I have an iPhone which was the main tool we used for a number of things, though it could have done even more.
Here is a list of the swiss army array of things we used the iPhone for.
- Currency conversion
- GPS Navigation
- Social Networks
- Weather reports
- Phone calls
- Skype
- Maps – Google and Apple
- Knotts Berry Farm
- Sky Go
- Camera and Video
- Panoramas
- Games
- A torch
- News
- Flight information
- Reputation sites including
- TripAdvisor
- iHotel
- AirBnB
- AroundMe
- Google Local
- Yelp
- Foodspotting
- Qype
- Urbanspoon
- Bookatable
- Toptable
- Foursquare
- Facebook Places
That is a serious list of usefulness. Safe to say that the iPhone alone would suffice as a travel partner and that is even without a network connection.
With the iPhone being such an important tool, gadget insurance is definitely worth considering in case you lose or damage the phone. There are lots of providers out there who you can contact about their individual cover. Some also have worldwide cover available like Gadget Cover.
I totally forgot about gadget insurance, though we had travel insurance. Thinking back, I am not totally sure what we would have done if something had gone wrong with the phone.
If both you and your partner have a smartphone, you need to make sure that all the relevant apps are loaded on both if possible and that you never leave the phones in the same place!