15 Best Travel Apps for Your Vacation
Best travel apps are a huge help when planning that weekend trip or even a month-long adventure.
But it takes quite a bit of trial and error to find the ones that suit your needs.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve downloaded a “great” app on my iPhone then deleted it almost immediately because it was horrible.
Maybe you’ve done that a few times yourself?
So save your energy and check out the best travel apps that are worth the download!
BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR BUDGET
1. TRAIL WALLET
This travel app allows you to track your budget while on your trip.
You can use presets to define certain limits, and take pictures of receipts that will be stored within the app, among other features.
It’s important to stay on top of the daily travel budget and this app easily keeps track of expenses.
Available for iPhone here
2. XE CURRENCY
If you’re traveling to an international destination, chances are you’ll need to learn about their currency.
And that’s where things can get messy.
Of course, the money looks different and you have to learn how to count. But in some countries, like Vietnam for example where a pile of bills is only worth 1$.
Although the confusion is real at first, you’ll get the hang of it don’t worry.
This is one of the best travel apps that makes it easy to convert currency. It’s saved me quite a few times!
BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR LODGING
3. BOOKING.COM
It’s not a surprise that so many people are using this site all over the world.
It’s simple, effective, and gets lets you book a room within your budget in a few clicks.
Narrow your search according to your requirements and take advantage of free cancelations in case your plans change.
Find deals, make easy changes to your bookings and receive confirmation immediately.
Booking is really one of the best travel apps for booking lodging in advance or last minute.
4. AIRBNB
Airbnb is a platform where members rent out rooms, apartments, or entire homes all over the world.
Most of us use it to different degrees and for different purposes.
For a more personal experience, a special moment, or if you need a large apartment for the whole family, then the Airbnb app helps you find a place with ease.
BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR MAPS AND TRANSPORT
5. GOOGLE MAPS
The best thing about google maps other than it’s reliable and very popular is that you can use it offline.
Read this article on how to use google maps offline if you’re struggling with how to set everything up.
6. WAZE
If you’re traveling to a city and renting a car, then this is the best travel app for in city driving
In addition, benefit from real-time traffic info and tips on getting the cheapest gas in the area.
7. UBER
For those not renting a car and using public transportation, then Uber is the best app to get from point A to point B.
All transactions are via credit card, which you previously set up in your account, so no cash involved.
Not all countries have Uber, but for those who do, things run smoothly most of the time and it’s often cheaper than a taxi.
8. ROME2RIO
The perfect app to figure out which is the best mode of transportation to get somewhere.
Enter your starting point and destination and it will show all options available. Be it by bus, train, plane, ferry or driving.
In addition, it displays booking options for lodging and transportation. Very useful!
BEST TRAVEL APPS TO KEEP IN TOUCH ON YOUR TRIP
9. WHATSAPP
One of the best travel apps to communicate on a trip is Whatsapp. You can use this app to keep in touch with family and friends, as well as locally to confirm lodging or activities.
Sms, voice message, and also the ability to send photos. I can’t live without it!
This app is also useful when not traveling. For example, my Airbnb guests don’t have a local sim card and can’t find their way to our apartment!
Available here or in App Store
10. SKYPE
Skype is a great app when traveling with a laptop on the road.
Make regular calls or video calls which are pretty fun when talking with friends. If the other person also has Skype then the calls are free. You can text, screen share, record calls and much more.
BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR LANGUAGE
11. DUO LINGO
A very fun app to learn the basics before going on your trip. Speak like a pro in the south of France or even in Barcelona!
From hello to more elaborate phrases, practice 10 minutes a day, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
12. HI TRANSLATE
In a restaurant, looking for a bus, trying to talk to your host?
Missed opportunities because of language barriers are plentiful.
This is one of the best travel apps for translation and worth testing out while on your trip.
With over 100 languages to choose from, plus voice and text translations, this app does away with all the problematic ways we’ve tried to get a message across!
13. GOOGLE TRANSLATE
As a translator by trade, I honestly can’t say that google translate always does a very good job.
However, it can get you out of a difficult situation in a pinch. And it’s much much better than scrambling for words you don’t know.
BEST MUSIC APPS WHILE TRAVELING
There’s no way we could go on a trip without music. And here are 2 of our favorite apps:
14. SPOTIFY
The best thing about Spotify besides creating any number of playlists and listening to podcasts is that you can download your music to listen offline.
In addition, the app suggests new artists based on your playlist and you also have access to other’s playlists, widening your music culture!
15. SHAZAM
Hear a song and have no idea who it’s from? Shazam it.
Whoever invented this app is clearly a genius. No more searching or trying to remember who sang this or the name of that… especially in a foreign country where you can’t even pronounce the words ^^
Just shazam.
So there you have it. The best travel apps that will help make your trip smoother.
What are your favorite travel apps?
SAFE. TRAVELS. TOGETHER
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Disclaimer: These are sites that I recommend. I may get a commission from some links at no extra charge to you.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS: Find great deals on SKYSCANNER. It’s easy to use and offers a lot of choices.
DONT’ FORGET INSURANCE: Insurance is a must no matter where you go. It protects you if you get injured (which can happen) or if someone in your family gets ill. We use WORLD NOMADS for all our trips. Get a quote now according to your needs.
THE PERFECT PLACE TO SLEEP: For reasonable prices on hotels and guest houses, try BOOKING.com, we use them all the time and take advantage of the free cancelation in case plans change. For entire homes or apartments, try AIRBNB.
