Last week I reflected on traveling without technology, so this week I’m sharing essential travel apps and interfaces that (I believe) have made traveling even more affordable, safe, and convenient. From “mistake” flight deal alerts to stowing luggage while you sightsee, there’s an app for that!
While in no way a comprehensive list, the following travel apps are ones I personally have used or vouch for and feel are worth considering for planning for as well as getting to and around your next destination. Feel free to jump around to categories of interest. They are organized by the following category headings:
Travel Safety Notifications
Flight Booking and Management
Travel Insurance
Global Lounge Access
Accommodations
Currency Conversion and Budgeting
eSIM: Connected When You Land
Language Translation
Transfers and Transportation
Navigation and Maps
Short-Term Luggage Storage
SAVE this post and reference it as needed for your future travel planning!
This article contains affiliate links where I may receive a commission at no cost to you, should you make a qualified purchase or booking. Regardless of which apps you gravitate to, I hope they help you plan, save money, and travel confidently.
Travel Safety Notifications
Before you travel anywhere, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe and that you feel comfortable going. Even if you feel comfortable, family and friends may worry, which is why these two suggested apps are great to download for up-to-date safety information. They offer timely updates, emergency contact information, and personalized advice tailored to individual travel plans.
Smart Traveler (by U.S. Department of State):
Smart Traveler provides official travel advisories, alerts, and country-specific information from the U.S. Department of State. It offers real-time updates on security concerns, health risks, and other pertinent information to help travelers make informed decisions. Best part is it’s free!
Global Rescue provides medical evacuation and travel risk management services. Its app offers real-time alerts on security threats, access to travel assistance services, and medical consultations, ensuring travelers have support in emergencies.
Flight Booking and Management
It’s likely you have a preferred booking platform, but in case you’re open to an alternative, these are my favorites.
Going.com, formerly Scott's Cheap Flights, has become my favorite flight FOMO app and one of the few I allow notifications for. The app notifies users about significant flight bargains, error fares, and promotional offers tailored to individual preferences such as departure cities and travel classes. Premium memberships offer added benefits like exclusive offers and enhanced search filters. Error fares are ones that the airlines post at the wrong price—typically much cheaper than intended—and only ever last a couple hours before the airlines figure it out. Going.com does an amazing job at notifying it’s users as soon as these error fares are available, so you have to jump on the purchase when it pops across your notification screen! People have even scored first-class tickets for just a few hundred dollars compared to the thousands of dollars they get corrected to. And yes, the airlines will honor the paid price! My rule of thumb is if you book one deal per year it makes the premium membership price worth it.
Similar to Going, Momondo is a meta-search engine specializing in analyzing flight prices and trends to help users find the best flight deals. Momondo does not sell flights, rather shows an overview of available options. Once you click you’re taken to the direct booking site to complete the purchase transaction. With the Trip Manager and Collaboration functions, Momondo makes it easy to share your itinerary and keep all those who need to know, in the know.
Skyscanner simplifies finding the best flight deals by comparing prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies worldwide. Its user-friendly interface allows travelers to search for flights based on dates, destinations, and preferences, with the option to explore cheaper alternatives using the "Everywhere" feature. Skyscanner also offers price alerts to notify users of price drops and special deals, ensuring travelers can secure the most cost-effective flights for their trips.
Travel Insurance
Having landed myself in a hospital twice while traveling abroad, it's my humble opinion if you’re traveling for any significant length of time, to a remote region, or partaking in adventure activities, you should consider getting Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is not isolated to being sick or injured. It can cover an entire range of compensation due to travel delays and disruptions. Below are some trusted names in the business but of course, speak with your provider to see what's covered on your medical plan (travel insurance is different from standard health insurance) and research accordingly. You simply can’t account for the unexpected.
World Nomads came online when I started traveling in 2002 and has remained a trusted travel insurance company and one I’ve used throughout the years. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
SafetyWing offers travel medical insurance plans designed for long-term travelers and “digital nomads”. The app provides access to emergency medical services, travel safety updates, and coverage details including being sick or injured abroad, lost checked luggage, meals & accommodation due to 12+ hour travel delays, and more.
Global Lounge Access
These days, I enjoy lounge access on longer layovers, especially when I need to get some work done, want a bloody mary, or need a shower during a 36 hour flight marathon (though not all lounges feature showers). In my earlier backpacking years, the options for lounge accessibility were limited and often guarded by elite travel status. That’s no longer the case today. Below are some of my favorites.
