There are some useful travel apps that I could not be without, whether at home or abroad. We need to be organised when planning trips, but this is especially so when travelling solo. There’s no doubt that apps for your specific airline are a must and invaluable for check-in, boarding passes, flight statuses etc. But in addition to those, the apps listed below can further assist in the smooth-running of your trip. All apps are free with an optional upgrade. Let’s look at 15 useful travel apps to have on your phone:
1. Google Maps
My navigation skills are dire even in my own back yard, so this app is essential no matter where I am. Google Maps is not only extremely helpful for navigation but also for information. Apart from providing directions, whether walking, driving, cycling or taking public transport, the app will also inform you of quieter times to travel. Additionally, glean information on businesses such as restaurants, make reservations, view menus and write reviews. It works best when GPS is on, but you can download a specific area map in advance for offline access.
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2. Google Translate
This useful travel app has helped me out of many difficult situations. It is especially helpful when I am lost and have to ask for directions. Yep, I still get lost even with Google Maps downloaded! In any event, it’s a good idea to at least attempt the basics of your destination country’s native tongue. There are a total of 108 languages to choose from on Google Translate, and users can also access languages without WiFi or data by downloading an offline translation file. Other features include camera translation. Translate foreign vocabulary by simply pointing your camera at the specified text. You can also translate text from photos on your camera roll (this feature is not available for all languages). It’s an easy, convenient and fun app to use.
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3. Uber
Uber is handy when travelling as a solo female. Journeys are tracked on the app, so adds an extra layer of safety. Furthermore, with fewer of us carrying cash nowadays, there is also the added benefit of being cashless. I’m sure we can agree that trying to find an ATM in a strange city is a hassle we don’t need. And, speaking from experience, when you almost miss your plane because you’ve taken the wrong train, this app is a lifesaver! Enter your location, destination and vehicle type to receive an instant quote and time estimate for arrival. You’ll be matched with a driver who will collect you from your requested location and drive you to your destination. It beats trying to explain your route when there’s a language barrier.
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4. XE Currency
It can be a nightmare trying to work out new currency, and none of us wants to get ripped off, so the XE currency converter app is a convenient way to convert on the go. The app helps to track live rates of every currency. You can also transfer money, monitor currencies of your choice, set rate alerts and receive notifications. It also stores the last updated rates, so, can work offline.
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5. TripAdvisor
This app is helpful in general, but especially so when preparing for solo journeys. There are countless travel recommendations and reviews, so before booking a hotel, it is advisable to check whether it is suitable for solo travellers (e.g. location, distance from amenities etc.). Use the app for researching accommodation, tours, restaurants, beaches and most points of interest. Make wish lists, compare hotel prices, organise your travel ideas and view them together on a map. The forums are also helpful to answer your travel queries.
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6. Get Your Guide
Researching and planning tours and activities for a holiday is time-consuming and can, at times, be quite overwhelming. Where do you start? Get Your Guide takes some stress out of planning as the online marketplace utilises local operators to sell activities and tours worldwide on one platform. Whether booking skip-the-line tickets to must-see attractions, unique experiences or last-minute bookings, this app will assist in making your trip an adventure. You will receive instant confirmation and can access your booking information offline. Download, store and present your tickets on your mobile device. If plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours prior to your activity starting, with a full refund. A brilliant app.
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7. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is great for comparing prices for flights, hotels, and car hire, and you can book your whole trip in one place. By searching flights from numerous sources, the app gives the cheapest and easiest routes from which to choose. You can also track fares with the price alert feature, and like Hopper (mentioned below), it also informs you of the cheapest days to fly. For last-minute getaways, utilise the “Top Deals” feature, which highlights a variety of budget-friendly flights to listed destinations.
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8. Triposo
Next on the list of useful travel apps is Triposo, which is the equivalent of a lightweight guidebook in your pocket and allows you to download city guides and walks. It offers unique recommendations from locals and passionate travellers across 50,000 destinations worldwide for hotels, sights, activities and restaurants, which can all be booked on one platform. The app is ideal for researching your destination as the mini-guides can also provide background information and safety tips. Get information about top tourist attractions, history and culture and hidden gems and download the guide in advance for offline access. Extra functions include weather maps, currency converter and phrasebook.
9. Booking.com
I’m sure most people have this app, but if not, get it for a wide variety of hotels, apartments, villas and hostels. Prices are competitive and often have mobile discount prices. You can filter for accommodation nearest to your required location and attractions. The reviews are helpful, and it is easy to book on the go. Booking is flexible, with some accommodation providing the option to book now and pay later or at the hotel. The refund policy varies depending upon accommodation, but generally speaking, it is reasonable and easy to cancel, if need be, at no cost.
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10. Duolingo
I have long been a dedicated user of Duolingo and love it! This app offers 106 different courses in 38 languages. I can’t rate it highly enough. It’s engaging and combines various methods, such as speaking, reading, listening, writing and matching images to words to build your vocabulary and grammar skills. It’s free to use, easy to digest, fun and great for learning the basics of your required language before your trip. The bite-sized lessons make learning practical even if you only have a spare ten minutes.
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11. Hopper
Input your travel plans for Hopper to search and recommend flights and hotel prices. The colour-coded calendar highlights the cheapest days to travel and recommends whether to buy now or wait until the price improves. You can also freeze the price should you need more time and set up a price watch to receive a notification when the fare drops to its lowest point. It also provides tips such as carry-on-allowances.
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12. Flightradar24
Download this flight tracker for information on flights worldwide. View in real-time, on a moving map, or by utilising AR view by pointing your device at the sky to see what flights are passing overhead. Get information on airport arrival and departure boards, current weather conditions, and aircraft on the ground by tapping on any airport pin.
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13. Packpoint
If I’m honest, even when I do write lists, I still forget something. But this app takes some stress away by creating custom packing lists. Answer a few simple questions about your trip, and the app will create a list based on gender, travel destination, activities, dates, duration, and even the weather. You can modify and check off items as you pack, save and also share your list.
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14. Airbnb
This popular online marketplace provides a diverse range of accommodation to rent from locals. Whether it be a room, apartment, mansion or houseboat, AirBnB makes searching for accommodation on the go easy. It features more than 2 million listings in over 34,000 different cities. Apply filters, view properties, read reviews, save, share and book your options. You can communicate with your host with any queries, and it’s also a great way to get local insight. You can contact Airbnb at any time for additional support.
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15. TripIt
Finally, on the list of useful travel apps, if you need help organising your travel itinerary, TripIt will compile all your travel plans into one place. Forward your flight, hotel, car or any other reservations to plans@tripit.com, and it will automatically transfer all the information to your master itinerary. You can then view all your upcoming plans at once, instantly send them to your calendar or anyone you choose. TripIt will organise your travel plans regardless of where you book.
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What useful travel apps do you recommend?
