I have a round-the-world ticket that will take me to Buenos Aires, Marrakech, Berlin and Shanghai (among other places) later this year and in 2013. I plan to pack light but will of course cram my iPad with as much music, books and apps as possible. With that, any particular travel apps you recommend?

Jeremy E., Perth

Photo credit – Apple

On the eve of the iPad 3 launch, this question is tailor-made.

So of the incalculable number of apps for Apple and Android devices, one niche with limitless growth potential is the travel sector. A number of intrepid developers have duly made a common mission of purging wanderlust quests of the most tiresome guesswork and timewasters. The best efforts so far include:

Air Sharing
By Avatron Software, Inc.

A lot of apps share documents on the go and do a decent job of it. Avatron Software, however, makes the most powerful doc share app and transforms your iPad or other mobile device into a functional external drive.

Packing (+TO DO!)
by Quinn Genzel

Turn your iPad into a personal travel butler and never forget that all-important item at the hostel back in Paris again (like your iPad charger, for instance).

The Weather Channel
by The Weather Channel Interactive

Will the rain in Spain fall mainly on the plain? Find out, with the most comprehensive weather app on the map.

TripIt – Travel Organizer
by TripIt

The ultimate travel assistant, made fast and simple. TripIt amalgamates all your trip details and cobbles one truly helpful itinerary for hassle-free perusal.

Instagram
by Burbn, Inc.

Insanely popular Instagram is everywhere now. The app makes it a snap to make and share travel photos and has those radial tilt-shift blur effects that the kids love.

Trailhead
by The North Face

Want to conquer Aconcagua? Or maybe just find a good city park with a bike path? The North Face Trailhead map is a magnificent go-to resource.

XE Currency
by XE.com Inc.

With inflation in Argentina so rampant, you will most definitely need the XE Currency map to stay on top of cab fares and the prices on a parilla menu.

Skype
by Skype Software S.a.r.l

Have Wi-Fi? Make free calls.

Next Flight
by UnitConvertr

Deceptively simple and handy, Next Flight lists flights from all airlines for the current day and the next two days.

IAmHere
by Exploding Orange

IAmHere tracks your co-ordinates and builds an email with your current Google Maps position. Nifty.

buUuk – Restaurant and Bar Guide
By Buuuk Private Limited

Get hip to the restaurant and bar scene in your city of choice – especially if that city is in Asia.

Google Translate
by Google

Translate text between 63 languages, with vocal command support for a further 17 languages.

Free Wi-Fi Finder
by JiWire Inc.

Lost in Marrakech’s labyrinthine medina with no Wi-Fi? Let JiWire help.

Lonely Planet Phrasebook
by Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd

Google Translate is good but the Lonely Planet Phrasebook apps come with audio phrases spoken by locals.

foursquare
By foursquare

Foursquare needs no intro. In order to discover bars, restaurants, shops, museums et al in the vicinity, the most popular app on the market.

And finally, Jeremy, some good budget hotels to make that RTW budget last:

Tribeca Studios Buenos Aires

BuenosAires City Guide

Riad Karim Hotel Marrakech

Marrakech City Guide

Amstel House Hostel Berlin

Berlin City Guide

Asset Hotel Shanghai

Shanghai City Guide