I’m a new iPhone user and took it on an inaugural trip while traveling recently. There were a lot of pre-loaded applications that turned out to be really useful while out galavanting — things like local weather reports and Google Maps. On the recommendation of Mashable, I downloaded Tweetie 2 which allowed me to tweet, post pictures and easily connect with others on Twitter (in fact, it’s such a slick app, I now prefer using Tweetie to web-based applications).

Even though I was impressed with these apps, I’m a newb and know there are a lot more out there. So I polled my Twitter & facebook friends about their favorite useful iPhone applications and soon had a long list of things which will likely keep me procrastinating for days…here are five that I thought were the coolest:

1. REI Snow Report

It’s getting to be that time of year again, and winter sports are on my mind. PR chicka @CoTravelGirl and travel experts @theVacationGals suggested the REI Snow Report app, which I downloaded yesterday and have been itching to go snowboarding ever since.

All you do is browse for either a location or specific ski resort, and the app will keep a list of those selected. Then whenever you need an update on the temperature, weather or new snowfall, it’s just the tap of a button away. There are even trail maps and over 200 resort Twitter feeds included.

Thanks very much REI, don’t mind if I do.

It’s easy to use, and I’m all set to check out the conditions for my upcoming trip to Breckenridge, Keystone and Vail in Colorado. Sweet.

Cost: FREE
Available on: iPhone (seach the apps store)
More info: 2009 app release info

2. Spotted By Locals on Layar

A brand new application was sent to me by @SpottedbyLocals, who says it is one of the first multi-national mobile augmented reality applications for travelers.

It has great potential. I’ve downloaded it for use on my next trip, and for use in Chicago too.

Travelers visiting urban areas can look at a map and find interesting things nearby recommended by locals. OR, and awesomely, users can employ a mobile phone’s camera to learn more about the destination. I’ll let Spotted by Locals explain:

“The augmented reality feature, built on the Layar platform, adds the feature for visitors to point their camera-phone at a street, and see all Spotted by Locals tips around through the lens of their mobile phone. Pointing a camera-phone at a bar, restaurant or other type of spot, displays more information about it on the screen.”

To use it, travelers must first download the Layar application, then do a search for “Spotted by Locals”, which will connect you with all the information in their top-notch mobile-city blogs network.

There are also tons of other really useful travel publishers on Layar and I suspect this will become a favorite of mine.

Cost: FREE
Available on: iPhone, Android
More info: Spotted By Locals News Article

3. World Travelers Customs & Cultures

This one didn’t come from a social media friend, but I did see an older version of this app listed by National Geographic Adventure (@NatGeoAdventure) a while back, and thought it looked useful.

The iPhone application is packed with helpful information and allows you to quickly search local customs and culture information in an area you’re visiting.

Now travelers have no excuse for trying to hail a taxi by whistling and waving an arm in Paris.

Cost: FREE
Available on: iPhone
More info: Download on iTunes

4. CatPaint

Me (& a couple of friends) at Mexico’s Coba Mayan RuinsAnd just for fun — because I’m warped like that — an app found via @GirlsSentAway exists only to add cats to all your photos. Yes, you read that correctly.

Just think of the possibilities. A cat can be added to any of your iPhone snapshots before posting them to Twitpic or facebook. A little furry friend climbing on the Tower of London, some feline bling on Angkor Wat. Hee.

I downloaded it and within seconds added a couple of cats to the Coba Mayan Ruins from my recent visit to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. That was 99 cents well-spent.

Only complaint is I really wish I could add my own little Yorkie instead. Because that would just be perfect.

Cost: $0.99
Available on: iPhone
More info: Write up on Gizomodo

5. Musée du Louvre

Travel writer Martinha Andersen suggested a few apps, one being a fabulous resource put out by the Louvre Museum in Paris. 

Museum maps, details about major works and exhibits, plus photo galleries and virtual tours are packed into this free app.

Speaking of: don’t forget my favorite bit of advice if you’re planning a trip to the Louvre — buy your tickets before leaving home. For years now I’ve bought tickets through TicketWeb online and had them shipped to me before ever boarding a plane. You pay the same as regular admission, but skip all the lines, and even get your own entrance.

Cost: FREE
Available on: iPhone
More info: Write up on Mobile Entertainment

____________________________________________

Kim Mance is Galavanting’s editor-in-chief and host of the Galavanting.tv web travel series. She’s based in Chicago, IL and some of her other writing can be found at MarieClaire.com, The Huffington Post, and Babble.
Follow Kim on Twitter >>