best travel apps 2023

20 Best Travel Apps in 2024 (Plus They’re Free)

We frequently search for the best travel apps to make travel easier. We’ve tested hundreds of travel apps over the years, and we’re often asked to recommend the travel apps we can’t live without.

So, we wrote this post on the 20 best travel apps that helped us to visit every country in the world!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

These travel apps were essential to navigating our way through some remote places, saving money, and communicating with locals to experience unforgettable encounters and find unique places to stay.

Whether you’re looking to reserve a hotel room, dorm bed or apartment, book cheap flights, bus or train tickets on the go, translate a restaurant menu, ride local transport or chat with a local in a foreign language, we’ve compiled a list of the best travel apps you should have!

Let’s Dive In! 20 Best Travel Apps To Make Travel Easy

Table of Contents

1. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is the best travel flight app out there! It’s so easy to use and the prices are unbeatable!

Skyscanner is a metasearch engine that compares multiple airlines for the best prices. Just enter your departure airport, destination, and date to find cheap flights. 

You can filter results based on stops, duration, and airline. With the ‘everywhere’ option, discover the cheapest flights from your departure airport. 

Don’t miss out on this one, it’s hands down one of the best travel apps for nabbing cheap flights! It’s worth mentioning here that the Skyscanner app is also a metasearch engine for searching cheap car hire and hotels too. 

Our Favourite Feature: Skyscanner  allows you to compare multiple airlines, flight times, and prices. 

2. Booking.com

No travel app comes close to beating Booking.com to reserve your accommodation for your trip. From budget dorm beds in hostels and affordable hotels in great locations to luxury accommodations, including villas, apartments and everything in between, Booking.com is hands down one of the best travel apps for reserving a place to stay.

Once you’ve made several reservations on Booking.com, you can reclaim awards and discounts on accommodation too. We’ve reached Genius Level 3 from using this app, saving us up to 15% on future reservations.

The Booking.com app makes it easy to keep all your bookings in one place, and you can impress taxi drivers with the app’s handy hotel address feature, translated into the local language.

Download this must-have travel app before you leave on your adventures!

Our Favourite Feature: Booking.com has i n-app only deals and discounts

3. Airalo eSIM

Nowadays, the best way to stay connected on your travels is with Airalo eSIM . 

The Airalo travel app has been essential for us to stay connected in multiple regions and countries as we traverse the globe. 

This travel app allows you to download an eSIM for 190+ countries effortlessly. It’s so easy, and it’s affordable too! Just download, activate and go! 

We LOVE this product. Read more about why we choose eSIM for International Travel.

Our Favourite Feature: Discover eSIMs that cover up to 130+ countries on one eSIM! Choose from Data Only eSIM or Data, Call & Text eSIM to save you   huge $$$. View ALL Discover eSIM Packs here . 

Skype is an excellent means to stay connected with loved ones back home while you’re away.

We use the Skype app when we need to call a business or private number that isn’t on Whatsapp. 

One of the best things about the Skype app is the ability to make free video calls globally, provided that both parties use Skype.

Additionally, you can place calls to landlines or mobile phones for a fee. 

Keeping your Skype credit topped up with $10-20 allows seamless calling from your mobile or landline, making it a cost-effective way to communicate worldwide.

With access to a wifi signal, the possibilities are endless; you can reach any number globally with super affordable bills.

For digital nomads and business owners who are constantly on the move, Skype proves to be an indispensable app. It lets you quickly jump on work calls, making it an ideal tool. 

  Best feature:  Make free calls/video calls to any country worldwide.

5. Google Maps

Google Maps is an essential app for every traveller. It’s one of our phones’ most frequently used travel apps. We especially love that you can save cafes, hotels or places you want to visit and mark that spot with selected labels. 

We use the ‘heart’ label to add our favourite places to eat, and in the notes section, we just add what dish we’d like to eat there.

We like to use the ‘green flag’ label for places we’d like to visit, including attractions and landmarks. There’s a ‘blue bag’ label to pin accommodation options too, this is handy to save our hotel or apartment address and you can customise the label and add notes here too.

Our Favourite Feature:  The option to download and save offline maps. 

6. WISE 

WISE is an online account that lets you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally.

This service has saved us loads of money in international transactions & ATM fees. With a Wise account, you can get paid in other currencies and send money overseas. The app is lightning-fast and super savvy.

This is a must-have travel app for every traveller, especially if you’re planning to travel long-term.

Sign up for a WISE account here  and send your first International transfer for FREE!

Our Favourite Feature:  Fees are transparent and generally low, with no markup on exchange rates. Leave the big fees to the big banks and switch your banking needs to Wise!

7. Google Translate

What a savvy travel app this is! Google Translate is the best travel language app to help you communicate with the people you meet.

The app translates languages incredibly fast! With 100+ languages to access, you’ll breeze through interactions with locals.

From ordering the best meal, asking for directions or purchasing the correct train ticket or bus route, Google Translate has you covered. 

This app was an absolute gem to help us travel in China, that fantastic trip to Taiwan and decode menu items in Japan and Central Asia. 

Our Favourite Feature: Save particular words or phrases so you can access them quickly when needed.

Imagine checking just one place for ALL your travel details and getting notifications if things happen that may affect your trip. TripIt app is your personal travel organiser, and it will make your travelling life a breeze!

TripIt can organise your travel plans no matter where you book. Simply forward your confirmation emails to [email protected] and in a matter of seconds, TripIt will create a comprehensive itinerary for every trip.

We used TripIt to keep our flights, accommodation, bus & train tickets and even reservations for day tours organised so we could access the app at any time and quickly source the information we needed. 

Believe me, you need this in your life! TripIt is free and it’s one of the best travel apps to help you stay organised and stress-free when you’re on the road.

Our Favourite Feature:  You can also sync your plans with your calendar—no copy and pasting necessary.

9. Surfshark VPN 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a must-have tool to protect your privacy and increase your internet security.

Surfshark VPN  safeguards your connection with military-grade encryption, so you can log into your accounts, make bank transfers, and shop online without worrying that your data may be compromised or hacked.

It works by encrypting communications so you’ll have an anonymous IP address. Surf Shark (or other good VPNs) allows you to access websites that are inaccessible in other countries. 

If you’re in a country such as China that bans many social media networks such as Facebook, by turning on Surfshark VPN, you can still access Facebook if you’re travelling here.

Download Surfshark VPN to put your mind at ease on your travels. 

Our Favourite Feature:  Fast connection, easy-to-use app

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10. Trainline

Trainline  is an international rail and coach booking platform. The user-friendly app allows you to buy instant train tickets and railcards and gain free access to live train times and railway station information. 

It’s so handy; we use the Trainline app to book all our train tickets on the go. It’s especially helpful for those of you wishing to travel around Europe by train .

Our Favourite Feature:  The app has a section called ‘my tickets’, which is helpful for quick access to your already purchased train reservations.

RELATED POST –  7 Best Tips for Traveling to Europe

11. Rome2Rio

This app is excellent for comparing transportation options between destinations. 

Once you enter your origin and destination, the Rome2Rio app searches for train, flight, bus, and ferry options between locations. Cleverly, it also shows the driving distance for trips by car so you can quickly and easily see which option is best for your timing and budget.

We use this app frequently to get a quick idea of the options available to get from A to B anywhere in the world. 

Our Favourite Feature:  If you see a journey you’d like to book there and then, the Rome2Rio app connects you with transportation providers to make a reservation.

12. GetYourGuide

Travel with ease! GetYourGuide is great for discovering excellent experiences and tours. Just enter your city, and the app does the rest! 

Find the best food tours, city tours, cruises, wildlife safaris, island hopping adventures, private transfers, skip-the-line entrance tickets and more! 

GetYourGuide offers city passes like the ‘Vatican City & Rome’ Pass . This sightseeing pass provides free entry to Rome’s most popular attractions and museums, saving you up to 55%!

They’ve got everything from thrilling motorcycle tours in Vietnam to invigorating 14-day hikes in Nepal; reserve your spot here .

Book excellent activities, compare prices and read past guest reviews for peace of mind.

The best part is their flexible cancellation policy, no hidden fees, and mobile-friendly tickets.

Our Favourite Feature:  GetYourGuide offers a flexible free cancellation policy.

The ultimate activity and tour booking companion! Viator is a top-notch travel app with a stellar reputation.

Like GetYourGuide, Viator is one of the best travel apps to book day tours, multi-day adventures, local experiences, entrance tickets and more!

Viator offers excellent customer service, free cancellation, flexible payment options, and an overall excellent product.

Explore 300,000+ experiences across the globe – USA, Asia, Europe, Australia, and beyond! 

Need travel inspiration about where to travel next? Our guide on the cheapest countries to visit this year will help you decide. 

Our Favourite Feature:  Viator app offers 24/7 customer service & support.

Moovit provides travellers with a one-stop-shop journey experience to help them get from point A to B most quickly and efficiently. 

You may be surprised at how savvy this travel app is; a game-changer in my opinion.

Get train, metro and bus times, maps, and real-time arrival information in cities and destinations worldwide to plan your trip confidently and get mooving!! 

Our Favourite Feature:  The app allows you to add a line (frequent journey) to your ‘favourites’ section for quick access and instant information.

15. Grab (and other ride-sharing apps)

Ride-sharing apps have been a saviour for us as we’ve made our way around the world. 

As I understand, Uber was the first ride-sharing app to start the ball rolling, but now there are many fantastic ride-sharing apps that can make your life so much easier out there on the road.

Depending on what country or region of the world you are planning to travel to, we recommend you download the ride-sharing apps below.

• Grab – For travel in Southeast Asia.
• Bolt – For travel in Europe, Tunisia (read these 10 Best Tips for Independent Travel in Tunisia ) and other nations in Africa too. 
• Uber – For travel in the USA, Canada, Europe & Australia
• FreeNow – Travel in Europe (up to 150+ cities)
• BiTaksi – For travel in Turkey.

And there are many more!

Most ride-sharing apps allow you to add your bank card to your profile to take care of the payment. We like this feature because you don’t need any local currency, and it cancels the chance of getting scammed by a taxi driver. Unfortunately, scams do happen.

Read our post about how to avoid 6 common tourist scams in China .

Our Favourite Feature:  Seeing the estimated price and journey time before you make a booking.

16. WhatsApp

Looking for a reliable way to stay connected with friends and family? Look no further than WhatsApp!

This is one of the best travel apps out there, and it’s used worldwide to keep people connected. 

WhatsApp offers a range of features, allowing you to send messages, make calls, and even video call other WhatsApp users for free, as long as you have a wifi connection.

Not only is WhatsApp perfect for keeping in touch with friends and family, but it also comes in handy while travelling. Nations worldwide communicate easily with WhatsApp, so it’s our top choice for the best travel apps to download to your device.

WhatsApp helps you to easily stay in contact with locals, tour operators, hotels, and companies, as many of them are readily available on WhatsApp. 

WhatsApp pairs perfectly with an international eSIM . An easy, reliable and affordable way to help you stay connected with the world.

Stay connected and travel easier out there – choose WhatsApp!

Our Favourite Feature:  The ability to video call, voice call or message other numbers for free, providing you’ve got a wifi connection (or an Airalo eSIM ) 

17. Xe Currency Converter

Use the Xe Currency Converter app to instantly check live market rates for every world currency on your Smartphone or device. 

That’s 170+ currencies that you can convert on the go. If you need to check the conversion of what 1 USD will give you in AUD, you can get your answer on this app within seconds.

We use this app to quickly check the latest exchange rates handing over any currency in an exchange office or even to a money changer on the street. We frequently used this during our overland travels across Central & West Africa . 

If you’ve ever wondered about what it’s like to travel in this region of the world, here are 17 ESSENTIAL Things to Know Before Travelling to West Africa from our experience.

18. Maps.me

Maps.me app is similar to Google Maps in some ways, but it’s much better for navigating rugged terrains!

Whenever we go hiking, we ensure we’ve got our map downloaded on Maps.me; it rarely lets us down. It does a great job of showing the small trails that Google Maps doesn’t usually pick up. 

It covers six continents, making it essential for unexplored or remote spots.

This travel app was handy in Africa, particularly when directing a taxi driver to our nominated address. Maps.me allows you to set up the navigation and press speak on the app, a voice will then guide you in the selected language. You should see the look on the taxi drivers’ faces when we do this; it’s pure amazement.

Maps.me is a must-have travel app for all travellers, especially those hoping to take off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Our Favourite Feature:  Maps.me offers a bookmark collection that allows you to build your ultimate trip!

19. Trusted Housesitters

If you’re planning to travel long-term, Trusted Housesitters is one of the best travel apps I’d recommend you download right now.

Every traveller finds out that accommodation is one of the most significant expenses on the road, and this app can help cancel that out entirely! 

Being a housesitter means free accommodation for you in return for looking after different homes around the globe. Choosing to join Trusted Housesitters was one of the best things we ever did!

Trusted Housesitters  is a fantastic website for saving money and house-sitting worldwide. 

Join now with our invitation  and receive a massive 25% off your membership!

Our Favourite Feature:  Use the filters on the app to set alerts for preferred cities or countries you know you’ll be visiting in the coming months. 

Omio  is the best travel app and booking platform for travellers on the go.

The Omio easy-to-use app is seamless for booking tickets for trains, buses, flights, ferries, and airport transfers so you can focus on the journey.

They’ve got 1,000+ trusted travel partners listed across the platform, giving you many choices and options to book the most direct route at the best price.

It’s quick, reliable and most importantly, Omio offers the best deals too. 

Our Favourite Feature:  The Omio app keeps your list of ‘upcoming journeys’, which is helpful to ensure your travel plans are organised.

Travel Tips & Inspiration

We love to share our knowledge of travelling, and you may enjoy reading our best-ever travel tips and our  ultimate packing list for travellers .

For food lovers, don’t miss our  top 10 best countries for foodies!  And, if you’re more interested in history, these  30 amazing historical places in the world  will fascinate you!

Perhaps you’re travelling on a budget? These  10 cheapest countries in Europe to visit  may be just the tool you need to start planning an epic trip.

But, here are  8 things to know about traveling to Eastern Europe  and it’s good to know these  7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe  too.

Or, perhaps these  21 Cheapest Countries to Visit Right Now  is just the thing you’ve been searching for.

We’ve got a bunch of  tips for how you can save money to travel the world , and even when you’re out there travelling, maybe these  20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world  will help you travel longer. It worked for us, and we bet it can work for you too.

Finally, these  top 6 travel hacks to save you money  are great to read when planning your travels.

And, if you’re planning a new trip, whether it’s for a week, a month, or even a few years, consider  buying an eSIM to stay connected . This is our favorite travel product, and you can read more about what is in eSIM and  why eSIM is so convenient for International Travel .

Check out the  travel gear we use on the road, and for the products and websites we use to plan new trips, head to our Travel Resources Page .

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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1 Comment . Leave new

Heyy, very useful article, thanks! Perhaps to add on your list might also be this super useful app – ATM Fee Saver – gives ATM fees and withdrawal limits in many countries, really needed needed these days as atms abroad can become so expensive. Never seen anything like this before – it us sure to help lots of other international travellers like me!!!

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 9 Best Travel Apps

These days, everyone travels with a smartphone. Beyond the ability to take endless selfies and keep in touch with family back home, they provide us with a never-ending stream of tools and apps to help us plan our travels and deal with any hiccups we encounter on the road.

Unfortunately, while there’s no shortage of travel apps, most of them are terrible.

To help you avoid downloading (and maybe even paying for) apps that aren’t worth your time, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite travel apps. These apps will save you time, money, and help you make the most of your travels. They’re the apps I think every traveler should have on their phone before they leave home.

Table of Contents

1. GetYourGuide

2. loungebuddy, 3. hostelworld, 4. skyscanner, 6. xe currency converter, 7. google translate, 8. happycow, 9. gasbuddy.

Whether you’re in the planning stages and looking for things to fill out your upcoming itinerary or you’re already in a new country and want something to do later that day, GetYourGuide can help. I’ve used them a bunch and always have a great time!

LoungeBuddy takes the pain out of the process. After entering your credit card, airline status, and lounge memberships, the app tells you which lounges you can access at any given airport. It makes even the longest layover tolerable so you can relax and enjoy your travels. And if you don’t have status, you can book lounge access directly through the app. It’s easy to use, and free to download.  

You can also use the app to see who else is staying at the hostel. You can join a group chat for the hostel and connect with travelers to make plans before you arrive. In short, it’s a must-download app for backpackers and solo travelers. The app is free to download.  

The best feature of the app, however, is the ability to search for flights to everywhere . You simply input your departure airport and the dates you want to travel, and it will bring up all the potential options — from cheapest to most expensive — so you can browse for ideas without needing to check each one manually.

If you want to save money on flights, this app is a must. The app is free too.  

The basic version is free while the pro version is $49 USD per year.  

If you have to stay on budget (and don’t want to get ripped off), download this app. It’s free.  

The app can read out your text too so you can hear how it is properly pronounced, and you can also use your camera to take photos of text that it can translate too (which is helpful if you need to read ingredients while shopping, for example). The app is free.  

The app is free but for $9.99 USD per month, you can upgrade to premium, which saves you 20 cents a gallon (up to 50 gallons) and provides 24/7 roadside assistance.

While it’s important to not spend your entire trip on your phone or social media, there are times when using your smartphone can easily improve the quality of your trip, keep you safe, and save you money. By downloading the apps above, you’ll be able to have a much smoother trip, giving you more time, energy, and money to invest in your next adventure.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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30 essential travel apps every traveler needs before their next trip

When it comes to planning and taking a vacation, travelers rely on their phones now more than ever.

