While we don’t advocate spending too much time ‘eyes down’ on your smartphone when travelling (yeah, yeah, we know: FOMO, the struggle is real), there are exceptions.
Travel apps can be a huge help when navigating a new destination. But with start-ups, well, starting up every five minutes, it’s hard to differentiate between the time savers and time wasters. So we’ve done it for you (because we wouldn’t want you to miss out…).
Here are ten top travel apps you shouldn’t leave home without. As always, follow the best online safety practices for travellers and have an amazing trip!
1. Tripit
Tripit is great for keeping multiple flight and hotel reservations organised and staying abreast of real-time updates. All you need to do is forward your confirmation emails to Tripit and they do the rest. The niftiest thing is you can add friends and family to your itinerary so they get updates too. Download it and never miss a flight or lose a hotel deposit again. And make your mother happy.
2. Pocket
For the compulsive over thinker and pre-trip researcher, Pocket enables you to download and save articles and images to your phone so they’re available offline whenever you want to refer back to them. So, when you find the perfect Wiki on how to barter with the best in a Moroccan bazaar, it will be right there when you need it. Tip: Don’t bother downloading that one.
3. Traveloka
Want to explore vibrant cities, iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and natural wonders? You’re a traveller; of course you do! And Traveloka puts it all at your fingertips! This one-stop-travel-shop offers access to flights, a great selection of accommodation options (including short stays), exciting outdoor activities, and culturally enriching experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. They also source awesome deals and discounts that will drive your holiday dollar further. So, what are you waiting for? Download their app and travel better!
4. Uber
Uber is great at home — and on holiday! No more getting ripped off by unscrupulous airport taxi drivers, because wherever you are in the world the app logs your route so any funny business is all on record. And because it’s cashless, you won’t be expected to tip. Happy days.
5. HotelTonight
HotelTonight does almost exactly what it says on the tin. Almost, because it actually finds you available last minute hotel rooms up to seven days ahead. You’ll have the opportunity to get drastically reduced rates on some pretty upmarket sleeps, and often even bonus deals when the app’s GPS figures out you’re in town (‘Geo rates’!). Big Brother might finally be using his powers for good…
6. WhatsApp
If ET wanted to phone home today, he’d reach out that bony, glowing digit and tap WhatsApp on his phone. Utilising the wonders of the Internet, it’s a free and easy way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones back in the ‘hood. All you need is access to Wi-Fi, and speaking of which…
7. Wi-Fi Map
These days the holy grail for travellers is free Wi-fi and the quest for it is embarked upon daily. Make the search easy with Wi-Fi Map — a global community that posts the locations and passwords for complimentary Wi-Fi connections in many cities across the planet. Go forth and surf!
8. Xe Currency
We’ve all been on the wrong end of a dodgy exchange rate, but with the Xe Currency app you’ve got real time fiscal figures at your fingertips so you can see if what you’re being offered is legit, or at least fair. It also works offline using the data most recently downloaded.
9. Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio serves up your travel options from point A to point B by planes, trains, and automobiles — and not just estimated travel times, but also the approximate cost of each. It’s a great way of comparing apples with oranges — and seeing which offers the juiciest value.
10. Google Translate
The witchcraft that is Google Translate knows no bounds. With the latest version you can type, talk or just point your phone at text and you’re instantly fluent in whatever language you like. Get that discount for flying on Dienstag! Save a bundle by travelling on a kereta api instead of a pesawat! But the real beauty is that you can use it without an Internet connection. Witchcraft, we tells ya.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best travel apps? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Julietta Henderson is a Melbourne-based travel writer and author. Originally planning to visit London for six months, she ended up staying for ten years and now divides her time between her home in Australia and several months of the year in the UK, Italy, and France. Julietta has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Russia, and believes the keys to a great travel experience are an open heart, an open mind, and an open-ended ticket. Her first two novels — The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman and Sincerely, Me — are now available in bookstores.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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