We started testing out smartphone apps that offer language translation many, many years ago when one app stood out called 'Word Lens'. What was a pay app became free when it was acquired by Google and integrated into their own Translate app. This quickly became our favorite translation app because it can foreign words on signs or menus along with the ability to translate handwriting or even having someone talk directly into the app. Whether you're going to another country or just trying to decipher words from another language, this is one of those apps everyone should have on their smartphones. A common mistake made with translation apps is trying to translate long, complex sentences, but if you keep it to a couple of words, we've found Translate to be extremely effective. Another tip is to pre-load the app with basic words like 'hotel' or 'grocery store' in the language of the country you plan to visit in the event you don't have access to the Internet.