Travel apps are a source of inspiration and are extremely useful for booking and managing logistics — even making restaurant reservations or finding a great fitness class wherever in the world you're flying next.

From apps that help with everything from day-of hotel bookings and last-minute flight changes to those that serve as guidebooks and foreign-language dictionaries, travel is infinitely easier thanks to technology.

Apps can help you navigate a new city, make currency conversions, pack a perfect suitcase and even provide on-the-ground local expertise. Whatever you need when you hit the road, there's an app for that.

We've rounded up the most-loved apps here at TPG. Some may be obvious, and others more obscure, but either way, get ready to download.

Best apps for researching and booking trips

In addition to the apps for the airlines you fly most frequently and your favorite hotel brands, these apps can help you save money on flights and accommodations.

Hopper has changed in recent years from just offering a price prediction tool for flights to being a true online travel agency. The app helps travelers find the cheapest flights, hotels and rental cars.

Of course, Hopper also still offers its signature price prediction technology to help you plan out when to book, as well as travel protection options and a price freeze to help you lock in the lowest possible price on hotels and flights.

Kiwi is used mainly to book flights, but it also helps you book hotels (using its partnership with Booking.com) and car rentals (using its partnership with RentalCars.com).

Some of the app's most interesting features include the "Deals" section, which pulls in discounted flights, and the "Travel hacks" section, which includes options for hidden city ticketing, throwaway ticketing (making one-way flights more affordable) and free price alerts.

Hotel Tonight

A dream for last-minute travelers, Hotel Tonight ( now owned by Airbnb ) lets you book stays for the same evening up to a few months in advance in thousands of cities worldwide. Available hotel rooms are categorized into sections like basic, luxe, hip, charming and solid, so you can select what works for your vibe. Take advantage of the daily drop feature, where you swipe to find a personalized deal with a special price only valid for 15 minutes after unlocked.

At TPG, we love a good loyalty program, and HT Perks, the app's nine-level reward program, is extensive. Not unlike a video game, you "level up" by reaching specific spending thresholds on the app, and you'll gain access to perks like discounts, VIP customer support and credits. Also, your levels never expire, so you can only continue to move up.

To book home rentals instead of hotels, use the Airbnb app. After entering your destination and dates, you can filter results based on the home type, price, requisite amenities and more. If you find something you like, you can book directly through the app.

The app is ideal for managing your trips while on the road — you can access all your bookings under the "Trips" tab, where you can view your reservation (and the address or directions), contact the host or change your reservation. Once you have a booking, you can also explore and book local experiences in your destination, such as wine tastings, kayak tours, hikes, shows and concerts.

We can't talk about travel apps without mentioning the TPG App. Use it to track your credit card, airline and hotel points balances; earn points and miles efficiently through using the right credit card ; and research how many points or miles you'll need to book your dream getaway. You can even curate your own news feed so you see the news and advice that matters most to you first.

The TPG App is available for download on iOS . Android users can join the waitlist here .

Related: The TPG App has arrived — here's why you should download it now

Best apps for organizing a trip

From keeping all your documents in order to perfectly packing your suitcase without forgetting a thing, these are the best apps for organizing travel plans.

TripIt declutters your itineraries and documents by keeping them organized in one place. You can set your reservations to automatically send to TripIt, which lets you view travel confirmations, flight itineraries, tickets, hotel and Airbnb booking information, rental car reservations, ferry tickets and driving directions without ever leaving the app.

TripIt also makes it simple to share your trip plans with whoever picks you up from the airport or train station or anyone else who may need to coordinate with you. TripIt Pro subscriptions cost $49 per year and include extras like real-time flight alerts, security wait times, baggage claim information and updates on your loyalty reward programs.

Roadtrippers

Perfect for organizing that epic road trip you've always wanted to take, Roadtrippers plans out your driving route and lets you book hotels and activities along the way. The app is especially useful for finding interesting and off-the-beaten-path roadside attractions, cool restaurants and can't-miss landmarks you can bookmark.

A Roadtrippers Premium membership includes offline maps, live traffic information, overnight RV parking and more for $59.99 per year. For those looking to only venture on a few road trips per year, the app also offers a Pro ($49.99 per year) and Basic ($35.99 per year) membership.

PackPoint takes all the stress out of packing . The app shows you what to bring based on the length of your trip, the weather in your destination and any activities you're planning along the way. If you have access to laundry facilities at your destination, PackPoint even allows you to account for washing your clothes and wearing them multiple times.

Just download and install the app, type in the city you're visiting and plug in your travel details. So, stop waiting until the day before your trip — or the hours before you have to leave for the airport — and start packing now.

Best apps for navigating the airport and flights

Track flights, navigate airports and find airport lounges with these apps.

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world, regardless of the airline or class you're flying. When you create a trip in the app and type in the credit cards you currently hold, it will tell you which lounges you have access to based on the airports you'll be transiting through and how to purchase access if you don't already have it.

You can purchase access on the day you're traveling or up to two months in advance if you're the plan-ahead type. If you prefer to search by lounge or lounge program, the app will tell you exactly what is needed to use them.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide and provides meal vouchers at select airport restaurants across the world for an annual fee starting at $99.

Several cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve , offer Priority Pass memberships for all cardholders (enrollment required). Otherwise, you'll have to pay an annual fee to be a member and, depending on your membership tier, a fee to enter each lounge on top of the annual fee.

To use the Priority Pass app, enter the name or code of the airport you're in, and Priority Pass will pull up the lounges or restaurants that you have access to, including photos, hours, amenities and specific location information. For more information on the Priority Pass Program and how to gain lounge access, click here . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access

FlightAware

The FlightAware app allows you to track flights online, see a live map of a flight and check on delays, cancellations and gate changes. This app is especially helpful if you have a tight connection or want to track your flight.

It's also useful when picking up friends and family at the airport, as you can track their flight and see updated landing times or delays. AvGeeks will enjoy digging into flight statistics, flight maps and community aviation discussions on the app.

Best apps to use during your flight

Timeshifter.

What better way to cure jet lag than with an app? Timeshifter actually helps you avoid jet lag long before your flight takes off and also offers inflight and post-flight suggestions. The app relies on neuroscience research about sleep and circadian rhythms to provide personalized recommendations, taking into consideration your age, gender and normal sleep patterns — as well as specifics about your trip and travel plans. Timeshifter maps out when you should avoid or seek light, take a nap or try to stay awake. It even tells you if you should consider supplementing with melatonin or caffeine.

Your first jet lag plan is free, then $9.99 per plan, or you can enjoy unlimited plans for a year for $24.99.

Flying can cause anxiety — or provide a welcome relief from constant contact with our digital devices. Either way, use travel as an opportunity to relax, meditate or listen to soothing sounds that will lull you to sleep or a deep, relaxed state. Or, perhaps, you'll simply find it helps pass the time during a long flight.

Calm offers meditations on topics such as self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels and happiness, among others. The app also has music options for focusing, relaxing and sleeping, as well as stories for adults and content for kids.

A limited selection of meditations and music is available for free (which you can download to use when you're offline or in flight). The premium version of the app costs $14.99 per month or $69.99 annually.

OK, so Netflix isn't really a travel app, but it can be a lifesaver during a long flight on an aircraft without seatback inflight entertainment or at the airport during an unexpected flight delay or boring layover. If you have a Netflix account, the app allows you to download your favorite shows onto your device to watch offline.

Just make sure to download your shows while connected to Wi-Fi before flying and check them again preflight to make sure they haven't expired (you can usually renew any expired downloads, but you must be connected to Wi-Fi or data to do so). Monthly prices vary depending on the plan.

Another app that's not really a travel app, Spotify can still be incredibly useful during tedious travel moments — just pop in those noise-canceling headphones and listen to your favorite music, meditations, podcasts and more.

The app's Premium plans (prices vary) allow you to download all your content offline on your phone, so you'll have it during long flights or when you don't have data or Wi-Fi access. Whether you want to take a morning jog in Bali to your favorite tunes or pass the time with a podcast on the metro in Barcelona, Spotify has it all.

Best apps to use in your destination

From exchanging money and sightseeing to communicating and knowing all the local tips and tricks, you don't want to land in a foreign city for the first time without these key apps.

XE Currency Converter

The XE Currency Converter app quickly provides live, up-to-the-minute currency rates, then allows you to store and view them even when you're offline. You'll never need to wonder if you're really getting a good deal in another country if you have this app.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a translation app that allows you to do it all — translate into more than 100 languages by typing, access 59 languages offline, translate via photo, translate bilingual conversations and even use the handwriting tool to translate.

The app is simple to use, too, with icons at the top you can click on to draw, take a photo, speak or type.

Not quite sure how much to tip when traveling internationally? GlobeTips will advise you on how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator for easy math. Globe also has apps for currency conversion, unit conversion and more that may be useful for travelers.

Related: The ultimate guide to tipping while traveling

For travelers globe-trotting with friends and family members or simply splitting the cost between groups, Tricount calculates shared costs and splits bills so you don't have to think twice about who owes what. Just enter your trip and currency and invite your travel mates to join your trip.

Each time someone pays for something, you enter the amount in Tricount, and the app splits everything up. You can also snap and store photos of receipts in the app. At the end of your trip, it will show the balances of who owes who what, making it easy to settle up.

Metric Conversions

Never be baffled by Celsius temperatures or suitcase weight in kilograms again with the Metric Conversions app . Whether you're measuring flour to cook at your Airbnb, figuring out distances for your Europe road trip or deciding whether to take a sweatshirt with you during your walking tour of the Great Wall of China, this app has you covered with easy conversions in volume, weight, temperature, area and more.

Google Maps

Google Maps is essential when visiting a new city (or even for getting around your hometown). You can map locations, get directions (walking, driving, public transportation, ride-hailing services and beyond) and see how crowded your subway will be in select cities .

You can make restaurant reservations, save your favorite spots and read and write reviews of attractions, eateries, shops and more. Make sure to download specific city or area maps ahead of time for offline access if you know you'll be without internet at your destination. For obvious reasons, the app works best when your GPS is turned on.

WhatsApp is a handy messaging service for travelers abroad as it uses an internet connection to avoid SMS fees.

It works like most other messaging apps: You start by creating an account, then add your friends and family members to contact and voila! You're able to call, video chat and send messages, images, voice memos, gifs and files just as you would in, say, iMessage (but with Android users too). You can also download WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer.

Best apps for planning activities

Traveling is about more than just getting from point A to point B. If you're looking for activities to add to your itinerary, check out these apps.

Meetup is an app designed for interacting with locals and other travelers who have mutual interests or shared hobbies. Whether you're traveling or at home, take what you love and do more of it with Meetup.

The app shows you groups that are formed around particular interests in your city, including yoga, photography, cooking, wine tasting, hiking, cinema and other activities. You can join groups to get updates on particular events you may want to participate in. The app can even help with networking, as there are many groups dedicated to business and technology. You might even be able to join a coworking group. Travelers with kids can participate in family-friendly meetups, and it's a great way for solo travelers to make friends and connect with others.

TheFork is one of the most useful resources for making restaurant reservations in Europe. Similar to OpenTable or Resy, the app lets you browse different restaurants by category and make reservations. TheFork features more than 60,000 restaurants in cities like London, Madrid and Geneva, as well as spots outside of Europe like Sydney, Australia.

The biggest perk is that many restaurant reservations come with discounts — in some cases, you can get up to 50% off your meal just by reserving a table through TheFork. Since we here at TPG are always down for earning rewards, make sure to monitor your YUMS — TheFork's reward system. You'll earn YUMS with each reservation, and when you hit 1,000, you receive a discount on your bill. Foodie travelers should also consider downloading these apps , too.

Happy Cow helps vegan and vegetarian eaters locate more than 180,000 restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, farmers markets and grocery stores in over 180 countries around the world. The app allows you to filter by not only vegan and vegetarian but also gluten-free and cuisine types. You can also read reviews and get recipes on the app as well.

The app does cost $3.99, but it's a one-time expense.

TripAdvisor

Besides reading reviews of restaurants, hotels and attractions, you can book almost anything on TripAdvisor, from vacation rentals and restaurant reservations to tours and tickets.

The app has grown to include almost all things travel, allowing you to search by destination or interest (like the outdoors, food and drink, family or by the water, for example), which can give you inspiration for a trip or help you get your activities, meals and accommodations organized before traveling or on the fly.

With over 400,000 curated trails, AllTrails can help you find the hike or walk perfect for you and your group. It's not just mountain trails — AllTrails offers city walks, too, like easy meanders through the Marais district in Paris or peaceful strolls through Bangkok's Lumpini Park in Thailand.

See photos, updated weather predictions and key information about each route and connect with other travelers through reviews and forums. Access to AllTrails+ is $35.99 per year, which offers perks like offline maps and wrong turn alerts.

Best apps for staying safe

Use these apps to stay safe when traveling.

Smart Traveler

Smart Traveler is a free service that offers tips and information specifically for U.S. travelers. You can see what visas and vaccines you'll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip.

Register your trip on the app, which gives your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination. If there's any kind of disaster or tragedy, the local embassy can contact you to see if you need help.

TripWhistle

Another app dedicated to keeping you safe, TripWhistle maps your location and allows you to easily text or send your GPS coordinates or location. It also provides emergency numbers for firefighters, medical personnel and police in nearly 200 countries. After all, 911 is only for U.S.-based emergencies: Each country has its own specific emergency number.

Yes, Uber (or any local ride-hailing service app) is convenient, but it may also keep you safe. Using this app when traveling means you'll never get stuck wandering around in an unfamiliar area late at night or have to deal with unscrupulous taxi drivers trying to scam you. Uber also has in-app safety features such as an emergency assistance button which will allow you to call local emergency services right in the app.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

8 of the best travel apps that travel editors can't live without

By Charlotte Davey

The best travel apps, when used to your advantage, can be the most indispensable companion for a trip. Not only can they save you time and money, but they can also reduce any journey-induced stress. Need to work out costs on a group trip , translate a menu, or get from A to B when you don’t speak the language? There’s an App for that. But just as you don’t need a suitcase laden with unworn clothing, no one needs a phone clogged with gimmicky or useless apps. We asked our jet-setting editors to share the apps they genuinely use while travelling and the lesser-known gems that have saved a holiday. So while the BA App, Rome2Rio, or Monzo might be stalwarts of the frequent flyer’s home screen, here are the clever, hardworking Apps our travel insiders swear by.

Cost: Free to use (Wanderlog Pro includes additional features and costs around £40 per year)

USP: One of the best travel apps for planning every kind of trip, including road trips and group travel: create a trip itinerary, budget costs, organise flights and hotel reservations, and collaborate with friends. After your trip, share a travel guide to inspire other travellers.

Wanderlog brings everything you need to plan your trips into one seamless app experience. Its user-friendly, web-scanning database contains a huge wealth of information about sights, attractions and places to eat and drink. Not only can you find recommended hotspots through the app and add these to a map view, but you can also import reservation and flight details from your emails. Wanderlog is especially ideal for group trips. Your customised itineraries and lists can be edited by multiple people in real time, and users can leave notes for fellow travellers – such as a reminder of the must-have dish or dress code at a restaurant. Smart AI functionality means that the app can offer (editable) auto-generated itineraries as well. And if that isn’t enough, you can track expenses and cost-splitting too, indispensable for larger groups and squabble-prone families. Toyo Odetunde

Cost: Free to download.

USP: Request a chauffeur-driven, class-leading car on-demand or in advance for yourself or on behalf of others.

Wheely is a seriously plush chauffeur service within an easy-to-use app, currently operating in London, Paris , Dubai, and Moscow. What makes this ideal for the frequent flyer is that you can add in your flight details when booking an airport pick-up, so the driver knows exactly what time you’ll be landing (so no risk of them driving off if you’ve been delayed), and they’ll be ready and waiting for you (with your name on a sign) at arrivals. For any other queries, you can live chat with a real person (no bot responses here) – for example, if they can provide a baby seat (which they happily did for a recent family holiday ). Cars come with water and chargers as standard, and drivers are friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Peace of mind at the click of a button. Charlotte Davey

Hong Kong Taxi Cards

Cost: £1.99

USP: With over 9,000 Hong Kong addresses translated into written Chinese and Cantonese, equipped with a function to request additional addresses and get feedback quickly, this is not an ordinary dictionary-type translator app.

This is indispensable for travelling around Hong Kong if you’re not fluent in Cantonese. The App has pretty much every address ready in Chinese and Cantonese, so you can show your taxi driver where you want to go without getting lost in translation. It also has a speaking option which delivers the address fluently, which is really helpful if you have zero grasp of the language. Another handy feature is that the App will show you the journey time and estimate fare – something to remember is that not all taxis have card machines so you’ll need to make sure you have enough cash on you before you hail a cab. Matt Buck

Cost: Free to download (Splitwise Pro costs £2.79)

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

USP: Splitwise is the easiest way to share expenses with friends and family and stop stressing about “who owes who”.

This is a game changer for working out costs on group trips. Everyone in the party signs up, and then you simply enter your expenses as you go – with a description of what it was (flights, accommodation, food, etc) and who it needs to be split between (i.e. the whole group or just those who were in the taxi, for example). It’s a great way to stay on top of costs, from larger expenses to smaller spending, like a round at the bar. At the end of the trip, click ‘simplify debts’, and you should be left with just one transaction each to ensure everyone has paid the same amount. You can label each trip and see who has settled up, and if someone doesn’t pay the App will send them helpful reminders (saving pennies and friendships). Charlotte Davey

Google Translate

USP: Translate between up to 133 languages with instant camera translation.

