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Travel applications are designed to help us navigate our destinations more easily and make the best decisions in various stages of our journey. Having explored the globe for years, whether on our photo tours or leisurely adventures, we’ve relied on numerous travel apps. Now, these apps have become indispensable tools in our traveling toolkit.
If you want to simplify your experience at your destination or score budget-friendly flights and accommodations, you’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll highlight some of the best travel apps to download. And, if you’re looking for ways to travel cheaply, make sure to check out our list of travel discounts, too!
To make things easier and help you find apps for specific purposes, I’ve organized the top trip-planning apps based on their functionality:
- Best apps for air travel
- Best apps for accommodations
- Best apps for transportation
- Best apps to find attractions and things to do
- Best apps to manage finances during the trip
- Best apps for trip planning
- Other need-specific apps
Best apps for air travel
When it comes to finding cheap flights and efficiently managing your reservations, there are several travel apps that stand out. Here are some of the best ones:
1. Skyscanner, one of the best travel apps for cheap flights
Skyscanner is a top-notch platform designed to effortlessly search for and book budget-friendly flights. What sets it apart is its comprehensive tracking of all airlines along your specified route. This allows you to find the optimal choice based on factors like price, schedule, and layovers.
The Skyscanner travel app is an extension of this functionality, allowing users to search for and secure flight deals. It offers diverse sorting options that help you filter results by price, journey duration, or other preferences. If you’re accustomed to managing everything from your mobile device, Skyscanner stands out as the best application for booking flights. Using this app, you can search for flights anytime, anywhere, and complete your reservation. While it also features hotel and rental car searches, keep in mind that there are dedicated apps that function better for these purposes.
The application is free and available for Android and iOS devices.
2. Kiwi, the best application for booking flights
Similar to Skyscanner, Kiwi is a top-rated platform that helps you track all airlines servicing your desired route, ensuring you find the most affordable tickets available. The unique advantage of this platform is that it has often allowed us to find the best deals, which explains why it has been our preferred choice for some time now.
Kiwi offers an app for airplane flights, allowing you to search for and book flights without the need for a computer. It also offers various features, including the ability to set up alerts, review itineraries, modify details, access offline boarding passes, and more. Simply put, Kiwi is one of the best air travel apps that covers practically everything you need for planning flights.
This air travel app is completely free and is available for Android and iOS devices.
3. Hopper, an app for managing airplane flights
Hopper is a type of travel agency that collaborates with various airlines, hotels, accommodations, and car rental companies to streamline trip organization and planning.
While particularly popular in the United States, this travel app for flights is accessible in other countries as well, helping users simplify their search and reserve flight tickets, hotels, and rental cars. More importantly, the app operates based on an algorithm that accurately predicts flight prices in advance. If you’re uncertain about whether plane tickets will rise or fall in the coming months, Hopper can guide your decision-making. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best travel apps for exploring flight options and predicting price fluctuations.
This travel app is completely free, compatible with both Android and iOS, and available in multiple languages.
4. FlightAware, the best air travel app to track flight
FlightAware is one of the best applications for flights that provides you with real-time updates on flight statuses. Although it’s highly popular among frequent flyers, this travel app is a practical tool for anyone who wants to receive timely updates on departure and arrival times, cancellations, gate changes, and even weather conditions.
It’s undoubtedly the go-to travel app for staying informed about your upcoming flight or when you’re picking someone up at the airport.
This travel application is free and available for both Android and iOS devices.
Best apps for finding accommodations
Here is a list of travel apps you can use to find cheap hotels and other types of accommodation.
5. Booking, the best travel app for hotels
Booking is one of the best websites for finding hotels, apartments, and various accommodations worldwide. As our preferred website for booking accommodation, this app has become indispensable for us.
With this travel application, you can find and book hotels in almost any country in the world. The app mirrors the website’s user-friendly interface, allowing you to search for accommodations without any problems. In addition, you can easily book, manage, and access all reservation details, including address, check-in/check-out times, amenities, and terms and conditions. The app also facilitates direct communication with the property managers or owners to address any questions you may have.
When you make reservations through the website and access your user account, all the information automatically syncs with the Booking app.
The application is completely free and available for Android and iOS devices.
6. Airbnb, an application for finding apartments and vacation rentals
Airbnb is the best travel app for finding apartments and vacation rentals by directly connecting with the property owners. What sets this travel application apart is that Airbnb predominantly features accommodations owned by individuals, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for cost-effective alternatives to hotels.
The Airbnb app is user-friendly, asking you to simply select a destination to generate results. These results can be sorted by price, distance from the city center, and other preferences. The travel app also offers filtering options to display accommodations with specific features.
You can download the app at no cost for both Android and iOS devices. For more information, check out our guide on Airbnb.