I always travel with my priority pass, keeping the physical card with my passport and digital version in my Apple Wallet. Priority Pass is a travel perk affiliated with many credit cards and provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, so be sure to see if your card qualifies. The app helps travelers locate participating lounges and manage their membership benefits conveniently.
LoungeBuddy allows travelers to discover, book, and access airport lounges worldwide. LoungeBuddy removes the barriers that are often associated with lounge access such as premium flight class or frequent flyer status requirements. Depending how long your layover or travel needs are, for around $49+ you can access premium lounges around the world! Pro Tip: Confirm the lounge you book is in your terminal or concourse and easily accessible prior to booking.
DragonPass offers access to 1300+ airport lounges world-wide, as well as discounts on dining, retail, and spa services at airports globally. The app provides digital access to your lounge membership card and offers a range of travel-related benefits beyond lounge access including limousine and meet-and-greet services.
Accommodations
Anyone who knows me, knows I love hostels and I’ve been trusting the Hostelworld app to find unique and communal accommodations for years! It offers a comprehensive selection of hostels, budget accommodations, and backpacker lodges in destinations across the globe. Travelers can explore diverse options ranging from shared dormitories to private rooms, catering to solo travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious adventurers. Hostelworld provides detailed hostel profiles (like if it’s a party hostel), user reviews, and ratings to help travelers make informed decisions.
Hostelz.com is a meta-search engine that aggregates hostel listings from various booking sites, allowing travelers to compare prices, read reviews, and find the best deals on hostel accommodations worldwide.
Trivago stands out as a versatile travel app that not only compares hotel prices across various booking platforms but also offers a lesser-known feature: it includes alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals and guesthouses alongside traditional hotels. Whether you're planning a luxury getaway or seeking budget-friendly accommodations, Trivago's broad range of choices and user-friendly interface ensure you find the perfect place to stay with ease.
Vrbo:
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) focuses on vacation rentals, offering entire homes and private accommodations suitable for families, groups, or travelers seeking a home-away-from-home experience. Properties range from beach houses and mountain cabins to city apartments, providing ample space, amenities, and privacy. Vrbo emphasizes direct communication with property owners and managers, ensuring travelers can find and book accommodations that meet their specific needs for comfort and convenience.
Pro Tip: Read the fine print so you’re not surprised by hidden cleaning fees or strict pet policies!
Currency Conversion and Budgeting
It’s worth having at least one currency conversion app in your phone and I’ve been using XE Currency for as long as I’ve been traveling. XE Currency is a widely trusted app for real-time currency conversion and exchange rate tracking. It offers live exchange rates for over 180 currencies. The app's intuitive interface allows users to calculate conversions quickly and efficiently, helping them stay informed about currency fluctuations and make informed budgeting decisions during their travels.
This app is so cool and makes group dining so much less awkward when it comes time to split the bill! Whether traveling with friends, family, or colleagues, users can log expenses, add notes and receipts, and allocate costs among group members. Splitwise calculates each person's share, simplifying the process of settling debts and eliminating the need for complex calculations or awkward money discussions. The app also sends reminders for pending balances, ensuring everyone stays on top of their shared expenses.
From a humble acorn, the mighty oak grows. This is the app I've been using to squirrel away money over the last six or more years. I've used my accrued savings to purchase travels and it's affording me the current ability to chase my digital nomad dreams. I set up penny round-ups and attached it to all of my credit and debit cards. When a purchase is made, it automatically rounds up to the next dollar. You can expedite your savings tract by multiplying your round-ups. Click here to sign up by 06/29/24 to receive $5 bonus investment when you invest $5. Plus for every additional friend you invite, you will receive an additional $5!
Revolut is a digital banking app that offers comprehensive financial services for travelers. It features currency exchange with real-time rates, enabling users to exchange money at competitive rates and spend internationally without transaction fees. Revolut's multi-currency accounts support over 150 currencies, with features like international money transfers, budgeting tools, and fee-free ATM withdrawals up to a limit, making it a convenient choice for managing finances across different countries.
eSIM: Connected When You Land
Airalo specializes in eSIMs for international travel, offering prepaid data plans in over 190 countries. Users can purchase and manage eSIMs directly through the Airalo app, enjoying competitive rates, instant activation, and no physical SIM card needed, ideal for frequent travelers.
Nomad eSIM is another essential option for travelers seeking flexible and cost-effective connectivity worldwide. Nomad eSIM provides prepaid data plans that can be activated and managed directly through their app, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and offering instant access to data in over 180 countries. Nomad eSIM's app features straightforward navigation, real-time usage monitoring, and top-up options, making it convenient for travelers to stay connected without hassle. Its competitive pricing and wide coverage make Nomad eSIM a preferred choice for frequent travelers looking for reliable international data services.
