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I can’t imagine traveling before smartphones. Directions, languages, transportation, and entertainment are now in the palm of your hand. I don’t know if I would be able to manage long term traveling without my phone. What am I supposed to do, ask a stranger for directions? Print all of my reservations? Sure, it’s a good idea to print things as back ups. But it’s so convenient to have everything I need on one device.
These are the best travel apps I use to make traveling easier.
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is my number one must have travel app. I would be lost without it, literally.
Before your trip, download offline maps for the cities you’re visiting. This way you can still use Google Maps if you don’t have an internet connection.
You can also save places ahead of time. Look up your hotel, restaurants you want to eat at, things you want to see, and other points of interest and save them in Google Maps before you arrive. There are 4 different icon types – favorites (heart), want to go (flag), starred places (star), and travel plans (suitcase). These icons will stay on the map so you can easily see all of your saved places when you’re exploring the city. You can also share these saved lists with your friends.
2. Google Translate
Google Translate is another essential travel app I highly recommend. Download languages ahead of time so you can translate offline. There’s a camera function that makes it easy to translate signs or product labels at the grocery store. You can also use conversation mode to speak to someone else in their language.
The best Transportation travel apps
3. Local taxi or rideshare app
If the country you’re visiting doesn’t use Uber or Lyft, look up their taxi or rideshare app and download it ahead of time. Bolt is common in most of Europe. This will be helpful to have when you arrive if you need a ride from the airport. Most airports also have a taxi line, but I like using an app when possible to avoid scams. I like being able to enter my destination in the app and see the map so I know where we’re going. I also like knowing the price ahead of time.
4. Trainline or local train app
It’s a good idea to download a train ticket booking app. Trainline is my favorite for booking train tickets throughout Europe. You can also look up the local train app. Some cities have separate apps for trains and local transit like trams and metros. With Trainline and local apps, you can buy tickets on your phone. Most countries don’t require you to print the tickets.
I also recommend using Seat61 to research the train system in the country you’re visiting. This isn’t an app, but it’s extremely helpful info.
5. Flixbus
Flixbus is another useful transportation app. Sometimes the bus is much cheaper than the train. And some cities don’t have trains at all.
Flixbus is the most reliable bus company I’ve used. All Flixbus buses should have wifi, air conditioning, and a bathroom on the bus. Although sometimes they partner with local bus companies that might not have these amenities.
the best travel apps for international Phone Service
6. Airalo
If your phone plan doesn’t include international data, you might want to get a sim card for the country you’re visiting. The easiest option is to get an eSIM with the Airalo app. You can buy your eSIM ahead of time so you have data as soon as you arrive. Airalo has eSIMs for countries or regions. If you’re going to several European countries, you can buy a Europe eSIM and be covered for your whole trip.
Most eSIM cards are for data only and will not give you a local phone number. (Use Whatsapp, Skype, or Google Voice to make calls). Depending on the country, sometimes there is also an option for phone service.
7. Whatsapp
Whatsapp is a messaging app that’s especially popular in Europe. You can send messages or make calls for free over wifi or data. The other person will need to have Whatsapp too, but most people I met in Europe already had it.
8. Skype
If you need to make calls to the US and don’t want to use your phone plan, try Skype. It’s $3.49 a month to call US numbers, including landlines. You can also pay extra for a Skype number and choose the area code.
9. Google Voice
Google Voice is a good option if you’ll be traveling for a while and want to cancel your local phone plan, but keep your number. You’ll need to pay a one time fee of $20 to transfer your number. Then you can use Google Voice for free messaging and calls over wifi or data.
One thing to keep in mind is sometimes 2-factor authentication doesn’t work with virtual numbers, like Google Voice. For me, it works for 2-factor authentication for my Google Account and banking apps. But it did not work for me for ChatGPT or Binance.
my favorite travel apps for accomodations
10. Airbnb
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, it’s helpful to download the app before your trip. This makes it easier to get directions and contact your host while you’re traveling. You can also use it to find more Airbnbs for later in your trip.
11. Hostelworld
Hostelworld is the best app I’ve found for finding hostels. You can use the app to book hostels, get directions, or chat with other guests.
Entertainment travel Apps
12. Games
Games that don’t require the internet are super helpful for surviving long flights. My favorites are Stack and Bubble Pop.
13. Music
A music app that works offline is essential for flights and long train or bus rides. I use Spotify but of course you can use your favorite music app.
Before your flight, download a playlist of your favorite songs so you can listen to them offline.
14. Audiobooks
I like to listen to audiobooks on long flights and train rides. I use Audible to download books ahead of time and listen to them offline.
15. Streaming apps
You can also download movies and tv shows to watch on your flight. I’ve used Netflix and Disney Plus for this, but most streaming apps have a download option.
Are there any travel apps you use that I missed? Let me know in the comments!