7. Hostelworld, the best app for finding hostels and affordable accommodation
Hostelworld is one of the best apps for solo travelers, allowing you to locate and book hostels in over 170 countries around the world.
If you’re on a tight budget or a solo traveler looking for social interactions, the Hostelworld app is a go-to solution. It provides access to a diverse range of hostels, some of which rival hotels with amenities such as game rooms, dining areas, swimming pools, and communal spaces designed for shared experiences with fellow guests. This tourism application not only allows you to make reservations but also offers a unique feature; after booking, you can identify fellow travelers who will be at the hostel and initiate conversations.
Within the same application, you can also manage your reservation, make adjustments, or cancel if needed.
The app is free to download and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Best apps for transportation
If you’re looking to rent a car at your destination for the freedom to move without schedules and restrictions, various travel apps can assist you in finding cheap rental cars. Alternatively, if you don’t have a driver’s license or simply prefer not to drive, there are several apps to plan a road trip, facilitating easy transportation from one location to another.
8. DiscoverCars, one of the best applications for traveling by car
DiscoverCars stands out as our preferred platform for finding rental cars, featuring various capabilities to track, analyze, and compare offerings from hundreds of websites and companies, ensuring you find the option that best suits your needs.
You can use DiscoverCars to find vehicles and efficiently manage your rental. Offering a user-friendly interface, you can easily search based on criteria such as price, vehicle features, proximity to offices, and other features. Undoubtedly, DiscoverCars is among the most valuable travel apps for road trips, providing a comprehensive solution for finding the best rental options.
This free travel app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
9. Moovit, one of the best apps for using public transportation while traveling
Moovit has become one of the best apps for cheap travel, allowing travelers to opt for public transport instead of using their own vehicles. It’s an indispensable app for those relying on buses, trains, trams, subways, ferries, and more during their trips.
Through Moovit, you gain access to comprehensive schedules for all modes of public transport in a city. You can also find the best route from one point to another, making it a must-have tourism app for vacationers navigating unfamiliar cities.
Real-time arrival information is another valuable feature I love about this app, allowing you to plan your itinerary more effectively.
This free app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
10. Rome2Rio, another travel application for multimodal transport
Rome2Rio is one of the most popular travel apps for planning a road trip, capable of searching and generating the fastest routes between any two points.
When you need to reach a destination, Rome2Rio analyzes all available routes, transportation modes, real-time road conditions, and other factors to provide you with the quickest option. Moreover, the app allows you to book train tickets, ferry tickets, or any other required mode of transportation.
Rome2Rio is definitely one of the best apps for cheap travel. This application is a valuable tool for those looking for affordable travel options, as it can estimate the cost of each route, allowing you to make informed decisions based on both time and price considerations.
The app is free to use and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
11. Omio, one of the best apps for train travel
Omio is a trip-planning app that works as a transportation search engine, helping users find the most economical means of getting from one point to another.
While not my first choice for flight searches, Omio is exceptionally useful for finding and booking cheap train tickets. Through this app, you can easily search for routes, make reservations, and buy train tickets. The app also supports payment through PayPal. Omio is one of the best apps for train travel, especially if you are traveling to Europe, the U.S., or Canada.
This free app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
12. Maps.me, one of the best apps for offline maps
Maps.me is an application that lets you access all the maps you’ve downloaded on your device, allowing you to easily orient yourself even when you don’t have an Internet connection. This feature is really beneficial for following your travel itinerary without reliance on constant connectivity.
Maps.me becomes particularly useful in situations where Internet access is limited. It allows you to pinpoint your location, locate major tourist attractions, and identify public transportation hubs like metro, bus, or train stations. Additionally, Maps.me covers a wide range of attractions, including restaurants, supermarkets, and other noteworthy places. Personally, I find it exceptionally handy for hiking routes due to its detailed maps. Just keep in mind that first, you need to download the maps while connected to the Internet, whether at home, in a hotel, or any place with Internet access.
While Maps.me is an effective tool, I always recommend having a stable Internet connection while traveling, not only for navigation but also for staying in touch with family and friends or addressing any unforeseen events.
This tourism application is available for both Android and iOS devices, and it’s completely free.
Best apps to find attractions and things to do during your trip
If you want to ensure you don’t miss out on anything in the city you’re visiting, or if you need to find restaurants, hotels, gas stations, parking lots, hospitals, and other essential places, there are traveler apps designed to simplify and enhance your experience.
13. Aroundme, the ultimate application for sightseeing
Aroundme is an indispensable travel app for those exploring a new city, ensuring you don’t miss out on any points of interest. Whether you’re searching for restaurants, supermarkets, medical centers, parking lots, or gas stations, this app has you covered. It also helps you find tourist attractions such as monuments, historical buildings, museums, and parks.