Language Translation
Google Translate:
Google Translate is renowned for its extensive language support, offering translations for text, voice, and images. It features real-time translation capabilities, offline mode for limited languages (make sure you download these before you are offline), and camera translation for instant text recognition. The camera translation function is incredible, especially when reading menus and signs!
Developed by Naver (see Map apps below), Papago is highly regarded in Asia for its accurate translations and integration with Naver's ecosystem, including maps and other services. Papago supports multiple languages and offers features like voice translation, text input, and image recognition for seamless communication and information retrieval. The app is popular among travelers and locals alike for its reliability and user-friendly interface, particularly in navigating language diversity across different regions.
DeepL Translator supports several major languages and excels in maintaining natural language flow and context accuracy. DeepL Translator is a preferred choice for users requiring detailed and nuanced language conversions, whether for travel, business, or personal use.
Transfers and Transportation
These apps will help transport you to and from airports, hotels, and destinations with ease!
Kiwi Taxi offers a range of transportation options world-wide including taxis, private cars, and shuttle transfers. This ensures travelers reach their destinations comfortably and efficiently upon arrival without the added stress of how to get where you’re going next. Kiwi Taxi is known for its competitive pricing, easy booking process, and professional drivers, making it a trusted choice for hassle-free transfers.
BlaBlaCar is a long-distance carpooling platform connecting drivers with empty seats to passengers traveling to the same destination. Operating in 21 countries, BlaBlaCar enables users to search for rides, read detailed driver profiles and reviews, and book seats securely through the app. BlaBlaCar is a popular choice for cost-effective and sociable travel across Europe and beyond.
Blacklane specializes in premium chauffeur services for airport transfers and hourly car hire, catering to business travelers and those seeking luxury transportation. It provides professional drivers, high-quality vehicles, and global coverage, ensuring comfort, reliability, and personalized service for discerning travelers.
Turo:
Turo offers a unique car rental experience by allowing users to rent vehicles from local hosts. The platform features a diverse selection of cars, including luxury vehicles, sports cars, and SUVs, available for various durations and purposes. Turo emphasizes personalized service with options to choose specific vehicles based on features, brand, and location (including from your arriving airport). Users can coordinate pick-up and drop-off details directly with hosts through the app. Turo provides insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring a secure and enjoyable rental experience tailored to individual preferences.
Navigation and Maps
Waze:
Waze is a community-driven navigation app that excels in real-time traffic updates and alerts. It leverages user-generated data to provide accurate information on traffic congestion, accidents, hazards, and police presence. With its social features, users can contribute road information and receive alerts from other drivers, enhancing overall navigation reliability and safety.
HERE WeGo:
HERE WeGo provides comprehensive navigation solutions for driving, walking, and public transit with offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation. It offers detailed maps for over 100 countries, featuring local points of interest, attractions, and essential services. The app also includes real-time traffic updates, alternative route suggestions, and integration with ride-sharing services, making it a versatile tool for travelers exploring new cities or countries.
Naver:
If you’re traveling to South Korea, please note that your preferred map app (Google, Apple, etc.) will not work. Therefore, Naver's navigation app is indispensable for navigating South Korea. Once you get the hang of the interface, it’s very user friendly and accurate. Naver supports navigation for driving, walking, and public transit, including bus and subway routes. Naver's app integrates with other Naver services like local recommendations for dining, shopping, and attractions, enhancing the travel experience for both locals and visitors.
Short-term Luggage Storage
Have a few hours before you can check in/out of your accommodations? Want to check out the local sights without lugging your luggage around? Then check out these luggage storage app solutions!
Radical Storage offers a network of luggage storage locations in cities worldwide, including partnerships with local businesses. It provides secure storage solutions with easy booking through the app, ideal for travelers seeking temporary storage while exploring new destinations.
LuggageHero connects travelers with convenient luggage storage locations (hotels, shops, businesses) in cities worldwide. It offers secure, vetted storage options near major transit hubs and attractions, ensuring peace of mind while exploring without bags. With rates starting around US $1.10/hr up to US $4.95/day, it’s a safe, affordable, and convenient way to explore a city without being tethered to your luggage all day.
I hope you find value in these travel apps. I'd love to hear if you end up downloading and using one or more for future travels and bookings.
Leave a comment if you have any other logistic-related travel apps you love and use!
Stay tuned for a follow-up apps article where I highlight some of my favorite attractions, experiences, and local dining apps.
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