weihnachtsmarkt - Christmas Markets - street markets associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent - are known by many names across the cities and towns these are held in. Originating in Germany, Austria, South Tyrol and Alsace these markets are now seen in many other countries, even India!

Have a look at some of the popular ones across Europe:

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Germany: 
Dating back to 1393, the Frankfurt Christmas Market brims with history and tradition being one of Germany’s oldest and most popular Christmas markets. Go to this one to enjoy hot Applewine and Bethmännchen almond candies under Germany's tallest Christmas tree! Smaller sibling versions take place in the UK cities of Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Edinburgh, giving rise to international popularity, over the last few years.

Brightly-lit Frankfurt Christmas Market
(Photograph by Roshelle Fernandes)

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France: 
Strasbourg in eastern France has been holding its famous Christmas market the ‘Marchés de Noël’ around its remarkable cathedral since 1570. In addition to the spiced wine usually offered at the markets, those in Strasbourg have a tradition of spicy hot orange juice. Don’t miss the Bredle (traditional little delicious cakes) and Wine market here.

Vienna Christmas Market, Austria: 

The classic Christmas market or ‘Christkindlmarkt’ as known here in Vienna, Austria is held in the square in front of the splendid Town Hall. It is one of the oldest, dating back over seven hundred years and most popular of Christmas Markets being visited by millions of visitors coming in from all over the world. This market starts early – from mid-November – which is great for those wanting to avoid pre-Christmas shopping crowds. Here besides the crafts and foods, in keeping with the musical history of the city, there are also choir performances in City Hall and a daily performance by the Christmas tree.

Shop for Christmas goodies and decor
(Photograph by Roshelle Fernandes)

Prague Christmas Market, Czech Republic: 
The Christmas markets here known as ‘Vanocni trh’ are family friendly, with the largest being held on the busy Old Town Square. In addition to the usual fare of wooden toys and holiday décor, these markets in Prague also sell Czech specialties, like Bohemian crystal, marionettes (puppets) and ceramics. The food is slightly different from the German standard: though grog (a type of beer) sausage, gingerbread are offered, there are also vendors with corn on the cob and Trdelnik (cooked dough with cinnamon and sugar).

Brussels Christmas Market, Belgium:
In Brussels, the Christmas Markets at the Grand Place and Place St. Catherine’s area brim with activities for children and adults. A highlight here is the Fish Market that gets converted into a temporary ice rink! The food stalls dish out some delicious fare and don’t forget to tuck into some of the best chocolates – Belgian after all! Another highlight here is the 240 wooden Christmas chalets that set up during this time. Resembling gingerbread houses, these stalls are bedecked with twinkling with fairy lights and covered with snow-top roofs and sell a variety of Christmas items, decorations, gifts and Christmas season food.

So what are you waiting for?! It’s time to plan a holiday and include these markets in your travel itinerary. With all that food, shopping, and festive fervour, there's no doubt it will be a very Merry Christmas!

LIVE IT UP IN LIVELY SENTOSA!

Planning a trip to the Sentosa Island in Singapore? Go beyond just revelling in the beauty of this exquisitely planned paradise and experience the 4-D theatre, explore The Underwater World, be enchanted by The Songs of the Sea musical, Universal Studios and lots more...

Situated just off the Singapore mainland, activity-filled Sentosa, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012, is as fun as it is relaxing. (Sentosa stands for peace and tranquility in Malay).

Travel around the island in colourful open-top buses and trams as you try out the zillion activities available. Here's just some of the fun to be had:

   1.  Be amazed at Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon

Walk through the tunnelled Underwater World and be overawed by the graceful sting rays and deadly sharks as they swim above you. Five-foot crabs, bright yellow seahorses, jellyfish and numerous exotic sea creatures call this place home. Later pay a visit to the pink Dolphins that will entertain and amaze you at the Dolphin Lagoon.