Google Translate is nothing new, but if you download the app, you can use the camera on your phone to upload signs, labels, or menus for an instant translation. This is a lifesaver for travelling in a country that doesn’t use the English alphabet or a language you’re unsure how to pronounce. The platform is currently proficient in 133 languages, so this is a great one wherever you are in the world. The App also works offline so you don’t need to worry about data roaming charges. Another function that is noteworthy is the speaker option – not only can you point your phone at a sign for a translation, but it will then speak in your chosen language, which is particularly helpful for those who are visually impaired. Charlotte Davey

USP: Find wheelchair-accessible restaurants, cafes, toilets, shops, cinemas, parking lots, bus stops and much more.

Developed by a not-for-profit company based in Germany , this is a great app for wheelchair users, families travelling with prams, or even for those with heavy suitcases navigating public transport. Operating in over 30 countries, a vast number of restaurants, stations, shops, and more are shown on an interactive map with a traffic light system for whether it is fully accessible (green), part accessible (yellow), or not accessible (red). The App replies to users rating places they have visited, so less touristy areas won’t have as much information. Charlotte Davey

Cost: Free to download

USP: Stay connected in over 200 countries and regions. Install an eSIM and get online in minutes with no roaming fees.

Especially handy if you’re travelling through different countries, Airalo allows you to use different eSim cards to keep your data roaming costs down. The App is free to download, and then simply choose the country you’re in, and select a data plan depending on how long you're there and how much you’ll be using your phone. You can often save around £10 for a week's holiday which is worth it if you’re a frequent flyer or watching the pennies while travelling. Sophie Knight

Cost: Free to use. In-app purchases.

USP: Whering is the digital wardrobe and styling app where you can curate, organise, style and plan your outfits.

Whering is essentially a portable digital wardrobe – a ‘Clueless’ style outfit planner on your mobile phone. Fill your in-app wardrobe by uploading photos of your clothes, or by importing images from the app’s cosmic database or your favourite online retailers. Whering will then process these images into sleek, combinable ‘cut-outs’, allowing you to put together countless outfits, looks and mood boards, which can also be organised by occasion. If you’re short on time, or feeling either uninspired or spontaneous, Whering’s AI can deliver outfit suggestions in seconds – even taking into account the weather forecast, ideal when travelling a country you’re not familiar with (or just braving London’s erratic climes). The Planner function is especially great for trips, storing your outfit ideas for specific dates and events. Also great for travel planning is the packing list feature; you can add items to a packing list for a particular destination, and Whering can suggest items you may have forgotten. Toyo Odetunde

Best travel apps 2023, according to Apple. You'll want to bookmark this.

Apple's App Store editors came together and picked the best travel apps of 2023 — 20 in total.

Some may be familiar to you already, including Airbnb , Lyft, Uber , Hopper, Yelp , Tripadvisor, and KAYAK. Plus, Apple spotlighted some popular swift-entry apps, including CLEAR and MyTSA, but what about the remaining 11?

Here are Apple's favorite apps for iPhone-owning travel enthusiasts.

The best travel apps of 2023, according to Apple

Apple slapped an Editor's Choice award on Flighty because of its informative, comprehensive flight maps and top-tier forecasting on delays.

But what the Cupertino-based tech giant really digs about this app is its "perfectly timed notifications that keep you up to date and stress free." Plus, it tells you when you should be heading to the airport, explains exactly which runway you'll be on, and delves into details about your plane.

Not only do users find it helpful for tracking their own flights, but it's useful for keeping an eye on your incoming friends and relatives.

2. Currenzy

Based on its name, it's not difficult to determine what this app can do. As you might have guessed, Currenzy facilitates currency conversion calculations. (Whew, how's that for alliteration?)

If you're shopping in a foreign country, or you can't make sense of the prices on the menu items in a restaurant, the Currenzy app comes in handy, making it Apple's top pick for travel apps.

3. The MICHELIN Guide

One of the most head-scratching questions you must answer during your travels is, "Where the hell do I eat?"

As a foreigner, you often have no idea which restaurants serve the best food. You can rely on TripAdvisor and Yelp for reviews, but if you're a gastronomy connoisseur, you may want to consider using the Michelin Guide app to book reservations with the best eateries in the world.

If you find yourself in a country that doesn't have the most reliable public transportation, or you simply want the freedom of driving everywhere without depending on taxis, Turo is beneficial for you.

Touted as "the largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace," Touro is the Airbnb of the car-rental market. Hosts all over the world lend their cars to travelers seeking to explore new surroundings in a rental. You can choose between a rugged truck or a more luxe, smoother ride.

5. GasBuddy

If you're going to be using Turo, you might as well download GasBuddy , too.

This app helps you find the cheapest gas stations near your location, which is helpful for saving a few bucks. Traveling is already expensive, so if you can spare some change, it will add up in your favor in the end.

TripIt serves as an all-in-one hub for your travel plans. So instead of looking at one app for your flight details and another for your accommodation information, you can forward your confirmation emails to TripIt.

As a result, all of your travel plans, including flight, car rental information, and restaurant reservations, are organized in one place.

If you don't care for rentals nor taxis, and you prefer e-scooters, the Bird app is your friend.

Bird landed on Apple's "best travel app" list because it lets users get access to e-scooters in over 350 cities around the world.

8. HotelTonight

HotelTonight does something called "Daily Drops"; it notifies you about steep discounts on hotels.

According to the Editor's Notes in the Apple App Store, HotelTonight discovers unsold rooms at tempting prices — with a seamless and streamlined interface to boot.

9. SpotHero

Beneficial to travelers who plan to drive in busy cities, SpotHero helps you find parking spots — and reserve them, too.

This way, you don't have to worry about the headache of discovering garages and parking lots in unfamiliar, heavily populated cities.

10. RoadTrippers

There's even an app for adventurous travelers who prefer roadtripping. Catering to users in U.S. and Canada, this app caught Apple's eye because it has a whopping 38 million pre-planned trips.

As such, you can use the RoadTrippers app to use pre-made trip guides for a smooth-sailing journey from A to B.

11. Mobile Passport by Airside

If you've been traveling abroad, and you want to regain entry into the United States, this app — Mobile Passport by Airside — streamlines the process with mobile passport control.

Through the app, you can submit your travel documents and details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Once you're approved, you'll get an encrypted QR code that you can show the CBP officer.

Look for the mobile passport control sign at the airport and you'll find that your entry will go a lot smoother. You'll wonder why you didn't know about this app sooner.

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Trending on Mashable

Best Travel Apps (Updated for 2023)

Travel apps have made going on holiday a completely different experience from the old days of calling a travel agent, and then having to rely on word of mouth once you arrive to find nice things to do and see.

Nowadays your smartphone can book everything from flights, rental cars, and accommodation to let you know what fun and tasty experiences are around you.

At A Glance: Our Top Combo Of Travel Apps

• Best Travel Agent Kayak Jump To Review
• Best For Accommodation Airbnb Jump To Review
• Best For Local Travel Google Maps Jump To Review
• Best For Organization Packpoint Jump To Review
• Best Local Info TripAdvisor Jump To Review

Now that the world is finally opening up again, it’s time to start planning your next trip somewhere fun and beautiful. In this review, we have put together some of the best travel apps around for iOS and Android to help you find, plan, and experience the best vacation possible.

Top Product Overview

Best travel apps, booking flights & accommodation.

Buying the least expensive flights and accommodation is a dark art in this day and age, but luckily there are some apps that make it easier. Have a look at our best flight deals and accommodation booking apps that’ll ensure you’re getting the best price for travel needs.

Not only do they help on price but also with ensuring you find the right place and flight for your wants and needs.

If all you want is a bargain flight then the award-winning app Hopper is right up your street. Available on both iOS and Android , it’s similar to both Kayak and Skyscanner in that you can see the cheapest dates to fly on, but the difference is that Hopper will tell you when to buy your tickets by sending you a notification.

Hopper analyzes billions of flights, watching the price changes, and then informs you when to buy in order to get a deal. The app claims to be able to help you save money. You save 40% on your next booking, so it’s well worth a shot.

The user interface is clean and easy to use, and it only takes 60 seconds to book a flight.

They have now started doing hotel bookings too, and you can set up a tracker for a specific hotel instead of the whole city it’s in.

• Save up to 40% on flights
• Clean and easy to use
• You can track specific hotel costs to save on your booking
• Book a flight within 60 seconds
• It tells you exactly when to buy to save on your booking

Skyscanner is almost an all-in-one travel agent app that’s available on both iOS and Android . You can book flights, hotels, and rent a car from the palm of your hand using this app.

The app works by searching for the cheapest deals and best options through all its travel partners. It shows you the cheapest dates to book, you can set price alerts and if you’re not sure where to go, you can put in your departing airport and search “Anywhere” or “Top Deals” to give you a list of the most affordable destinations available.

Once booked, it’ll update your flight status as need and give you all your info in one place.

Want to know if Skyscanner is legit? Check out this detailed guide .

• All in one travel agent for hotels, flights and car hire
• You can do special searches to find the best deals from your departing airport
• It shows you the cheapest dates to book
• You can set up price alerts
• Handy booking statues info page

Kayak is another all in one travel app for travel agents similar to Skyscanner. They often, in our experience have better deals, but its best to check both.

Kayak searches for the best deal they can find through all their travel partners, whether it’s flights, accommodation, or car hire, they have got you covered. They often have exclusive deals too, that aren’t available anywhere else.

You can set price alerts for your intended trip, use the forecasting tool to see whether it’s worth buying now or if the price may go down, plus it’s a trip planner too.

Kayak’s trip planner gives you important details quickly, like a reservation number or your departure gate, in real-time, even on your Apples Watch.

It’s an awesome all in one travel agent that’s available on both iOS and Android .

ALSO READ: IS KAYAK LEGIT?  

• Trip planner section updates you about your bookings in real-time
• Have exclusive deals no one else does
• Price alerts and a forecasting tool
• Books hotels, flights, and car hire
• It shows you the least expensive dates to book

HotelTonight

We all know the headache and expenses involved when you experience long flight delays or if you lose your accommodation at a moment’s notice. Anything can happen when jet setting around the world and Hotel Tonight is one of those helpful travel apps that makes things a bit easier when it all goes wrong.

Available on both iOS and Android , Hotel Tonight is one of the best travel apps to find you a quick last-minute deal on your accommodation. They have partnered with hundreds of hotels to fill their empty rooms. It works for the hotels and gets you a great deal too.

You can book a room in seconds and you also have the added benefit of Hotel Tonight’s 24/7 customer service that helps fix anything that might have gone wrong. The app now includes a Daily Drop feature offering you the best deal for the day.

Using the travel app, you can book multiple rooms and then share the info into a group chap, making it easy as pie.

• Awesome last-minute hotel deals
• Offers up the deal of the day
• Book multiple rooms and share with a group chat

We have all heard of Airbnb and its model is one we all wish we had thought of. The app allows people to rent out their homes to travelers like us, giving us a sense of a home away from home. It’s often a bit less expensive than a hotel too and is available on both iOS and Android .

Not only can you rent an entire house for your stay, but you can also opt to rent a room giving you a local experience and the chance to get to know some people in the area. There’s also an option to book experiences which are events or activities that are available in your chosen destination.

Once you have found what you’re looking for, you can check hundreds of reviews about your intended booking to make sure it meets your standards. The interface is very easy to use, you can search based on all your requirements, and it displays it on a map for you, so you can see exactly where you might be staying.

• Book a home away from home
• Excellent interface and great searching
• Chance to engage with the local culture
• Save compared to a hotel
• Book experiences in the area with a local guide

Booking.com

Booking.com is available on both iOS and Android and is one of the best travel apps for finding deals on your accommodation.

You can search around your intended area and see the best deals available in seconds. It works for advance bookings and last-minute ones too.

They have thousands of hotels, B&B’s, motels, and hostels linked to their app, and the comparison feature shows you the prices, reviews, amenities, and rating of all the accommodation options near where you want to stay.

The app has over 130 million reviews, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from each establishment to make your decision about whether it’s the place for you or not.

It’s an easy app to use, you can book in seconds without any fees, plus there is 24/7 customer support available too.

RELATED POST : If you are looking for alternatives to Booking.com to book your hotel or vacation property, check out this guide .

• Has one of the largest accommodation databases to give you the most options
• Great for finding advanced and last minute deals
• Easy to use with a great search feature
• Booking is quick and easy with no fees
• Provides a rating and a lot of reviews about every option

Getting Around

When you arrive at a new place you’ve never been before, there’s always that daunting feeling about getting lost. You naturally want to explore but you have to find out how to get from A to B, whether you can walk there, use public transport, do you need a taxi and so on. Luckily, there are some great apps to help you out.

Citymapper, available on both iOS and Android , is one of the best travel apps you can use to find and use public transport. It currently covers 41 cities worldwide and the list is ever-growing.

It’ll find your location if you let it, and then you simply add your destination into the search tool to find all you transportation options. You can even search by arrival time for your destination, showing you when you need to leave by so you’ll never be late.

The app lists the search results by journey time, departing time, cost, and includes public transport, walking, taxis, and floating brands like bicycles, moped, and car-sharing. You can even search for wheelchair-accessible options too.

If you’re on the bus, the Citymapper travel app will tell you when to get off, so you don’t miss your spot. This is really useful when riding around an area you don’t know.

• Finds you all your transport options in 41 countries
• Includes public transport, taxis, and walking
• you can search by arrival time
• Easy to use and displays results with all the details you may need
• Includes searches for wheelchair accessibility, cycle, mopeds, and car sharing

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the best map apps around. And its one of those must-have free travel apps too!

Available on both the iOS and Android app store, there is a never-ending list of things it can do and tell you about any given area on the planet.

The travel app will give you directions for car travel, walking, cycling, and public transport. While walking, cycling, or driving, it acts as a GPS, telling you when to turn and guiding you to your destination on the fastest route available. It even shows you high traffic areas and helps you avoid them.

When using public transport, the Google Maps app offers up departure times, costs, journey times, and a taxi option too. It’s a pretty reliable worldwide.

If you’re worried about data costs when abroad, you can also download offline maps for specific areas for use when you have no internet connection. So, you don’t have to rely on an internet connection to know where you are or what’s around you.

Not only can you search for how to get from A to B on Google Maps, but also find restaurants, bars, museums, hotels, attractions, and more. The app will also let you know how busy each place is in real-time, so you can wait for the crowds to leave before you get there.

There is now a Your Places page, which allows you to add, view and manage all your favorite places in one place.

• GPS navigation for walking, cycling, and driving worldwide
• Public transport options for all cities worldwide
• Download map areas for use offline
• Find anything around your from restaurants to hotels
• Manage all your favorite places in the Your Places page

If you’re in need of a taxi, Uber is the most convenient app to use. Available on both the iOS and Android app store, it works in 65 countries and over 600 cities to bring reliable taxi services direct to your location.

The travel app saves you have to stand in the rain at a taxi rank or search for a reliable taxi service. All the drivers are rated by other users, so you can guarantee you’re in safe hands and you can share your trip, with all vehicle and driver information with a loved one.

You can request a car within minutes after knowing the rates, time of arrival, and choosing your desired vehicle and driver.

Once booked, you can track your car until it arrives and Uber will let you know when it’s outside. You can trip share or book your own private car, or split the fare with friends, all in the app.

This is a cashless service and everything is paid either via debit or credit card within the app, you can even leave a tip too.

• Works in hundreds of cities
• Request a car to your door
• All drivers are rated to ensure a great service
• Saves you having to search for reliable taxis in a new place
• Track an follow your car, and share your trip details with others
• Book a shared car, private car and split the fare with other passengers

Planning & Organisation

In this busy day and age, there is always something we forget when trying to get on the road for a vacation. It might be your snorkel gear, sun cream, or forgetting to download that book you wanted to read. These apps help you stay organized.

There are also travel apps to show you fun things to do at your destination. If you’re looking for a nice place to eat, some interesting activities to do, or simply want to know all your options so you can make a plan, these apps have you covered.

Life’s so busy that making lists has become the norm to ensure nothing is forgotten. The notes section of our phones are jam-packed with everything from shopping lists to to-do lists, and most likely your vacation packing list. But, what if your list was made for you?

Packpoint, a travel  app available on iOs and Android , takes the headache out of remembering everything. It looks at the weather for your dates and destination, asks you what activities you might be doing (like snorkeling), and then creates a packing list for you based on all this info.

You’ll end up with a list of everything you need to pack, along with general holiday items, which you can then edit. You can remove the things you don’t need, add extras, re-order items, and share your list with others.

• It makes a packing list for you
• Your list is based on the dates, weather and any activities you want to do
• You can add, remove and re-order items
• You can share your list with your travel partners

TripIt, available on both iOS and Android , takes all your travel plans and puts them in one place to give you a master itinerary for your entire trip.

Simply send all your email confirmations to the app and they put together a full itinerary for you that syncs to your calendar and can be shared with your travel partners. You can also store all your travel documents in the atravel pp, so you have everything in one place.

Gone are the days of remembering 8 different connections or looking in your email for multiple confirmations and travel details, Tiplt puts it all together for you in one place.

There is also an option to upgrade to the pro version for $49 per year, and it’s worth it if you fly a lot. The pro version gives you extra features like flight alerts, terminal info, security wait times, airport maps, directions, and a seat tracker that lets you know when better seats are available.