To enhance the user experience, Aroundme categorizes places into a detailed list. Once you select a category, all the relevant results appear with crucial information like distance, approximate prices (for restaurants, for example), and other details to help you make informed choices.
Undoubtedly, it ranks among the best travel apps for sightseeing. The application is free to download and available on both Android and iOS devices.
14. SmartGuide, one of the best apps for tourists
SmartGuide is one of the best tourist guide apps, particularly useful for travelers looking for diverse and enriched experiences. The app serves as a platform where tour guides, area experts, or fellow travelers publish informative audio guides, offering valuable insights into a destination’s history, art, culture, and traditions.
If you haven’t booked a guided tour for your city visit, SmartGuide allows you to download audio guides tailored to your interests, enabling you to explore your destination at your own pace. The app covers a diverse range of topics, including history, art, culture, and tradition, ensuring a more enjoyable trip.
The best part is that SmartGuide is entirely free and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
15. Guruwalk, one of the best apps for finding free tours
Guruwalk is one of the most popular travel apps for those looking for free tours in any city around the world. All you need to do is enter your destination city or country, as well as your trip dates, and you’ll receive a comprehensive list of available options.
This tourism application is undoubtedly the best choice for those on a tight budget but eager to enjoy a guided tour. Depending on the city, you’ll find various tours with different themes. Although the tours are free, it’s customary to offer a tip to the guide at the end of the activity. Additionally, remember to cancel your reservation if you’re unable to attend.
To get the most out of this travel app, I recommend planning ahead and booking your tours as early as possible since these activities tend to fill up quickly.
The Guruwalk app is free and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
16. GetYourGuide, the best app for finding tours and excursions worldwide
GetYourGuide is one of our favorite platforms for finding and booking tours and excursions around the world.
Through the GetYourGuide tourism app, you can search for, book, and manage a wide array of activities. Options include guided walking tours, helicopter or small plane tours, wildlife excursions, dining experiences, tickets to events, and more. Whatever your hobbies and interests, GetYourGuide offers a diverse range of activities to suit your preferences.
If you cannot attend the activity, the app provides a cancellation option. Additionally, you can contact customer service directly through the app.
Apps to manage finances during the trip
Travel management apps are another useful category of tourist applications that allow you to manage your expenses during your trip.
17. SplitWise, the perfect app for sharing group travel expenses
SplitWise is the best app for sharing travel expenses. When traveling with a group, dividing expenses can be a complex task, and SplitWise simplifies this process. Whether you prefer splitting bills evenly or keeping track of individual contributions, SplitWise ensures accuracy and eliminates potential conflicts within the group.
The app is super user-friendly. Simply add all group members, and input the expense details, including what the payment is for, the amount, the payer, and participants, and SplitWise takes care of the rest. It keeps a comprehensive record of each person’s payments, debts, and credits.
Additionally, everyone in your group who downloaded the app can access trip information, making it an excellent app for group trips as well.
SplitWise is free on both Android and iOS devices.
18. XE Currency, the best application to exchange currency abroad
XE Currency takes the spotlight as the best application for handling currency exchanges while traveling to countries with currencies other than the dollar. In most cases, I recommend using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. But, if, for any reason, you have to exchange currency, you cannot find a travel app better than XE Currency to get it done.
This app allows you to monitor up to 10 different currencies and activate alerts and notifications to make exchanges at optimal times. It also facilitates international transfers and provides historical charts with currency information. With a range of functionalities related to currency exchange, XE Currency is a valuable travel application.
The app is entirely free and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
19. Revolut, another excellent currency exchange app
Revolut, renowned as one of the best cards for international travel, also offers one of the best apps for traveling abroad, especially for travelers who wish to keep meticulous records of their expenses during their trips. This app offers a comprehensive suite of functionalities, allowing users to manage various aspects, from making payments using the virtual card to splitting travel expenses with friends, or conducting transfers.
If you have a Revolut card, the application becomes indispensable, as it provides complete control over your Revolut account.
The Revolut app is completely free and exclusively designed for Revolut customers. It is available on both Android and iOS devices.
Best travel apps for planning a trip
If you prefer to have everything planned ahead of time, there are great travel apps out there that can help you organize your trip.
20. TripIt, one of the best trip-planning apps
TripIt is an invaluable trip-planning app that allows you to streamline all your reservations, tickets, and confirmations in one convenient place.
When planning a trip, it’s common to book flights, hotels, tours, and more from different platforms and websites, which leads to multiple confirmation emails and a lot of confusion. TripIt simplifies the process by allowing you to forward these emails, generating a comprehensive travel itinerary with all the essential information you need. The app also sends timely reminders and alerts to ensure you don’t overlook any details, making it the perfect travel app to plan a trip.