2.                Scream and shout at Universal Studios

Indulge the child in you at the Universal Studios that features 24 movie-themed rides and attractions, 18 of which are unique to Singapore! Be entertained by Shrek and gang in the Far Far Away Castle, meet characters from Madagascar and more. With countless rides and shows, entertainment, shopping and seven different zones - like Hollywood, Lost World, Far Far Away, New York, Sci-Fi City, Madagascar and Ancient Egypt - there’s ample opportunities to let your hair down with family or friends and escape into another world….or into many other worlds for that matter!    

3. Visit Mount Faber with the Singapore Cable Car

The Cable Car ride from Sentosa crosses over Singapore and gives you glimpses of the harbour, Universal Studios and zipping highways. It takes you to Mount Faber where you can relax on the terrace-top restobar, sipping a drink while taking in the lovely views of the city.

4.                  Enjoy Sentosa 4D Magix

Three D is old news, try the Sentosa 4D Magix where you will be surprised by water sprays, seat vibration, leg ticklers. All these effects and more will put you in the middle of all the action.

5.                  Climb the Merlion

A larger-than-life 37-metre high replica of the ‘Merlion’ - the half-lion and half-fish Singaporean icon - stands tall in Sentosa. Atop this icon you’ll be enchanted by the superb 360 degree view of the lush Sentosa Island and Singapore skyline.

6.                Enjoy the exciting Songs of the Sea musical

Watch this captivating entertainment show from an open-air viewing gallery where you’ll be mesmerized by projections on water sprays, a brilliant live cast, pyrotechnics, flame bursts, lasers and music. Really a unique experience and immense fun for adults and kids alike!

7.                  Take in sky-high views from Tiger Sky Tower

Take in the sights as you are elevated a stomach-twirling 131 metres in a disc-shaped air-conditioned cabin with glass windows all round, that revolves slowly as it ascends the tower’s column. It allows you panoramic views of Singapore's islands, and even Malaysia and Indonesia!

8.                  Be enchanted at Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom

This outdoor experience at the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom amazes with sights and sounds of an authentic tropical rainforest. Be transported to another world amidst fluttering butterflies at the picturesque Meadow Bridge and Butterfly Eden.

9.                  Take the Fort Siloso Tour

Explore old tunnels, real guns and cannons at Fort Siloso that houses the nation's largest collection of World War II memorabilia. A tram-ride down history helps illustrate the fort's role in defending the Malayan region. It also features exhibits that recreate the drama of those times with authentic aromas!

10.              Visit the Southernmost Point of the Asia Continent

Conclude your trip with a visit to the man-made Palawan Beach that offers vast open views of the South China Sea. A suspension-bridge walk across to this tiny islet brings you to the southernmost point of the Asian Continent!    

MUST-ATTEND PARTIES AROUND THE GLOBE

The Spanish festival, La Tomatina gained immense coverage in the hit Bollywood flick ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’. Others like the beer-guzzler Oktoberfest, street carnival Mardi Gras, green fervour at St. Patrick’s Day Parades have gained great popularity across the globe as well. But there are numerous global festivals that one must experience at least once in this lifetime! Sharing with you an exciting must-attend list right here!

(Glastonbury Festival, pic credit: counteract-magazine.com)

1.       Glastonbury Festival

Commonly known as the ‘Glasto’, The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, is a performing arts festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England. This festival is renowned for its contemporary music, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other arts! While 2012 won’t see the Glastonbury festival, tickets for the 2013 festival will be on sale from October 7^th, 2012 onwards.

Next festival date: 26-30^th June, 2013

Official website: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

2.       Rio Carnival

Who hasn’t heard about the Rio Carnival! The 4-day Carnival held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a wild celebration, starting 40 days before Easter. The colourful carnival parade is filled with people and floats from various samba schools. It is considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets, with foreign visitors alone amounting to about five lakh every year! Got your tickets to Rio yet??

