7 useful iPhone features you can use on your next vacation

Our smartphones are usually our constant companions, accompanying us wherever we go – including trips abroad. In situations like these, some features of your phone that you may not normally use can be much more useful.

Here, we’ll discuss seven features that will come in handy on the go, whether you’re trying to find out how much something costs or trying to be understood. All of them are available in the latest version of iOS, which is iOS 18 at the time of writing.

1. Convert currencies

You may not have realized it, but the Calculator app for iPhone has a built-in currency converter. When the basic calculator interface appears on the screen, tap the calculator icon in the lower left corner, then turn on Convert switch. You can then click on the labels next to the numbers to select the currencies you want to convert between.

2. Create your own guides in Apple Maps

The everyday traveler has a lot to discover on Apple Maps – as you’d expect – and if you search for a major city or popular travel destination, you should see Guides option next to it. Click this option to browse through a variety of guides downloaded from the Internet, offering advice on everything from the best museums to the best restaurants.

Moreover, you can also create your own place guides. Select a place on the map, such as a bar or park, then tap More button: An Add to guides there will be an option thanks to which you will be able to create your own guides for specific places or for specific trips. It’s great for remembering all the places you think are worth visiting during your trip.

3. Use iPhone compass

Did you know that iPhone has its own Compass app? Search for it in the App Library if you don’t see it on any of your home screens. You receive your bearing, current location and altitude. If you want to stay pointed in a specific direction, tap the compass to place a marker. Click the compass again to remove the marker.

If you haven’t used the Find My app on your iPhone yet, it’s a great way to track the location of your close friends and family. On People in the card you can see people who are currently sharing their location with you and choose to share your location in return – tap + (plus) on the right to view contacts and make other calls.

You can use this location sharing feature to make sure everyone in your group is safe and also make it easier for everyone to gather in the same place at the same time. If you prefer to share your location less permanently, you can do so in the Messages app: during a conversation, tap + (plus), then select Location from the list.

5. Track your flights quickly

Swipe down from the center of any home screen, enter your flight number, select the highest result, and your iPhone will display a screen with useful information about it: You’ll be able to see your departure and arrival times, for example, as well as the plane’s current position on the map. Here you can also see information about airports, terminals and gates.

6. Translate between languages

Smartphone apps are getting better at translating, and a Translate app on iOS it’s no different. Load it up and you can instantly translate between the two languages ​​by typing into the text boxes or saying what you want to translate (tap the microphone icon to do this). You can also get help with pronunciation using the play buttons.

You can do much more here: Tap on Conversation to open a view you can use to get instant audio translations on iPhone when you’re talking to someone face-to-face, or use Camera to get translations of any printed text you encounter while traveling (very useful for signs and menus, for example).

7. Download maps for offline use

Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity can be useful when traveling, but you can download maps in advance and use them offline: In Apple Maps, tap your profile picture in the pop-up info card, then select Offline maps AND Download a new map. You can then search for a location (e.g. the city you’re going to) to download a map of the area.