iPad Apps for the Business Side of Adventure

I wanted to put together a quick article on apps I use when on the go– mostly for international travel and not so much in my rig.  Having apps on the iPad really helps when negotiating a  price on a gift, finding a hotel, or just finding where you are. While there are productivity apps I use such as BossJock for the podcast and GeoCaching for well…geocaching, these are more to keep my business life going well so I can enjoy my adventure time. So here is a brief breakdown of whats on my pad whether I’m doing a workshop in Asia or meeting a client in Europe.

Concur

I suck at numbers and every admin I have ever had hates the way I keep track of expenses. This tool keeps me organized and even helps me set up AMEX payments. Now I can manage expenses as they occur on trips and in the field. I can even photograph and upload my receipts using the iPad camera and itemize charges to expedite the expense reporting process.

Maps

First, I miss Google Maps. Stuck with this on the iPad though, it works as a navigational tool, using GPS location to help map routes on highways and mass transit systems. nearby, saving time in the field.

Urban Spoon

This has been more successful in the US and I honestly have not tried it abroad (yet). The app  searches the area for restaurants, cafes and other eateries. It leverages a ranking system and list  results by distance and price. I found I can even look for specific types of food as well as to rate and socialy share suggestions.

Currency

A must for international travel. It provides up-to-date currency exchange rate information for most common currencies.

Gate Guru

Remember O.J. running through the airport trying to catch a plane? That was before he was fleeing in a white Bronco or breaking into hotel rooms. GateGuru provides real-time flight status information including up-to-date information on security lines, just what I need…another reason to stress. 

Top Gun – I Feel the Need for Speed

Another geek confession. I loved Top Gun. I saw it 26 times in the span of three weeks. Most pilots over the age of 40 remembers Top Gun. This was the 1986 blockbuster with Tom Cruise that encouraged many people to learn to fly. I was one. Though it was something I had wanted to do before, but the movie sent me over the edge. I took initial lessons, joined Civil Air Patrol, talked to professional liars (military recruiters).

 I naively joined the Air Force thinking this would be my path to flying, in both the military and general aviation. I didn’t realize at the time I would spend my career in the field, eating MREs, and only talking to pilots.

Fast forward and the movie has been re-mastered in 3-D and will return to about 300 IMAX theaters beginning this Friday (Feb. 8) for a six-day engagement.

Though my love for Kelly McGillis has faded because she isn’t interested in my type, and Tom Cruise is a dweeb, Val Kilmer is fat, and Meg Ryan in her small role still makes my heart thump. But it still has Goose, AKA Anthony Edwards—who played Maverick’s back-seater/radar intercept officer. Edwards recently became a private pilot who drives a serious a Cirrus SR20.

The movie follows the story (kind of far-fetched at the end) of elite Navy Aviators competing to be the best in their air combat maneuvering class. The blockbuster earned more than $300 million in box offices worldwide. It can be corny, and if you forget everything you know about military discipline, aviation, and beach volleyball, it’s a great movie. Plus the Navy has always been great at allowing Hollywood access to ships, planes, and other aspects that incorporate real footage.

Not sure yet which Imax theaters will feature, really hoping I get to see it in BOI and introduce my kiddo to one of my own influences in becoming a pilot.

Into Korea

Was so happy to make it into Hong Kong. Once I had my ticket and the gate assignment I did what anyone would do with a couple hundred Yuen to exchange to dollars…. I spent it! Forgetting there is a conversion to HK dollars I probably didn’t do so well. But I found a few items I “just couldn’t live without”.

Shopping has been a challenge this time. Not sure why its so different from other travels. I think partly because I am just not in the mood. Also I have tried to be kind to my various host, who I am sure have to take every round-eye from the states to the local discount mall. Imagine if every time you had time with a college visiting, you were pressed into service to take them shopping. I have preferred to spend time over dinner with them instead. Sorry Abby and Melissa… Daddy is bringing home only a few trinkets…most from the airport….hope you like small bags of snacks and up-opened packets of refreshing towletts….

Immigrating into Korea had one interesting moment. As I was passing my yellow sheet….the immigration form over to the petite, young…and very attractive officer…. I realized I had not placed my “permanent Korean address on the line that required it. I honestly did not know the name of the hotel much less the address. So I quickly scribbled the name of my company. Not only was she cute, polite, and….wow a uniform is really sexy….but she was smart and quickly caught on that a technology company was in no way a proper address. I began explaining that the company and then had the bright idea I would talk as fast as I could with lots of hand gestures and smile. I spoke fast…. Auctioneer at a fire sale fast.

The tactic worked and as she handed back my passport with the entry stamp I gave her my best “I love you and would like to take care of you for the rest of your life” smile, gave a wink, and walked as fast as I could to the driver. As a typical male, I soon forgot her once I met my driver and slid into the car for the ride to Seoul. Not that she was forgettable, but because once in the car I was given a bottle of water, a plug for my iPad, and a in-car WiFi connection. Girls are great….technology is better.

Speaking of charging, I was more concerned about my own personal energy. I was worried about hitting the office on dead batteries and not being amped up for the workshop. Coming out of a Presentation Skills workshop I am pretty beat up. Coming out of two back-to-back…. I feel like I went a few rounds in MMA…. Two classes where english is the second language….. Well….. You get the idea. Lets also not forget that I am an introvert, and this outgoing thing for my professional life is great….but admit I am pretty worn out after being a social butterfly. I love people, but I am more of the strong silent type…..

Checking into my hotel helped immediately. So many things worked out so well. I had a great room….err…..bachelors pad. Stereo, big screen, washer/dryer, kitchen, etc. the bathroom is bigger than the room in Shenzhen! It gets better…..down stairs is a huge mall….with a food court. The food court has an Outback Steak House. Outback has baseball, forks, steak, and takes AMEX! Life is so good!

Time to sign off….but the batteries are recharged, I’m eating well, and ready to start working!