Next festival date: 9-12th February, 2013

Official website: www.rio-carnival.net

(  Rio Carnival, pic credit: carnaval2010.org)

3.       Calgary Stampede

On a different note, the Calgary Stampede which is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival is held every year in July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Calgary’s identity is tied to the event and it is known as the ‘Stampede City’. In fact, the local Canadian Football League team is called the ‘Stampeders’. Every July, the 10-day festival kicks in with concerts, dance parties, and competitive events like bull riding and barrel racing.  The city and its people don a festive atmosphere gearing up in cowboy themes. In 2012, the Stampede celebrated its centenary year from July 6 to 15, with a bigger and brasher than ever before celebration. What fun! Ready, steady, saddle up!

Next festival date: 5-14^th July, 2013

Official website: www.calgarystampede.com

4.       Montreal Jazz Festival

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (Montreal International Jazz Festival) is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It holds the 2004 Guinness World Record as the world's largest jazz festival. From its modest beginning in 1979, founders André Ménard and Alain Simard wanted to launch a Jazz festival of truly International scale. The festival now annually offers about 650 concerts, of which three-quarters are free of charge, hosting about 3,000 musicians, from over 30 countries and over 2.5 million visitors coming in from all over the planet. Shows are held in a wide variety of venues, from relatively small jazz clubs to the large concert halls, to cordoned-off streets, while others are in terraced parks.

Next festival date: 28^th June-7^th July, 2013

Official website: www.montrealjazzfest.com

(Full Moon Party, pic credit: concierge.com)

5.       Full Moon Party

A party purely for the sake of partying! The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that originated in Haad Rin on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand on the night before or after every full moon. The first Full Moon Party dates back to 1985 where it was held to give thanks to about 20-30 travellers. This quickly gained fame through word of mouth, and the event now draws approximately 20,000-30,000 people every full moon evening with the party carrying on until the sunrise the next morning. The bars stay open and play R&B, drum and bass, house, dance and reggae music.

Next festival date: 2012: September 1^st and 30^th, October 30^th, November 28^th, December 25^th (Christmas Party), 28^th and 31^st (New Year Countdown Party)

Official website: www.fullmoonparty-thailand.com

So if you thought India was the land of festivals, think again. Internationally too, Indians have been ‘party’ to countless carnivals and fiestas in some way or the other. We just love our celebrations, don’t we! So get your bags packed and schedules re-scheduled and hey, don’t forget your party hats!

Article as seen on Femina India website: http://femina.in/lifestyle/travel/the-most-happening-parties-across-the-globe-609.html

Get a Mouthful of Sky!

Sky diving is a liberating experience and has found a spot in many a bucket list. Here are the top drop zones, (yes that is what they're called!!) where you should try it for the mind-blowing views...

(That's me!!Woohooo!)

1. Cape Town, South Africa

The blue waters of the Atlantic, the Table Mountain and Robben Island make skydiving in Cape Town a visual delight! On the way up in the aircraft, the view is awe-inspiring where to the South, the city lies between the impressive Table Mountain and bustling Table Bay harbour. Further to the south lie the shark-infested waters of False Bay and Hout Bay. To the West, one can spot Robben Island - where former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades during the apartheid era. Check out these views while you go for the stomach-wrenching jump 13,000 feet from ground level!

2. Dubai

Thousands of tourists have seen this particular emirate from the ground view, shopped at the gazillion malls, admired the tall structures of the Burj Khalifa and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and some have even visited the impossible-turned-possible Palm Island and World Islands. But we suggest you take in these jaw-dropping views as you soar thousands of feet high above Dubai. This is ‘sight-seeing' like never-before!

3. Taupo, New Zealand

Easily one of the most popular skydiving destinations in the world, Taupo is a town on the shore of Lake Taupo, located in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand. It offers jumpers spectacular views of Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park and the North Island's most active volcano. Enjoy these views while you can as you come screaming down from the skies. Just make sure you're not heading anywhere close to that bubbling volcano!

4. Interlaken, Switzerland

For a truly heavenly experience we suggest skydiving in the picturesque Interlaken where one is literally diving into the talcum white snow-capped jagged Swiss Alps. During the scenic flight up, the view of the all-white canvas of mountains will blow you away. It also takes you over two lakes through the Swiss Alps, allowing you views of magnificent peaks of the Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau. We can bet you're going to wish that time could stand still when you leap off that plane.

