THE stress of not knowing what to do in an emergency situation overseas has become easier.
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'Travel Aware', a new travel safety app that connects travellers with overseas emergency services and embassies at the touch of a button and can translate critical emergency questions into the local language was unveiled on Wednesday.
Engineer and inventor Neil Wallace felt the need for an application of its type after a recent trip to the Middle East where he identified the need for people to seek help quickly.
"We had no idea on emergency contact details and no idea where the embassy was that we needed so basically that was where I developed it from and thought there needs to be a simple process which is very user friendly that gives you all those details at the push of a button," he said.
Mr Wallace said it highlighted the benefits of having an app which contacted emergency services after the recent events in Paris.
"Travel Aware provides peace of mind in your pocket. The initial reaction we've received from travel industry, safety and insurance experts is that nobody should be leaving the country without this on their phone," he said.
"We never plan for the worst and you never know when you need it but in a stressful situation where you don't speak the language and are in an emergency situation, it's very difficult to communicate with people and get those details.
"The translation side of it is a basic outline of emergency situations translated down to very simply 'can you please take me to the airport' which makes life a lot easier."
Port Macquarie Travel managing director John Joyce said first time and experienced travellers will benefit from Travel Aware.
"Nobody should be leaving the country without this on their phone. I see the main benefit as accessing vital information quickly and overcoming language barriers," he said.
"I have been in travel for over 40 years and I will be recommending my clients don't leave home without Travel Aware. It's the best thing I've seen."
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the launch of the app was very topical.
"After the recent terror events it's all the more reassuring to know you have a smart phone in your back pocket with the ability to contact emergency services and embassies all in one little app," he said.
"All you need is a travel sim so you could be anywhere from New Zealand to Nicaragua or Bermuda to the British Isles.
"It's a really practical thing to have and it's all from a local inventor and we're trying to encourage innovation and this is a good start."
Travel Aware is available for Apple and Android phones for $3.99, which includes future upgrades including additional countries and translation languages.