Technology gets a bad rep. in today’s world, but theres one thing I know for sure- I wouldn’t travel very far without it. Some apps are ones that I simply could not do without- ones I denote ‘Non-negotiables’. Others are not a necessity but certainly make the whole travelling process a lot easier and are nifty in what they do. Have a look, test them out and see what works for you!
The Non-Negotiables:
Google Maps:
The undisputed champion of navigation apps and compared to other map apps, this remains the winner for me. From A-B directions no matter your mode of transport, to discovering restaurants, attractions, grocery stores and so on in your area and beyond- this app is an absolute necessity. It’s features make travelling so much easier, for example it’ll tell you exactly which platform you need to be on to catch your train, or how much a taxi will cost you to get there. You can also download the map of an area if you think you’ll lose connection. Another use of this app is creating a ‘saved list’ of places you want to visit. Google Maps is nothing short of a staple in my eyes.
XE Currency Exchange:
A currency exchange app is essential when travelling, and I personally like XE Currency Exchange for its ease of use and features. It keeps up-to-date with changing rates which makes it the best app to use for currency conversion. Not only that but you can add up to 20 currencies to your list and it instantly compares all of them when you input a figure.
Google Translate:
I still find google translate as the best app to use for translation while travelling. It is simple and straightforward to use, results show up quickly and the translation is typically accurate. A handy new feature on the app is the instant camera translation- if you hold your camera at a sign or menu, the app will translate it for you. How useful is that?
Whatsapp:
This may seem strange to list as a non-negotiable, but you really won’t get very far without it. It is the most well- reknowned communication app globally, and in my experience pretty much everyone uses it. It allows you to communicate internationally no matter where you are with no fees. I find it great for booking with local tour guides as most of them operate using Whatsapp.
A good VPN:
Having a good VPN downloaded before you set off will certainly be of value to you at some point in your travels. It protects your device, identity and personal data when you connect to public internet- something which we all do while abroad. It also allows you to access apps which would otherwise be inaccessible in certain countries- for example Instagram in China. I have also found that using a VPN improves your connection while making phone or videocalls. There are countless VPN option to choose from- both free & paid. I personally use ProtonVPN which I find gives a steady connection and is reliable.
For Accomodation:
AirBnb:
If you haven’t stayed in a unique accommodation that you found on AirBnb yet, you’re missing out. This app lists home stays or personal rentals that are usually cheaper than hotels or other accommodations. Nothing beats finding a lodge off the beaten path, which no one you know has stayed in, and feeling like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. Not only that, but the app is great for organising unique experiences in the area you’re staying in, such as an Italian pasta making class, or Quad biking in caves in Indonesia. You can plan it all in one place on the app, so be sure to have it downloaded before you head off.
Booking.com:
On the topic of acommodations, booking.com is ahead of the game in every aspect. It instantly compares a variety of accommodation options and lists the best one for you depending on your requirements. Booking via the app is so easy, and tends to be cheaper than directly through websites. After you book, managing your stay is made simple through the app and you can contact your accommodation directly there.
Hostelworld:
This app is your one-stop-shop for booking accommodation on a budget. It provides you a list of all of the hostels recommended in the area you’re visiting and not only that, but shows you all of the reviews. The reviews are always up-to-date and reliable and I usually choose my stay based on those. The app is handy for last-minute bookings and for managing your trips all in one place.
HotelTonight
This app is your one-stop-shop for last minute rooms and deals. If things don’t go according to plan, or you’re ‘winging it’ while you move around, rest assured you’ll find somewhere to lay your head with this app. Not only does it show what’s available, but it also gives great deals on last minute bookings- win-win!
For Transport
Skyscanner:
The skyscanner app allows you to compare the cheapest flights instantly. You can filter the flight by price, number of stopovers, length of travel etc. If you’re flexible with dates or destinations, this app is great for highlighting the best times and dates to travel. Remember to always search in incognito mode when using the website so that prices dont rise as you dip in and out of it!
Rome2Rio:
This app is essential for planning figuring out how you’re going to get from A-B. It is particularly great for travelling between cities or towns. The app is simple to use- you just input your where you’re starting and where you wish to end up. It will give you various options from including public transport, with direct links to sites to book your bus or train should you wish to.
Uber (For Europe)
Although taxiing is not always the cheapest option, I like to always have a taxi app to fall back on should my plans change or for those times when I cannot get public transport. Uber is great for this- it’s reliable, safe and available in most major cities. Plus they have Uber eats- for when you don’t feel like going out for food.
Grab (For Asia)
Grab is the main taxi app that operates in many countries in Asia- check their app for more info on exactly where. It provides options for car taxis and motorbike taxis if they are available. The app is super cheap, and by using it you know you wont be ripped off into spending more than you need to. Like Uber, Grab also has a food option, which is very cheap and extremely quick too!
*Most countries also have their own version of Grab/Uber that are worth using if you’re visiting for a sustained period.
Examples include:
- GoJek for Indonesia
- Careem for the UAE
- Wingz in the US
- Ola cabs in India
- Hailo in the UK
- LeCab in France
- Cabify in Spain & Latin America
For Activities:
Viator:
Viator is the best app for finding & booking tours and excursions in the area you’re visiting. Some destinations are best explored with the help of a tour guide, and Viator will organise that for you. I tend to notice that prices vary a lot from place to place on this app, but nevertheless it is still useful for getting an insight into what’s available to you in the region.
Tripadvisor:
With the wealth of options available to us, it can often be difficult to distinguish what is worth doing and what is not. That’s where Tripadvisor comes in handy. The value of up-to-date and trustworthy reviews of activities you plan on doing is unmatched, and you can pretty much decide which activities to take part in based on these. I personally find the app unappealing to use for booking excursions, but I use it all the time for the insights it provides.
Alltrails:
This app shows you all of the outdoor routes you can take depending on your activity- be it hiking, biking or snowboarding. There’s an offline version available to download, and it has helpful features such as wrong-turn alerts. A must have for the adventurous!
Headout:
Headout is a great app if you want to get involved in what’s going on in the place you’re visiting. It lists events, local experiences, tours & activities in real time in various locations across the globe. Great for those of you who want to be social and outgoing on your trip!
Helpful Planners:
Packpoint:
This app is going to be your best friend for planning what to bring on your next trip. It tells you exactly what you’ll need to bring depending on where you’re going, when you’re going and the activities you plan on doing. Packing just got a whole lot easier with this one!
LoungeBuddy:
Have a long time between connections? Or do you just feel like sitting back and relaxing in comfort? This app provides you with all the information you’ll need to know about lounges across airports worldwide. It’ll tell you how much it costs to enter, opening hours and what is available including showering facilities or food & beverages. Furthermore, you can add your credit card to the system and it will tell you what access your card entitles you to so you don’t need to do any background research.
Tripit:
This app automatically tracks any booking you make for & during your trip and stores them all in one place. By connecting the app to your email, or by emailing your bookings to the app, it automatically complies them into a travel itinerary where you can view your schedule in one place. Furthermore, you can share the details with those travelling with you, so everyone is up to speed on what the plans are.
If I’m honest, I could go on forever with this list. There are too many helpful tools out there to choose from, and that’s exactly why I love travelling in this day and age. So why not utilise them, use whats available to us and make our travelling experience that bit smoother? As apps are continually being created and updated, there are always new ones to try on the market. Let me know if you come across any that you find particularly useful, I love hearing your suggestions!