Rounds (Free for iOS and Android)
What it is: a chat app that crosses live communication with social entertainment for solo or group video chats while traveling abroad. It is rich in features for one-to-one calls allowing you to play games, including chess, checkers and Tetris-like challenges. You can draw on your screen in 12 colors, use eight video effects and watch YouTube videos together.
How it works: After creating an account, you invite friends from your phone, Facebook and WhatsApp contacts to meet you on Rounds. You can create groups for a chat. Although video quality varies based on bandwidth, Rounds offers a free, entertaining alternative to video conferencing.
Why it’s great: This app lets callers create moments. Other messaging apps let you share photos and videos, but they don’t let you draw on each other, alter your face with special effects or watch videos together. I can’t think of a better app for connecting with children long distance. And although I’m technically a grown-up, I love drawing on a friend’s face or using special effects, then snapping a picture to show how goofy we can be.
Why you might hesitate: Facetime offers better video quality between two Apple devices. But Facetime doesn’t have Rounds’ fun interactive features, and you can’t Facetime Android or Windows users.
Marriott (Free for iOS, Apple Watch, Android and Windows phone)
What it is: a way to book, check in, message, etc., at more than 3,800 Marriott hotels in 70 countries.
How it works: Although you can search for hotels without joining the free Marriott Rewards program, the app’s best features require an account with basic info. After signing in, you can explore Marriott hotel options for upcoming trips and book your reservation in the app using your credit card or Marriott Rewards points. The app details a property overview, amenities, what’s nearby and more. The Marriott chain includes JW Marriott, Renaissance Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn and 13 other brands.
Why it’s great: It makes check-in a breeze. When I stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites in Salt Lake City recently, the app helped me check in the day before and provide my ETA. As I entered the hotel lobby, the desk clerk called my name, and I grabbed my room key. No fuss and no wait. I was the envy of the five people lined up to check in. And I love being able to set room preferences in advance, ranging from feather-free pillows to a high-numbered floor, etc.
FastConnect — The Cloud (Free for iOS and Android)
What it is: a Wi-Fi search engine for free Cloud hot spots to stay connected in the United Kingdom. This is the best app I’ve found for connecting to free hot spots, and I hope it eventually works in other countries.
How it works: After downloading the app, you must register your device, so it can automatically connect to thousands of Cloud hot spots around the U.K. Once you have created a free Cloud account, you can use it with multiple devices.
Why it’s great: I was skeptical when I first downloaded FastConnect during the Manchester International Festival in July. But I was immediately won over as it connected me from hot spot to hot spot as I roamed the city. And the app doesn’t take much power because it runs in the background. I made the most of The Cloud, staying connected as I roamed Manchester, Liverpool and London. I wandered between free Cloud hot spots, picking up emails as I went. Because I refuse to pay exorbitant international rates charged by every carrier except T-Mobile, I usually stay offline except in Wi-Fi cafes and my hotel room. FastConnect kept me from feeling disconnected.
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Terry Gardner is a freelance reporter.