• Creates a master itinerary for you
• Stores all your travel documents in one place
• Upgrade to Pro for awesome extra features
• Simple and easy to use

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor, available on iOS and Android , is THE travel app when it comes to information on what’s around you, travel tips, and independent reviews of everything from bars to airlines. The best thing about it is that it works in every country in the world, and it should be on every traveler’s smartphone.

You can search through millions of reviews, pictures, and videos about everything you might use or like to visit. The cover most things from hotels, activities, restaurants, bars, and more.

You can use the Near Me search to find the top reviewed establishments close by, ask travel questions to people who have already been there, and add your own photos and reviews.

It also allows you to access your own travel feed, get ideas for travel, request expert advice, and find friends.

• Gives you access to a worldwide database on what's around you
• Provides independents reviews and media about every establishment
• Useful search features like Near Me
• You can ask questions for advice or knowledge
• Upload your own media and reviews

Learning Languages

There is no better way to enjoy your travels than being able to speak to the locals. Whether it is just ordering at a restaurant, or making new friends in your accommodation, it always pays to learn as much as you can.

Babbel is one of the leaders in online language learning, and a great way to immerse yourself in a new language before or during your travels.

The Babbel App is actually just a way to access language courses on your phone. They also provide access online, if you prefer to do it that way.

Their lessons are very practical and immersive and not heavy on the grammar or other things that typically turn us off (or bore us) when learning a language.

If you want to learn a new language for your next trip, this is a great way to do it.

• Practical and efficient language learning
• Great for beginner or intermediate
• Focus on learning the language fast
• Lots of learning options
• Access on App or Website

Google Translate

The Google Translate app is one of the most helpful travel apps  when you are in a foreign country and have no clue how to speak the local language.

So, if you are talking to a local and need a translation, just allow Google Translate to listen in and tell you what they are saying. It can do the opposite as well, so you can get a two-way conversation going.

It provides a huge range of helpful services. Starting with the ability to literally translate people’s speech (over 100 languages) as well as scanning documents, menus and images.

You can download it on the app store either for your iPhone or Android phone.

Our Top Combo

As you can see, we have labeled our top picks of the best travel apps in the review and we suggest you download them. But if you only want a couple of them, here we are going to imagine that you can only download three, and tell you which combination of apps would be the most useful.

If you can only download three, we would suggest Kayak , Google Maps , and Trip Advisor . With these three apps, you can book everything you need for your vacation, find your way around on your holiday, and know all the fun and tasty things to do too. All the apps are global too, so you’ll be covered no matter where you are on the planet.

The combo covers you with almost all your travel needs from flights, hotels, car hire, public transport, and SatNav, to know of and be able to book every bar, restaurant, or activity around you.

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The best trip planner apps to make your travels easier

Booking a trip can be an exciting yet daunting task. As if booking airfare, hotel, and transportation weren't enough, you also need to consider food, sights, and attractions. As a travel lover myself, I often dread planning and preparing for a trip. Not only do I never have the time, but I often get oversaturated by the vast amount of information found online and the fear of getting scammed. 

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Over the years, I've found the best websites and apps to help smooth out the planning process. These apps help me keep track of all my reservations, send me booking reminders, and guarantee I always find the best prices -- because there is nothing worse than falling for tourist traps or overpriced offerings. 

Whether you are a spontaneous or a nitty-gritty planner traveler, ZDNET has tested and reviewed the best trip planner apps on the market. Our top pick for the best trip planner site and app is Booking.com due to its easy-to-use user interface, extensive booking capabilities, and pricing. However, since not every trip or traveler is the same, we've included several options to help you plan and stay organized during your travels. 

Keep reading to learn more about ZDNET's expert-tested and reviewed trip planner apps. 

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The best trip planner apps of 2023

Booking.com, best overall trip planner.

• Multiple bookings
• Great deals
• Can earn points from bookings and reservations
• Easy to use
• No group planning
• Can't organize bookings per trip

Booking.com features:   Platform: App and website |  Compatibility:  iOS and Android |  Pricing:  Free |  Booking:  Yes |  Group planning:  No

When planning my trips, I always make a stop at the Booking.com app, especially when reserving hotels. I find their user interface visually appealing and easy to use, and that it provides just the right amount of information I need when scrolling through hotel suggestions. Personally, I enjoy that I can add my top picks to my favorites with a quick tap of a heart, glance through reviews, look at cancellation policies, and even find out how far away hotels are from key spots. Through Booking.com, you can also book flights, car rentals, taxis, and city attractions, making it a great all-in-one place to plan and book upcoming weekend getaways or longer vacations. While I have personally never used the car rentals, taxis, or city attractions components of the app, I enjoy knowing that if I ever needed to, I can quickly hop on my phone and glance at the latest offerings. 

My favorite feature when using Booking.com to plan trips is the offers and promotions it displays for users. In the app, when you click your profile, you can see your "Genius" loyalty program status as well as discover the best deals around the world for your specific chosen dates. My only critique of Booking.com is that it does not enable group trip planning or let you organize your bookings per trip. This means if you are planning a trip with a friend, only one person can book and have access to reservations. 

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Best trip planner for organization

• Synced with e-mail inbox
• Organizes reservations no matter where you book
• Works offline
• Can't make any bookings
• Need to pay for advanced features
• UI could use an upgrade

TripIt features:   Platform:  App and website |  Compatibility: iOS and Android | Pricing: Free or $49 per year | Booking: No | Group planning: Yes

In terms of planning a trip, creating an itinerary, and keeping all your information in one place, TripIt is one of the best travel apps to keep yourself organized. When you first create an account, TripIt will sync with your inbox and automatically add all of your upcoming flights and reservations to your account. You can then modify each trip to include as little or as much information as you'd like. As someone who likes to be spontaneous when traveling, I usually only add the essentials: flight information, hotel reservations, and important documents. However, if you like to plan your trips down by the hour, you can also include activities, restaurant reservations, transportation, and more in your trip plan to share with fellow travelers.

As your trip approaches, TripIt will also send you packing reminders, give you COVID-19 travel guidance, and show transportation options. While you can get most of the essential features within the free version of the app (this is the one I use), you can also pay $49 a year to get advanced features such as check-in reminders, real-time flight alerts, point tracking, and even notifications for drops in airfare prices. 

Keep in mind that while TripIt gives you transportation options and finds places near your hotel, you cannot book or make any reservations directly from the app. The app is solely used to organize and keep track of all of your travel plans in one place, no matter where you book them. 

Best AI trip planner

• Personalized travel itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Can modify recommendations
• Group planning enabled
• Only available as a website
• No flight or restaurant booking

Guide features:   Platform: Website  Compatibility: all major browsers |  Pricing:  Free | Booking: Yes, but hotels only | Group Planning: Yes  Generative AI is everyone's favorite buzzword this year, and slowly but surely, it has been making its way across all industries -- including the travel industry. Guide is an innovative AI travel planning tool that creates personalized travel itineraries based on your preferences. (Full disclosure, it's also owned by ZDNET's sister company. It's currently in private beta, but you can join a wait list.) All you need to do is select your destination, the dates, whether you are traveling alone or in a group, your budget, and the types of activities you are looking for, and Guide will do the planning. 

After generating a trip itinerary for you based on your prompt, Guide then lets you modify and customize the itinerary to your liking. I recently used Guide to plan a six-day trip to Austin, Texas, and this was the feature I enjoyed the most, since I had specific restaurants and activities I wanted to incorporate into my trip, but I also needed some additional recommendations. While you can't book flights or restaurant reservations through Guide, you can book and find great hotel deals powered by Expedia on the platform. 

Guide will also give you an overall budget for your trip, a packing list, and a comprehensive list of things to know about your destination -- which may be helpful for some more than others. While my trip to Austin was a solo trip, Guide has a feature where you can invite other fellow travelers to collaborate in planning your trip through Guide's chatbot, GuideBot. This chatbot also works sort of like ChatGPT, where you can ask GuideBot questions about your trip, your destination, or recommendations. Keep in mind you can not ask GuideBot to directly modify your trip for you, and instead need to manually do it yourself -- believe me, I tried. 

Tripadvisor

Best trip planner app for reviews.

• Countless reviews
• Used by travelers worldwide
• Variety of information
• Booking capabilities
• Great for local spots
• Booking is not its strongest feature and you may not always find the best deals
• Doesn't vet reviews

Tripadvisor  features: Platform:  App and website |  Compatibility:  iOS and Android |  Pricing:  Free |  Booking:  Yes |  Group planning:  No

Reading customer reviews is one of the most important steps when planning a trip. While you shouldn't base all of your decisions on reviews, you should consider past customer experiences to get a feel for the brand and company you are about to trust, or the experience you are going to pay for.  When it comes to travel reviews, Tripadvisor is the best trip planner app to rely on. Since the platform has so many reviews for restaurants, activities, accommodations, and locations all over the world, it is always easy and convenient to log onto the app or website to help you make an educated decision. (However, remember that not all Tripadvisor reviews are legit, since the platform does not independently verify customer postings.) Beyond reviews, TripAdvisor also lets you book hotels, restaurants, things to do, and more while also providing detailed insights into their offerings -- including cancellation policies, ratings, and features. 

Tripadvisor's "Travelers' Choice" best-of list is also a popular part of its platform, allowing visitors to see top-rated destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world. With Tripadvisor, you can plan a trip yourself from scratch, hire a trip designer, or get a custom itinerary built by AI. 

Best trip planner app for transportation

• Great multi-mode travel comparison
• convenient and seamless transportation booking
• Multiple currency and language availability
• Flight deals and suggestions are not the strongest
• Limited offers depending on the country or city of travel
• Not the most reliable customer service

Omio features:  Platform:  App and website |  Compatibility:  iOS and Android |  Pricing:  Free |  Booking:  Yes, transportation only |  Group planning:  No

I first discovered Omio when a friend recommended it to me while I was studying abroad in Spain, and ever since I downloaded it, it has become my go-to app for booking the best deals and fares on transportation within Europe. The concept behind Omio is simple: You plug in your departure and arrival location, including the number of people you are traveling with, and add whether you are looking for a one-way or round-trip journey. Omio will then show you the best deals by train, bus, or plane to and from your desired destination, including how much time each option will take you and the number of stops. 

The German-based travel booking site is great at aggregating travel information from multiple sites, allowing you to view all of your transportation options in one place. This is incredibly beneficial when planning trips within Europe since there are several ways you can cross each border and often various languages and regulations to keep in mind. Omio is set in English but has multiple additional languages available, as well as currency options. During my time abroad, I solely used Omio to book all of my transportation, including planning a 17-day trip across seven different European countries. Overall, using Omio was not only convenient and seamless but also helped me save hundreds of dollars by helping me maximize my travel time by switching between flights, trains, and buses. 

However, since returning from Europe, I have not used Omio as much as I thought I would -- maybe because I have a car and take most of my trips by plane. And Omio's flight deals and suggestions are not the strongest compared to Booking.com or Skyscanner's, which heavily focus on flight deals. I have also found they have some limitations depending on the country or city you are traveling in. Be mindful of the deals and tickets you buy through Omio since some tickets are non-refundable, and some customers complain their customer service is not the best -- although I have yet to have any issues with them. 

What is the best trip planner app?

Booking.com gets our vote for the best trip planner app due to its wide selection of accommodations, its points and promotions offerings, and its easy-to-use user interface. Not only does Booking.com help you find the best deals throughout your trip, but it will also help you stay organized throughout your trip by keeping all of your reservations in one place. To determine which trip planner app or combination of trip planners is best for you, check out this comparison chart below. 

Which is the right trip planner app for you?

The best trip planner app ultimately depends on your travel and planning style. If you like booking and planning everything in one place while also earning points and getting great deals, then Booking.com is your top app. However, if you are looking for a place to keep all of your accommodations, reservations, and activity details organized, then TripIt is a better app for you. Check out the following chart to help you find the best trip planner app or a combination of apps for you to plan your next adventure. 

How did we choose these trip planner apps?

To find the best trip planner apps, we drew upon real-life experiences and tested their performance and capabilities during our latest trips. Ultimately, we weighted the following factors when choosing which trip planners to include on our list: 

• Features: Each app can vary significantly with the features it offers, whether it is solely to book flights and hotels, help you plan your next trip using AI, or help you find the best deals and booking information, each app on this list can help you address several common inconveniences that present themselves while planning that next adventure.  
• Compatibility: An app is of little use if it does not work with your devices, so we look to see what compatibility each trip-planning app offers and which platforms you can access it from. Personally, I enjoy apps that combine an app and website component since this quickly helps me switch between my wide computer screen and my tiny yet portable iPhone screen. 
• Customer reviews: We study real customer reviews and ratings to evaluate customer satisfaction and service. This is incredibly important since most times when you travel, you visit an unknown city or country, and you should be mindful of past experiences others have had. 
• Cost : Most trip planner apps are free, but you may have to upgrade to receive special access to exclusive features or deals. If your app is already free, it means you only have to pay a small amount (often unnoticeable) when you book your accommodations. 

What is a trip planner app?

A trip planner app is an app that provides organizational features for your upcoming trip. It is often free and incorporates trip planning tools, whether you are traveling by ground, water or air.   

How does a trip planner app work?

A trip planner app can incorporate special features, like an itinerary, calendar, reservation and booking hub, and map assistance. Depending on the app you choose, there is even trip-sharing with friends and family to simplify the entire trip planning process.  

How much does a trip planner app cost?

Most trip planner apps are free, but some may offer in-app purchases to upgrade or enhance your experience. Within this list, only Tripit costs money, but only for their advanced features version, which costs $49 a year. However, you can get access to most if not all, trip-planning features, through their free version. 

Are there alternative trip planner apps worth considering?

As I mentioned earlier, trip planning heavily depends on your personal style of travel and preferences. However, whether you like to plan your trips down by the minute or prefer to just have the basics, there are several apps that can optimize your planning. Here are a few apps worth considering that almost made it onto our list: 

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The Best Travel Apps to Use in 2023

Gone are the days of lugging around heavy guidebooks and deciphering paper maps. Today, the savvy traveller’s best friend is a smartphone loaded with the right travel apps. These digital companions can save you time, money, and countless headaches on your journeys. So, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time explorer, here’s our curated list of the best travel apps to make your adventures in 2023 unforgettable.

GetYourGuide

For those of us who believe that travel is all about experiences, GetYourGuide is a game-changer. This app is your gateway to an array of activities and excursions worldwide. From food tours in Tokyo to hiking the Inca Trail , GetYourGuide offers an extensive selection of experiences with user reviews and price comparisons.

LoungeBuddy

Long layovers and crowded terminals are no match for LoungeBuddy. This app helps you uncover airport lounges you can access, saving you from the chaos of the public waiting areas. Whether you’re a frequent flyer with status or looking for a one-time pass, LoungeBuddy simplifies the process and turns a tedious layover into a relaxing retreat.

Hostelworld

Budget travellers, this one’s for you. Hostelworld is the go-to app for finding budget-friendly accommodations around the world. Browse photos, read reviews, and compare amenities to make informed choices. What sets it apart is the ability to connect with fellow travellers staying at the same hostel , fostering a sense of community on your journey. This makes it one of the best travel apps of 2023.

Skyscanner scours millions of flights from various sources to provide you with the best options. With powerful filters for sorting by price, duration, stops, and airlines, it ensures you snag the perfect flight deal. Plus, its ‘search for flights to everywhere’ feature sparks wanderlust and opens doors to unexpected adventures.

PartyCasino App

Sometimes, a little entertainment is in order during your travels, and what’s more entertaining than the PartyCasino App with all their latest and popular casino games at your fingertips. When you’re looking to relax and unwind, this app lets you enjoy top-notch casino games, offering a chance to strike it lucky while on the move.

XE Currency Converter

A globetrotter’s financial ally, XE Currency Converter lets you effortlessly manage multiple currencies. Its offline functionality ensures you can check prices even without internet access, helping you stick to your budget and avoid getting overcharged.

Google Translate

No need to fret about language barriers; Google Translate has you covered. Enter text in your native language, and it’ll provide translations on the spot. Download languages offline, use your camera for text translation, and even listen to proper pronunciation. It’s your trusty language companion wherever you roam.

If your 2023 plans involve road-tripping through the USA or Canada, GasBuddy should be your co-pilot. This app identifies the cheapest gas prices near your location and provides a trip calculator to estimate your road trip costs. Consider upgrading to the premium version for added savings and 24/7 roadside assistance. This makes it one of the best travel apps of 2023.

In a world where technology is continually shaping our travel experiences, these apps are your trusty companions for every adventure in 2023. They’ll help you save money, stay organised, and make the most of your journey. After all, in 2023, the world is your oyster, and your smartphone is your key to unlocking its treasures. Safe travels!

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loved your recos! had no idea some of these exist. i also came across Atm Fee Saver – this one showed lists of atms with no fees and some lower fees than others in many of the countries abroad. would have never found those atms if it wasnt for this app. was very happy to save up on unnecessary expenses!! worth to be your list also!

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A great travel app can help you get organized. From booking reservations to managing them, from packing to planning, from eating to paying to communicating to getting around, these are our picks for the best travel apps to help you plan your next adventure.

Best for Travel Planning: Kayak

Researching prices is fast and easy.

Finds independent hotels and short term rentals you may not see otherwise.

Book almost any travel method.

App is user-friendly.

Can't take advantage of loyalty programs you may belong to.

The award-winning travel app Kayak allows you to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The clean interface gives you a full list of possible options, including reduced hacker fares, where you book outgoing and returning flights with two separate airlines. Set filters to find exactly what you want quickly and easily.

