During my 6 month trip around the world, I used several phone apps that ended up being super helpful! These apps were convenient, reliable, and made traveling less stressful.
Google Maps
This app was a lifesaver for us! On Google Maps you can download maps of the cities you are visiting and once downloaded you can use them offline! So if you don’t have wifi or any internet connection you can still use your maps so you don’t get lost! I also love this app because you can save your favorite places, attractions, restaurants, etc. Cost: Free to download
Converter+
This app is also very helpful especially if you are traveling to multiple countries. It is a currency converter that allows you to convert your country’s currency to another’s with the current exchange rate. This way you always know what you are spending! Cost: Free to download and works offline
Airbnb
Looking for last minute or affordable accommodation? The Airbnb app is great for finding accommodation in cities all over the world. I love Airbnbs because they always feel like a home away from home. You can search for private or shared places and they range from one-bedrooms to whole houses that you can rent. Plus, I have met some awesome people from all over the world with Airbnb. Airbnb even has experiences you can explore and buy such as food tours, photography classes, hiking groups, etc. The options are endless! Cost: Free to download
Hostelworld
If you are traveling on a budget then Hostelworld is the perfect app for you. You can search for hostels in the city you are traveling to and book rooms right from your phone. Hostels are a great way to save money on accommodation and an even better way to meet new friends. Cost: Free to download
TravWell
TravWell is a great app to have in regards to health and safety when you travel. On this app you create a new trip by choosing destinations you are visiting and your travel dates. Once you add a trip, you get CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations so you are aware of any health or safety concerns. You can also upload your vaccines, medications, and any other travel documents in to the app for safe keeping. Cost: Free to download
CamperMate
If you are traveling through Australia or New Zealand (which I highly recommend doing!) then download CamperMate! This app is amazing and a life saver when you don’t have internet. You can use the app offline and you can search for campsites, accommodation, attractions, petrol stations, hospitals, grocery stores, police stations, and even public bathrooms! Once you find what you are looking for you can click on it and get all the information you need plus reviews from other people using the app! Cost: Free to download and works offline
Rail Planner Eurail/Interrail
Traveling through Europe? Then I highly suggest traveling via train! You can get to multiple countries in one day. If you are traveling by train, then download the Rail Planner app. This app allows you to see the trains timetables so you can plan out your whole trip! This app also tells you if you need to make a seat reservation or if you have to do any transfers (I highly suggest reserving a seat even if you don’t need one, especially when traveling with multiple people). Cost: Free to download and works offline
TripAdvisor
If you are looking for ideas on sights to see, tours to take, or attractions to visit then the TripAdvisor app is a must! You can search the city or country you are visiting and research different things to do, places to eat, hotels to stay at, etc. The best part is that each thing you research has reviews from people so you can read other peoples’ opinions before making your own choice. Just be warned…. some people are tough critics. Cost: Free to download
Since we all know international phone plans can be pricey, this app can make communication a breeze! WhatsApp allows you to talk to anyone all over the world as long as you have wifi. Just make sure the people you want to contact also create a profile on WhatsApp so you can talk. Cost: Free to download
Kayak
Do you need a flight, hotel, or rental car? Then kayak is the perfect app to use! Kayak will compare all different prices and show you the best price for what you are looking for. The app is customizable as you can sort your choices by cheapest, the best, quickest, or earliest. You can also add filters to be more specific for what you are looking for. Cost: Free to download
Google Translate
This app comes in handy when you are in a country where the people don’t speak the same language. This app can help break down the language barrier when you are talking to someone, need to use public transit, or just need to read a menu. This app instantly translate words, phrases, and web pages between English and 100 different languages.
Been
This app is a fun way to track your travels! You can choose the countries you have been to and it counts how many and highlights it on the world map. You can even check off the states you have been to in the US. It also has a feature that creates a 3D globe and you can see all the countries you have visited. Cost: Free and works offline
There are SO many travel apps out there that this list can go on forever, but these are the ones I use most and find most helpful. And I hope that they help your travels too!
