Once upon a time, to plan a trip was to stack piles of paper, guidebooks and hours of phone calls. These days, your smartphone can help you do everything from booking a flight or ordering food to finding the best local restaurants. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or road tripping on the weekends, the right apps can make your travel experience as stress-free as possible.
This guide covers the must-have travel planning apps for your phone. We’ll explain what makes each one stand out, how they can save you time and money, and when you might want to reach for certain tools. And by the end, you’ll be ready to determine which apps are worth downloading before your next adventures.
Why You Need Travel Apps Now
Travel apps serve as game changers for modern travelers. They dropped some of the most powerful tools there into your pocket, helping you make intelligent decisions on the fly. Gone is the need to tote along two guidebooks, or print out my hotel confirmation; everything resides in one place.
These apps also save money. Most of them provide exclusive discounts, pricing tracking and comparison features to help expand your budget. Some travelers say that booking and comparison apps help them save hundreds each trip.
In addition to saving travelers money, travel apps save stress. Lost your printed itinerary? No problem—it’s in your app. Need to change your reservation? A few taps handle it. This ease allows you to put your energy into enjoying your trip, not worrying about the details.
Flight Booking and Tracking Apps
Skyscanner: The Poor Nomad’s Best Buddy
Skyscanner is one of the most versatile flight search tools around. Unlike many booking sites, it has the ability to search other websites for deals from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies.
Key Features:
- Everywhere search option to discover the cheapest fares from your hometown airport
- Price alerts to let you know when fare has dropped
- Here is a monthly view of the cheapest days to fly
- Direct booking links to airline or agency sites
What sets Skyscanner apart is its flexibility. If you’re flexible on when to fly or where to go, the app can inform you about the best deals that would otherwise be practically invisible. The interface is very clean and easy to use, you can get a quote in seconds.
Hopper: Smart Price Predictions
Hopper works differently, predicting flight prices will eventually increase or decrease based on data. The app crunches billions of flight prices each day and tells you when you should book.
What Hopper Offers:
- Color Filled Calendar with price trend predictions
- “Watch This Trip” price pinning feature
- Advice on whether to book now or wait
- Flights & Hotels Bundled Together
Its predictions have so far impressed a lot of travelers. No method is foolproof, but Hopper’s predictions frequently help users pay between 20-40% less for a flight than they would if booking at random.
Google Flights: Lightning-Fast Searches
What Google Flights does do: It operates quickly and simply. The interface is lightning fast and searches finish in a flash. This is ideal for seeing prices at a glance or comparing options.
Standout Features:
- Interactive map revealing specific flight prices to all sorts of places
- Price overview over several dates by flexible date grid
- Price tracking with email notifications
- Google Calendar and Gmail integration
Google Flights does not sell tickets. Instead, it links you to airlines or booking sites. There are some users who appreciate this transparency, because they know that they’re getting the same price whether they see it here or elsewhere.
Accommodation Apps That Deliver
Booking.com: Hotels, Apartments and Everything in Between
Booking.com has evolved from being a hotel booking website to compete as one of the top lodging search engines. Now it offers apartments, hostels, vacation rentals and even one-of-a-kind listings like tree houses.
Why Travelers Choose Booking.com:
- Huge selection: over 28 million accommodation listings throughout the world
- Flexible cancellation on many properties
- Guest reviews with verified booking badges
- Genius loyalty program offering discounts
The app’s filters can help you hone in on the exact service you need. You can sort by neighborhood, amenities, property type and even very specific features like “balcony” or “beach access.” Properties from a search are easy to view with the map view, which shows properties in relation to attractions.
Airbnb: Living Like a Local
Airbnb changed the way people search for places to stay. In addition to traditional hotels, it links travelers with local hosts who provide original spaces and unique experiences.
What Makes Airbnb Different:
- Houses, apartments and one-of-a-kind places (castles, boats and tiny homes)
- Experience bookings with local hosts
- Detailed house rules and descriptions of the property
- Host’s communication before and during your stay
The platform is particularly useful for longer stays, family getaways or if you want a kitchen to prepare your own meals. Many guests appreciate the local flavor hosts can offer about their areas.
Hostelworld – Best for Budget and Solo Travelers
Hostelworld is the source for backpackers and thrifty travelers. It’s all about hostels around the world with specifics on dorms, private rooms and hostel vibes.
