Are you planning your next adventure but feeling overwhelmed with all the travel preparations? With the rise of technology, travelling has become much easier and more convenient than ever before. Thanks to the numerous travel apps available, you can now plan, book, navigate and stay connected during your travels with just a few taps on your phone.
In this article, we have compiled a list of must-have apps for travellers that will make your journey smoother and hassle-free. From finding the best deals on flights and accommodations to getting insider tips and guides for your destination, these apps have got you covered. So let’s dive in and explore the world of travel apps together!
1. Planning and Booking Apps
Planning and booking are the first steps towards a successful trip. With these apps, you can find the best deals on flights, accommodation, and even activities at your destination.
Best Flight Booking Apps
- Skyscanner – This app is perfect for finding the cheapest flights by comparing prices across different airlines.
- Hopper – Hopper uses data analysis to predict when flight prices will be at their lowest, making it easier for you to plan your trip.
- Kayak – With its user-friendly interface, Kayak lets you compare prices from hundreds of travel sites to find the best deals on flights.
Best Accommodation Booking Apps
- Booking.com – This app offers a wide variety of accommodations, from hotels to apartments, and allows you to filter your search according to your budget, location, and other preferences.
- Airbnb – Airbnb offers unique and affordable accommodation options, such as apartments, villas, and even treehouses, which give you a more authentic travel experience.
- Hostelworld – For budget travellers, Hostelworld is the go-to app for finding the cheapest and most convenient hostels around the world.
Best Activities Booking Apps
- Viator – With over 200,000 activities and tours in more than 1,500 destinations, Viator is the perfect app to find and book unique experiences at your destination.
- GetYourGuide – This app offers a wide range of activities, from walking tours to adventure activities, and allows you to book directly through the app.
- Klook – Klook specializes in offering activities and tours in Asia, with competitive prices and exclusive deals for its users.
2. Navigation Apps
Travelling to a new place can be exciting but also a bit daunting, especially when it comes to navigating your way around. These navigation apps will make sure you never get lost during your travels.
Best Offline Maps Apps
- Google Maps – Google Maps has become a staple for travellers, with its detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and even offline maps option.
- Maps.me – This app offers detailed offline maps of over 345 countries and islands, making it perfect for travellers who don’t have access to data while travelling.
- Citymapper – Citymapper is ideal for navigating around cities, with its real-time information on public transport options and live departure times.
Best Language Translation Apps
- Google Translate – With its ability to translate over 100 languages, including offline translations, Google Translate is a must-have app for every traveller.
- iTranslate – iTranslate offers voice and text translations for over 100 languages, as well as a dictionary and phrasebook feature.
- TripLingo – TripLingo not only offers accurate language translations but also provides cultural tips, slang words, and even audio lessons to help you learn the language.
3. Travel Planning and Organization Apps
Keeping all your travel plans and documents organized can be challenging, but these apps will make sure you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Best Trip Planning Apps
- TripIt – This app lets you forward all your travel confirmation emails to create a master itinerary for your trip, including flights, accommodations, and activities.
- Sygic Travel – Sygic Travel helps you plan your itinerary by suggesting popular attractions, restaurants, and activities in your chosen destination.
- Guides by Lonely Planet – Guides by Lonely Planet offers offline access to over 8,000 city guides, making it easier for you to plan your trip and navigate around your destination.
Best Travel Journal Apps
- Evernote – Evernote is perfect for jotting down notes and keeping all your travel ideas and inspirations in one place.
- Day One – Day One offers a more creative approach to journaling, with the option to add photos, locations, and tags to your entries.
- Journey – Journey allows you to keep a digital journal with features like location tagging, weather updates, and even mood tracking.
Best Travel Expense Tracker Apps
- Trail Wallet – Trail Wallet makes it easy for you to track your expenses on the go, with its simple and user-friendly interface.
- Splitwise – If you are travelling with a group of friends or family, Splitwise is the perfect app for splitting expenses and keeping track of who owes what.
