Traveling is now easier than ever, largely thanks to technology. All the information and assistance you may need is right at your fingertips.
From booking accommodation to navigating places you’ve never been to before, there’s an app for almost every aspect of your journey.
With that said, we compiled a list of must-have holiday apps that are guaranteed to make your trip smoother. We grouped them by category to help you find exactly what you need.
Entertainment Apps
If there’s something you’re bound to encounter when traveling, it’s hours of waiting at airports and train stations. For situations like this, you need something that’ll help you pass the time but also add even more fun to your trip.
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or whatever your streaming platform of choice may be makes it possible to download something to watch while you’re waiting. Find a good list of new movies and TV shows, and make sure to download them in advance.
Duolingo is another good option, as picking up a few phrases could come in handy once you reach your destination.
Countless mobile games can help you kill time, and we recommend popular choices like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush.
If you want even more excitement, online casino apps are a good option. Check out the best online casinos ranked by tronweekly.com and find the app that suits your style. Many popular options offer generous bonuses to new players, so you’ll have a bit extra to play with as you try your luck.
Navigation Apps
Exploring new places isn’t easy, and having a navigation app on your phone is an absolute must.
Google Maps and Apple Maps are the go-to choices for most travelers. In fact, you should explore the maps on these apps even before your trip and mark some must-visit spots like historic landmarks and restaurants.
If you’re unsure about how your internet connection is going to be when you arrive, downloading the maps on your device in advance is definitely a good idea. Maps.me is another great pick for offline use no matter where you’re going.
You can also download Citymapper to get some extra help with navigating public transportation in the place you’re visiting. The app is commonly used for checking real-time updates on bus, train, and subway schedules in all major cities across the world.
Lastly, if you plan to go hiking, you’ll find AllTrails useful, as it allows you to explore walking routes and nature trails without doing any prior research. You may even end up discovering some hidden gems you wouldn’t find yourself.
Accommodation and Booking Apps
This goes without saying but you’ll definitely need an accommodation or booking app when traveling. It’s how most people find a place to stay nowadays and having the right app can make the process much smoother.
When it comes to which app to use, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you like traditional accommodations, you really can’t go wrong with classics like Booking.com or Hotels.com. On the other hand, if you want to stay in apartments, Airbnb is the way to go.
For those who are looking for free accommodation, Couchsurfing is the best app to use. By paying only a subscription fee, you gain access to people offering a couch or guest rooms without any fees. You can also participate by doing the same when you’re not traveling. The app is not only a good way to find free places to stay but also to meet locals and experience the culture.
Depending on how you plan to spend time during your trip, you can also consider Workaway, an app that helps you find cheap accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work per day.
Expense and Currency Tracking Apps
If you don’t keep track of your expenses while traveling, you easily end up spending far more than you planned. Luckily, some apps can help you stay in control of your budget and avoid overspending.
Trail Wallet does all the heavy lifting for you and gives you a comprehensive summary screen that tells you everything you need to know about your budget. You can even add amounts in local currencies as the app supports those from 218 countries.
But there’s more!
If you’re traveling with friends, splitting costs can turn into a real headache. But with apps like Splitwise, you can track shared expenses and always know who owes what. The app can help eliminate all those awkward conversations about money and make the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Lastly, there are apps like XE Currency that provide access to real-time exchange rates, ensuring you always know how much you’re spending when using a foreign currency.
Language and Communication Apps
We already mentioned DuoLingo as one of the entertainment apps that can make your trips more enjoyable, but there are other language and communication apps designed specifically for travelers.
Google Translate will be your best friend if you don’t speak the language. Just make sure you download the actual app and don’t use the web version for smoother and quicker translations. The camera feature also comes in really handy, allowing you to translate signs and menus in a matter of seconds.
iTranslate is your top pick when it comes to voice translation. With it, you can have conversations in a foreign language by speaking directly into the app. This can be really useful when checking in, asking for directions, or ordering in a restaurant.
If you want to practice before you set off, you can consider learning or practicing the local language through apps like Tandem, where you can connect with native speakers.