Hostelworld Highlights:
- Ratings for location, cleanliness, staff and atmosphere
- Details of all hostel events and parties
- Dormitory size and bed type comparison
- “Hoscars” awards highlighting top-rated properties
The app’s ratings system will point you to the hostels that best suit your travel style. Looking for a party atmosphere? There are hostels for that. Prefer a quiet place to rest? The reviews will take you.
For more flight deals and travel tips, visit Call to Flights.
Navigation and Transportation Apps
Google Maps: Not Just for the Directions
Google Maps has become a staple for travelers. In addition to navigation, it even now provides restaurant reviews, business hours, popular times and offline maps.
Core Features for Travelers:
- Download maps to use offline in an area without internet
- Real-time public transportation information
- Walking, driving, biking, and transit directions
- Saved lists for places you’d like to visit
The “Explore” tab has grown more useful, displaying nearby restaurants, attractions and events. You can also save places to custom lists so that you can easily personalize your trip.
Citymapper: Public Transit Made Simple
For anyone living in a city with even a mildly complex public transportation network, Citymapper is an invaluable lifehack. It focuses on urban travel and integrates all modes of transit to offer straightforward route ideas.
What Citymapper Does Best:
- Up-to-the-minute arrival times for buses, trains, and subways
- Intermodal routing (enhanced walking, transit and shared-ride)
- Fare information and pass requirements
- Service alerts and disruption notifications
Now available in more than 100 cities, Citymapper shines in locations such as London, New York, Paris and Tokyo. The app’s interface provides clear indications of which platform to use, the exit door and estimated times for transportation.
Rome2rio: Connecting the Dots
Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. It looks across all modes of travel (flights, trains, buses and ferries), meaning it will help you figure out how to cobble together a one-way trip between two places that have no direct connection.
Rome2rio’s Strengths:
- Comparison of all available vehicle types
- Estimated costs for each option
- Time comparisons including transfers
- Links to book tickets directly
This app is stellar for complicated trips. So you want to travel from a small town to another country? Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best.
Money Management and Currency Apps
XE Currency: Real-Time Exchange Rates
So if you want to know the current exchange rate of any world currency, why not download XE Currency now? The app operates offline with the most recent exchange rates downloaded, so it will work even without internet during your trip.
Key Benefits:
- Real time rates updated every 60 minutes
- Historical charts showing rate trends
- Calculator for quick conversions
- Rate alerts for when a currency reaches your desired level
See the actual cost before you exchange money or withdraw cash by using XE Currency. This avoids paying too much or buying at a bad price.
Revolut: Banking Built for Travelers
Revolut is a digital bank which can have you wave goodbye to most travel banking woes. It provides currency exchange at interbank rates, multi-currency accounts and fee-free spending abroad.
Travel-Friendly Features:
- Exchange money at the actual rate without markup
- Store 30+ currencies in one account
- Physical and virtual cards for spending
- Instant spending notifications and budgets
Revolut can take the sting out of foreign transaction fees and ATM fees for frequent travelers. For an additional fee, the app has travel insurance offers and airport lounge access for premium members.
Itinerary and Organization Apps
TripIt: Your Personal Travel Assistant
TripIt automatically organizes all of your travel plans into easily accessible itineraries. It’s as easy as forwarding confirmation emails, and the app plucks information about flights, hotels, car rentals and activities.
What TripIt Provides:
- Consolidated itinerary with details for all trips
- Automatic flight status updates
- Sharing options for traveling companions
- Calendar integration
The Pro version is enhanced with live flight alerts, alternate flight recommendations in case of delays and seat tracking. For those who book trips through numerous sites, TripIt aggregates it all beautifully.
Sygic Travel – Trip Planner & City Guide
Sygic Travel is an itinerary planner that also provides offline maps and guides. You can plan day-to-day activities on it, then navigate with the offline maps and without data fees.
Sygic Travel Features:
- Pre-made itineraries for popular destinations
- Drag-and-drop daily planning interface
- Offline map with points of interest
- Time and budget tracking
The app provides information about millions of places around the world, from towering landmarks to small hidden gems. You have an option to tailor your suggested itineraries or create one from scratch.
