As we move into the hotter months of the year, many of us are making preparations for vacations to distant lands. Smartphones can not only come in handy for taking pictures or listening to music, but also make the trip run smoother and enhance your vacation. The most important thing to consider is to turn off the radio signal to avoid unnecessary international texts, calls and data costs. With that in mind, here are 6 apps you can safely use only while on vacation.

iOS

Trip Journal
It's important to get the most for your money and time when visiting somewhere exotic. Trip Journal lets you create an agenda to see numerous sites, taking into account commuting time and a scheduled agenda. Use the built in map to see all the points of interest in a particular place in case of unforeseen changes, track your route via GPS, take pictures, make notes, and share your trips photos via Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and Picasa. $3
Also available for Android - $3

World Customs & Culture
The best way to learn about new cultures is to explore new lands face to face. World Customs & Culture has a plethora of useful information on countries all over the world. Whether you want to know about dining etiquette, laws, greetings, driving or more, you'll find it all here. Free

Android

Touchnote Postcards
Sending a postcard is a favorite tradition of ours, and Touchnote Postcard strips away the more tedious parts. Take a vacation photo, add effects or text, write a message and send it off to multiple people at the next wifi hotspot. Touchnote handles all the printing and mailing for a fee of $1.50 per postcard (but bundle packages are also available.) Free
Also available for iOS - Free

iMedjet
Being prepared for the worst even while on vacation is a wise cautionary rule of thumb. iMedjet is an efficiently abridged first aid guide that offers peace of mind wherever you go. A wide variety of treatments with detailed step by step instructions and diagrams are listed efficiently for quick access. Free
Also available for iOS - Free

Windows Phone 7

Plan 'n' Pack
For a full inventory of your luggage, look no further than Plan 'n' Pack. Answer the question 'did I pack the...' immediately without rummaging (and disheveling) all your clothes and things. Simply load it up and look over your in-app list of everything that was packed. $2

Zagat To Go
There are many apps like Yelp that will help find restaurants or bars on the fly, but they all depend on a data connection. Zagat is the special exception that provides helpful restaurant ratings, prices and locations with data stored on your handset. Simply download from a wifi hotspot and see the wide range of dining selections in major cities across the world. $10
Also available for:
iOS - $10
Android - Free trial lasts 6 months/$25 yearly subscription for Premium membership upon expir.