- TravelSpend – With its detailed expense reports and budget tracking feature, TravelSpend is helpful for keeping your finances in check while travelling.
4. Communication Apps
Staying connected during your travels has never been easier, thanks to these communication apps that allow you to make calls, send messages, and even video chat with your loved ones back home.
Best International Calling Apps
- WhatsApp – With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular app for making free international calls and sending messages.
- Skype – Skype offers high-quality video calls, conference calls, and instant messaging to anyone with a Skype account.
- Viber – Viber allows you to make free international calls, send messages and even share files, all within the app.
Best Messaging Apps
- Facebook Messenger – This app lets you stay in touch with your Facebook friends through text, voice, and video calls.
- LINE – LINE has become extremely popular in Asian countries, thanks to its cute stickers and group chat feature.
- Telegram – Telegram is known for its privacy and security, making it a top choice for travellers who want secure communication while travelling.
5. Safety and Emergency Apps
Safety should always be a priority when travelling, and these apps will help you stay safe and prepared for any emergencies during your travels.
Best Safety Apps
- Safeture – Safeture provides real-time travel alerts and safety advice based on your location, making it an essential app for solo female travellers or those travelling to unfamiliar destinations.
- TripWhistle – TripWhistle connects you to emergency numbers and services in over 196 countries, which can come in handy during unexpected situations.
- bSafe – bSafe is a personal safety app that allows you to alert your chosen contacts if you feel unsafe or need assistance.
Best First Aid and Medical Assistance Apps
- First Aid by American Red Cross – This app provides step-by-step instructions for common first aid situations and also has a feature that allows you to find the nearest hospital or emergency services.
- Doctor On Demand – Doctor On Demand lets you connect with a doctor through video consultation for any non-emergency medical conditions, saving you time and money.
- Air Ambulance by Medjet – For travellers who want extra peace of mind, this app provides medical evacuation services in case of an emergency.
Best Travel Insurance Apps
- TravelSmartTM by Allianz Global Assistance – This app offers a range of travel insurance plans and allows you to manage your policy, file claims, and contact the 24/7 hotline for immediate assistance.
- SafetyWing – SafetyWing provides affordable insurance plans specifically designed for digital nomads and long-term travellers.
- WorldNomads – WorldNomads offers flexible travel insurance plans that cover a wide range of activities and destinations.
6. Entertainment and Social Apps
Travelling is all about experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. These apps will help you connect with other travellers and make your trip more fun and memorable.
Best Travel Social Networking Apps
- Travello – Travello connects you with other travellers based on your interests, location and travel plans, making it easier to find travel companions or join groups and events.
- Backpackr – Backpackr is a social networking app specifically designed for backpackers, with features like a travel log, buddy finder, and group chat.
- Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing lets you connect with locals and fellow travellers for accommodation, events, and even cultural exchange.
Best Photo and Video Editing Apps
- Snapseed – Snapseed is one of the best photo editing apps out there, with a wide range of filters, effects, and tools to enhance your travel photos.
- Adobe Lightroom – Adobe Lightroom allows you to edit and organize your photos with its user-friendly tools and presets, which can be synced across all your devices.
- Quik by GoPro – Quik automatically creates stunning videos from your photos and videos, making it perfect for sharing your travel adventures on social media.
Best Offline Entertainment Apps
- Netflix – With its offline download feature, Netflix is perfect for binge-watching your favourite shows and movies during long flights or bus rides.
- Spotify – Spotify lets you download your favourite music and podcasts for offline listening, making it ideal for long journeys without internet access.
- Pocket – Pocket allows you to save articles, videos, and other content to read or watch later, even without an internet connection.
Conclusion
With these must-have apps for travellers, you can now plan, book, navigate, stay connected, and have fun during your travels with ease. However, it’s essential to remember that these apps are just tools to make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Don’t forget to take some time away from your phone and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of your destination. Happy travels!