Quite a few years ago, I published a post about my favourite travel apps. Time has passed, more trips have been taken and more apps have been released as technology has advanced.
I’m a huge fan of Apple iPhones, and my treasure trove of travel apps. I’ve tested and curated these apps to ensure they’re not just another addition to your phone’s storage, but truly invaluable tools for your travels.
These are the 12 best travel apps so you jet-set with ease. For the full rundown on each of these 12 travel companions (with links), keep scrolling.
- Apple Maps (or Google Maps)
- Kayak
- Hopper
- Booking.com
- TripIt
- xe.com
- Airalo
- Find My
- Uber
- App in the Air
- GetYourGuide
- Google Translate
Apple Maps (or Google Maps)
Google Maps was once my default maps app, but once Apple Maps got better over time, that took Google’s place as my favourite. I prefer Apple Maps aesthetic, ease of use and minimalism. On Google Maps, I had so many places saved, that my world was looking a little overrun by the pins! I definitely prefer the little dots that Apple use, and the way I can save them into city guide folders.
Both are essentials for navigation, and they offer traffic updates, route planning for driving, walking, biking, and public transportation. Street view and offline maps capabilities are particularly useful.
- Apple Maps: iOS
- Google Maps: iOS, Google Play
Kayak
Making it onto my list of top travel apps again, is this wonderful app!
In fact, I’m just going to insert what I wrote last time, as it still stands true today:
“The Kayak app is clean, modern, simple, intuitive, and also houses my favourite feature: that I can search on either side of a day at once, and it will bring up the cheapest flight on the cheapest date in that period (great for when you don’t have a huge amount of flexibility).”
Hopper
This app has probably been one of my favourite finds. With Hopper, you can set up alerts for specific flights or routes, and the app will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book at the right time for the best deal. It takes the stress out of monitoring flight prices, and will send you a notification when it’s the best time to book! Love it!
Booking.com
Another app that took over my favourite hotel app. I used to love the hotels.com app which would give you a night free after 10 nights booked over time. But booking.com brought in the Genius program, that was it. The more you book accommodation, the more you rise through the 3 possible levels, that entitle you to added extras, such as free breakfast or late check-outs, etc.
This app lets you search and book accommodations worldwide, from hotels to apartments and more. It often has great deals, free cancellations on most rooms, and a user-friendly interface.
TripIt
The best app for compiling your trip plans, full stop.
Just email any confirmation emails for your flights, hotels, excursions etc, and this app will neatly sort it out, so that you have all your arrangements in one place.
Incredibly handy when you are going to multiple countries and cities, and you can easily look for confirmation numbers, without trawling through your emails.
xe.com
Again, this app made it on my list.
Super handy for managing travel budgets and understanding local prices in your own currency. It updates in real time, so you get the latest exchange rates, and stores the most recent rates when offline.
Airalo
This app offers eSIM data plans for travelers, making it easy to stay connected without the need for a physical SIM card. You can browse and purchase eSIMs from different mobile operators worldwide, with options for various data allowances and durations.
It’s particularly handy if you’re going to be in a country for a short time or want to switch between networks easily. Plus, it’s straightforward to use and can save you the hassle of dealing with local SIM cards.
Find My
The Find My app from Apple is a fantastic tool for locating your devices, including Apple AirTags for items like suitcases, as well as your iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and more.
Apple AirTags are small, coin-shaped devices that you can attach to items like your suitcase, keys, or backpack. On occasion when I had no choice but for my carry-on suitcase to be checked in, I had peace of mind that I knew its location when it was out of my sight. When I flew from Lisbon to Barcelona, it was incredibly reassuring to see that my suitcase had come too, and not been left behind.
If your device or AirTag is nearby but you can’t see it, you can play a sound to help locate it. This is particularly handy for finding things around the house too!
- iOS
- Google Play – Note: This link is for the Android app to locate Apple devices, not for Apple AirTags.
Uber
Uber is a fantastic app for getting around, especially in places where public transportation might not be as convenient, or if you just prefer the ease of ordering a ride. It’s available in many cities around the world, making it a reliable option for getting around, whether you’re a local or a traveler.
Not only is it great to use on a night out, but its wonderful to use in a foreign city where you could pronounce a place wrong, and up in the wrong place!
It also has tracking, so you can see how far away the driver is, and far you are from your destination on the trip, and much more. It’s invaluable.
App in the Air
App in the Air is a fantastic app for frequent flyers. It’s like having a personal assistant for your travels, keeping you informed about flight delays, gate changes, and more. Plus, it offers a community of travellers who share tips and experiences, which can be really helpful.
I personally love it for tracking how many flights I’ve been on, hours up in the air, and the map of the flights as screenshotted above.
GetYourGuide
This app is fantastic for discovering and booking tours, activities, and attractions in various destinations around the world. It offers a wide range of options, whether it’s a guided tour of a historic site, a cooking class to learn local cuisine, or tickets to popular attractions.
Google Translate
An essential tool for travellers, Google Translate allows you to translate text between languages in real time. You can type, speak, or use the camera to translate text from signs, menus, and more.
Google Translate will be your language companion, helping you navigate language barriers effortlessly during your travels. It was another invaluable app for when I broke my nose in Brazil, and had to use the app to converse with the doctor!
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Some bonus Apps worth Noting:
- Netflix, Disney etc – tip: download movies and/or shows in preparation for passing time of the plane or in stations etc.
- Cladwell – for capsule wardrobe planning
- Specific airline apps – handy for tracking points – the Qantas app is great
These apps should cover most needs, from staying, exploring, to understanding and managing your journey. Safe travels and can’t wait to hear about the new destinations you’ll discover!
P.S. I’m always looking for new travel apps to use and love. If you think there’s one I haven’t heard of, please share it with me. I’d really appreciate it x
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
