Travelling is equal parts rewarding and exhausting. Soaking in the Sicily sun or exploring the temples of Tokyo are, of course, gratifying cultural experiences, but it takes a lot of planning to get there. Luckily, the days of compasses, sundials and hopeful voyage’s are behind us. Now, we have modern travel companions: apps. Whether it’s packing for your trip, getting directions, booking a hotel, or learning the local dialect, everything you need is in the palm of your hand. Here are the best travel apps for your next trip.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor reviews accomodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises so you can plan your trip. You can compare low prices on hotels, flights and cruises, and allows you to book tours and attractions and reserve tables at restaurants.
Booking.com
An oldie but a goodie – this app has grown beyond being a hotel booking site to also offer different types of accommodation, transport, and attractions across the globe.
PackPoint
Are you a serial overpacker? The PackPoint app will take the pressure off by building a list of things to pack, based on the length of your vacation and the weather of your destination.
Airbnb
It’s the disruptor that changed how the world travels in 2008. Airbnb allows you to find a house, cottage, apartment and more in your destination, rather than a hotel. Hosts share their homes – which can range from a room in an apartment to lavish, professionally managed beach houses – and often include guides and tips on local attractions.
Skyscanner
This should be your first stop before booking any flights – the app compares flight routes and deals, hotels and car hires to help you plan your perfect trip.
TripCase
And once you have booked everything, TripCase allows you to manage your flight itinerary, hotel booking and car reservation all in the once place.
Uber
The Uber app is handy not just at home, but when you travel too. Often cheaper than a taxi, Uber connects travellers to nearby drivers and pay ahead of the trip. There is also Uber Eats where you can order food to be delivered to your door – always a great option on a travel day when you’re too exhausted to go out.
Google Maps
This web mapping service helps you find your way around. It uses satellite aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bike, air and public transportation.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite enables you to explore and book tickets to local events in music, visual arts, health, business, and more.
Google Translate
This app, developed by Google, is a neural machine translation service. It translates text, documents and websites from one language into another.
Wise
With the Wise app, you can save money when you transfer and receive payments from abroad. You can also keep up to date with exhange rates.
Splitwise
Splitwise enables you to split expenses if you are travelling with friends. Simply each put in your respective expenses and it will take the pain out of figuring out your debts so you’re all balanced up but the end of your trip.
Flush Toilet Finder
This isn’t the sexiest of apps, but perhaps the most useful? It allows you to find the closest public bathroom while travelling. And, let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Genius!
WiFi Map
This one navigates travellers to the nearest shared hotspots so you can quickly connect to the internet when required.