Not sure if now's the right time to pull the trigger? The app answers that question by indicating when prices will go up.

Not a fan of Kayak? Here are our other favorite travel planning apps .

Download For:

Best for Packing Help: PackPoint

Configure trip lists according to your specific plans.

Simple, easy-to-navigate interface.

Hide irrelevant items and add new items to your list.

Must upgrade to Premium to create custom packing lists.

A delight for anyone who hates packing, PackPoint tells you exactly what to bring. First, enter where you're going, when, and for how long. Choose business or leisure, then select the activities you'll be doing. The app develops a list based on your information and expected weather. Check items off as you pack, or swipe to remove ones you don't need.

The paid-for premium version ($2.99) removes ads, gives you custom activities and packing templates, and integrates TripIt and Evernote.

Best for Last-Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight

Book last-minute rooms at great prices.

Browse photos and ratings to get a feel for the hotel.

Can't select your room type.

Prices don't include taxes and fees.

Whether you're a seat-of-your-pants type traveler or want a backup plan in case your reservations don't work out, try HotelTonight. Tell the app where you want to stay and watch the deals appear on your screen. Tap one to get additional details. A few more taps to pay, and you have a room for the night.

You can make reservations further in advance, but the longer you wait, the better the deals are.

Best for Navigating: Citymapper

Find out which method is fastest (for example, train vs. Lyft).

Know the cost of your chosen route ahead of time.

See preferred routes to avoid the rain.

Not all transportation services offer updates through Citymapper.

Not all cities are in the app's coverage area.

Navigating a new city can be maddening if you don't know how to use the local transportation systems. With Citymapper, you'll get around like a local in no time, exploring and enjoying your new surroundings.

Pick your city, then choose a location or your preferred mode of transportation. Citymapper gives you complete, clear instructions on how to reach your destination hassle-free, whether walking, taking an Uber, or traveling by train.

Be sure to switch to the right city before downloading the app.

Best for Travel Tips: Foursquare City Guide

Find great places to eat and drink.

Tips and advice from members of a global community.

Keep a history of the places you've been.

Use of GPS can deplete your battery.

This app makes finding somewhere to eat or a fun activity easy. Enter the area you want to search and what you're looking for, such as breakfast, nightlife, or things to do. Use the flexible filters (distance, price, open now, and places you've been) to narrow your search. Tap your selection to see additional details, including ratings and photos. If you like the location, add it to a custom list.

Best for Finding Your Way Around: Google Maps

Maps for over 220 countries and territories.

Information on hundreds of millions of businesses.

Real-time updates help you beat traffic.

Search and navigate with offline maps.

Some features aren't available in all countries.

Google Maps is great for finding your way around in your city or anywhere in the world. Get the best route with automatic rerouting based on live traffic updates and road closures. Find information about businesses, such as if a restaurant is open. If you're somewhere with spotty internet, download an area map in advance and use it to navigate.

Best Currency Converter: XE Currency

Reliable exchange rates and charts.

Monitor up to 10 currencies.

Access live rates for every world currency and precious metal, including Bitcoin.

Perform global money transfers.

Need the Pro version if you want to monitor more than 10 currencies.

This currency converter and money-transfer tool allows you to determine exchange rates quickly and easily. Type an amount in one denomination and see the results in as many other denominations as you want. To add another currency, tap the editing icon and search for the one that corresponds to the place you'll be visiting.

Use the charts function to see how currency rates fluctuate throughout the day. The app's global transfer function allows you to send and receive money worldwide.

Best Language Translator: iTranslate

Translations are available in more than 100 languages.

Phrasebook has more than 250 predefined phrases.

Switch between dialects and voices.

Must subscribe to the Pro version to unlock some of the most useful features, such as offline translation mode.

Gone are the days of fumbling with a paper dictionary as you try to assemble sentences in a language you don't know. Use this app to type or speak your sentence and get the translation in your chosen language. A handy expansion feature lets you display the result on your screen to show to locals you're trying to communicate with. The iTranslate Phrasebook is a convenient way of looking up and learning common expressions and questions.

Best Food Finder: Zomato

Search by restaurant, cuisine, or dish.

Browse restaurant menus, photos, user ratings, and reviews.

Book a table through the app.

Find restaurants around you in Map View.

The service is not available in most areas.

Perfect for traveling foodies, this app has it all, including recommendations for a nice lunch out, trending restaurants, nightlife picks, delivery services, and where to get food to go—looking for something specific? Search for a dish or ingredient. When you find something yummy, tap it for a map, menu, reviews, and photos. When you're finished, bookmark, share, and review your experience.

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This Rare Earth

A travel resource for the adventurous and often-solo female

The Best Travel Apps in 2023

Blog , Tips & Resources / January 4, 2023 by Monica / Leave a Comment

Here is your comprehensive guide to the Best Travel Apps for every type of vacation! From planning to in-flight to on the ground, these travel apps will make your next vacation a breeze.

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Table of Contents

The Best Apps for Travel – 2023

Whether you consider yourself a travel pro, or you’re not sure where to start, today’s technology can absolutely help you plan and travel smarter and cheaper! As a frequent solo traveler , this is invaluable.

I use what I consider to be the best travel apps on the market for planning my trips, for in-flight use, and finally, for on the ground. Read on for my recommendations on the best apps for travel.

The Best Travel Apps For Planning Your Trip:

1. booking (best hotel booking app).

For hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, the Booking app is my favorite tool to use when planning where to stay.

Why? Well, for one thing, users can filter search results based on hotel facilities like wifi availability, number of beds, ratings, parking, and even kitchens and pools. This is great because if you know you’ll require strong wifi or a kitchenette on your trip, you can easily eliminate accommodations that can’t provide this.

Also, this mobile version of their website offers regular “mobile-only discounts” that you won’t see online. And, the more you use it, you’ll begin to qualify for Genius Benefits like 10-15% off certain properties or free breakfast.

Lastly, they offer the most free cancellation options than any other service that I’ve ever seen. So, if plans; change, you’re covered.

You May Also Like : 10 Reasons to Travel Alone This Year

My second go-to spot for travel accommodations is the Airbnb app. While I don’t use it quite as much as Booking, Airbnb can offer unique places to stay around the world.

What I love about Airbnb is the option to book private apartments and have the opportunity to live like a local while abroad . When you want a full kitchen or laundry facilities or expect a long-term stay, Airbnb is your friend.

The downside of Airbnb is that their fees have gotten out of hand in many locations in the recent years. The price shown when searching does not usually include cleaning fees or other required taxes or fees for your destination… and nowadays these can more than double the price.

It’s worth a search, though, because there are still plenty of hidden gems! My favorites are the quirky desert homes found in Palm Springs and in Joshua Tree National Park .

3. Airline Apps

All of my regularly used airline’s apps have a permanent placeholder on my phone. This helps me to easily keep track of miles, award trips, airfare sales, and itinerary changes in a flash. Apps are also typically faster at informing you of gate changes during your trip or tracking your bags than text alerts tend to be.

If you are a member of an airline award program, download their app. Even if you aren’t a member, but are flying an airline for one specific trip, download their app for the duration of the trip (then delete as needed after your return).

4. Happy Cow

If you are vegetarian or vegan, this app will be super helpful while planning your trip (and when on-ground). As you probably know, depending on a destination’s traditional dishes, you may be hard-pressed to find plant based foods in some areas.

If you need to research how vegan and veg friendly a destination or city may be, this app can tell you many of the restaurants that either cater to or have plant based options on site.

Simply enter the destination and filters, and you’ll soon see a list of restaurants that will fit your dietary needs.

The Best Travel Apps For In-Flight Use:

5. priority pass (best for airport lounge access).

If you are part of the Priority Pass network, download this app immediately. Not only does it provide a digital version of your membership card (one less thing to carry and keep track of), it will help you find lounges, too.

Usually this app offers very detailed descriptions on exactly where to find each lounge, such as in what terminal; near which gate; upstairs or downstairs. But it also tells you what facilities the lounge has, from food to showers to sleeping areas.

If you are not a Priority Pass member, you should look into it. Access comes with certain credit cards in the USA but you can join independent of a credit card network, too.

I probably don’t need to explain to you what Netflix is, but as you can imagine, having loads of videos at your disposal during a 24+ hour flight can be invaluable.

An important tip; most airline wifi is sluggishly slow and can’t support streaming. Plan ahead at home or in the airport and download, download, download. It’s possible to filter all downloadable titles and see what is available.

7. Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime memberships also offer loads of videos and shows for free streaming. And again, these will need to be downloaded before you fly, as in-flight wifi speeds can be abysmal.

Plan for an abundance of shows – the Amazon Prime video app will often not work once you are abroad unless you have a VPN (more on that below.)

So, download for all legs of your flight while you’re at home or you won’t be able to access them abroad.

I am a total podcast junkie these days, and Spotify has a great library of podcasts available, for free.

Oftentimes on a plane, I like to give my eyeballs a rest from movies and books and just listen to my heart’s content. Again, download these before you start your journey and enjoy everything from mysteries to news to self-help to true crime podcasts while in-flight. It’s fabulous!

If you live in the United States (and have a public library card), Libby is an incredible find.

Forget paying for apps to access audiobooks – Libby will let you download audiobooks and digital books for free . The app is linked to the public library system in the USA, and provides everything listed above and more.

The only downside is that like a physical library item, at times you will have to wait for another borrower to return an item before you can access it. So it may not work if you have one popular item that you’re dying to read on a trip.

But if you’re like me and have a long list of titles of interest, then it’s totally possible to download the items before you hit the road.

10. Insight Timer

Insight Timer is a meditation app. It offers everything from guided meditations to peaceful music to rain sounds.

For those who are anxious to fly, download a guided meditation or two for when you’re in the sky. Personally, I love to play the binaural music tracks when I’m trying to relax and tune out noisy neighbors or crying babies in my row.

Bonus, this can also be useful in noisy hostels or hotels!

The Best Travel Apps On-the-Ground:

11. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is single-handedly the number one communication app to have while traveling. If you’re from the USA, this app is not commonly used by businesses in most areas. But, it is widely used abroad.

I’ve used this app to contact guesthouses, shops, motorbike operators, and more. It’s been incredibly useful in everything from planning a Tanzania safari to taking a road trip through Baja Sur, Mexico . This is one of the best travel apps you can possibly have during your trip.

12. Google Maps (Best maps app)

I’m pretty sure this comes standard on many phones nowadays, but if you don’t already have this downloaded then definitely get it.

Google Maps has a great network of maps worldwide. It’s been useful for me to navigate while driving rental cars and motorbikes, and has fairly good connectivity (depending on your international service or SIM) in many different countries.

I also use Google maps tirelessly when walking, as I love that you can get both driving and walking directions to destinations.

You May Also Like: How To Plan a Road Trip Alone

13. Waze (best driving app)

Waze is another popular map and driving app in the United States. So why would I recommend two of them?

In certain countries, Waze offered me better map coverage than Google Maps. For real! And, more often than not, Waze has a much more accurate arrival time than Google Maps does.

If you have the space on your phone, download both and cover all bases.

14. XE Currency Converter (Best Currency App)

Not so long ago, I used to carry a calculator on all of my travels (I was super late to the smart phone game). I would manually convert currency via the calculator, but nowadays, XE is my go-to currency converting app.

The rates are updated basically by the minute, and it’s coverage spans 170 countries. XE is a necessary app for me, and frankly the best travel app for currency conversion.

You May Also Like: How to Keep Money Safe While You Travel

15. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN app for travel. It is not free, but it is well worth the cost.

VPNs keep your data private when on public wifi networks. Think passwords, account names, and credit card info. Safe and secure. This app allows me to keep track of my banking and log into all accounts without worry of anyone accessing my info.

This is also handy for streaming videos abroad on certain apps like Netflix or Hulu. Can’t recommend ExpressVPN enough!

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16. Google Translate

Google Translate is one of the best travel apps, hands down! It definitely has it’s quirks, but more often than not it’s a huge help.

First, Google translate can recognize over 100 languages. You can type in words and phrases and translate them to English (or vice versa) quite easily. Need to learn how to order your lunch? Easy! Type it in and voila.

Second, Google Translate offers an on-screen translate tool that basically scans items written in another language (think a menu or a store sign) and then reveals what those things say in English. While scanning is not always available in more obscure alphabets like Armenian , it has still helped me ten-fold.

The app doesn’t always translate things perfectly, but it is very very useful.

Uber is becoming more and more common in many parts of the world. I’ve used it in Egypt and Dubai to reach places like the Dubai Miracle Garden and in all around Vilnius, Lithuania to see my favorite sights.

When you’re not able to use public transportation or don’t have a rental car, Uber is a great option in many places around the world. I recommend rideshare apps over taxis for many reasons, which you can read about here .

18. Grab App

Grab is like the Uber of Southeast Asia. Uber does not exist here, so Grab is a necessary download for these regions: Singapore, Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

If you’re not headed to Southeast Asia, obviously disregard this one, but it’s worth a mention! I’m in the region often enough that I keep it on my phone year-round.

You May Also Like: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Bali

19. AllTrails

If you love to hike, this is the app for you! From my favorite hikes in Anza Borrego to the wide array of hikes in Arches National Park , the AllTrails app is a must.

AllTrails documents over 200,000 trails in an array of countries, from the USA to Mexico to Oman and more. The app tells you how long the hikes are, what level, and users can leave reviews offering on-the-ground tips that can be incredibly useful when trying a new trail.

Don’t skip this one if you’re heading to the hiking trails! Need tips on planning? Check out this article next.

The Best Travel Apps For Once You Return:

Last but certainly not least, one of the best travel apps of all time is called “been”. It’s a fun map where you can keep track of which countries you’ve visited and sort of “check them off” as you go.

While it’s not going to help you plan or even help you on the ground, I love this app for once I return home.

Although it doesn’t have many extra features, it helps solidify my geography knowledge, too! (If we ever play trivia and “Travel” is a category, you definitely want me on your team!)

And there you have it! My tried and true list of the best apps for travel that have won permanent space on my phone, every day year-round. Download them before you go!

Do you have any travel apps that you can’t live without? Let me know below!

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About Monica

Monica has been a solo female world traveler for over 15 years. She is an expert on outdoor adventures, solo female travel, and off the beaten path destinations. She is the founder of This Rare Earth and is a firm believer that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think! Learn more about her here . Connect with her on Instagram .

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Planning a vacation can be an overwhelming experience, but thanks to our smartphones, it’s easier to navigate the globe than ever before. While sightseers once had no choice but to rely on a travel agent, there are now countless mobile apps that make everything from booking tickets to discovering local gems an absolute breeze.

Whether applying for travel visas or calculating currency conversions, these apps help solve some of the most frustrating and niche issues that globetrotters often encounter. Make sure you have plenty of storage space on your phone, because here are eight of the best travel apps to download for an adventure-filled 2023.

While U.S. citizens are free to travel most of the world with just a U.S. passport, several countries from Australia to Vietnam require visitors to apply for a visa, which can be a harrowing process. Government bureaucracy often leads to nothing but confusion, especially with certain nations having their own sets of specific rules. Well thanks to Atlys , travelers needn’t jump through hoops anymore. Atlys’ own studies have suggested that it can take up to 13 hours for travelers to work through certain complex visa applications, but with this app that timeline can shrink down to a mere 10 minutes. Atlys turns tedium into a streamlined series of steps that will have you flying across the globe in no time. Even better is that by filling out just one visa application using Atlys, you immediately qualify through the app to visit over 150 countries, as 90% of visas require the same information.

LoungeBuddy

Sitting at the airport can be excruciating, as delays and cancellations can cause both stress and boredom. On the flip side, some overcautious people arrive at the airport hours early and are left with nothing to do but sit around and wait. No matter which group you fall into, LoungeBuddy helps make the most of your airport experience by offering access to comfortable airport lounges around the world. You don’t need a special ticket or any sort of membership, all you need is to book a one-time lounge pass and voila! Suddenly you’re relaxing in a comfy chair with decadent cocktails, or taking a warm shower after a long flight. For as low as $25 , you can turn the hectic nature of visiting the airport into a spa-like experience, as the app offers access to over 200 lounges in locations ranging from Atlanta, Georgia, all the way to Singapore.

One of the biggest concerns for travelers — especially solo travelers or those taking a vacation with children — is knowing that you’ll be safe during your trip. OZZI is an app that puts worried minds at ease. Whether you’re looking for a safe neighborhood, secure hotel, or tips from locals about staying safe, Ozzi has all the information necessary to avoid being accidentally thrust into a treacherous situation. Furthermore, the app sends real-time alerts once you’ve reached your destination, keeping you up to date on any unexpected happenings in the near vicinity that may put you at risk.

Sometimes the most stressful part of a vacation occurs long before it begins — we’re talking of course about packing. There’s no worse feeling than stressfully stuffing every last piece of clothing into a suitcase only to realize you forgot something after reaching the airport. PackPoint is an app that seeks to make sure that mistakes like that never happen again. According to their mission statement, PackPoint will take into consideration length of travel, weather conditions, and other planned activities in order to come up with a packing list that will cover all the bases throughout any vacation. The app has actually been around since 2013, and supports 20 languages , making it accessible for a wide array of travelers. Checklists are also shareable, making it perfect for coordinating on a group trip. You can also upgrade to the premium version in order to sync your Packpoint account with itinerary planning apps such as TripIt .

