Apps, tech and websites for your visit to Salem, MA

In this day and age, everything is digital. There is an app for that, a website for that, a tech item you can purchase to make that easier. Today’s blog post is going to cover some resources you can set yourself up with to make your visit to Salem easier, or to be more prepared. None of these are necessary of course…you can 100% come into Salem without planning a single thing and have a fun visit. However, if you’re a planner and a techie like me, you might like these tools.

The Passport Parking app

Parking in Salem can be a challenge, which is an understatement at best. If you land a spot, be sure to keep up with the meters! You can do this easily and on the go with the Passport parking app. Download it onto your phone, create a profile which has your vehicle info and make a note of the zone you’re parked in. You can pay as you go or pay for the whole day in one shot so you don’t have to think about it. Makes it super easy to be sure you don’t wind up with a parking ticket!

Related:

A charger bank for your phone

If I am going to be all around Salem for a festival where I know I’ll be using my phone heavily, I’ll bring a charger bank. A bank is basically a little brick that you charge up beforehand and you can plug your phone into it via USB on the go if your phone is getting low. You can find ones that are small and cheaper which will usually give you a half a battery back or so. You could also find more expensive ones that will recharge your phone several times. This is the one I have and it is definitely handy to have around. It’ll charge my phone a few times over and it works great, in my experience.

A camera

If you’re into photography and taking pictures on a camera versus your phone, you might want to grab that to throw into your bag. As a former professional photographer, I love having both options available to me. Are you looking for some suggestions and some tips on taking good pictures on your visit? I have you covered…I wrote an entire blog post about just that. I’d suggest coming prepared with an extra battery for your camera just in case you need that and extra memory cards, at minimum. Just in case!

Editing apps

If you are into Instagram, be sure to download some editing apps for your pictures! Of course the built in filters on the Instagram app are fine, however if you want to step up your game I’d suggest looking into VSCO. The editing tools they offer are some of my favorites.

Uber or Lyft apps on your phone

If you are shuttling back and forth in and out of Salem during your visit, I’d suggest having a ride share app like Uber or Lyft downloaded and set up on your phone. This way if you’re stuck or in crowds or whatever the case may be, you can get yourself a ride. I’d be sure your account is already set up with payment info loaded, etc. so you don’t have to fuss with it, especially if you’re visiting Salem in the fall when crowds are at peak.

And a few websites for you…

Of course, you’re here with my on my website, Things to do in Salem. I update this, Facebook and Instagram daily with new content and events. I have a fall guide which is almost available…keep an eye for that launch in September. I also offer a workbook to help you plan logistics of your trip. Last, I have a very active Facebook group with 3500+ people in it. Pop in there, ask your questions and read suggestions others have made to find out what the best things to do in Salem are.

Next, I’d suggest Haunted Happenings. They are part of the city of Salem and offer event info focused on the fall.

After that, I’d head over to Salem.org which is Destination Salem, also part of the city. They have an event calendar that local businesses can add their info to and offer some resources for planning.

Hotels and accommodations

The last tip I have for you is the Booking.com widget in the sidebar of my website. I am an affiliate of many travel websites, one of which is Booking.com and their search tool on my website tracks price drops on Salem, MA hotels in real time. See the following screen shot…

Keep an eye because price drops come and go quickly, as I am sure you can imagine. Please note the Booking.com search tool is an affiliate link.

I hope this info was helpful! Feel free to comment below with your own tips and tricks or favorite tech for travel. Enjoy!! <3