 
5. Hawaii, US

With numerous skydiving companies offering competitive packages in Hawaii's third largest (of eight) island, Oahu, you can take your pick but the view at any of these locales is to die for!. Drink in the gorgeous views of Waikiki, Honululu and places around - rich in lush greens, mountain sides, waterfalls, active volcanos, sandy strips of beaches and the ocean. Celebrate your courageous leap of faith on one of the stunning beaches at sunset with a tall colourful cocktail drink, topped with a twirly umbrella of course!

Article as seen on Femina India website: http://femina.in/lifestyle/travel/get-a-mouthful-of-sky-367.html

Top 10 travel apps for you!

Off on a sudden vacation and wondering if the lack of planning will ruin your time away from work and home? Surina Sayal suggests 10 free travel apps accessible on your smartphone that will help you make that unexpected unplanned break, an adventurous road trip or a quick weekend getaway even more exciting and comfortable.

Like Paul Theroux said, "Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going." So if that traveller in you loves taking off on that unplanned or under-planned holiday, here's some help from some super handy travel apps.

1) Kayak
Available on: Android, BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone/iPod Touch, Windows Mobile.

This is one of the earliest searching apps, and is still on the top when it comes to finding hotel rooms, flights, tracking flights, car rentals, packing lists, and more. A similar app to this one is also WorldMate.

2) TripAdvisor
Available on: iPhone, iPod, Android, Windows Phone 7

With a million hotel and restaurant options how does one decide? If you don't want to trust the hotel/restaurant itself, hear from patrons through their reviews and ratings who've experienced it firsthand. TripAdvisor helps you get genuine traveller advice, details and pictures on hotels, restaurants, attractions and more.

3) TripIt
Available on: Android, iPhone/iPod touch and BlackBerry.

This handy app acts as your personal travel agent gathering all your holiday and flight confirmation emails into a single travel itinerary. You can just forward itineraries you get from booking sites or airlines to TripIt and it will arrange the information into a readable format.

4) XE Currency
Available on: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Of course you have to sort the monies. The XE Currency app is great and extremely popular for its ease of use, live currency rates and charts. A simple, live currency converter that lets you choose your favourite currencies for comparison. You can also store last updated rates and use the app offline.

5) Google Maps
Available on: IPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry

Almost everyone with a smartphone has heard of or used the Google Maps app that tells you where you are, where other locations you're looking for are and directions from one to another in real time. We highly recommend this one!

6) foursquare
Available on: iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia

Once you get there this 'check in' app allows you to tell others where you are. It is a handy tool for travellers as it gives recommendations and special offers for nearby places to eat and drink. It helps you keep up with friends, get insider tips, and receive discounts and rewards too!

7) iTranslate
Available on: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

With a multitude of free language translation apps available to download, our suggestion is the iTranslate which is fast, accurate and offers translation for over 50 languages. It also allows you to hear a voice output, so that you can master that pronunciation. Navita Translator is a similar app for the Blackberry that also translates more than 50 languages.

8) FastFood
Available on: iPhone, iPad

The FastFood app helps you find restaurants nearest to you and gives you restaurant deals, menus, reviews, ratings, maps and other info. You can locate restaurants by cuisine and also find markets closest to you.

9) Share-a-bill
Available on: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

If 'fair and square' is the way you like it while travelling with friends or colleagues, the Share-a-bill app allows you to easily keep an eye on who has paid for what, and how much, thereby allowing you to easily settle accounts. Plus you'd rather enjoy spending your holiday relaxing than doing the math, however big a math whiz you are!

10) Trip Journal
Available on: iPhone, Android, Symbian, Bada

While taking it all in, Trip Journal allows you to document your fun vacation experiences and share them with your friends and family. You can share real time updates from the visited destinations and let people see pictures of your latest adventures, as your journey unfolds.