Language and Communication Apps
Google Translate: Breaking Down Language Barriers
Google Translate has gotten impressively good over the years, with tons of different tools and services across web and mobile that mean you’d barely have to lift a finger to translate something. It’s crucial for visiting any non-English speaking countries.
Translation Options:
- Text translation in 133 languages
- Conversation mode for two-way discussions
- Translation of camera for signs and menus
- You can download offline language packs for 59 languages
The camera is really good too. You can hold your phone up to a sign or menu, and the app will place the translation right on top in real time. This also works offline, once you’ve downloaded the relevant language packs.
WhatsApp: Stay Connected Worldwide
WhatsApp has a lead on international messaging, as it boasts more than 2 billion users globally. It is the most convenient way of chatting with your friends and family members without having to deal with country codes or paying for international SMS!
Why Travelers Rely on WhatsApp:
- Free WiFi calling and free texting, built-in phone service not required
- Photo and video sharing
- Group chats for coordinating with your travel partners
- When the typing is too tedious or inconvenient, voice messages are here to help
And many overseas businesses use WhatsApp as a customer service platform, which can be helpful when one need to get in touch with hotels, tour operators or local guides.
Food and Restaurant Apps
TripAdvisor: Reviews You Can Trust
TripAdvisor is still the world’s largest restaurant and attraction review site. With hundreds of millions of reviews, it shows you where to avoid tourist traps and discover quality dining.
TripAdvisor’s Value:
- Extensive review database with photos
- Restaurants and Attractions Rating systems
- How to book tours and activities
- Forums where travelers answer questions
The user reviews are a mixed bag in terms of quality, but the average scores and trends tend to steer you the right way. And take into account recent reviews, as restaurants can improve or go downhill.
HappyCow: An Absolute Lifesaver for Vegetarians and Vegans
HappyCow focuses on vegetarian, vegan and veg options eateries across the globe. For me, a person with dietary restrictions, it’s an absolute godsend.
HappyCow Features:
- Search filters for 100% vegan, vegetarian or veg-friendly
- User review positive/comments regarding the quality and variety of the dishes
- Photos of actual menu items
- Worldwide coverage including remote destinations
The app has no doubt helped many a traveler find vegetarian-friendly fare in places where that might otherwise be difficult. It’s also handy for omnivores who want to sample plant-based dining.
Learn more about international travel planning at Lonely Planet.
Comparison Table: Quick Reference Guide
| App Category | Best for | Top pick | Runner-up | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | Flexible dates and destinations | Skyscanner | Hopper | Free |
| Accommodation | Hotels around the world | Booking.com | Airbnb | Free (commission included) |
| Budget Stays | Hostels & backpackers | Hostelworld | N/A | Free |
| Navigation | General use | Google Maps | Citymapper | Free |
| Currency | Exchange rates | XE Currency | N/A | Free |
| Banking | Spending abroad | Revolut | Wise | Free basic; paid premium |
| Itinerary | Organization | TripIt | Sygic Travel | Free basic; paid premium |
| Translation | Language help | Google Translate | N/A | Free |
| Messaging | International contact | N/A | Free | |
| Restaurants | Finding food | TripAdvisor | HappyCow | Free |
How to Choose the Right Ones for You
You don’t need every app for every trip. Where you’re traveling and how you travel, along with your comfort level with technology all play into what app or apps make sense.
For Budget Travelers: Skyscanner, Hostelworld, Google Maps and XE Currency. Those will help you find deals, travel cheaply and handle money prudently.
For Luxury Travelers: Booking.com, TripIt Pro, Revolut Metal and TripAdvisor let you search for great things to do, and help make sure it all runs seamlessly.
For the Adventurer: Google Maps offline, Rome2rio, Sygic Travel and WhatsApp – Never be lost again.
For First-Time International Travelers: Begin with Google Translate, WhatsApp, Google Maps, XE Currency and TripIt. Most must-have bases are covered.
How to Make the Most Out of Travel Apps
Download Before You Leave
Do not do this at the airport. Download apps at home, sign up for accounts and get to know them. Several apps need verification or setup that is simpler to do before departure.
Save Offline Content
Many apps offer offline functionality. Download maps, translation and guidebooks content while you have WiFi! This means you are never asked to register or visit any website in order to get information.
