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1. Wi-Fi Finder
This app covers free and pay hotspots in more than 140 countries. Search and save for offline use when you are out and about. (www.jiwire.com; free)
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2. FlightTrack Pro
Get up-to-the-minute flight info on 1,400 airlines, including arrival gate and baggage carousel (and you can share your flight status on Facebook or Twitter). Forward your bookings to TripIt to sync your flight itineraries, and access Seat Guru for the best seats, all within the app. (www.mobiata.com; $9.99)
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3. OffMaps 2
An updated version released this month has 4,500 maps in more than 90 destinations downloadable for use when offline. It includes Wiki article info and restaurant reviews without needing a WiFi hotspot or data stream. (www.iosphere.de; $1.99)
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4. XE Currency
A currency converter that saves most recent conversion rates so you can use even when offline. Just give the phone a shake to refresh rates. (www.xe.com; free)
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5. My TSA
Find out how long the wait time is at security checkpoints, check current security guidelines and receive up-to-date delay information at airports around the US. (http://apps.usa.gov/tsa-app; free)
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6. Rama city tours
Tours of specific locales in US cities and other major capitals with a twist: archival reportage and period photos. Ten new cities a month will be added in 2011; some are free, but most are for in-app purchase. (www.crimsonbamboo.com; free or $1)
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7. Take a Taxi
Get listings of taxi and livery services in cities across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Malaysia, with other countries set to follow soon. Works both off and online. (sk8wireless.com; $.99)
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8. Gate Guru
Reviews, locations and photos of restaurants and bars, stores and even the toilets at more than 100 airports in US, Canada and in London’s Heathrow. Other European airports to follow next year. (gateguruapp.com; free)
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9. AroundMe
Find the closest businesses and services from banks to restaurants with this free app (in five languages) that uses GPS to locate and map routes to your chosen destination. (www.tweakersoft.com; free)
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10. RailBandit Rail
Check and download dozens of commuter rail schedules around the US from New York to San Francisco, as well as selected Amtrak lines. It also has live updates and delay information. (www.railbandit.com; $7.99)