When you’re planning anything from a three-week getaway to a dog walk, have these fine apps in your suitcase

DARK SKY

Having had a swanky redesign in 2018, Dark Sky is much improved on mobile. It packs loads of lovely weather data into a smallish area, yet retains clarity and usability. The storm map (with directional arrows) and rainfall prediction graph are especially useful, combining to ensure you’ll never get soaked. £free (IAPs) / Android £3.99 / iOS

NOW ADD THIS

AUKEY 20000MAH POWER BANK

Modern smartphones gulp down power like a baby slurps warm milk. You don’t want to be caught short when travelling, so this Aukey Power Bank will simultaneously charge two devices at full speed, intelligently adjusting its output to match each one’s specific needs. £21.99/amazon.co.uk

GOOGLE MAPS

No other mapping app has the power of Google’s. It’ll lead you anywhere, whether you want to drive, use public transport, cycle or walk. Turn-by-turn directions should ensure you don’t get lost – and it’ll even work offline, assuming you’re smart enough to download the relevant chunk of map first. £free / Android, iOS

SKYSCANNER

Only people with more time than sense trawl airline websites looking for bargains these days. Skyscanner’s a much better starting point: punch in your details and it’ll outline costs for your dates and the days around them, potentially saving you enough cash to buy that sexy new Pikachu swimsuit. £free / Android, iOS

KOINS

Fun isn’t a word usually associated with currency converters, which tend to be as utilitarian as a navy blue tie. But Koins bucks the trend with amusing sound effects and colourful themes. It’s smart too, with a one-handed mode, offline use, and historical charts so you can see how diminishingly useful sterling is. £free (IAPs) / iOS

TRIPS BY LONELY PLANET

Adventuring for the lazy has never been easier than with Trips, which lets you live vicariously through other people’s travels. Photo-rich stories have you explore far-flung corners of the world; and if you ever find yourself in one, you can easily share your own experiences. £free / Android, iOS