10 best family travel apps

FlightTrack, £2.99

This clever app allows you to keep track of your flight in real time. The bonus for families? It'll keep you updated about cancellations, delays and even gate number - so that means you won't have any unexpected waiting around at the airport.

Availabe from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later)

Currency, Free

Don't know your pounds from your Japanese Yen? Now with the currency app you don't have to. This clever app will automatically change one currency to another, meaning you won't get short changed for that growing list of ice creams.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later). Comparable app available on the Android Market Google Play (2.0 and up, free).

TripAdvisor, Free

Take some of the worry out of holiday booking by getting fellow travellers' views on hotels, destinations and local cuisine. If the hotel isn't that great for kids, or not easy to navigate with a buggy, you'll find out before you travel, not when you arrive.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later) and Android Market (2.0 and up, free).

360 Panorama, £0.69

Travelling light with kids in tow is hard, so being able to leave the camera behind is a bonus. This 360 panorama app means you're not scrimping on the quality of your pics either. A fun app to try with the kids and easier for necessary social media boasting later.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (4th generation), iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iPad (3rd generation) and iPad Wi-Fi + 4G. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.)
Comparable app available on Android Market (2.2 and up, free).

he!p, Free

Not knowing where the nearest pharmacy, hospital or police station is can be a real worry when you're on holiday. Before you end up carting a year's worth of emergency medical supplies on your next trip, download the he!p app. This savvy app uses GPS to help you locate your nearest amenity. Just be aware of internet charges on your mobile.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.). Currently not available on Android Market.

Packing Pro, £1.99

Keep all of your holiday packing lists in one place with the Packing Pro app. You can create your very own collection of packing lists, with everything from a long haul flight with the kids to a short trip with your partner.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.) and Android Market (2.1 and up, £0.97).

Google translate, free

OK, we can't promise this will make you a language genius (the example alone is a little odd), but if you're stuck for a single word or small phrase, this app is a little gem.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.) and Android Market (2.1 and up, free).

Eurostar, Free

Book your next ticket on the move, check in with your phone and keep an eye on timetables, all on your apple device. Perfect for busy families who want to start their holiday as they mean to go on.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.Requires iOS 3.1 or later.) and Android Market (1.6 and up, free).

Lonely Planet, Free

Recommended by mobile network Three - be at one with the locals with Lonely Planet's handy app. Many a backpacker will tell you it's much lighter than the books - perfect if your family has lots of baggage. There's great extras like walking tour ideas, too.

Available from iTunes (compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later.) and Android Market (various apps).