Planning a trip can be chaotic, but great travel apps can help make it a lot easier. From booking accommodation to finding inspiration, there are a few essential apps to download before you head off on your next adventure.
XE’s currency app offers quick and easy conversions, while Timeshifter combats jet lag by recommending sleep schedules. And Libby lets you access free audiobooks and digital books via your local library.
1. Tripit
This app allows travelers to consolidate itineraries and confirmation emails into a single place. It also helps with things like hotel/car folios and recommendations for local places to go.
Tripit’s continued focus on frequent traveler’s needs is what sets it apart. The app is free to use, but upgrading to Tripit Pro has a number of benefits. One of these includes tracking flights and letting you know if flight prices drop after you book.
2. TripAdvisor
Whether daydreaming about a vacation or planning one, TripAdvisor promises users escape. Its headquarters are designed to resemble a hotel lobby and feature a stuffed owl mascot.
Its new offline feature allows travelers to download reviews and photos, and city maps before traveling. Travelers can also save hotels, restaurants and attractions to their personal TripAdvisor folders. It can even offer recommendations based on marketing relationships with partners.
3. Waze
Waze uses real-time user data to alert you to road conditions, traffic jams and police activity. The community can also report on road construction, a three-car pileup or even a hidden speed trap.
The app can pipe in tunes or podcasts from Spotify, which makes for a hands-free experience on long drives. It can also use your calendar to predict when the best time to leave is based on current traffic conditions.
4. Rebtel
Rebtel offers low-cost international calls for your mobile phone. The Service (including the airtime value for Mobile Top Up) is provided and charged on a pre-paid basis. Rates (offers, deals and plans) are published from time to time in the App and/or on the Website.
With Rebtel, you can call anywhere as long as you have a Wi-Fi or 3G connection. It’s a great alternative to Skype for travelers!
5. Uber
Uber allows travelers to easily hail a driver and then follow their ride in real-time. The app also includes an in-app map for easy navigation.
Travelers can use the Uber app to create a profile for business travel, which gives them access to preferred rides and special perks.
The app also allows travelers to invite friends and family to join group trips, automatically updating stops and splitting the fare by ride time.
6. BlaBlarCar
Carpooling with BlaBlaCar is a great way to bypass public transport tangles, travel to off-the-beaten-track destinations and make the most of your time abroad. Plus, it’s a cheaper alternative to trains and planes!
The company has built a global network of over 70 million users. It’s also expanded beyond long distance travel, with services such as ‘BlaBlaLines’ for daily commuters and ‘BlaBlaBus’ for direct bus rides between cities.
7. Google Maps
Google Maps is an indispensable tool for navigating cities and neighborhoods both familiar and foreign. Whether you want to save places to revisit later or simply scout out restaurants, this app has your back.
With a new feature, you can see public transportation options and schedules on your route. It also lets you measure distances between points on the map. Plus, it offers offline maps for destinations with limited WiFi or cell service.
8. Splitwise
Splitwise is a must-have travel app for travelers who plan group trips. It makes dividing up expenses on the go a breeze so you don’t have to exchange cold glances or get into heated arguments with your traveling buddies about money matters.
The app allows you to record expenses in more than 100 currencies and settles balances automatically using Venmo or PayPal.
9. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a tour and activity booking platform that offers travellers a massive selection of experiences. From skip-the-line admission tickets to city walking tours and even day trips, you can book them all in one place with ease.
It also features ratings and reviews based on the experiences of previous travelers, so you can trust your experience. Plus, they offer flexible cancellation policies on many of their activities.
