Travelling is a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty overwhelming. If you’re like me, you like to plan ahead and organise as much as you can before heading abroad. These days, I tend to use travel apps to ensure my holiday is hassle-free.

Thanks to the apps on my phone, everything I need for my holiday is in the palm of my hand. Literally.

Over my many years of travelling, I’ve tried and tested dozens of travel apps. Some have proved to be really helpful, and others were not so great. Here are the ones worth downloading.

Google maps

This first one is pretty obvious, but Google maps is an app that I recommend for everyone, no matter where you’re travelling to. With Google maps most recent update, the functionality is endless.

The app was an absolute lifesaver for me in Japan when it came to public transport. You simply type in your destination, choose your form of transport and Google Maps will give you the best route as well as accurate pricing for all tickets you will need to purchase for your trip.

I previously used maps.me for offline maps when travelling abroad. Until I discovered the Google Maps offline function. I mentioned this in a recent blog about travel hacks and have been using it ever since. When searching an area on the app, simply type OK Maps into the search bar to save an offline version. The offline version works exactly the same as the online Google maps app. You can access your downloaded maps without an internet connection and still get directions to all points of interest in the area.

Available on Android and iOS

Google Translate

This one is a no brainer. If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, then you need Google Translate.

My favourite thing about Google Translate is the photo function. If you need to translate a menu or street sign, just hover your phone camera over the text and the words will translate to English right in front of your eyes. The app also has an offline function, a talk feature for pronunciation and option for drawing characters and words.

Available on Android and iOS

Duolingo

If you want to learn some of the local language before you travel abroad, you need to try Duolingo. I have been using this app for years and I cannot recommend it enough. With the app, you can learn to speak 30+ languages from around the world.

It won’t necessarily make you fluent, but its the perfect place to start if you want to learn some basic phrases before your holiday. The app offers personalised lessons that adapt to different learning styles, so it is honestly perfect for everyone.

Available on Android and iOS

TripIt

TripIt is my go-to app for organising travel itineraries. It basically does all the hard work for you. All you need to do is email your flight, accommodation and sightseeing confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and the app will organise all of your plans into one simple itinerary. You can access your travel plans at any time without needing a wifi connection.

Available on Android and iOS

Flightradar24

Flightradar24 is one of the most popular apps for tracking flights in real-time. You can track the location of your flight on a map, check airport runway congestion and keep up to date with delays and time changes. The app tracks more than 180,000 flights from close to 5000 airports around the world.

The coolest feature is that the map allows you to see every single flight that is currently in the air. It really puts into perspective how many people travel each day.

Available on Android and iOS

XE

XE is possibly one of the best currency converter apps I have come across. Its online website is one of the top-rated currency conversion sites, and the app is equally as good. The app keeps track of conversion rates in real-time, and also works offline if you don’t have access to the internet. XE supports almost every currency in the world with the ability to track 10 currencies simultaneously.

Available on Android and iOS

Booking.com

Booking.com is easily my favourite app for booking accommodation. It is simple to use and has multiple filters allowing you to narrow your search down to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you create an account, the genius feature will give you access to further discounts, free breakfast and free room upgrades on selected properties.

If you plan on using booking.com to book accommodation use my code to get a reward of AUD 25.

Available on Android and iOS

Google Docs

This is not specifically for travel, but Google Docs has been one of my most-used apps whilst travelling. Personally, I’m not a fan of paper travel documents. I tend to misplace them, spill things on them or barely even used them during my trip.

Instead, I store electronic versions of my travel documents before I leave for my trip. The best thing about Google Docs is that I don’t even need to use my own device to access the app. I can simply log into my Google Docs account on any device around the world and have instant access to my travel documents.

Available on Android and iOS

Pack Point

If you’re prone to overpacking then you need to download Pack Point – it is easily my favourite travel app. Pack Point generates a packing list based on the climate of your destination, length of your trip and any activities you plan on doing during your stay. Whether you’re swimming, skiing, hiking or working, pack point will build your list accordingly to ensure you won’t forget a thing.

Available on Android and iOS

Do you have any recommendations for must-have travel apps? Or perhaps ideas for a travel app that doesn’t yet exist? Let me know in the comments below.

Until the next adventure,
Jetsetter Soph