Nothing quite demonstrates the potential of Windows 8 as splendidly as the Bing Travel app. It combines a great looking interface with some seriously useful tools that make planning and preparing for a holiday a pleasure.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next jaunt, look no further. As soon as you open Bing Travel, you're presented with a beautiful image of a far flung exotic location, with a little "i" icon to give you more information about the desirable locale in the photo. It's a great way to get your mind racing with ideas and possibilities of where to visit. Clicking on the name of the location gives you further information about the place, along with some fantastic local photos to further whet your appetite. Interactive 360-degree panoramas taken at some of the most I famous landmarks gives you a feel of what it is like to be there.
Book your flights
As well as providing inspiration for your travels, the Travel app is also great at helping you with all the functional aspects of booking a holiday. You can immediately find flights and hotel rooms straight from the app, and with I just a few taps you'll have booked the holiday of your dreams.
The fun doesn't stop with getting the tickets and finding a place to lay your head though. The Bing Travel app also contains a list of fascinating places to see while you're visiting, and a comprehensive list of hotels and restaurants to check out in the area as well. Each destination has a full traveller's guide including tips on what to bring and where to go — there are articles on the nightlife of the place you're going to for thrillseekers, alongside more sensible tips for travelling with family. You can check the current climate and weather at any time, along with the latest currency exchange rate. Great connectivity with Bing Maps makes this an essential app to take on your trip so you can find your way about and to make sure you make the most from your holiday.
Finally, don't forget to check for App Updates on your device, to ensure you're running the very latest version of Bing Travel, which is packed with these great new features.
#1 Striking images
As you'd expect from a Bing app, the images look fantastic, and can be a great way to get you inspired. Even if you're not planning a holiday just yet you'll enjoy flicking through to see some of the best images...
#2 Overview and guide
If you want to explore the location in more _ detail, click its name and you'll be taken to an overview, which includes a useful guide to getting the most out of the holiday, including restaurant recommendations and tips.
#3 Find flights
Just click or tap the 'Find flights' tile, then enter the name of the airport you want to fly from. The airport closest to your chosen destination will already be filled in. You can then choose all the details - class, numbers etc.
#4 Find hotels
Click or tap the 'Find hotels' tile and enter the dates of your stay, and how many people are going. You'll then be given a list of hotels with prices, amenities and TripAdvisor reviews to help you make your mind up.
#5 Bing Maps
Of course Bing Maps make everything easier. Tapping on the small map will take you to a much larger Bing map where you can view your location, and zoom in and out to find your way about and plan your itinerary.
#6 Photos
Get a better feel for the 116 1 place you're visiting by checking out fantastic photos before you leave. Photos are easy to browse, even if you don't have a touchscreen, and each one comes with a description of the location.
