The 21st century is truly a wonderfully chaotic time with the rise of modern technology completely redefining how society moves. And although there have been cautionary side effects that come with how increasingly convenient daily tasks are becoming, there are also massive benefits to having a mobile app for everything, including travel. So what are the best travel apps that you should have on your phone right now?
Whether you have an Iphone or Android, these apps should stay in your phone even when you're not traveling! Travel apps allow you to keep track of real-time price drops, last-minute cancellations or flight delays, packing lists, travel plans, and much more in an organized manner. Especially if you're someone who likes to travel based on seizing the next great deal, travel accessibility widens when you're able to efficiently plan your next trip just by using your thumbs on a tiny screen. So check out the list below of some of our favorite travel apps.
Best Travel Apps of 2021
1. Hopper
It all starts with a flight, and this booking app is here to help you find the cheapest ones. Hopper not only recommends what the cheapest flights are to take, but also when the right time is to book a trip for optimal savings.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
2. Skyscanner
Another app to find cheap flights, Skyscanner combs through the hundreds of airlines and travel companies to help you find the best flight deals. Some of its incredible features include "Price Alerts," that let you know when airfares drop and the "Greener Choice" label that lets you know which flights actually emit less CO2.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
3. Airbnb
If you want to start your trip planning by finding cool places to stay overnight, then this app is absolutely necessary to have. It provides home rentals that serve as cheaper, more interesting alternatives to hotel rooms and hostels. It also offers travel experiences for you to book, so that you can have someone guide you through the local attractions.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
4. TripIt
Once you've got your flights and accommodations locked down, you might get lost in all the confusion of when and where you're supposed to leave, arrive, and check-in at different places, as well as what activities you're going to be partaking in during your trip. TripIt helps by consolidating all your plans into a digestible itinerary, so that you know exactly what you're supposed to be doing and when. You can also share the itinerary with others so your travel partners won't get confused or if you're traveling alone, your loved ones will know where you are. Although there's a free version, the pro version has an annual subscription price of $48.99, and it provides features such as real-time flight alerts and wait times in airport lines.
Price: Free/$48.99 Annual Premium Subscription
Download: IOS/Google Play
Alternatives: Kayak
5. Uber/Lyft
Ride-sharing apps are crucial even if you aren't traveling, just in case you need a ride anywhere. It's beneficial to have both these ride-share apps to compare prices, in case one service is cheaper to order than another in certain places.
Price: Free
Download:
Uber: IOS/Google Play
Lyft: IOS/Google Play
6. Tripadvisor
It can be hard to try and figure out what to do in a new place that you're exploring, especially with limited time and money. Tripadvisor is perfect for giving travel tips on what to do when traveling to a new city, and it even provides reviews so that you can see what others have said about certain local attractions.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
Alternatives: Yelp
7. PackPoint
As you continue with your travel planning, next up is knowing what to pack. Of course, there's that ominous feeling of anxiety that comes with not wanting to overpack, but also not wanting to forget anything you might need in worst-case scenarios. PackPoint is here to help you decide what to pack by creating customizable packing lists for you. Just answer a few questions about what kind of trip you're going on and let the app guide you on what to bring.
Price: Free/$2.99 Premium Subscription
Download: IOS/Google Play
8. Google Maps
Now that you've got the initial logistics of your trip planned out, you'll need an app that can help you navigate the area you're traveling to! Google Maps is a must-have because it's not only just a map that will help you find directions, but it also helps you navigate where you're going based on transport. So whether you're on foot or you're using public transportation, Google Maps will help you get to where you need to be. You can also download offline maps if you can't get Wi-FI.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
Alternatives: Citymapper
9. Booking.com
This all-in-one app will only help you plan your trip more easily. You can book an entire trip in one sitting, including your flights, car rentals, and accommodations. There are also deals that you can find just by booking through this app, with filters that you can set up based on what kind of trip you're planning to take. You also won't have to worry about the hassle of keeping track of all those paper confirmation emails, when it's all stored within the app.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
Best Road Trip or RV Travel Apps
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If you decide to take a road trip or rent an RV, then you'll want to download these apps as well! They'll help you prepare for those worst-case scenarios you might encounter during your adventure on the road.
1. Gasbuddy
Road trippers know that gas will take up an important part of their travel budgets. This app will help you find the cheapest gas stations so that you can fill up while saving money. You can also help other drivers by entering gas prices for places where you filled up or even passed by.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
2. HotelTonight
No matter how much you plan out your trips, there might be instances when you'll have to stop and rest. Whether your car or RV decides to break down or you're just exhausted from driving, this app will help you find those day-to-day deals on nearby hotels. Book a discounted room in minutes without all the stress of having to find a place to crash.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
3. Roadside America
Fashioned just like Tripadvisor and Yelp, this Apple-only app helps road trippers discover what attractions to visit during their journeys. Roadside America helps you find unique places that are worth a stop along your route and is worth buying if you're embarking on a long adventure.
Price: $2.99
Download: IOS
Best International Travel Apps
If you're traveling internationally, then add these apps along with our list of the best travel apps to always have on your phone. They'll help you navigate all the unfamiliarity that comes with traveling to a new country, much less an entire new continent. So if you plan to travel around Europe, Asia, or even Canada, count on these apps to help you out.
1. Rome2rio
Since transportation can get tricky in different countries, this app will help you plan how you get to and from places. With its massive database of flights, bus routes, train lines, and ferry schedules, you'll be able to effectively plan how you leave and arrive at multiple destinations.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
2. Google Translate
Language barriers can be frustrating when you explore a new area, but don't let that intimidate you from traveling there! Google Translate can help you translate 103 languages online and 60 of those languages offline. If you want some practice before you head out on your trip, then use Duolingo to learn key phrases that you'll be using often.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
Alternatives: Duolingo
3. XE Currency Converter
Protect yourself and your money by checking the XE Currency Converter to make sure that you're not getting scammed when paying with different currencies. You can store exchange rates so that you can view them offline, especially if you want to make sure you aren't getting overcharged for something on your credit cards.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
4. Whatsapp
If you want to avoid those international phone fees, then make sure you download Whatsapp. This popular app will allow you to message, call, video chat, and more with those you want to stay in contact with as long as an internet connection.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
Best Travel Dating Apps
Traveling alone? Believe it or not, plenty of people are starting to travel alone more often. But that doesn't mean they want to be lonely! In fact, many people travel alone so that they can meet new people in a new area. If you're a solo traveler, but are also looking for someone to show you around town or to connect with on your travels, then download these apps!
1. Bumble BFF
Although Bumble is known to be a dating app, Bumble BFF allows you to connect with people who share the same interests as you, with friendship as the intention! You can chat with people who are also traveling to the area you are, or hit up the locals who can give you a more unique tour of the city you're in.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
2. TourBar
If you already know you want to meet new people in a destination, download TourBar! This app will allow you to make friends (or dates!) ahead of time by connecting you with other travelers or locals before your trip.
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
3. Airtripp
Made specifically for solo travelers to find other solo travelers in an area, this app will connect you with people who are making similar journeys to yours! What's even cooler about this app is that if you need a translator, this app will send translated messages, making this a great way to get to know people from other countries!
Price: Free
Download: IOS/Google Play
Frequently use travel apps that aren't on this list or have you successfully traveled by using these? Share your tips and experiences at our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
