GOT AN APP FOR THAT

With smartphone owners becoming increasingly accustomed to accessing information quickly, easily and on-the-go, it’s no wonder they’re packing this convenience and bringing their mobile device with them on vacations. According to a new Expedia.ca survey of smartphone owners, 88% cent said it would be very or somewhat useful to be able to use their mobile device to stay updated on hotel and flight information when on holiday. For those travellers who want to remain “in-the-know,” recent updates to the Expedia app that allows Canadians to do just that should come as welcome news. The enhancements include that addition of a set of robust, visual-rich mobile itineraries capabilities so that now, regardless of whether travellers book a trip with Expedia.ca on their smartphone or their desktop, their itinerary will be easily accessible — and sharable — in just a few easy steps via their mobile device. Using location awareness and time zone updates, the app also surfaces the most relevant part of the itinerary and related information like airport maps, flight status, confirmation codes and addresses at the moment the traveller is most likely to need that piece of information. The addition of mobile itineraries complements the features that have made the free Expedia app one of the top apps in travel: flight booking from more than 130 airlines, selection of more than 140,000 hotel properties and mobile-exclusive hotel deals. Sean Shannon, vice-president and managing director for Expedia Canada, said of the enhancements: “Ultimately what sets our app apart is its ability to create a consumer-friendly experience that is intuitive to the needs of the on-the-go traveller.” And Shannon continues: “Whether a traveller needs a flight update, help navigating a busy terminal or their hotel’s address our app will be there to help them when they need it most.” To download Expedia’s app, go to http://www.expedia.ca/app .