Let’s face it, despite how incredible and fun travelling can be, it’s not always easy and can often be overwhelming. I am always on the lookout for the best travel apps to help me plan and make travel easier. Thankfully with today’s technology, we can have all these resources at our fingertips, which makes things much simpler. This post has all of the apps and resources that I use when I’m planning my trips and travelling.
Table of Contents
Flights
Sky Scanner – Flight Comparison Site
Skyscanner lets you search for flights to any destination in the world. Once you have entered your search the app will give you the cheapest and fastest results. There are plenty of features and filters you can add in too. There is a monthly calendar, that shows when flights are cheapest (handy if you can be flexible). And if you are in need of some inspiration then just type ‘everywhere’ into the destination box.
Navigating
Citymapper – Navigating a new city
This is one of my favourite travel apps! Citymapper is a public transport app that helps you navigate your way around a new city. Simply type in your location and where you want to go and it will give you all the information on different ways to reach that destination (by foot, train, metro, bus e.g.). It will even tell you how long the journey will take, and how much it should cost. The app has a live journey tracker, that notifies you of any disruption. This app is a game changer.
Google Maps – Navigating the way
Everyone’s best friend, well certainly mine! Sometimes it can be fun to wander around somewhere new without knowing where you are going, but most of the time it is important to be able to navigate the way. The best thing about Google Maps is that you can download areas offline, so if you know that you may not have any signal just download the area and you are all set. It’s also really handy if you want to search for nearby amenities, whether that is a restaurant, pub or attraction.
What 3 Words – Help find precise locations
This is an app that everyone should have on their phones. What3Words has divided the world into 3-metre squares that convert GPS coordinates for every square into unique 3-word addresses. This makes it easy to save and share your specific location anywhere in the world. It has become an important app for emergency services, as sharing your three words can help them pinpoint your exact location. You can use the app if you want to share your location with friends, and share walks and viewpoints. Businesses are even using it to share their location with customers.
Accommodation
Air Bnb – Accommodation platform (Budgeting or quirky stays)
This is the platform that I use the most when booking accommodation! Air BnB allows people to rent out their homes or holiday lets through their website. The great thing about the app is that you can find so many options. Whether you are looking for a luxury apartment, a unique place to stay, or are on a small budget, there is something for everyone. Type in the destination you want to visit with dates and it will show results in and around that area. There are plenty of filters to add too. Before you book make sure to read the reviews for the accommodation. Once you have booked, the portal puts you in touch with the host of the accommodation, where you can ask questions e.g. You can also use the portal to book local experiences.
Booking.com – Accommodation
Booking.com is another accommodation platform, that is easy to navigate. Once you have entered the destination you want to visit and the dates it will bring results for the top hotels in the area and the prices. Most of the hotels on booking.com offer free cancellation and no pre-payment is needed, although this will depend on each hotel. Make sure to create an account and look for Booking. coms genius loyalty programme, the more hotel rooms you book the more discounts and rewards you can get, from free breakfasts and discounts to room upgrades.
Hostel World – Accommodation (Budgeting)
The third accommodation app that I would recommend is Hostel World, this app helps travellers on a budget find the best hostels around the world. Hostel World has now launched a chat portal where you can connect with other people that are staying in the hostel, or doing the same activities as you.
Money
XE Currency – Exchange Rates
This app lets you see instant exchange rates online, for any currency in the world. With just a click of a button and you have the exchange rate. This app is really easy to use and helpful when I’m budgeting, and being mindful of costs.
Travel Spend – Money Tracking App
Travel Spend is a money-tracking app that is super easy and helpful, I have been using this for a while. This is a great app to use if you are on a budget and want to track your spending when planning or travelling. The app allows you to enter your budget and add a breakdown of things through various categories, whether it is flights, accommodation or activities. I always use the app in my planning process, I find it useful to start with a budget in mind so that I know I don’t go over that, and once I am travelling I will add in extras such as activities, transportation and food.
Languages
Google Translate – Translation app
If you are travelling and may not know the language, or only know a. couple of phrases then it’s always a good idea to have a translation app on your phone, this way if you need help with directions or even in a restaurant you can use the app to sort things out.
Duolingo – Language App
Duolingo is a language learning app, where you can practice vocabulary and pronunciation in over 30 languages. When I visit a new country I always try and learn a couple of basic phrases to help me along the way.
Activities
Get Your Guide – Activities and Experiences
Get your Guide is a great place to look for different activities and tours in the location you are travelling. They offer all kinds of excursions and tours available around the world from cooking classes to museum entry, and you can book directly through their website or the app. Make sure to read the comments for anything before booking to ensure it is worthwhile.
All Trails – Hiking Routes
If you love hiking and getting outdoors when travelling then the AllTrails app is perfect. The app shares detailed walking, running and biking trails, with starting points, directions and the opportunity for others on the app to leave reviews and photos. There is a free version of the app which gives allows you to use some features, or a paid monthly fee giving you access to all of the benefits of the app.
Inspiration
Lucky Trip – Travel Inspiration
This is a super quirky and fun travel app, especially if you are feeling spontaneous and in need of some travel inspiration. And it’s all with a click of a button. Once you press search three boxes will appear, one with a destination, and two other boxes for accommodation and activities. If you like what you see then click details to find out more about the trip and the dates. It’s as easy as that to find somewhere new to explore.
Trip Advisor – Best for finding reviews
Trip Advisor is one of the leading apps created, it’s an online platform that allows people to leave reviews and contributions of their experiences at hotels, restaurants and activities from all over the world. There are millions of reviews written every year. You can leave reviews, and photographs of your experiences, there is also a travel forum where you can ask travel-related questions. Trip Advisor can be really useful especially for finding a good restaurant, but keep in mind that anyone can write a review.
Luggage storage
Nanny Bag – Luggage Storage around cities
Nanny Bag is an app that helps you find luggage storage in cities across the world. This is a great idea if you have had an early flight, or have a few hours to spare. The app works as a collaboration platform with various shops, restaurants and even hotels that offer luggage storage. Simply enter your location and the nearest places that offer the service will appear. I always do some research first to find reviews for that certain storage location. Always make sure you get a ticket or receipt and take a photo of the luggage. I have personally only ever used Nanny Bag, but there are other apps like Luggage hero and Stasher.
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Thanks for reading, Megan x