Check Data Usage Settings
Reduce data usage by tweaking the app settings. Disable auto-play of videos, lower the quality of images and enable data-saving modes. This will help your data plan stretch longer.
Keep Apps Updated
Before you head out of town, make sure to update all travel apps and software. Updates frequently contain bug fixes, new features and performance improvements as well as updated content and other information that makes the product better.
Enable Notifications Wisely
Some great flight tracking and price alert features. Promotional notifications are not. Set up each app to deliver only notifications you actually care about.
Battery Life and Data Management
Travel-centric apps are one of the fastest ways to suck your battery dry, especially ones that require navigation and real-time tracking. Bring along a portable charger and whenever feasible, turn on battery-saving modes.
WiFi is your best friend when it comes to data management. Download offline content, screenshot confirmations and seek out free Wi-Fi at your hotel, in cafes and in public areas. If you have more than a couple of days in the country, consider buying a local SIM card or an international plan.
Nowadays, free WiFi can be found in most airports and cities – however, you have to be careful when using sensitive information on public networks. Use a VPN app for added security when banking or booking on unknown WiFi.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Travel apps need access to things like personal information, payment details and your location. Protect yourself by using long, complex passwords and turning on two-factor authentication, and don’t overshare.
Before traveling, review app permissions. I mean, how does a restaurant review app justify continuous location access? Probably not. Set your filters to only have access while in the app.
For financial apps or banking applications, don’t ever provide your login information and make it a rule to log out after you have used the app. Biometric locks (fingerprint/face recognition) can be an additional security measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is internet required for travel apps to work?
So yes, a lot of travel apps will work offline after you have downloaded whatever it is they need to function. Google Maps, Google Translate, Sygic Travel and several others operate offline with downloaded data. That said, features that are dependent on the current time, such as flight tracking or exchange rates, will never work if they can’t reach out to the internet.
Are travel apps safe for booking and payments?
“Inexpensive” travel apps all use encryption and secure payment processing. For the most part, you want to stick with reputable apps that have millions of downloads and good reviews. Be wary of booking using unfamiliar apps or websites, especially if they want strange payment.
How much storage do travel apps take up?
While most travel apps are relatively small (50-200 MB), offline content can fill up gigabytes. You probably don’t need all those offline maps for the cities at which you’re stopping, even with 2-GB free you might think twice. Before downloading, consult your device’s available storage, and download only the content you will view immediately offline.
Can I use these apps anywhere in the world?
Most apps work anywhere in the world, though some are more geographically restricted. Citymapper only covers specific cities. Some apps might be restricted in some countries. Check destination-specific restrictions before depending exclusively on certain apps.
Do these apps run on both iPhone and Android devices?
All of these apps are available for both iOS and Android devices. The features are always the same, just some UI (User Interface) details might differ between OSs.
Do any of you use the free, ad-supported versions and find that sufficient, or should I be paying for premium?
Travelers who don’t use them all that often can probably get by with the free versions. Regular jet-setters may find premium features like TripIt Pro’s flight alerts or Revolut’s insurance offerings useful. Begin with free versions and switch to premium if you’ll use the premium features frequently.
How many applications am I going to download for one trip?
Quality over quantity. Five to eight hand-picked apps should cover the essentials. Having a long list of apps can slow down your phone, and makes it harder to find the ones you need quickly. Highlight apps with more than one function.
Leveraging Your Travel Technology to the Fullest
The finest travel apps do more than that and match convenience with ability. They should make your trip easier, not more difficult. Begin with the basics — booking, navigation, and communication — and later download specialized apps that cover your particular situation.
And don’t forget that apps are tools, not replacements for common sense. Use them as a way of enriching your travel, but also pay attention and listen to your intuition. Technology craps out periodically, so always, always have backups of important things like a hostel/hotel address and emergency contact information.
Your travel apps can make your trip so much better. They spare you money, reduce your stress, impart essential information and give you confidence in unfamiliar territory. Download some before your next journey, and learn how much smoother travel can go with right digital aides at your disposal.
Whether it’s a weekend road trip or months on the road, these apps can make travel more palatable. They offer powerful tools to help take you wherever your dreams may lead, making your journey even more rewarding, while enabling you to get the most out of life’s experiences. Safe travels!