Xe Currency Converter

When traveling internationally, tourists should always be on the lookout for people trying to take advantage of them financially. For all the reputable currency conversion counters out there, there are plenty also trying to scam people who are none the wiser about conversion rates. With Xe Currency Converter , you needn’t worry about being taken advantage of, as the app provides live updates on foreign currency exchange rates for the U.S. dollar, British pound, and countless other types of legal tender. The app’s interface is simple and easy to use, and allows users the added benefit of viewing 10 years of historic data to see how rates have changed over time.

While it may be a bucket list item to visit the Eiffel Tower or Copacabana beach, it can be just as memorable to experience new destinations that are located off the beaten path. WithLocals is an app that operates in over 50 countries, where locals provide tips and tricks for how to explore the city like a true native resident. WithLocals highlights options that may be overlooked in most popular travel guides, and it’s all thanks to the word of mouth from those who know the country best. One of the coolest features of the WithLocals app is the ability to book a tour with a local guide who can show you hiking trails, museums, campsites, and so much more. Meeting friendly people abroad can be a challenge, especially with language barriers. But with WithLocals, it’s easier than ever to find a friendly face in a foreign land.

Speaking of socializing with locals, there are few things that bring people together more than food. Food is also one of the most indulgent ways to immerse yourself in another culture. That’s where Eatwith comes in, which is an app akin to Airbnb, but for food. Travelers can book unforgettable culinary experiences and enjoy a home-cooked meal in a far off land. But not only can you dine with locals, you can also sign up for a cooking class in over 130 cities worldwide. Some popular meals available for booking include a bistro dinner alongside the Amsterdam canal , a classic Roman market tour , and a macaron making workshop in Paris , so be sure to reserve your spot before they’re all booked up.

Roadtrippers

For the traveler who’s more keen on taking a roadtrip than a flight, Roadtrippers is the app for you. America is a big country, and even if we don’t realize it, driving down the highway means passing by dozens of local gems. Roadtrippers helps you find the best restaurants, roadside attractions, and scenic vistas along your route, adding an exciting and unexpected element to any roadtrip. You can add up to seven waypoints with a free Roadtrippers account, or a whopping 150 points if you upgrade to Roadtrippers Plus. And it’s not just the United States that this app comes in handy, as Roadtrippers also extends to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

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Best Travel Apps For 2023

Utilizing appropriate travel applications can save time and cost while reducing travel-related stress. These apps not only offer local recommendations and lesser-known attractions that tourists often miss, but some are also available at no cost.

The most exceptional travel apps are designed to aid in planning your upcoming domestic or international vacations. They can help you find inexpensive flights , save on accommodations, and explore foreign destinations in the largest cities worldwide . These applications aim to simplify your entire travel experience, assisting in the initial planning stages to the final moments of your journey. They offer features such as flight and hotel bookings, expense tracking, and information on nearby tourist spots. Here, we present the must-have Best Travel Apps For 2023!

Google Translate 

Tripadvisor , hotels.com , google maps , airbnb , tripadvisor travel apps, weather channel app for travelers, nordvpn , top 10 most popular travel apps and websites, translation apps (travel guide apps).

Nowadays, the ability to communicate with individuals from different linguistic backgrounds is vital, especially when interacting and traveling with foreigners. Thankfully, technology has make a way for innovative solutions. The Google Translate is an essential translation tool that enables users to enter text in their native language and instantly obtain translations into other languages spoken by nearby individuals. It also provides real-time speech translations between speakers of different languages, making it especially useful when internet access is unavailable. However, despite the convenience of these translation apps, both parties involved still value some level of personal interaction.

According to the Best Travel Guides Application For 2023, language translation apps serve as a lifeline for travelers venturing abroad or communicating with foreigners. These apps facilitate communication with locals and ensure seamless interactions in places like airports, trains, buses, and even restaurants.

Beyond its practical utility, Google Translate plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange by encouraging the users to embrace the languages and customs of the places they travel to. By breaking down language barriers, the app enables travelers to connect with locals and immerse themselves in new cultures. Even in regions with limited internet access, the app’s offline capabilities ensure that language never becomes an obstacle to exploration and adventure.

Flight Booking Apps  (travel booking apps)

TripAdvisor holds the position of being the world’s largest and most influential travel website. It acts as a comprehensive platform, collecting and presenting information and reviews about attractions and businesses, providing travelers with valuable insights into their preferred travel destinations or even flight delays. The website’s primary advantage lies in its user-generated content, which consists of valuable insights, ratings, and reviews shared by millions of generous travelers. This vast repository of first-hand experiences encompasses a wide range of topics, including attractions, flights, accommodations, restaurants, and various travel-related businesses. By tapping into this wealth of knowledge, potential travelers can make informed decisions, ensuring they have the most enjoyable and rewarding travel experiences possible.

Hotels.com is a significant global player in the realm of hotel accommodations. Through its localized websites, it offers extensive booking services for hotels worldwide. As a trailblazer in the online travel industry, Hotels.com has firmly established itself as a reliable and popular platform for individuals in search of comfortable and convenient accommodation options worldwide.

At the core of Hotels.com’s triumph is its extensive reach and all-encompassing database of hotels, spanning a diverse array of destinations, from vibrant urban cities to serene beach getaways. Travelers are presented with a wide selection of hotels, each accompanied by comprehensive descriptions, photographs, and customer reviews, offering valuable insights to aid them in making well-informed decisions. This wealth of information empowers travelers to find the perfect lodging that aligns with their preferences and needs.

Omio stands out as an innovative and user-friendly booking platform catering to international travelers exploring Europe, the United States, and Canada. It allows customers to compare effortlessly and book trains, buses, flights, and ferries, resulting in both time and cost savings during their journeys.

If you are on a budget, the Best Travel Apps For 2023 highly recommends these apps since they do not charge booking fees, unlike other platforms. However, if your primary concern is finding the best possible deals and transportation costs are not a priority, these applications might not suit your preferences.

Navigation Apps (best free travel apps )  

Google Maps is an extensive web-based service that furnishes comprehensive information about geographical regions and locations worldwide. Users can access aerial and satellite views of various places and traditional road maps. In select cities, Google Maps also offers street views comprising images captured from vehicle-mounted cameras.

In certain cities, Google Maps introduces an innovative street view feature that enables users to virtually explore their surroundings through vehicle-mounted photographs. This unique functionality enhances the overall immersive experience, providing a more in-depth understanding of different locations.

Moreover, Google Maps offers the practicality of offline maps, a highly beneficial feature for travelers on road trips where internet access might be scarce. This capability ensures that users can rely on the app’s navigation even in areas with limited connectivity, making it a valuable tool for travelers worldwide.

Waze is a navigation app that utilizes real-time data from its users to provide the most efficient route to a destination. It takes into consideration factors such as accidents, traffic congestion, speed traps, construction, and other obstacles that could impact the driving experience and slow down the driver. By leveraging real-time information from its community of users, Waze aims to optimize travel routes and make driving more convenient.

Through its collection and analysis of user-generated data, Waze swiftly identifies and takes into account various road conditions, such as accidents, traffic congestion, speed traps, road closures, and construction areas. This continuous monitoring of real-time data enables Waze to promptly update and adjust route suggestions for drivers. By leveraging both user input and advanced algorithms, the app ensures that drivers receive up-to-the-minute guidance, enabling them to navigate around traffic and delays, thus optimizing their travel routes. Waze’s ability to combine user-contributed updates and cutting-edge technology empowers drivers with accurate and efficient navigation options, making it a valuable tool for commuters and travelers alike.

As a result, Waze enhances users’ travel experiences by providing smoother and more efficient journeys, saving them both time and frustration while on the road. By harnessing the collective intelligence of its user community, Waze transforms this data into practical navigation guidance, making it a trusted and popular app for millions of drivers worldwide. Its real-time, accurate, and hassle-free navigation assistance has solidified Waze as the go-to application for those seeking reliable and up-to-date travel directions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable driving experience.

Attractions, Local Events, and Lodging Apps  (best holiday apps)

Little did you know that Airbnb is a must-have app for travelers planning to stay in an Airbnb accommodation during their trip. Airbnb is a website that facilitates homeowners renting out their properties to travelers seeking a place to stay. With over 4 million listings available in more than 34,000 cities worldwide, you can easily find suitable options near your desired location. To use the app, input your travel details, and the search function will display all available listings within the specified area. If a listing catches your interest, you can instantly request it for booking. Even if there are no immediate options nearby, the app will suggest alternative accommodations within a 10-mile radius to ensure everyone can enjoy their trip to the fullest.

The TripAdvisor app is a valuable tool for travelers, particularly when searching for restaurants during their journeys, whether abroad or locally. The app boasts a user-friendly interface, making navigation effortless, even for non-tech-savvy individuals. Travelers who love exploring foreign lands but are still determining the expenses can rely on TripAdvisor to gain insights and recommendations from other users about hotels, motels, hostels, and more.

As per the recommendations of the Best Travel Apps For 2023, these apps are exceptional resources for discovering your destination. They offer information about local eateries, attractions, and events, enabling you to learn about the history of the city or region you are visiting and uncover hidden gems that many tourists often overlook.

Transportation Travel Apps  (travel app download)

Uber is a prominent transportation company that operates through its user-friendly app, enabling passengers to request rides and drivers to credit fares and receive payments. It functions as a ridesharing platform, utilizing independent contractors as its drivers. Offering a more convenient alternative to traditional taxi services, Uber has become a preferred choice for customers dissatisfied with other transportation companies’ standard corporate service models.

Turo stands as the world’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace. The platform allows users to book any car they desire, regardless of their location, from local hosts in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whether travelers are arriving from afar or need a car nearby, Turo offers a diverse range of vehicles, from rugged trucks to luxurious options, ensuring guests can find the perfect ride for any occasion. At the same time, hosts have the opportunity to establish an accessible, flexible, and scalable car-sharing business from scratch.

Other Best Travel Apps For 2023 (best international travel apps)

The Weather Channel App is highly recommended as the top weather app for both iOS and Android devices, according to the Best Travel Apps For 2023. It offers detailed local forecasts, including hourly, daily, and weekly weather predictions. Additionally, the app features a “Feels like” function that assists users in preparing for their day by providing insights on what to pack based on the weather conditions. The application also forecasts the weather for each trip day and alerts users about any potential temperature fluctuations.

XE Currency Converter

XE makes it quick to check for the live mid-market rates. You can use the renowned  XE Currency Converter  as it is free and supports more than 170 currencies. Besides, it updates every 60 seconds. One advantage of using XE is that this service entirely free of charge. It is readily accessible to a wide range of users worldwide. It also ensures that users can efficiently convert any currency they need, whether for business transactions, personal travel, or investment purposes.

XE stands out from its competitors with its real-time updates, continuously refreshing exchange rates every 60 seconds. This commitment to providing the most current and up-to-date information sets XE apart, particularly in the dynamic realm of global currencies, where even minor fluctuations can have significant consequences. The app’s emphasis on accuracy and real-time data ensures that users have access to the most reliable and timely currency exchange information.

If you want safety when using public Wi-Fi, another Best Travel Apps For 2023 is  NordVPN . This app enables users to protect their personal data and work files while accessing the internet in various parts of the world. NordVPN encrypts the internet connection, ensuring the privacy of browsing history and online activities, giving travelers peace of mind during their trips.

Besides, NordVPN’s global reach enables travelers to maintain their online anonymity and safeguard their browsing history regardless of their worldwide location. With NordVPN, travelers can enjoy the advantages of public Wi-Fi without revealing their security and privacy, making it an vital companion for any tech-savvy globetrotter in 2023.

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The Best Travel Apps of 2023 Unveiled: Exploring the Digital Horizon:

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Apps for 2023

In today’s interconnected world, the essence of travel is constantly being redefined. The fusion of technology and travel has led to the emergence of apps that cater to almost every conceivable need a traveler might have. As we gear throughout 2023, the digital landscape is brimming with tools designed to make our journeys more seamless, immersive, and enjoyable. This comprehensive guide aims to be your digital compass, pointing you to the  best travel apps for 2023 . Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first adventure, these apps promise to be your trusted companions.

1. Why Travel Apps are Essential in 2023:

The digital revolution has transformed the way we experience the world. Here’s a deeper dive into why travel apps are not just a luxury but a necessity:

• The Digital Nomad Phenomenon:  The boundaries between work and travel have blurred. As remote work becomes the norm, more people are merging work and travel, leading to the rise of digital nomads. This lifestyle demands tools supporting work and travel, making multifunctional travel apps indispensable.
• Instant Solutions:  The beauty of travel apps lies in their ability to provide instant solutions. Do you need help in a foreign city? Need to book a last-minute hotel? Want to know the best local eateries? There’s an app for each of these queries and more.
• Safety and Preparedness:  The global landscape is unpredictable. Political upheavals, health crises, and natural disasters can impact travel plans. Apps that provide real-time updates and alerts ensure travelers are always prepared and informed.
• Sustainable Travel:  As awareness about environmental issues grows, many travelers seek sustainable travel options. Apps that highlight eco-friendly accommodations, transport, and activities are gaining traction.

2. Booking and Accommodation Apps:

The right accommodation can elevate your travel experience . Here’s an expanded look at the top apps that ensure you always have a roof over your head, tailored to your preferences:

• Airbnb:  Beyond just unique stays, Airbnb has expanded its offerings to include ‘Airbnb Experiences’ – curated activities led by local experts. Whether a pottery class in Japan or a culinary tour in Italy, Airbnb promises authentic experiences.
• Booking.com :  Apart from hotels, Booking.com now offers a range of accommodations, including villas, apartments, and even treehouses. Their extensive filter options ensure you find a stay that fits your criteria, pet-friendly accommodations, or places with a sea view.
• Hostelworld :  Catering to the younger demographic, Hostelworld has introduced features like ‘Microtrips’ – short, local adventures that can be booked on the go. They also offer detailed insights into the hostel’s vibe, whether party-centric, relaxed, or family-friendly.
• Couchsurfing :  More than just a platform for free stays, Couchsurfing is a community. The app promotes cultural exchange, allowing travelers to find free accommodation and participate in local meetups or events.

3. Transportation and Navigation Apps:

Navigating unfamiliar locales can be challenging. These apps ensure you’re never lost, no matter where you are:

• Google Maps :  Beyond basic navigation, Google Maps now offers features like AR walking directions. Point your phone’s camera, and arrows overlaid on the natural world guide your path. The app also suggests local attractions, restaurants, and more.
• Maps.me:  What sets Maps.me apart is its emphasis on off-grid exploration. The app highlights hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and other offbeat attractions, making it perfect for adventurers.
• Rome2rio :  Beyond just suggesting routes, Rome2rio now offers booking options. All within the app, you can plan and book your entire journey, from a taxi to an international flight.
• Uber :  Uber’s expansion into boat rides, helicopters, and even local transit integration in some cities makes it a comprehensive transportation app. Features like ‘Uber Comfort’ ensure personalized experiences, such as preferred car temperatures or silent rides.

4. Communication and Language Apps:

Language barriers can be daunting, but with these apps, communication is a breeze:

• WhatsApp:  Beyond messaging, WhatsApp’s location-sharing feature is invaluable for travelers. Whether meeting up with friends at a crowded festival or sharing your route with loved ones for safety , it’s a handy feature.
• Google Translate :  The app’s ‘Transcribe’ mode is revolutionary. It can listen to conversations and provide real-time translations, making understanding foreign languages more accessible.
• Duolingo:  Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons are perfect for travelers. Their ‘Travel Phrasebook’ is tailored for tourists, covering essential phrases and vocabulary.

5. Money and Budgeting Apps:

Financial management while traveling is crucial. These apps ensure you’re always on top of your finances:

• XE Currency:  The app now offers historical charts, allowing travelers to see currency trends. This can be invaluable for those traveling long-term or living as expats.
• Revolut:  Beyond just a digital bank, Revolut offers features like cryptocurrency support and stock trading, making it a comprehensive financial tool.
• Trail Wallet:  The app’s new feature allows users to set daily budgets and get notifications if they’re nearing their limit. It also offers insights into spending habits, helping travelers cut unnecessary expenses .

6. Entertainment and Reading Apps:

Travel often involves long transit times. These apps ensure you’re entertained, no matter how long the journey:

• Spotify :  Their ‘Travel Playlist’ feature curates songs based on your destination, ensuring your soundtrack matches your surroundings.
• Kindle:  The ‘Travel Literature’ section offers books tailored for travelers, from travelogues to novels set in popular tourist destinations.
• Audible:  Their ‘Guided Journeys’ are immersive audio experiences, transporting listeners to different parts of the world through soundscapes and narratives.

7. New Entrants – Emerging Travel Apps for 2023:

Innovation never stops, and the travel app industry is no exception. Here’s a deeper dive into the rising stars of 2023:

TravelBuddy: The app’s ‘Adventure Match’ feature pairs travelers with similar interests, ensuring you always have company for your adventures.

EcoTripper: Their ‘Carbon Footprint Calculator’ allows travelers to gauge the environmental impact of their journeys and offers tips to offset it.

LocalEats: The ‘Dine with a Local’ feature offers travelers a chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal with locals, ensuring an authentic culinary experience.

SafeStay: The app’s ‘Hygiene Ratings’ are crowd-sourced, ensuring transparency and up-to-date information on accommodations.

8. Tips for Using Travel Apps Effectively:

To get the most out of these apps, here are some in-depth tips:

• Data Safety:  Use two-factor authentication for apps, especially those linked to your finances. Regularly review app permissions and ensure they only have access to necessary data.
• Offline Use:  Regularly update offline content. Maps or guides from two years ago might not reflect current realities.
• Regular Updates:  Set your apps to auto-update overnight. This ensures you always have the latest features without impacting your day-to-day usage.
• Battery Conservation:  Use ‘Battery Saver’ modes, and consider carrying a solar-powered charger for off-grid adventures.

