Traveling anywhere is an amazing adventure, but it’s essential to be well-prepared. Thankfully, modern technology offers a plethora (that really means a lot to me) of travel apps to simplify your journey and enhance your experiences. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 indispensable apps we use and that should be in every adventurous travelers digital travel toolkit. From seamless navigation to staying connected and entertained, these essential travel apps have got you covered.
Maps.me: Offline Maps for Reliable Navigation
- Avoid data charges and stay on track with Maps.me’s detailed offline maps. This app ensures you’ll never get lost, even in remote areas without internet connectivity. I would say it is better then google maps offline simply because it gives offline walking directions. However, Google maps offline is better for other modes of transit. The free version gives you 10 free offline maps. If you reach your limit, you can remove the downloaded map and download a different region. If there’s a list of places you want to visit, you can save bookmark them and they save even if you have undownloaded the region.
- Avoid data charges and stay on track with Maps.me’s detailed offline maps. This app ensures you’ll never get lost, even in remote areas without internet connectivity. I would say it is better then google maps offline simply because it gives offline walking directions. However, Google maps offline is better for other modes of transit. The free version gives you 10 free offline maps. If you reach your limit, you can remove the downloaded map and download a different region. If there’s a list of places you want to visit, you can save bookmark them and they save even if you have undownloaded the region.
Rome2Rio: Multi-Modal Trip Planning Made Easy
- Plan your entire journey seamlessly with Rome2rio. It provides comprehensive information on various transportation options, helping you make informed decisions about the best routes and modes of travel. We use this more for longer trips such as how to get from Scotland to Greece or from Greece to Antalya, Turkey. Once we find the route path that makes sense we book direct through the transportation provider.
- Plan your entire journey seamlessly with Rome2rio. It provides comprehensive information on various transportation options, helping you make informed decisions about the best routes and modes of travel. We use this more for longer trips such as how to get from Scotland to Greece or from Greece to Antalya, Turkey. Once we find the route path that makes sense we book direct through the transportation provider.
Google Translate: Breaking Down Language Barriers
- Communicate effortlessly with locals using Google Translate. This app can translate text and speech between multiple languages, making conversations a breeze. We use translate camera more often to translate signs and menus. You can also use the Microphone to translate a conversation which is very helpful when trying to communicate with an attendant or ask for directions.
- Communicate effortlessly with locals using Google Translate. This app can translate text and speech between multiple languages, making conversations a breeze. We use translate camera more often to translate signs and menus. You can also use the Microphone to translate a conversation which is very helpful when trying to communicate with an attendant or ask for directions.
XE Currency: Stay on Top of Exchange Rates
- Keep your finances in check with XE Currency. Get real-time exchange rate updates to ensure you’re making informed decisions while exchanging money. We often find that exchanging cold hard cash gives terrible rates…sadly. This allows us to check to see how bad the rate really is. Oftentimes, we use it to see how much value we are getting for a meal or groceries or ticket fares. It really gives us a snapshot of the cost of living in whatever place we are in. Most cases, however, we try to use credit cards so we can take advantage of points for more travel!
- Keep your finances in check with XE Currency. Get real-time exchange rate updates to ensure you’re making informed decisions while exchanging money. We often find that exchanging cold hard cash gives terrible rates…sadly. This allows us to check to see how bad the rate really is. Oftentimes, we use it to see how much value we are getting for a meal or groceries or ticket fares. It really gives us a snapshot of the cost of living in whatever place we are in. Most cases, however, we try to use credit cards so we can take advantage of points for more travel!
Ride-Sharing Platforms: Uber, Lyft, or Local Alternatives
- Get around cities conveniently and cost-effectively with ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. In many destinations, you can also find local ride-sharing options. There’s too many ride sharing and rental apps to count so whatever account you use more often is a good start. Some countries only support certain ride sharing platforms so be on the alert for what is available in the country you are in. There are also scooter and bike rental platforms that offer a cheap, quick, and convenient trip.
- Get around cities conveniently and cost-effectively with ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. In many destinations, you can also find local ride-sharing options. There’s too many ride sharing and rental apps to count so whatever account you use more often is a good start. Some countries only support certain ride sharing platforms so be on the alert for what is available in the country you are in. There are also scooter and bike rental platforms that offer a cheap, quick, and convenient trip.
