If you've been looking for ways to upgrade your travel experiences with the latest in cutting edge technology, then you might be surprised to learn that you already have one of the best and most versatile gadgets around in your pocket. From helping you research trips, to giving you directions to the best events in your local area, there are dozens of ways to use your smartphone when you travel.

Just remember, all of the tips below become useless when you don't have the accessories required to charge your phone. If you're headed off on an international flight, make sure that you store a worldwide travel plug adapter so that you can make the most of your smartphone day after day.

1.    As a Travel Agent

If you know where you want to go, but you're not sure when you want to get there, smartphone apps can help you search through custom fare calendars to track down the cheapest dates for specific routes. You can even book your flight through your phone - just make sure you're using a secure internet connection first!

2.    As a Map

As long as you've got location services enabled, you'll be able to see where you are on Google Maps without so much as a Wi-Fi connection - although you won't have access to directions to wherever you want to go. For more help, download the offline version of wherever you're headed on Google Maps before your trip - just in case you struggle to find an internet connection.

3.    As a Flashlight

This might not be one of the most exciting ways to use your smartphone when you travel, but that doesn't make it any less useful. The flashlight function is built into most devices today, and it can come in handy wherever you travel - even if it's just for finding your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

4.    As Entertainment

Struggling to pass the time when the weather outside is terrible, or you're waiting for your transportation to arrive? Your smartphone is a mini computer filled with games and apps designed to keep you entertained for as many, or few minutes as you like!

5.    As a Translator

One of the best ways to use your smartphone when you travel internationally, you can start learning a few key phrases before you head on holiday, then supplement your knowledge with awesome translation apps such as Google Translate, which allow you to choose between typing in words, or holding your camera over printed text to see an instant translation.

6.    As a Weather Forecaster

Most modern smartphones can pull up basic weather forecasts with no more than a single swipe. If you're looking for more detailed information, there are numerous weather apps available that can tell you everything from the pollen count, to when you should time your beachside reservation for a romantic sunset.

7.    As a Memory Preserver

Finally, if your smartphone doesn't have a camera, then it's probably one of the only models in the world at this point. From Instagram to Facebook, you can use apps to instantly share your photo snaps with friends around the globe, and other tools for adding filters, editing pictures, and more.