9. Conclusion:

Travel in 2023 is as much about the journey as the destination. With the right apps, every moment of your trip can be enriched, ensuring you make memories that last a lifetime. As technology continues to evolve, so will the ways we explore the world. Here’s to new adventures aided by the digital wonders of 2023.

Travel is a journey of discovery, both of the world and oneself. Comment below if you’ve discovered a new app or have travel experiences to share. For more in-depth guides and travel insights, subscribe to our newsletter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Travel Apps for 2023

Q:  Why are travel apps becoming more essential in 2023?

• A: With the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle, the shift towards remote work, and the need for real-time information in a rapidly changing global scenario, travel apps have become indispensable. They offer convenient safety updates and support sustainable travel .

Q:  Are all the travel apps mentioned in the article free?

• A:  Most of the apps listed offer free versions with essential features. However, some might have premium versions that provide additional functionalities, often available through in-app purchases or subscriptions.

Q:  How can I ensure my data is safe using these travel apps?

• A:  Always download apps from trusted sources, keep them updated, and use secure connections. Consider using a VPN when accessing the internet, especially in public places. Additionally, regularly review app permissions and ensure they only access necessary data.

Q:  Can I use these travel apps worldwide?

• A:  Many of the apps have global functionality. However, some might be more effective or offer additional features in specific regions. It’s good to check app reviews and descriptions for regional compatibility before relying on them in a particular country.

Q:  How do travel apps help budget and manage finances during trips ?

• A:  Apps like XE Currency provide real-time currency conversion rates, while digital banking solutions like Revolut offer no foreign transaction fees and real-time spending notifications. Apps like Trail Wallet help travelers track expenses and set daily budgets .

Q:  Are there travel apps specifically designed for sustainable or eco-friendly travel?

• A:  Apps like EcoTripper provide insights into sustainable travel options, from accommodations to activities. They often highlight eco-friendly choices and may even offer carbon footprint calculators to gauge the environmental impact of trips.

Q:  How do communication apps like Google Translate work in real-time situations?

• A: Google Translate, for instance, has features like a camera mode that can translate signs or menus in real time. It also offers a ‘Transcribe’ mode that can listen to a conversation and provide real-time translations, making it easier to understand foreign languages on the go.

Q:  How often should I update my travel apps?

• A:  It’s recommended to keep your apps updated regularly. This ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Setting your apps to auto-update when connected to Wi-Fi can be a convenient way to manage this.

Q:  What should I do if a travel app drains my battery too quickly?

• A:  Use ‘Battery Saver’ modes on your phone, close apps running in the background, and consider adjusting app settings that might be using location services continuously. Carrying a portable charger can also be a lifesaver during long travel days.

Q:  Are there any new travel apps in 2023 that are gaining popularity?

• A:  Yes, emerging apps like TravelBuddy, EcoTripper, LocalEats, and SafeStay are some of the new entrants 2023 that are making waves in the travel industry due to their unique features and user-centric approach.

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Best Travel Apps 2023: Every Traveler's Top Travel App Choices

Traveling in 2023 is not the same as it was a decade ago. The travel and tourism industry has witnessed a significant transformation, thanks in part to the evolution of mobile applications. The rise of the travel app has revolutionized the way we plan, book, and experience our trips. Whether you're looking for the best deals on flights or seeking to explore the best places off the beaten path, there's an app for that.

In today's digital era, travel is infinitely easier thanks to the plethora of travel apps designed to help adventurers at every stage of their journey. One of the most useful apps for planning your next escapade is a free app that caters to every aspect of your trip. With features that include the ability to enter your trip details, check for a cheap flight, and explore and book various attractions, this app has you covered. The app is free to download, and using this app, travelers can effortlessly manage their travel dates and get the best deals available. Moreover, the plan is free, ensuring that budget travelers can make the most of their trips without breaking the bank.

If you're taking a trip soon and want an app that tells you everything you need to know, then look no further. This comprehensive travel tool lets you get insights into the best local spots, making it one of the most popular travel apps to help tourists worldwide. The aim is to help make your travels seamless and, in the process, help make you a better-informed traveler. The app works both online and offline, ensuring uninterrupted service no matter where you are. So, the next time you're looking to embark on a new adventure, use the app to help you plan every step of the way.

5 Best Travel Apps Every Traveler Should Have

• TripAdvisor : One of the pioneers in the travel industry, the TripAdvisor app is essential for every traveler. Not only can you read reviews from other travelers, but you can also book trips directly through the app. Whether you're looking for attractions, accommodations, or even a car rental, TripAdvisor has you covered.
• Google Maps : In the realm of travel apps for navigating, Google Maps stands out. With features that allow you to download offline maps and avoid tourist traps, it's a must-have for every journey.
• Culture Trip : For those who want to dive deep into the local culture, Culture Trip is the app you need. It offers insights into the best attractions and other experiences unique to each travel destination.
• TripIt : Organizing travel details can be daunting. TripIt simplifies this by consolidating your travel itineraries in one place. The pro version of the app offers additional features that make travel planning a breeze.
• Booking.com : For last-minute accommodation deals, this app is a must. Not only does it offer a vast range of options, but the app also lets you book directly, ensuring you find the best deals.

The Future of Travel App Development in 2023

Travel app development has been on the rise, with more companies venturing into travel application development. The focus is not just on booking but enhancing the overall travel experience. Apps for travel planning, such as TripIt, are gaining traction. At the same time, apps like Google Translate are making travel in foreign countries more accessible. The Google Translate app , for instance, breaks down language barriers, allowing travelers to immerse themselves fully in the experience.

The offline functionality in apps like Google Maps ensures that even in areas with no internet, travelers can navigate with ease. Moreover, the ability to read reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor before making bookings gives travelers confidence in their choices.

Conclusion : The landscape of the travel mobile app has expanded, offering something for every type of trip. From finding the best flight to ensuring you have  maps for navigation, travel in 2023 is infinitely easier thanks to these digital tools.

Exploring the Evolution of Mobile App Trends in the Travel Sector

With the rapid advancement in the travel mobile app sphere, 2023 has seen a surge in innovative features designed to cater to every traveler's unique needs. One such marvel is the integration of capabilities. Offline maps, for instance, have become a staple feature in many travel apps, ensuring that users can navigate unfamiliar terrains without relying on data or Wi-Fi. This offline feature has proven invaluable, especially for those venturing into areas with limited connectivity.

Deciphering Languages with Google Translate

No list of essential travel apps would be complete without mentioning Google Translate. This app has been a game-changer for many travelers, breaking down language barriers with ease. Whether you're trying to understand a menu in a foreign country or ask for directions, the Google Translate app is your go-to tool. The app also allows you to download specific language packs, making it an invaluable resource for on-the-go translations.

• The app's features include a comprehensive travel guide, real-time flight tracking, and personalized itinerary suggestions.
• The app tells users about hidden gems in each destination, ensuring they get an authentic experience.
• Developers aim to help make travel planning seamless and, in the process, help make you a better-informed traveler.

Discover Cunian : The Ultimate Digital Tour Guide App

Are you planning your next trip and looking for a travel guidance company right on your phone? Look no further than Cunian. This app offers a wide range of tours, and the best part? All tours on Cunian are free! Enhance your travel experience and explore new destinations with the guidance of this app. Download Cunian from the app store today and travel confidently. Travel apps to download!

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Apps

• Q: What are the benefits of using a travel planning app? A: A planning app helps you organize your trip details, from flight dates to accommodations, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
• Q: Are there any travel apps designed specifically for road trips? A: Yes, there are apps that focus on roadside attractions, helping you make the most of your journey.
• Q: How do travel apps aim to help improve my travel experience? A: They offer features like offline maps, real-time flight updates, and the ability to read reviews or make reservations directly through the app.
• Q: Can I use travel apps offline? A: Many apps, like Google Maps, allow you to download maps and other essential travel details for use.
• Q: Are there apps that help avoid common tourist mistakes? A: Absolutely! Apps like Culture Trip give insights into local attractions, helping you avoid tourist traps.
• Q: How do I know if a travel app is trustworthy? A: It's always a good idea to read reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or check ratings in the app store.
• Q: Are there apps that let me compare flight prices? A: Yes, comparison apps allow you to input the dates you want to travel and find the best options available.
• Q: Can I book accommodations directly through travel apps? A: Many apps, like Booking.com, let you book a hotel or other accommodations directly through the app.
• Q: Are there apps that offer travel insurance? A: Yes, some apps offer travel insurance options, ensuring you travel with peace of mind.
• Q: How often are travel apps updated with new features? A: Travel app development companies regularly update their apps to enhance user experience and add new features.

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10 Best Travel TRIP PLANNER APPs To Have in 2024

In a fast-paced world where the stress of work and school is overwhelming, we all need a break to de-stress our minds. Traveling is one good way to take your mind off of stressful things – a breather. And a scheduled vacation gives you something to look forward to.

Whether it’s a local trip alone, a family holiday, or a getaway with your best friends, it just excites you to wish the day would come faster. 

10 Best Trip Planner Apps in 2024

The freeform app.

• TripIt: Travel Planner

Hopper – Flight & Hotel Deals

• Sygic Travel Maps Trip Planner

Roadtrippers: Trip Planner

Tripadvisor, travelspend: track travel expense & trip budget, tripcase – travel organizer app, travel planning apps for your next trip.

The Freeform app is an endless whiteboard that lets users add information from a variety of websites, photos, videos and files.

Because the boards are kept in iCloud, they can be accessed from any device anytime inspiration hits. While you and your travel companions plan your dream trip, the specifics can be shared with several individuals working together on the same whiteboard, making them an ongoing work in progress.

The Freeform app is free to iPhone users on iOS 16.2, iPad users on 16.2, and Mac users on Ventura MacOS Venture 13.1. 

Download the brand-new app here .

Read our full post: Apple Launches New Travel App Freeform – What to Know

Wanderlog Trip Planner App

Wanderlog is your all-in-one destination for planning future trips, sharing travel guides, and blogging past trips.

Its trip planning features are incredibly flexible: you can research destinations and activities, organize reservations by connecting your email, and map out a day itinerary with start/end times. You can also add notes and links all throughout.

Everything is stored offline so you can access your itinerary when traveling abroad. For road trips, it calculates the time and distance between places and exports them to Google Maps (and there are no limits to the number of stops you have on a trip!).

Plus, there’s a fun social component: collaborate with friends on itineraries, write your own travel guide, and blog about past trips. Wanderlog is available on the web and on your smartphone, so you can seamlessly plan while at home and on-the-go.

iOS  /  Android

TripIt: Trip Planner App

If you need any help organizing the dozens of itineraries, TripIt is the app for you. Users simply need to forward your flight, hotel, restaurant, and car rental confirmation emails to [email protected] and the app will create a free master doc for each of your trips. The best thing about this app is that you can get access to your itinerary anywhere, even without an internet connection. 

In addition, the Pro version will find you alternative routes for canceled flights and send out notifications for delayed flights, cancellations, and more from the airlines. 

iOS / Android

Rome2rio is a versatile travel planning app that simplifies the process of finding and booking travel options. It’s a handy tool for travelers seeking to explore various transportation choices between destinations. Rome2rio offers users a comprehensive view of travel options, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even driving directions.

Key features of Rome2rio include:

• Route Information: The app provides detailed information on different routes, including estimated travel times, costs, and the number of transfers required.
• Booking Integration: Users can book flights, train tickets, and other transportation options directly through the app, streamlining the booking process.
• Map Integration: Rome2rio integrates with maps, allowing users to visualize their travel routes and explore nearby attractions.
• Multi-Modal Travel: It offers options for combining various modes of transportation, making it easy to plan complex journeys.
• Accurate Pricing: The app provides real-time pricing information, helping users make informed decisions based on their budget.
• Offline Access: Rome2rio offers offline access to previously searched routes, which can be handy when traveling without a data connection.

Hopper is an amazing trip planner app to have on your phone. The app predicts airfares up to 1 year in advance, with 95% accuracy. It analyzes over billions of flight prices and hotels within the day – telling you whether to book your trip now or wait for just a little longer.

Here’s how it works: Key in your destination and a color-coded calendar will display the cheapest and most expensive date to fly. The app will then recommend you to either book the flight now or sit it out and wait for airfare to get cheaper. Also, you can filter predictions to custom-fit your trip – remove long layovers, extra fees, restrictions, and more. 

And if you worry about missing out the cheap flight bookings, don’t be! Hopper will send you a notification when fares have dropped to its lowest point.

SYGIC Travel Maps Trip Planner

Sygic Travel Maps , the new version of Sygic Trip Planner, is the first travel app to display all of the attractions and places a traveler needs to see and visit on a single map.

Sync your trips with the Sygic Travel app and find hidden gems in all cities you visit. The app boast a large database that allows you to find the best hotels, tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, bars, and stores wherever you go.

This mobile app also let you download offline maps and guides, which come in helpful when traveling to remote locations with poor or non-existing Wi-Fi.

It also has a dedicated section to worldwide places of interest for travel business. Get location information for individual cities, countries, continents, or the entire planet.

The app is available in 18 languages.

iOS / Android iOS

Planning on a cross-country road trip ? Roadtrippers is the app for you! Not everyone is fond of waiting long hours at the airport while sitting through your red-eye flight. Hit the road with your friends instead.

Roadtrippers provides everything you need to know on your road trip. Just enter your starting point, destination, and let the app do its work for you! From camping sites to rest stops, outdoor activities, exciting adventures along the way that you didn’t know existed. This app is the perfect buddy for your road trip regardless of your mode of transportation – a sedan, a rental car, or a huge family RV.

Most of us dream of going to places! But planning an amazing trip to places we have not been to is pretty hard as you don’t know where to stay, what to do, places to eat, and adventures to try. We mostly rely on recommendations, most of which are not even right, that we find online. 

TripAdvisor has over millions of travel recommendations on hotels, top dining spots, must-do experiences, and treasured gems to over 8 million destinations at your perusal. It is an all-in-one app that lets you book tables at restaurants and compares low prices on hotels and flights.

You can also follow friends and travel experts for advice that match your interests, watch videos, and read articles. In return, you can share your experiences, reviews, and helpful guides for other users too!

Setting up a budget for your trip is easy, however, sticking to it is hard. TravelSpend will help you with that. It starts with entering your budget and expenses over multiple days so you don’t go overboard. The app helps you in sticking to your budget effectively.

Being in another country is not a problem at all: enter your expenses in any currency and the app will automatically convert it to your home currency.

Track your travel expenses whether going on a solo around-the-world trip or backpacking holiday with your best friends. The app allows you to share your trip with your friends and track your expenses together. Pay debts, split bills, and check your balances – all in the app!

TripCase, a comprehensive travel organizer app, has emerged as a popular choice among travelers seeking a streamlined and efficient way to manage their journey details.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features and functionalities:

Centralized Itinerary Management : TripCase allows users to consolidate all their travel details, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, into a single, easily accessible itinerary.

Real-time Flight Alerts : The app keeps travelers informed with up-to-the-minute notifications on flight statuses, including delays, cancellations, and gate changes.

Itinerary Sharing : TripCase offers a sharing option that enables users to send their travel plans to friends, family, or colleagues.

Travel Directions and Maps : To aid navigation in unfamiliar locations, the app provides directions and maps.

Nearby Recommendations : TripCase offers recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and other services close to the traveler’s location.

Document Storage : For added convenience, the app allows users to store essential travel documents digitally, ensuring that important information like passport details, visas, and insurance policies are readily available.

Customizable Notifications : Users can customize their notification preferences, choosing what types of alerts they receive and how they are notified, tailoring the app to suit individual needs and preferences.

iOS / Android 

Hi, great List. I couldn’t travel without my Apps! I have one App you could check out =) Its called ” ATM Fee Saver” and it gives a list with all ATMs and their fees and limit. I found it super helpful and it really helped me to save some money. Best regards, Charlotte

Thank you for your suggestions! Those apps are very useful and various

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9 Best Photo Book Maker Websites

Print your favorite photos and don't let them go to waste.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Photo Book Maker

Shutterfly photo books.

Best Value Custom Photo Book Maker

Walmart photo custom photo books.

Most Aesthetic Photo Book Maker

Artifact uprising photo books.

Best Themed Photo Book Maker

Mixbook photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Beginners

Printique photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Amazon Prime Members

Amazon prints.

Best Photo Book Maker for Young Kids

Pinhole press photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Google Photos Users

Google photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Families

Chatbooks custom photo books & albums.

The product analysts and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab continuously test everything from photo book maker websites to the best wedding photo albums , printers and much more. When making our selections, we reviewed each product for factors like ease of use and intuitiveness of the website and app, if applicable, photo quality, speed of delivery and extra features like templates, cover options and style. These are the best photo book maker websites of 2024, according to our pros.

Shutterfly offers basic photo books at an affordable price. You can choose from a wide selection of themes, like birthday, travel or wedding, or neutral styles , such as modern or rustic. You can also create your own book and choose the book size, cover style and page style, then embellish it with Shutterfly's extensive library of stickers and ribbons to make your book extra special. We appreciate how easily users can edit within their chosen template and the brand's high-quality photo book paper, making Shutterfly a top pick.

You can also opt for one of its 6" x 6" Instant Books , which let you add photos from your phone, tablet or computer in minutes. These mini photo books have only 20 pages, but they're a great place to store goofy candids or Instagram posts you never want to forget. The possibilities are essentially limitless, though the vast array of options could be overwhelming for those getting started.

