Like many business owners, you might find that taking a summer vacation—even a short 4th of July weekend getaway—is challenging. You need a break, but at the same time, you realistically can't pry yourself away completely. You need to stay connected.

The good news: It’s becoming easier, thanks to a host of mobile apps that give you access to your key documents, communication tools and employees or business associates on your smartphone or tablet. Here are 7 apps to check out before you leave:

Wi-Fi Finder. This app allows you to find free Wi-Fi “hotspots” wherever you are in the world. You can search for hotspots in your vicinity or look up a particular location.

Documents to Go. This app, which costs $9.99 for the standard version and $16.99 for the premium version, allows you to easily access and edit your Microsoft Office files—whether Excel spreadsheets, Word docs or PowerPoint presentations—when you’re traveling.

Dragon Dictation. Typing out emails can be time-consuming and not very practical when you’re on the go. This free app can quickly your speech into emails and text messages.

Cisco Webex Meeting Center. You probably hope you don’t have to host too many meetings while you’re supposed to be relaxing. But if you do, take heart in knowing you can do so from your iPhone, iPad or Blackberry. The free Webex Meeting Center app allows for mobile videoconferencing, presentations and other key virtual meeting features.

Dropbox. Get easy access to your computer files on your smartphone or tablet. File-sharing service Dropbox offers users an app, so they can easily retrieve their files from anywhere.

Viber. This free app allows users to leave free text messages or voicemails to other Viber users. Make sure your employees, business partners or other associates also have the app downloaded to take advantage of its offerings.

Skype. Don’t rack up hefty long-distance or international phone bills. Using Skype’s free smartphone and tablet app, you can have free video chats with other Skype users anywhere in the world conveniently. Even if your contacts aren’t Skype users, the rates are lower than making regular calls.

Before you leave, make sure to familiarize yourself with any apps you've downloaded on your smartphone or tablet. You want to make sure they work—and give you the accessibility you need—while you're trying to get some R&R.

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