WhatsApp: Stay Connected Anywhere
- Keep in touch with family and friends without worrying about international charges. WhatsApp allows you to send messages, make calls, and share moments over Wi-Fi or data. All parties you want to stay connected with have to have Whatsapp installed and setup before they can call or text you. It seems like the entire world outside of the United States uses Whatsapp to communicate regularly. You will even find contact details for stores and businesses as a Whatsapp number.
- Keep in touch with family and friends without worrying about international charges. WhatsApp allows you to send messages, make calls, and share moments over Wi-Fi or data. All parties you want to stay connected with have to have Whatsapp installed and setup before they can call or text you. It seems like the entire world outside of the United States uses Whatsapp to communicate regularly. You will even find contact details for stores and businesses as a Whatsapp number.
Google Pay (formerly Google Wallet) or Apple Pay: Simplify Payments
- Say goodbye to bulky wallets. Google Pay enables contactless payments and keeps your credit card information secure on your device. You are able to see your most recent payments as well. The best use of this app is public transport that have contactless payment options. For example, In London, buses and tube stations have contactless payment options at their gates. Meaning, you can tap a credit card to pay for your ride. Since you are usually using your phone for navigation, it is sooooo easy to open your Gpay app and tap in, then switch back to your navigation app.
- Say goodbye to bulky wallets. Google Pay enables contactless payments and keeps your credit card information secure on your device. You are able to see your most recent payments as well. The best use of this app is public transport that have contactless payment options. For example, In London, buses and tube stations have contactless payment options at their gates. Meaning, you can tap a credit card to pay for your ride. Since you are usually using your phone for navigation, it is sooooo easy to open your Gpay app and tap in, then switch back to your navigation app.
Surfshark VPN: Secure and Accessible Internet
- Safeguard your online privacy and access geo-restricted content with a reliable VPN like Surfshark. Stay connected safely, even on public Wi-Fi networks. Want to watch your favorite Netflix or Hulu shows in Asia….well open your VON, change your location to USA, and tada. Now you can watch your show that is most likely not available in Asia. If you are interested in getting a VPN, we have Surfshark and love it. You get 30 extra free days using our link: https://surfshark.club/friend/JeGbnRcs
- Safeguard your online privacy and access geo-restricted content with a reliable VPN like Surfshark. Stay connected safely, even on public Wi-Fi networks. Want to watch your favorite Netflix or Hulu shows in Asia….well open your VON, change your location to USA, and tada. Now you can watch your show that is most likely not available in Asia. If you are interested in getting a VPN, we have Surfshark and love it. You get 30 extra free days using our link: https://surfshark.club/friend/JeGbnRcs
Polarsteps: Document Your Adventures
- Capture and share your travel moments effortlessly with Polarsteps. This app automatically tracks your route and creates a beautiful travel journal for you to cherish forever. You can add photos and videos at your steps to make sure you don’t forget where your photos were taken! The link above takes you to our page so you can check out our journey! Give us a cheeky follow while you are there?
- Capture and share your travel moments effortlessly with Polarsteps. This app automatically tracks your route and creates a beautiful travel journal for you to cherish forever. You can add photos and videos at your steps to make sure you don’t forget where your photos were taken! The link above takes you to our page so you can check out our journey! Give us a cheeky follow while you are there?
Games: Entertainment on the Go
- While waiting for flights or during long journeys, entertain yourself with fun games that don’t require an internet connection. From puzzles to adventures, games keep boredom at bay. There is a lot of downtime! Offline games are a must… even bringing a deck of cards can ease some of the waiting stress.
Conclusion
Equip yourself with these ten must-have apps to elevate your travel experiences… we promise you will thank us later. From navigating unfamiliar cities to staying connected with loved ones, managing expenses, and capturing precious memories, these apps will be your reliable companions throughout your journey. So, before you embark on your next adventure, download your digital travel toolkit and get ready to explore the world with confidence and excitement. Safe travels!
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These apps are so helpful when traveling aboard. Thanks for sharing them!
Sure thing! Glad to bring useful information!