If you don't want the pressure of deciding on a layout, the brand offers a convenient Make My Book option, in which Shutterfly's professional designers curate your photos and design the book for free. Plus, you'll still have the opportunity to put finishing touches on it before it gets printed. Whether you opt for 50 or 800 photos (the maximum), you'll receive an email notification within 24 hours that your book is complete.

Crunched for time? Design your photo book online and pick up select styles at a Walmart store near you in as little as one hour. Photo books picked up in one hour can have 15 single-sided pages and a linen cover, while same-day pickups (ready in a few hours) can have up to 20 double-sided pages and the option of a hardcover.

On top of the speedy turnaround, Walmart has a great selection of styles : You can choose everything from the photo size and layout to the type of cover, including hardcover glossy or matte, linen, leather and lay-flat glossy or matte. If you need help narrowing down the choices, there's also the option to shop by occasion, whether you're looking for a one-year anniversary or 15th-year anniversary gift .

Despite the fast shipping and variety, our expert tester, Rachel Rothman , former chief technologist and executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, did note that the quality is not as high as the options offered by other photo book makers on this list — but that may be expected considering the bargain price tag. Regardless, these photo books still make a superb present that can cost under $10 without compromising on sentimentality.

No matter the occasion, you can't go wrong with one of Artifact Uprising's high-quality photo books. There are numerous design options, including preset books to celebrate the birth of a new baby or commemorating a marriage. You can choose from lay-flat albums, books with photo strips and even softcover Instagram Friendly Books for the influencer in your life. The company even has an iPhone app that lets you create a photo book right from your smartphone. However, Rothman found the app to be glitchy at times and noted there's room for improvement with the software. Still, the books come out on top for elegance and simplicity .

One online reviewer wrote, "The fabric cover is beautiful. The photos are amazing quality and look amazing even though the photos were taken on film and therefore are a bit grainy." The overall 4.6-star rating (out of 5) backs up that review. Quality and elevated designs come with a higher price tag, but there are options for $20 or less if you're shopping on a budget.

If you have a special project and a little more money to spend, Artifact Uprising offers Design Services , which allow you to work one-on-one with an expert to bring your special moments to life. Just note that the design fee is rather steep at $119 and requires an additional $100 album deposit.

When Mixbook says it has "custom photo books for every occasion," it really means it. There are 374 different themed templates to choose from, including everything f rom travel and sports to weddings and recipes. But that doesn't mean you have to give up creative control. You can still customize the look to your liking, from fun backgrounds to stickers to text using the Editor tool. Plus, there are plenty of paper varieties, from semigloss to ultra-thick matte.

Rothman appreciated the nice balance between good photo editing and price, but she did experience issues with the lay-flat option, in which the photos bled into the crease. You can also use the iPhone app to organize your photos with a tool that the brand calls "Automagic": Simply choose the images you want and select a theme. The goal of Automagic is to help arrange your camera roll so your photos are in order when it comes time to add them to your photo book.

If you're not sure where to start, our pros love Printique because it's super easy to use. You can select one of the many predesigned layouts or create an entire photo book from scratch. Choose among portrait, landscape and square orientations, as well as hardcover and softcover options. You can even store your memories in a genuine leather or vegan leather book or pick from five different fabric colors. Although you can't choose the color for a hard- or softcover photo book, you can still customize the shape, size and paper type.

Looking for something more advanced? There'sa tool for professional photographers to design and create their own photo books. But if you want to keep things simple, consider starting with one of Printique's 4" x 4" Mini Softcover photo books , which have a maximum of 40 pages and come in three sizes.

Is Amazon Photos already your preferred destination for uploading photos? Then creating a photo book through its interface is an easy solution. Similar to other photo book makers, you can create by occasion and size, or choose its 8" x 8" Premium Photo Book for a versatile option that has a laminated cover and lay-flat binding. There's also an option with standard binding at a lower cost, and all Amazon Prime members get free shipping . (Everyone else is eligible for free shipping with a minimum order of $15.)

In addition to photo books, you can shop large prints, calendars, cards and metal tabletops. There are fewer size and style options than most services when it comes to photo books, but the other photo product choices make up for the lack of available styles. After all, sometimes it's easier and quicker to have fewer options to choose from if you need to pull something together by a certain date, like a last-minute gift for your boyfriend .

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With Pinhole Press, you can choose from various photo book styles ranging from board pages to softcovers to accordion-style setups. Upload your photos and let the system do the work, or manually place the photos into the layout yourself. Rothman says her kids love the Custom Board Books , which have themes such as " Count With Me ," " Healthy Habits " and " I Can Be Anything ." These photo books aren't just visually stimulating, but they can also educate and entertain kids for years to come .

"I got my daughter the ' My First Photo Book ' as a toddler and made it all about her — like pictures with family, doing things she likes, her favorite toys, at the playground and beach, etc. — and she still is obsessed with it," says Lexie Sachs , executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Rothman also notes the custom Photo Puzzle is a fun option for kids, and the Itty Bitty Books are easy to tote around in a work bag for on-hand entertainment. There's less variety in some categories, including Itty Bitty and hardcover books, but with so many additional photo categories other companies lack, there are still plenty of great options for kids.

RELATED: 12 Best Personalized Books for Kids

If you store your snaps in Google Photos, then Google's very own photo book maker might be the most convenient option for you. Even though there are no fancy designs, the process is seamless. Choose from two options: a 7" x 7" softcover photo book or a 9" x 9" hardcover photo book. You can include between 20 and 140 pages, and you have the option to add a spine title if you hit more than 48 pages for a softcover or any number of pages for a hardcover.

Another hallmark of Google Photos is that you can make one photo book and order multiple copies to give to family members and friends who are also pictured in the photos. Since they come at an affordable price point, you could give everyone on your gift list a copy, whether you decide to create a collection of candid photos for your closest friends or a tangible memento of a fun family trip. Though there may not be as many designs and styles to choose from, that can make the customization process less daunting.

RELATED: 50 Trendy and Most Popular Gifts of 2023

Chatbooks Custom Photo Books & Albums

"Set and forget it," Rothman says about the ease of using Chatbooks, which markets itself as "ridiculously easy." You can upload images from Instagram, Flickr, Dropbox, Facebook or your computer and edit them on your desktop or via the app . The service's Custom Photo Books & Albums option is great for families looking to personalize a family vacation , as you can choose colors, layouts, cover styles, collages, captions and more. Peruse its vast collection of more than 300 unique book covers, or shop the premium lay-flat and special occasion photo books.

You can also have fun with the Instagram and Facebook series — a 6" x 6" or 8" x 8" book with 60 pages — that lets you store your favorite social media posts in a tangible place to look back on for years to come.

Unique to Chatbooks is its subscription service, which allows you to receive a softcover, hardcover or mini photo book each month. If you and your family love taking photographs of walks in the park, weekend road trips or vacations, this service is ideal for getting your photos in your hands ASAP. One thing to note about the subscription option is that there are only two sizes available (5" x 7" and the monthly mini).

How we choose the best photo book makers

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , our pros in the Media & Tech Lab have been testing photo book makers for more than a decade . For this article, we referenced a robust test of photo book makers completed in 2009, examined updates to apps and ordered new products to test in 2023.

When choosing the best photo book makers, our Lab experts consider ease of use, performance and appearance . That means our pros take an in-depth look at a wide range of features, such as how easy it is to navigate the interface and add photos and text to the book; upload and delivery time; the number of styles, covers and templates offered; and the photo, paper and binding quality.

What to look for when shopping for the best custom photo book maker

Keep the following features in mind when choosing the right photo book maker website for your needs:

✔️ Size: Whether you're looking for a small photo book for kids or a much larger album to house snapshots from a long family vacation, there are regular, large and miniature photo book sizes available. It's best to think about how many photos you want to include and where you plan to store the album (i.e., will the book be too tall for your bookshelf or just right on top of your coffee table?).

✔️ Shape: Most photo books are rectangular or square in shape, but some companies also offer photo puzzles, calendars and tabletops to choose from too. The shape is really about aesthetic preference and the orientation you prefer for your photos.

✔️ Page count: Are you compiling 20 photos from your daughter's first-birthday party? Or are you putting together an anniversary album of pictures of you and your partner throughout the years? The number of pages determines the number of photos you can include in an album, so you have enough space to include everything.

✔️ Paper quality: This is probably a no-brainer, as the quality of material your photos are printed on is as important as the quality of the photos themselves. Although companies with higher-quality paper, like Artifact Uprising , may have a higher price tag, the extra money goes toward paper that won't lead to photos bleeding into the crease. But there are still services that are affordable and offer good-quality products, like our best value pick, Walmart Photo .

✔️ Binding quality: Some companies, like Google Photos , will add a binding to your photo album. This feature is especially important when considering the durability and longevity of your photo album. Whether it's a softcover, hardcover or lay-flat book, make sure the binding can withstand accidental drops and the wear and tear of passing the family album around at holiday parties.

✔️ Templates: If your photo album will have a certain theme or be centered around a specific occasion — or it's your first time using a photo book maker — choosing a service that has a variety of templates to choose from will let your creativity flow and also help you warm up to the design process.

✔️ Editing capabilities: When looking at beginner-level or more advanced designer tools, consider how robust or simple they are to use. Having lots of control over the interface is fun, but if you're looking for a more straightforward experience, opt for a service that does the majority of the decision-making for you or offers designer help, like Shutterfly .

What is the easiest way to make a custom photo book?

" It really depends upon the service and your preference ," Rothman says. Although some online custom photo book makers also have an app, it can have limited functionality, be buggy or not as easy to use as the desktop equivalent. "Often, an app makes it super simple to upload pictures from your phone (a major plus!) but doesn't allow as much flexibility for product assortment or editing once you've selected." That said, designing a photo book on your smartphone or tablet versus a desktop may come down to how many edits you intend to make .

"If you plan to do a lot of editing, the non-app version on a larger screen would likely be your best choice. If you want to quickly make a book with limited changes, an app on your mobile device may be the way to go," Rothman explains.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she ensures product reviews reflect accurate information. Prior to this role, she was an editorial assistant at Woman's Day , where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes.

To update this article, Elizabeth collaborated with former Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman to gather testing notes regarding current picks. Rachel, who has tested several of the best photo book makers on this list, has more than 15 years of experience evaluating thousands of products, including toys and cars for Good Housekeeping’s annual Best Toy Awards and Best New Family Cars programs.

Amina Lake Abdelrahman is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Institute Lab experts' product testing and analysis.

Amina is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Lab experts' product testing and analysis. Amina graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in communication studies and journalism.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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Best VPN apps for Apple TV

Setting up a VPN on your Apple TV 4K allows you to avoid geographic region restrictions and access services not normally available to you. With tvOS 17, VPN apps can now be installed on the Apple TV directly.

VPN apps available now for Apple TV include NordVPN , PureVPN , IPVanish , ExpressVPN, and more. Here’s all the best VPN apps for Apple TV available now …

Using a VPN to virtually change your location has a lot of advantages when it comes to streaming services, as so much video content is siloed due to license agreements for different regions. Services offer vastly different rosters of content depending on where you are geographically located.

However, up to now it has been quite difficult to use a VPN with the Apple TV box. The Apple TV did not support VPN natively and that meant you had to set up a VPN on your router and proxy connections through that. But with tvOS 17, the Apple TV can be easily configured to directly use a VPN connection by downloading a compatible VPN app from the App Store.

How to set up a VPN on Apple TV

To set up a VPN on the Apple TV, update to tvOS 17 and then download one of the compatible VPN apps listed below from the App Store.

Sign up for the VPN service and press the enable button inside the app to activate the VPN connection on your Apple TV device. Once a connection is established successfully, tvOS will present an alert ‘VPN App Connected’ in the corner of the screen.

When you are finished, you can disable VPN through the app, or go to the Settings app and manage installed VPN profiles in the VPN & Device Management section.

VPN apps for Apple TV

NordVPN has launched its Apple TV app, bringing the popular computer VPN service to the living room. You can use NordVPN to change geographic location and access content from streaming services without geo-restrictions. Choose from VPN servers located in over 60 countries. With the NordVPN app, your Apple TV network traffic is routed through the NordVPN servers in an encrypted and secure fashion. Communication uses the NordLynx protocol for maximum bandwidth and speed throughput.

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is now available on Apple TV with one-click set up. Subscribe online, then download their tvOS app and log in to start browsing over their VPN on your Apple TV box. Surfshark lets you connect to more than 3200 servers spanning 100 countries, features AE2-256 encryption and allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can be streaming on your Apple TV, while your whole household is also using Surfshark VPN on their devices.

PureVPN has racked up thousands of five star reviews for its iPhone and iPad app, and is now on the Apple TV App Store as well. Their UI shows a grid of available server locations, with easy download and upload speed tests to compare your options before you connect. PureVPN offers high-speed connections across more than 90 locations around the world, perfect for streaming in 4K and HD.

IPVanish is now available in the tvOS App Store. IPVanish offers a choice of more than 2,500 servers located all around the world. Their tvOS app lets you easily search their directory to find your server of choice. You can save multiple locations as favorites to easily switch between, and use their Optimal Location feature to automatically a nearby VPN relay server with the best connection to you, optimizing speed and response latency.

ExpressVPN app has also just launched an Apple TV app this month . One of the biggest name brands to bring Apple TV support, their app lets you browse securely with servers located in more than 105 countries worldwide. Download the app, sign in to your existing ExpressVPN account by scanning the QR code, and press one button to start using the Apple TV over the ExpressVPN network.

The first VPN app available for Apple TV is FlowVPN . The app lets you easily connect through their VPN and pick your preferred VPN server using a visual map UI. You will then be assigned a virtual IP address situated in that geographic location. FlowVPN supports WireGard and IPSec protocol options. You can try out FlowVPN with a free trial . Get the FlowVPN app from the App Store .

SwizzVPN offers VPNs physically located in Switzerland and many other countries around the world, with unlimited speed and bandwidth. They uniquely offer one-time unlock purchase options, so you don’t need a monthly subscription to use. Their Apple TV app is perhaps not the prettiest app you’ve ever seen but it is functional: choose from a list of servers, and then press the big green ‘Connect’ button to get started.

Tailscale is also now available on Apple TV. Tailscale lets you create your own secure peer-to-peer network without relying on an intermediate company server network. You can choose an exit node to relay all traffic through from the Apple TV, or the Apple TV can be designated as the exit node itself. You can use Tailscale for free with up to 3 users and 100 devices.

VPNIFY is now available on Apple TV , and their VPN uniquely offers a generous free ad-supported tier on desktop. This means you can do casual proxy browsing and try out their service without having to pay anything; reasonably priced premium paid plans are available for Apple TV and all platforms as optional upgrades. They have many geolocations to choose from and no bandwidth usage caps for streaming and downloading.

X-VPN offers 8000 proxy servers to choose from across 50 global locations. It can automatically detect the fastest speed server for you. You can change location in one click. An X-VPN account allows for surfing on up to five devices. They have a strict user privacy policy and save no data logs. Sign up for a subscription inside the app with monthly and yearly plans.

SafeShell promises fast and secure browsing with their collection of high-speed servers available in locations around the world. Their high-speed VPN connections allow you to stream in HD. Try SafeShell with a free trial before committing to a subscription tier. You can sign up seamlessly using In-App Purchase, with weekly, monthly or yearly plans. Their ‘zero logs’ policy means you can be assured that they do not retain online activity or connection logs.

We’ll update this list as more VPN apps become available for Apple TV on tvOS 17.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog . Message Benjamin over email or Twitter .

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Mother of seven creates mobile travel guide to connect visitors to Black-owned businesses

CINCINNATI (WXIX) -A local mother of seven has created a digital travel guide to connect visitors to different cultural events and Black businesses in the area, paving the way for independent Black women.

Azizah Nubia created the Cincy Black Travel Guide in July 2023 to help visitors experience the best of Black culture in the city and find the best deals on concerts, flights, and events in the area.

Nubia noticed a need for an idea like this after attending Black Tech Week in the Tri-State area. She stated that visitors were unaware of local events going on at the time.

“We have thousands of people who come to Cincinnati during that week in July and like it’s a big tourist destination for black travelers, and so I said we need a map to guide people so they can know to go to Nostalgia, go to Soul Secrets or you know if you want a restaurant where you can sit down and bring the family we have a lot of restaurants in Forest Park. I just wanted it to be an inclusive app where black people go to places where they feel comfortable and can enjoy,” Nubia said.

Nubia says that the company specializes in curating travel packages for visitors without breaking the bank.

Cincy Black Travel Guide recently partnered with the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to offer visitors the best flight deals.

Since its launch, the app has been the second most downloaded app in the country, Nubia said.

In addition to the app, Nubia is also the founder and creator of Natural Woman, which started as a magazine and has evolved into a lifestyle brand with podcasts and curated events.

When she is not busy with the app and Natural Woman, she runs her advertising agency, AZ Media.

”I’m living my dreams, and every day I wake up to come into this and see AZ media suite 315 to know that my office started in my bedroom with a laptop on the bed and into where it is now, where it supports me and my family. It’s amazing,” Nubia said.

After taking a desktop publishing class in the tenth grade, Nubia taught herself everything she needed to know to run her businesses, overcoming barriers.

She says she is teaching her children to never stop chasing their dreams.

“It’s just a testament that whatever you believe in, whatever you put your mind to, you can make it happen,” Nubia explains.

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Copyright 2024 WXIX. All rights reserved.

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