Must Have Travel Apps

Every time I travel I usually download a million apps that look like they’d be useful before I embark. Usually half of these become under utilized or not used at all by me, because I often forget about them being on my phone or don’t have the time while on the go to figure them out. These apps below are some of my apps that I always use and always depend on while traveling and have been helpful multiple times while abroad and while preparing for a trip.

XE Currency

This app was specifically a lifesaver for my sister and I while traveling through Southeast Asia. Since every country we visited had a different currency and difficult currencies to easily convert, XE Currency made our lives so much easier. You can use this app offline and customize your currency list to add any currencies that you may want to convert quickly and conveniently.

Google Maps

This suggestion is sort of a given but many people don’t overly think to use it while traveling. Even though your phone is probably going to be on airplane mode, when you are on WiFi, load up your start and end destination and then keep the app open for the day in case you need help navigating where you are. You’ll still be able to track where you are walking even if you are on airplane mode (don’t ask me how this works). Just make sure that you don’t exit your current route to try and type in a new one because this won’t work while off WiFi.

TripIt

A quick and easy way to track all your accommodations, flights, tours, transportation, etc. PLUS it is super easy to use. As you receive booking confirmations just forward it to plans@tripit.com and the app will automatically add it into your trip itinerary. This is a great resource to have everything in one place and easily accessible. Just a tip, make sure to also have hardcopies of these too!

Skyscanner

This app may only be used prior to your trip but can also come in handy while traveling in case you need to book last minute flights. Skyscanner makes it easy to find the best flight deals by scanning all the airlines websites for the best and cheapest routes for your search query. You can also set it up to send regular updates to your email on specific flights or routes you are looking at whenever there is a price change! Another great option for this is Kayak. 

Trip Advisor

Another given for traveling. Trip Advisor is a travelers bible to find the best places to stay, eat, and the best things to do. While traveling you may want to look up somewhere close by to eat or check out some of the must-do things to help plan out your day. Also, many countries depend on the recommendations of others to help their businesses thrive. If you visit somewhere you really enjoyed, write about it right after, so you don’t forget when you get home!

Google Translate

No internet access required to use this app and you can translate over 58 languages. This is a great tool to have when you are trying to communicate and can’t find someone who speaks great English. Also, this app has a really great feature that allows you to take photos of signs and it will automatically translate them for you! How cool is that?

What are some of your favourite travel apps? Share below in the comments. 

Other travel tips:

• Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel
• How to Find a Hostel When You Feel Too Old for Hostels
• Five Tips for Solo Travel
• Surviving a Long Haul Flight