In today’s world, there are so many helpful travel apps. Each one promises to solve some unresolved issue you may have or some issue you didn’t even know was there yet. With 10 years of travel under my belt, I have used my fair share of apps. I wanted to compile a list that I found to be actually helpful with apps I continuously turn back to. There is enough clutter on our phones without all the useless, false promising travel apps taking up space. So without due, here are the essential travel apps that are actually worth your time, feel free to leave me a comment with your go-to apps! I am always looking for the new favorites!
1.) Hostelworld
Hostelworld has been my best friend for years when it comes to affordable accommodation. Now I know Hostels may not be everyone’s cup of tea but for a traveler on a budget, this is a must-have app. Very rarely have I found that a hotel or Airbnb is cheaper than a Hostel on Hostelworld. They have accommodations all over the world and you can sift through reviews, pictures, and all the amenities right on the app. They have a website as well if you like a bigger screen to surf on. I have not run into any problems booking or finding properties to date. Most properties offer dorm style accommodation usually for quite cheap or private rooms for just a bit more. This is a staple app for me now and when I’m looking for accommodation this is the first app I check!
2.) Been
This one is way more fun than practical. This is simply a way to track what countries or states you have been to. It’s essentially a virtual scratch-off map! Once again, I have had this app for years and have tried a hand full of different country counters but this has been my favorite by far. It’s simple to use and the visual has yet to be beaten on another app. The separate map for the U.S states is a fun bonus that allows a closer look to America as well. I have planned full-blown trips and adventures simply because I wanted to “scratch” off another state/country! I know not everyone is into “country counting” but for me, it is a fun simple way to look back on all the places I’ve been!
3.) currency converter
This one is simple and straightforward. A must for any international trip “Currency Converter” does just what it says. It is a calculator that shows you the exchange rate between your currency and the visiting countries’ currency. There are many of these apps out there and really any one of them will do. This is just the one I find myself returning to after trying a handful of them. It’s simple and allows you to switch currencies fast. To my current knowledge, they offer every country’s currency, also including a handful of cryptocurrencies. In reality, as long as you have some form of a currency converter on your phone you’ll be in great shape!
4.) Rome2Rio
Now, this has been a relatively new app for me to explore but I can already tell it’s staying on my favorites list! To use this app you just punch in the destination you’re trying to get to from your starting city. This is best if you are trying to jump from one destination to the next by land. They will show you all your options focusing on the cheapest option first. Buses, trains, and taxis all show up on the list of potential transportation along with the price and estimated travel time. They have the link to purchase your ticket if you find a route you want to take right on the app as well. If you are looking for cheap travel and an extra adventure this app is a fun addition to keep in your back pocket!
5.) Google maps
I know this one is obvious but this is about the apps you’ll need, and you’ll need to navigate so it’s on the list! However, Google maps is so much more than just a navigation tool if you know how to utilize it. I have two categories of pins going on my map at all times. The first are pins of the places I wish to visit one day and the second are pins of the places I’ve already been to. Anytime someone suggests a destination, I come across a cool place on Pinterest or read a blog post about somewhere I want to visit, I immediately pin it on my map so I don’t forget. I regularly find myself in random cities all over the world so it always serves me well to have a running list of cool hidden gems to check out and how to get there!
You can check out some of those destinations here… https://hiddengemtraveler.com/destinations/
6.) Skyscanner
If you have been in the travel circle at all then you’ll know a lot of people love Skyscanner! When it comes to buying plane tickets everyone wants to find the cheapest deal. If I’m not using google flights then you’ll find me on Skyscanner. I personally like to use Skyscanner when I don’t have a particular destination in mind and I can be flexible with my time. That’s how you will find the best deals using this app. I am always browsing using their “explore everywhere” feature. All you have to do is put in your departing airport and you’ll have a plethora of destinations to pick from with a wide range of price points. They have a website as well but the app serves just fine.
CONCLUSION
And just like that, you are now ready for any trip that comes your way!
- You can plan where you want to visit with Google maps
- Book your plane ticket with Skyscanner
- Book your accommodation with HostelWorld
- Get your money in order with Currency Converter
- City hop with Rome2Rio
- And document it all with Been
I hope this list of the essential travel apps helped you narrow down what exactly you need for any upcoming trip. Obviously, there are so many apps out there that could be potentially helpful for you but these will help get the ball rolling and cover all your bases. Let me know what your travel app essentials are!
Until Next Time, Olivia Grace:)
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