Not everyone plans. That's why travel apps entered our world.
Name: Whym: Last-Minute Tickets, Tours & Attractions
What it does: The app sells tours and activity tickets to spur-of-the-moment travelers. Destinations include Barcelona, Spain; Rome; Paris; London; San Diego; New York; Las Vegas; Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Available: In the App Store, requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. In Google Play, requires Android 4.1 and up.
Cost: App is free; the prices of tours and tickets vary widely.
What's hot: When I searched for activities and tickets in New York for a mother-daughter trip, I saw page after page of tempting offers. Then I clicked on "Collections." It was much easier to tap into themes such as "Food & Drinks," "Kid Friendly" or city-specific threads such as "Classic New York" and "Broadway" rather than clicking through the general-interest filters you find on other apps. The San Diego options appealed to locals with "Fun Date Ideas" and to travelers with "Get to Know San Diego." Another plus is the comprehensive information about the activity or tour provided once you click on the attraction.
What's not: When it says last minute, it means last minute. I wanted to book activities on a Thursday for a trip that began on Friday of the following week, but I could access activities no more than seven days in advance. Also take note of payment options. I was surprised to see Apple Pay as the only option for all the tickets I tested on my iPhone, but once I clicked it I saw that it was easy to add a new credit card.
