BLOC's Summer Travel Hacks
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Check out some of our favourite travel apps, accessories and games to keep you occupied on those long and boring journeys...
UNTAPPD
Not sure where to grab a pint..?
Untappd is probably best described as Foursquare for hop lovers (beer hops, that is).
The free app shows you to find the best drinking holes near your current location, catering for thirsty punters looking for more than just a cold lager. Discover popular local breweries and the best place to enjoy them at the swipe of a finger.
You can also unlock special badges for trying and rating news beers. So at the very least, your morning-after hangover won’t be in vain.
Cost: Free // www.untappd.com
UVLENS
Factor 15 or 50..?
More than just a weather app, UVLense helps you enjoy the sun safely.
Using live satellite data, the app uses a personalised skin type assessment to help you understand your unique burn risk factor based on your current location. UVLens will also tell you the best time to be outside, when to apply sunscreen and what appropriate protection measures you should take.
No more #lobster selfies.
Cost: Free // www.uvlens.com
AGENT A
Delete Candy Crush, it’s for your own good...
Set in the 60s, your mission is to track down the vindictive vixen Ruby La Rouge who has been assassinating your spy colleagues.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve a web of cryptic clues, hidden contraptions and clever logic based puzzles to take her down.
This multi-award-winning mobile puzzle is equal parts fun and challenging. The feeling of achievement when you crack each riddle is endlessly addictive and worth every penny.
Cost: 69p // www.agentagame.com
SMACIRCLE S1
Pocket-sized scooter
Weighing less than 7kg and collapsing down to the size of a backpack in less than 5 moves, the Smacircle S1 is easily the world’s most compact and lightweight eBike.
Its carbon-fibre frame is capable of top speeds of just over 12 mph, with a 12-mile range from just a single 3-hour charge.
Fitted with electronic brake and integrated safety light, it also has an integrated USB charger and mobile phone holder so you can charge on the go.
It’s dedicated mobile app also allows you to remotely lock the device. Perfect for the early-morning cafe pitstop.
Cost: $999 // www.smacircle.com
POCKET CASTS
The last podcast app you’ll ever need...
With so many podcast apps available, there are some that occasionally stand-out from the crowd. The latest addition, Pocket Casts, hopes to sway your headphones.
Unlike others, Pocket Casts understands that podcasts are long and that you listen on different devices depending on where you are. That’s why it automatically syncs your progress across all their companion apps.
Start listening on your smartphone walking to the bus, continue listening at work on your computer (when the boss is gone) and pick up again where you left off when you get home on your tablet.
All your podcasts, anytime, anywhere… synchronised.
Cost: Free for 14 days. Lifetime Membership $9 // www.shiftyjelly.com/pocketcasts
KANDAO QOOCAM
Meet the potential GoPro killer...
With a design akin to the pocket Neuralyzer from Men in Black, the QooCam offers equally out-of-this-world video capture technology.
Inside its slim 20cm tall aluminium alloy body is a unique 3-lens camera that offers hand-held 360° degrees and 3D 180° technologies in one.
Not only can it record in 4K with built-in WiFi for live streaming, it can capture 3 hours of continuous footage in a single charge, with 256GB of external Micro SD card storage too.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, it also comes with its own free Master Editor mobile app for on-the-fly editing ready to upload to your favourite social network.
Cost: Fom $299 // www.kandaovr.com/en/qoocam
Bloc Gatwick
Bloc is a short-stay hotel designed to give you the very best of everything needed to sleep, shower and step out fresh into a new day, right in the heart of the action.
It's short-term staying designed around you. Lightspeed wifi, to keep you connected when you’re on. High-powered showers, sound-proof walls and big, comfy beds for when you’re not.
It’s everything you need, and none of what you don’t. No bells, no whistles, just pure rest and relaxation. And even better, it’s right at the centre of the action, so you can step right out into it when morning comes, and step right back in when the day is done.
Book direct and save at least 10% + Free Premium Security.