TripIt is completely free on both Android and iOS devices.
21. Packpoint, the best app that helps you pack for your trip
Packpoint is the best travel kit app that will immediately become an indispensable tool for efficient suitcase packing on all your future trips.
To tailor your packing list, simply input details such as your travel destination, date, trip purpose, and planned activities. Packpoint then generates a customized list, considering factors like weather, trip duration, and the specific activities you’ve planned. Trust me, this app is a game-changer, as it simplifies the packing process and ensures you don’t forget any essentials.
In addition, if you find yourself at your destination without a convenient place to store your suitcase, I recommend checking our luggage storage guide. This resource has proven invaluable for us on multiple occasions, especially when accommodations lack luggage storage options or don’t permit early check-ins.
Packpoint is completely free on both Android and iOS devices.
Other need-specific travel apps
In addition to the list of travel apps mentioned above, there are a few handy tourism applications that can ensure a smoother experience for all travelers.
22. Google Translate, a useful offline translation app for travel
Google Translate stands out as one of the best apps for overseas travel. It’s particularly beneficial when visiting countries where you may not be fluent in the local language.
This application has undergone significant improvements. Now, you don’t need to manually input text for translation—simply take a photo of the text or activate the microphone for spoken translations. Google Translate is recognized as one of the best translation apps for travelers, making it a must-have when visiting foreign countries. I assure you that it has come to our rescue more than once.
You can download the Google Translate app for free on both Android and iOS devices.
23. WiFiMap, the best travel application for free Internet access
An international eSIM or, in case of incompatibility, an international SIM is the best way to have Internet access while traveling. We personally use Holafly cards, which provide unlimited data at an affordable price. To make things even better, you can take advantage of our Holafly discount to use their services at a cheaper price. However, if you find yourself without these cards and need Internet abroad, WiFiMap steps in as an excellent alternative.
WiFiMap is the best travel application for Internet access, helping you locate free connection points without the need for an international eSIM or SIM card. Even if you are without Internet access, WiFiMap’s regularly updated database includes open or public Wi-Fi networks, making it a reliable option when you are in a foreign country without mobile data.
This application is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and is completely free.
24. Flush, the best app for travel emergencies
Flush is a travel application that can truly save the day. It serves as a public restroom finder, helping you locate the nearest facilities in various situations.
Flush is exceptionally user-friendly, offering an incredibly intuitive interface. Regardless of whether you have Internet access or not, this versatile app works seamlessly so you can locate a restroom even in areas without coverage. If you have data and activate location tracking on your device, Flush provides real-time information on the nearest public restrooms. Even if you don’t have Internet, you can simply enter your location, and Flush will guide you.
This application is available for both Android and iOS devices, and the best part is it’s completely free.
25. HeyMondo app, the best insurance app for travelers in case of emergency
When it comes to the best application for safe travel, the HeyMondo app stands out as an indispensable tool. HeyMondo not only offers one of the best travel insurance policies in terms of coverage and price but also provides an app with a 24/7 medical chat. This feature allows you to quickly address any medical queries without the need to visit a medical center.
Through the HeyMondo app, you can check your policy details, request medical assistance, and get other essential information. It’s important to note that this travel application is exclusively available to customers who have purchased HeyMondo insurance.
As long-time users of HeyMondo, we can attest to its effectiveness. The app is incredibly useful, providing quick and professional assistance whenever needed. Additionally, you can make the most of HeyMondo discounts to buy your insurance at an even more affordable rate.
While the app can be downloaded for free, it is accessible only to those who have an active insurance policy with HeyMondo. If you haven’t obtained your policy yet, you can do so here.
Other travel apps we frequently use
While the travel applications mentioned above cover a wide range of needs, there are a few additional ones we consider essential, especially for more specific scenarios.
Windy is the best travel weather app, providing accurate and detailed weather information. We also rely on PhotoPills, a must-have for photo enthusiasts, which allows you to plan your shots and figure out, for instance, the best time to photograph the Milky Way.
For campervan journeys in New Zealand or Australia, CamperMate is our go-to app, offering valuable information for travelers on the road. Moreover, iOverlander is one of the best apps for planning a road trip across the United States.
The world of travel apps is vast, and if you have any favorites or essential apps you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always eager to discover new and useful tools. Regardless, I trust that the apps mentioned in this guide will significantly enhance and simplify your travel experiences.
Enjoy your trip!
great list – thanks for sharing!! also this app is super great and worth a shot : ATM Fee Saver – the app gives you a list of ATMs and their fees and limits. works in over 45 countries i think. i used it in southamerica and really loved it =) best regards charlie
Hi Charlie,
Looks like an awesome app. Very useful! Thanks for sharing 🙂