Love to Travel? Check Out These Essential Travel Apps
As someone who loves to travel as much as my schedule and budget permit, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting if not useful apps to make trips more affordable and trouble-free. While there are tons out there for both novices and seasoned travelers, these eight essential travel apps stand out above the rest.
Hopper
Sure, there are plenty of apps to search for the lowest airfare, but Hopper is one step ahead. The app predicts when prices are about to increase and tells you when you should make your purchase to secure the best fare. Get alerts when an airfare to New York City drops, or when the cost of a ticket to London is about to rise. Having Hopper is kind of like having your own personal travel agent minus the surcharges.
Google Translate
I can’t count how many times this app helped me communicate while traveling. Somehow, I held a conversation with an Italian taxi driver with little to no knowledge of the language, and unbelievably, we were able to understand each other enough so I could get to my hotel in Milan and pay the correct cab fare. And on top of a smooth ride, we had a blast chatting.
Splittr
I sure wish I’d known about this app when I traveled around Europe for nearly three weeks with my friend Danielle Gray. We kept a mental note of our expenditures but never actually kept a written running tab. Splittr does the work for you, so when you travel with a buddy, the app will keep track of who owes what, saving you the time and effort and making settling up super simple.
No matter where in the world your travels take you, WhatsApp is there. Message and speak with family and friends for free as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. If texting and talking aren’t enough, you can do a video call (similar to FaceTime). Sync your phone with your computer so you can use WhatsApp on multiple devices.
Citymapper
Nominated by Google for Best App 2017, Citymapper takes the stress out of navigating a city. With more than 30 urban destinations in its repertoire, the app aims to make mastering city life a no-brainer. Citymapper not only provides directions and time to travel to your destination but also posts delays and alternate routes. A must for any city slicker!
HotelTonight
Book last-minute hotels up to seven days in advance in main cities around the world including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Berlin. This app is ideal for last-minute travelers and those looking for a deal. (Aren’t we all looking for a deal?)
Mobile Passport
Approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this app will allow travelers with US and Canadian passports to securely submit their passport control and declaration forms ahead, saving time in line. You still must carry your passport, obviously. This app should work when departing most major airports in the US.
Expedia
For folks who like to book reservations in one place, Expedia.com gets the job done. Purchase your airline ticket, hotel room, and rental car at the same time through this super efficient app. Bundle deals may also save you some cash and that’s always a good thing. And members of the loyalty program can earn rewards points to apply toward future bookings across Expedia brands.
Do you have any essential travel apps to add to this list? Please share in the comments!
Here’s my go-to travel bag. I never leave home without it.
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