ESSENTIAL TRAVEL APPS
Visiting a new country where the layout, language and/or culture is unfamiliar doesn’t have to be stressful. Downloading reliable apps to your phone beforehand can make arriving and the overall trip a breeze.
The 10 Essential Travel Apps
This is tailored for iPhone users, so some apps (if any) may not be available for Android
1. Google Translate
2. Google Maps
3. TripIt
4. Calculator (currency converter)
5. Rome2Rio
6. Skyscanner
7. GetYourGuide
8. Guru Walk
9. Culture Trip
10. Atlas Obscura
1. Google Translate
Google Translate is essential for anyone travelling to a country with a foreign language. Outside of being able to communicate with locals or learning the pronunciation of common words and phrases, Google Translate also has other useful in-app features like the option to download specific languages for offline usage. This not only saves cellular data but can be helpful for times without Wi-Fi access. It also has an in-app camera that can scan real-world text. This is useful with understanding food menu options and building signs.
2. Google Maps
Although there are many alternative maps, Google Maps tends to be the most reliable especially for public transport schedules. Also, the user-friendly interface makes pinning places of interests an easy task. There is also an option to download maps section for offline use too: Maps.me is also a popular alternative for this.
Now this is a blanket rule as there will be instances where Google Maps isn’t the most reliable app. For example, in South Korea, Naver Map is far superior. So, it’s recommended to check the recommended map app before travelling to a foreign country.
3. TripIt
TripIt can make tracking things like reservations for flights, accommodation, transportation, events and activities simple. Users can sync their emails with TripIt and any new bookings will be forwarded to the app where custom itineraries will be automatically created. The app records key details like order confirmation ID, flight number, address and contact information for accommodations as part of the itinerary. This is particularly useful for trips that cover multiple cities and/or countries. There is also an option to store PDFs under specific itineraries which makes locating digital tickets quick and easy.
4. Calculator
Having a currency converter is essential to avoid mistakes like tipping $50 instead of $5 (not like I’m talking from personal experience or anything) and the iPhone Calculator app just recently got a currency converter feature added (which can be accessed by pressing the bottom left button).
The free version of Currency Converter Plus and Xe Currency are also reliable options.
5. Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio can help with planning major travel routes as it will list feasible transportation methods (eg. flight, train, bus, car or ferry) between destinations while also providing approximate journey time and costs. It also gives users the option to order online tickets with different transportation providers.
6. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a great app to search for flights. It offers a user-friendly experience that allows people to filter searches based on criteria like cheapest flight available, specific or flexible dates, fastest transit time, flight departure time, direct flights and more. It also caters to the indecisive traveller by showing flight prices for “everywhere”.
7. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide has countless paid activities and group tours with respective customer reviews that can help determine which options are worth the money. The app has a flexible refund policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the event.
8. Guru Walk
Going on a free walking tour led by local experts is a great way to learn more about a city and Guruwalk offers the most comprehensive list.
Note: the app can sometimes lag but the website is usually reliable.
9. Culture Trip
Culture Trip is a great resource for choosing a travel destination as it has countless articles on locations to visit, attractions to see and itineraries. There are also articles relating to local culture that give a great insight into the different customs and beliefs of countries which can be useful for understanding the things to be mindful and respectful of during a visit.
10. Atlas Obscura
Atlas Obscura is fantastic for finding lesser-known attractions. Contributed by other travellers that have visited, each destination has a “know before you go” section that offers tips for visiting including directional help.