Top 10 Must Have Apps for Summer

In the Summer time when the weather is high, you can't go very far without an iPhone by your side, when the weather's fine, you got apps, you got apps you gotta buy....

- Thank you, thank you very much. You can just call me Mungo Jerry.

http://centraliamomuseum.org/

All joking aside, we thought it wouldn't be fair to let y'all lose on your summer holidays without a decent list of apps that you need this summer to make the most of those 6 short weeks. So let's get down to business:

1. AccuWeather
Free - iOS and Android 

http://screenshots.en.sftcdn.net/

As Brits, it simply wouldn't be summer if we weren't fretting about what the weather's doing. This is why we have included one of the most popular weather apps on the market at the moment.

The app can give you details for as far ahead as 15 days! What we also like is the handy "Hourly Forecast" tool.

The app has loads of added extras and a great, crisp design.

2. Dark Sky
£2.99 - iOS

http://blog.forecast.io/

For our pessimistic (British) fans,  Dark Sky is an app that focuses on when the good weather is leaving and the bad is approaching. 

If you're less worried about the heat and more worried about the precipitation, Dark Sky is probably the weather app for you. You can even turn on notifications to be told when the rain is nigh.

Dark Sky can also tell you when to expect snow, but that's not relevant for most of us right now (thank goodness).

3. SunSmart
Free - iOS and Android

http://www.cancer.org.au/

Whilst we're talking about weather, it's time to be serious. We know the damage UV does to our skin and eyes so why are not taking all the precautions we can?

We really have no excuse, especially with an app as awesome as SunSmart on the market. This app lets you know when you need sun protection by taking into account the time of day, the season, cloud cover, altitude, reflection - pretty much everything!

So be smart...SunSmart.

4. GrillTime
£1.49 - iOS

http://www.imore.com/

It simply wouldn't be summer without a BBQ. Use GrillTime to make sure you get your burgers and sausages spot on!

The app helps you select meat, thickness and level of cooked-ness... whilst also recommending the perfect time and temperature to cook it at. You can even ask it to remind you when to flip those patties!

Avoid giving your mates food poisoning this summer - download GrillTime.

5. SkyView
free - iOS

http://a1.mzstatic.com/

There's a lot of star gazing apps out there, but SkyView is one of the simplest and most accessible. All you have to do is point your iPhone at the sky and using augmented reality, it'll point out particular stars and constellations.

Fancy a romantic night under the stars with your honey? Well now you can impress her too by pointing out Ursa Major and Ursa Minor! 

6. Shazam/SoundHound
Free - iOS and Android

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/

These ones are for all you festival goers and music lovers. You must have one of these apps on your phone because you will hear a tune that you love and you will want to know what it's called. It happens to me every summer, at least 10 times.

Both these apps are your perfect namer-of-tunes companion and they won't let you down.

7. XE Currency
Free - iOS and Android

https://lh3.ggpht.com

This one speaks for itself really. If you're bound to leave the country this summer, it's handy to have an 'on-the-go' currency converter to hand. Make sure you know what you're spending on that lad's holiday, make sure you're getting good deals and budget wisely! 

8. Instagram
Free - iOS and Android

https://whatcocodidnext.files.wordpress.com

I know, I know. We all know what Instagram is. But I'm just warning you that summertime + Instagram = perfection. 

So, don't miss out on sharing all those summer snaps on the one social network who really appreciates it. 

9. NavMii
Free - iOS and Android

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/

I recently download NavMii after I had a rather frightening trip on my way back from a wedding in the South, there was fog everywhere and then to make matter's worse..... I lost 3G.

It's all very well having SatNav on your phone but if it requires a 3G connection then you're screwed.

I downloaded NavMii when I got home (3 hours later than I should have done) and yes, it does take up a bit of space because it downloads an entire map to your phone, but it is so worth it.

The app can get you from start to finish, all offline. It's a great little community and you can set up warnings for other drivers if there's been an accident etc.

So if you're planning a long trip into the back ends of nowhere, I'd suggest having set up NavMii before you go. Getting lost just needn't be a thing anymore!

10. Airbnb
Free - iOS and Android

http://www.cleantech.com/

Simplify your travel plans this summer. Airbnb allows you to scroll through a map of where you're going and check out the nearby rental options. Airbnb acts like a community marketplace. It helps you find affordable accommodation, book it and get to know your host before you set on your way.

Apparently, Airbnb takes a booking every 2 seconds, so don't miss out.

If you're planning a summer of travelling, this app is a necessity. You can find spare rooms to entire spare cottages so there's something for everyone.


Well, that's just about it. My top 10 summer apps. Now just a few more weeks of school and then summer is here and it's time to party, BBQ and splash in the pool.

Enjoy and peace out,

Mungo...

I mean Megan

Megan Herdson

Megan is a country girl who moved to the city with some big dreams. She is studying her MA in Creative Writing whilst also managing an American Football Team.  She loves her blog and wants nothing more than to have her words read. That and to win the Championship, obviously. Follow her @MeganAtSMF

 

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