Rooftops are your gateway to seeing the best a city or town has to offer. High in the sky, you can enjoy unique, breathtaking scenery without any barriers. You also get to take unique photographs and be the envy of other travelers stuck on street level.
Everything from bars to shops, tourist attractions, and hotels is embracing rooftop tourism. No doubt, you'll be spoiled for choice regarding which buildings to check out.
But like any kind of trip, roof hopping has its challenges. You need to prepare the basics and pack a variety of things to help plan, simplify, and enjoy your adventure. With that in mind, below is a selection of the best apps you can download to make your trip one to remember.
Organization is key to a great trip, and it all starts with planning your destination and buying your tickets. Whether you're looking for last-minute deals or a round-the-world (RTW) trip, apps can help simplify everything.
Hopper is a versatile app that allows you to book flights and accommodations when and if needed. The app is perfect for last-minute getaways, as you can check prices, freeze deals, and more. If you have an eye on the perfect rooftop adventure, Hopper can inform you of the best time to book.
If you want to book an RTW trip in just a few clicks, look no further than the Star Alliance app. With over 26 member airlines across 1,200 airports, you can see the world with just one multi-destination ticket. All that's left is finding the best rooftops to visit!
Now that you've planned your trip, it's time to focus on enjoying those amazing rooftops. And one thing many travelers forget to consider is choosing the best time and day to visit them. After all, there is no point in scaling an enormous building or finding the perfect vantage point over a city if rain, clouds, and fog ruin your view.
Weather Bug is a popular free app that can help you stay up-to-date with the best days and times to visit the skylines. Updates are delivered hourly, and 10-day weather forecasts are also available. This can help you decide the best day and time to make that reservation!
No matter where you are, whether on the street or high on a rooftop, you need to stay connected. This way, you can contact friends and family, go online, and research your trip.
Unfortunately, travelers forget that their smartphones can let them down without preparation. They can fail to connect to new networks overseas, leaving them stranded. The only option is to buy expensive local SIM cards or roaming packages—that is, until now.
eSIMs have become a traveler's best friend, especially when hopping around the world! These digital SIM cards offer unmatched flexibility, convenience, and seamless connectivity. With them, you can change network carriers all within a simple app.
You can always connect to the best location networks in your area. This ensures you enjoy high-quality service at all times. Since your data will be charged at local rates, eSIMs offer great value, too. You can also keep track of your data and usage and top up your package when needed.
Most modern smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology. All you have to do is download an eSIM app, select your destination, and select a package tailored to your needs. So, no matter what building you scale, or what rooftop you're heading toward, an eSIM ensures you'll enjoy unmatched connectivity.
As exciting as visiting amazing rooftops can be, safety should always be a priority. Especially if you're going on an RTW trip, lots of things can change between countries. Thankfully, travel apps can help with keeping you safe.
The STEP app allows US travelers to register trip plans with overseas embassies. The app will also keep you up-to-date on travel alerts happening in your destinations. In the event of an emergency, STEP can also 'step in.' If, for example, your family needs to contact you, the proper authorities can use STEP to do so.
The International SOS Assistance is another excellent safety app available to all travelers. It provides 24/7 access to a team of 12,000 health, security, and logistic experts who can offer advice and help.
The app informs you about any vaccine or entry requirements that are in need. So, the app can flag possible hurdles if your trip takes a sudden detour. Moreover, the app can also send location-based push alerts to keep you up-to-date on potential emergencies. Trip checklist options ensure you're ready for the next stop in your rooftop adventure.
You've found the perfect rooftop to visit. The weather is brilliant, and you've just made your reservations. The only problem left is how to get there.
Rome 2 Rio helps rooftop enthusiasts easily navigate any urban or rural space. Whether you want to get somewhere by bus, train, or walking, this app is your lifeline. Simply put, two places, from where to where, and the app will do the heavy lifting of the best travel routes.
Rome 2 Rio covers over 240 countries and can tell you how to travel across borders. Best of all, it has detailed maps highlighting hidden gems in your area. So you can just as easily see the sights of the cities as you make your way through them!
In addition to physical security, you must also remember your cybersecurity. Opportunistic hackers can target busy travelers who may not realize they're under attack.
While messaging apps like WhatsApp are already popular, more secure alternatives exist. For example, Signal is a messaging app with strong end-to-end encryption. It's a lightweight security app with customizable security settings, ideal for busy travelers.
Even if you need to rely on public Wi-Fi networks, Signal can give you peace of mind and ensure secure messages. It also doesn't store or collect metadata, meaning your personal information and usage are safe.
Perched in the sky, rooftops are the gateway to seeing the best sights of any city, town, or landscape. As more bars, restaurants, and hotels embrace them, the list of best rooftops to visit will continue to grow.
That said, rooftop hoppers must remember that all the travel basics still apply. Several useful apps can be packed with them to ensure a great trip.
For example, booking and travel apps can help cut costs and organize your trips. Safety apps make sure you can get help in a pinch. However, perhaps the most important thing is to use eSIM apps. These ensure that you safely enjoy excellent coverage no matter where you are!
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