There are a lot of great apps out there that can make traveling so much easier. Here are my 10 favorite apps that I believe are essential to travel, and guess what?? 9 of them are free!!!
- All Trails (Hiking)
This is the only app on the list that I suggest paying for (Find another friend that enjoys hiking and you can split the subscription fee). Like most apps, there’s a free version, and then there is a pro version. The pro version costs $35.99 per year, but allows you to download maps offline and alerts you when you go off-route. The free version only allows you to access maps when you have a cell signal and doesn’t have an alert function. The pro version is completely worth it, because when are you ever able to get service when hiking? And if you have an Apple watch, you can download the All Trails app to it, and it’ll alert you on a turn by turn basis when hiking, so you’re not constantly having to pull your phone out.
- Transit (Subways)
I never use public transit systems without using this app. I’ve tried the subway features on Apple and Google Maps but their step-by-step navigation does not compare to Transit. The app offers real-time arrivals for nearby trains and buses, push notifications for service disruptions, and shows you how to locate the closest subway entrance.
- Globe Convert (Currency Conversion)
If you’re traveling internationally, this app is a must. It can convert over 160 currencies! And you don’t have to worry about using a restaurant’s Wifi or needing a network connection (Works offline) to calculate how much that meal cost you in US dollars. The currency rates are updated every hour in the app and if you don’t have an internet connection, it will allow you to do your conversion offline using the latest updated data.
- Spothero (Parking)
How many times have you driven to a sporting event or concert and wasted precious time looking for a parking spot because you didn’t want to pay $50 for parking?? That’s the price of three beers! Next time download the #1 rated parking app Spothero, pick your parking spot in advance, and pay directly on the app. Look, book, and park!
- Flio (Airports / Flights)
I mainly use this app to navigate airports stress free. How many times have you landed on the first leg of your flight, stressed out knowing you only have 30 minutes to board your connecting flight, and have no idea if your next flight is the next gate to you or in another terminal?? Eliminate that stress by using Flio’s interactive airport maps. Other perks of Flio include real-time updates about boarding time, delays, gate changes, flight status, and baggage claim; find out which lounges are in your airport and book exclusive access through the app; and transportation options to get to your destination city’s downtown once you land.
- Maps.me (Maps)
I love Google maps. When I’m in the States. But when I’m overseas and walking around exploring, not so much. My data overseas is precious. I download the maps of entire cities before I travel internationally. But Google maps doesn’t offer turn by turn navigation when walking while using the downloaded maps offline. It only offers turn by turn navigation while driving. Maps.me fills that void! You can use driving, walking, and cycle turn by turn navigation while using the downloaded maps offline! Anywhere in the world!
- Skyscanner (Flights)
This app is great for finding the cheapest flights, the quickest flights, direct flights, or just the best flights overall. It will also send you price alerts, alerting you if a flight has increased or dropped in price, so you can pull the trigger at the right time. One of the app’s coolest features is its “Everywhere” button. Don’t know where you want to vacation to? Press the “Everywhere” button and it will show you cheap flights to different countries around the world!
- What3Words (Location)
Okay, this app is pretty cool. Do you ever have a fear that you’ll have an accident while hiking, and no one will be able to locate exactly where you are? Well What3Words eliminates that fear. Every 10-foot square in the world has been given a unique combination of 3 words, a specific “What3Words” address. You can find the exact What3Words address of your location using the app, even if you’re offline. Then you can provide that unique address to emergency services to locate you. In fact, emergency response teams are encouraging people to download this app.
- Proton VPN (VPN)
If you are not familiar with VPN’s, they are a security tool to help you secure your sensitive information when you use the internet on your phone, tablet, or computer. The VPN software reroutes your internet traffic via its own encrypted servers to keep you anonymous online and protect your data from being stolen, and can also spoof your real IP address, making you appear as if you’re online in another part of the world. The problem is with free VPN apps. The App Store is filled with VPN apps that promise to secure your data for free, but really, it’s a front for leaking your data to hackers. And even if you manage to find a reputable free VPN, it won’t provide you anywhere near the perks of paid VPN’s – data limits and streaming restrictions. But, if all you are looking for is an extra layer of protection when using public Wi-Fi, then a free VPN, specifically Proton VPN, is what you want.
- Rome2Rio (Europe Trip Planner)
I love their website. If you have read my “How to Travel Hack” post, you know how much a fan I am. I’ve used it on my London/Paris and Madrid/Barcelona trips. If I’m traveling throughout Europe, this is the first resource I’m using to decide how to get around the continent. I was excited to learn they have an app. It’s clean and easy to use. Just select a destination, where you’re departing from, and a date and you see every possible transportation option between two cities. You can even purchase tickets through the app!
