Here's a list of the top 10 (plus a few bonus) apps I believe you should have downloaded on your phone to make travel easier! These apps are sure to make you more organized and help you to have a much more enjoyable time before, during and after your travels.
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1. Google Translate
This is for sure a Holy Grail app to use while traveling internationally. You can translate text, handwriting, photos and even voice conversations on the spot! My favorite feature is the camera, because watching as something like a restaurant menu translates from a foreign language to your native one in real-time is super cool! You don't even have to take an actual photo, just focus your camera lens on the item you want to translate and it does all of the work for you. There is also the option to download translation files by language so that even if you don't have any cellular data while on your trip, you can still translate things when you need to.
2. Lounge Buddy
As I've gotten older and more traveled, I've learned about the beauty and convenience of lounge access. LoungeBuddy is an amazing app to use when you're looking to see what lounge options you have while traveling through different airports so you can eat, shower, and relax as needed. If you don't already have access to a lounge via your flight purchase or credit card, you can purchase instant lounge access in literal seconds (depending on the lounge you plan to stay in). You can also use the app to get an idea of opening/closing times, pass restrictions, and there is a review section from travelers who have already experienced the space and provide insider tips and suggestions on what could have been better.
3. Google Maps
Do I even need to say much about this one? Of course, Google Maps is always a go to when traveling and trying to navigate transportation systems at home in the US and across the globe. I almost never have any issues with driving/walking directions using this app, and its also a great one to use to get train routes for the major cities that rely heavily on train/metro systems. Another amazing function on Google Maps is the My Maps function, which is essentially a way to pinpoint your hotel and all of the restaurants and activities of interest in one place. It's a great way to see approximately how far everything is from where you're staying and cuts out a lot of guesswork when you're trying to decide what to do for the day or planning timetables to get to different spots. 10/10 would recommend.
4. TripAdvisor
The one-stop-shop for any and everything related to your upcoming trip, including afterwards when you want to praise (or condemn) experiences/companies. I personally love using TripAdvisor during my research of things to do and restaurants to try in the city I'm about to visit. You can also book your hotel, excursions and other experiences through the app, and you can even start forums for any pressing questions you may have about literally anything travel-related. A note: always read the reviews!!
5. TripIt
Okay, so I'm that person that needs to research and plan out pretty much everything prior to my trip (yes, including time to do absolutely nothing). What's so amazing about TripIt? It helps you create a travel itinerary just by forwarding your travel confirmation emails for things like flights, car rentals, dinner reservations and excursions to plans@tripit.com so that you have everything in one, easy to access spot. If given access to your email, they'll make it even easier by pulling reservations and confirmations on their own! This is a great way to keep you organized and know exactly how your days are looking during travel. You can also create packing lists and receive real-time terminal and gate info which is so convenient. There's even the option to add your Passport/Visa and Driver's License information (protected with FaceID or a PIN) for backup if you lose the physicals, and information for an emergency contact. A super convenient application all around that I get plenty of use out of.
6. AirBnB
I love AirBnb for its flexibility in choosing the type of home you want to live in while on your trip; it could be the entire home or just a room within one. I love that I can choose to live more like a local, stay in a villa, or even book a stay at a small boutique hotel. You can also tailor options to nightly price, type of home, amenities, and even book activities through AirBnb Experiences! There are so many activities to choose from; walking tours, cooking classes, or even hiring a photographer to help capture those bomb Instagram pictures you want! The options are endless. When I'm searching for a place to stay, the Superhost label and reading through the reviews on the property helps me to choose the right place for me and my group. Also, Superhosts tend to go above and beyond for their visitors!
7. Uber/Lyft
A no-brainer! Most countries have the option for Uber rides (Lyft is currently only available in the United States and Canada), and it's a great way to get around in the city you're visiting if public transport isn't feasible. It also takes away the stress of negotiating cab fares in countries where there might not be a set price. I like to toggle between the two apps while traveling and use the one with the cheaper fare at the moment, but also be aware of partner programs that Lyft has with Delta (you can rack up SkyMiles points for each trip you take, with 2x the points for airport transfers) and Hilton Honors.
8. HotelTonight
An amazing app to find last-minute hotel deals (I've seen up to 50% off original prices so far) in the US and internationally. You don't have to book the same day either, because you can search for deals for future stays as well! There is also a "Daily Drop" of one exclusive hotel deal, but you have to book it within 15 minutes of unlocking it.
9. CurrencyConverter
I've mentioned this app in my previous blog post about Costa Rica, check it out here! This app is great to get quick, real-time exchange rates for the country you're visiting. You'll know whether or not the airport rates are ridiculous (they usually are) or if any local exchange shops are giving you the best rate possible.
10. Airalo
For me, T-Mobile does a great job with granting me data and internet access around most of the world without issue, but sometimes international travel requires the purchase of a SIM card. Airalo takes it a step further with the ease of eSIM! No need to make that annoying (but necessary) stop when you land in the airport to remove your origin country's SIM and insert a new one, and no need to keep track of any extra (very...very small) pieces. With a few simple clicks you can get data, and the prices are very reasonable- in comparison to what you'd pay at the airport or phone tours, I would even say cheap! My one piece of advice for iPhone users: make sure that your phone is unlocked (you should be able to do this wherever your phone was purchased if you didn't buy it directly from Apple) as this is what will grant your phone access to use the eSIM successfully.
*Honorable Mentions
Airline apps: The associated apps for airlines like Spirit, Delta, American Airlines, United, etc are basically a must since you're able to access and download your flight information/ticket, receive quick flight updates (I've witnessed updates come in before employees are notified), make in-flight purchases and get access to services like entertainment! Be sure to download this before your flight, and be sure to have a credit/debit on file so that you can make in-flight purchases without issue.
Been: This is a super cool app that shows you how much (or in my case, how little) of the world you've seen! You mark off which countries and/or states you've visited and they are darkened on the map within the app. I actually get a thrill each time I'm able to mark off a new destination on the world map, so try it out for yourself!
Hostelworld: I have never actually stayed in a hostel (yet), but I know that when I need to search for one, that this is the app to check out to make the right decision.
OpenRice: Think Yelp, but for southeast asian restaurants. Need to know what the best places are to eat in the Philippines? OpenRice has allllll the tea.
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