Top Travel Apps You’ll Actually Use
Let’s be honest—there are way too many travel apps out there promising to “change the way you travel forever.” But how many of them actually make it out of your downloads folder? Whether you're planning a round-the-world backpacking adventure or a quick city break, it’s all about finding the apps that genuinely make travel easier, cheaper, and more fun.
This isn’t one of those lists filled with random apps you’ll never open. These are the go-to travel apps that seasoned nomads, casual holidaymakers, and digital wanderers actually use—on the road, at the airport, in a tuk-tuk with 2% battery and no signal.
We’re breaking them down by what they help you actually do: book flights, find your hostel, eat like a local, stay connected, and not blow your budget on overpriced airport snacks.
Let’s get into the good stuff—no fluff, just apps that work.
Flights & Transport
Getting from A to B doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or full of layovers you didn’t ask for. These apps help you find the best routes, track prices, and travel smarter—whether you're flying across continents or figuring out how to get from the airport to your hostel.
Skyscanner
Your best mate for flight comparison. Skyscanner scans hundreds of airlines and booking sites so you can quickly spot the cheapest and fastest options. Use the “Everywhere” search to find spontaneous deals, or set up alerts to track prices before you book.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Travel tip: Filter by “whole month” to see which dates are the cheapest to fly.
Hopper
Hopper predicts future flight prices and tells you when to book or wait—basically a crystal ball for airfare. The interface is clean, and you can also track hotels and car rentals.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Good to know: Hopper uses AI to forecast prices with 95% accuracy. Impressive stuff.
Rome2Rio
One of the most underrated travel planning tools. Plug in any two locations—big or small—and Rome2Rio shows you every way to get there: flights, trains, buses, ferries, taxis, you name it.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Bonus: It includes average costs and travel times, so you can compare speed vs budget.
SeatGuru
Not all plane seats are created equal. SeatGuru lets you check seat maps for your specific flight so you can avoid seats with limited recline, missing windows, or proximity to the toilets.
Android: No longer available as of 2025
Pro move: Use it before you check in to get the best seat without paying extra.
Navigation & Maps
From wandering cobbled alleys in Europe to tackling the chaos of Southeast Asian cities, a solid map app is your best friend. These tools help you find your way, save data, and even dodge tourist traps.
Google Maps
The OG navigation app—and still the best all-rounder. You can download maps offline, save custom lists (like coffee spots or viewpoints), and check real-time public transport schedules in most major cities.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Travel tip: Use “Saved Lists” to organise your must-see spots before you arrive.
Maps.me
Fully offline and ideal for off-the-grid adventures. Maps.me is built on open-source data, so it often includes walking trails, viewpoints, and local tips that Google misses.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Best for: Road trips, hikes, or remote towns with dodgy signal.
Citymapper
If you're navigating a big urban jungle—think London, New York, Tokyo—Citymapper is unbeatable for public transport. It covers buses, subways, trams, bike hire, and even walking times.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Pro move: It shows fare estimates, platform numbers, and even which carriage to board for a faster exit.
Staying the Night: Accommodation Apps
Finding the right place to stay can make or break your trip. Whether you’re after a social hostel, a private Airbnb, or a hidden deal last minute, these apps help you sleep soundly (and often cheaply).
Booking.com
Great for everything from budget hostels to boutique hotels. The app’s filters make it easy to search by price, rating, or amenities—and the Genius loyalty perks can unlock hidden discounts.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Tip: Many stays offer free cancellation, perfect for flexible plans.
Hostelworld
Backpackers’ go-to. Hostelworld focuses on social stays, with ratings based on vibe, cleanliness, and location. You can see what kind of traveller stays there (solo, groups, couples) before you book.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Look for: Hostels with daily events or free walking tours if you want to meet people.
Airbnb
Still a great option in many destinations—especially for longer stays, group travel, or when you want a kitchen. Just be mindful of service fees and local laws in some cities.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Pro move: Check the “Superhost” badge for consistently great stays.
TrustedHousesitters
Stay in someone’s home for free while looking after their pets. It's a brilliant way to live like a local—if you're happy to walk a dog or feed a cat or two.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Perfect for: Long-term travellers looking to slow down and save cash.
Eating & Exploring
Whether you're hunting for hidden food gems, decoding foreign menus, or taking a DIY walking tour, these apps help you dig deeper into local life—without needing a guidebook or a food tour.
Google Translate
A lifesaver when you’re staring at a menu in Japanese or need to ask for directions in Portuguese. Use camera mode to instantly translate signs or menus, or download languages for offline use.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Pro tip: Tap the mic icon for live conversation mode—great for market chats and check-ins.
HappyCow
The go-to app for vegans and vegetarians. It shows nearby plant-based restaurants, cafés, and even health food shops in over 180 countries. Filters let you narrow down to vegan-only, veg-friendly, or gluten-free.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Extra cool: Community reviews often include pictures and portion sizes.
TheFork
Like OpenTable, but with more local flavour. Available in many European countries, TheFork helps you book restaurants and often offers discounts of 20–50% when you reserve through the app.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Best for: Dining out in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and beyond—on a budget.
VoiceMap
Self-guided audio walking tours created by locals, journalists, and travellers. Just plug in your earphones and explore at your own pace. Available in hundreds of cities around the world.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Nice touch: Tours use GPS so narration plays automatically as you walk—no tapping needed.
Money & Budgeting
Exchange rates, ATM fees, group tabs—money management while travelling can get messy fast. These apps help you stay in control without needing a spreadsheet or mental maths at every café stop.
Wise
A brilliant multi-currency travel card with some of the lowest exchange fees around. Wise makes it easy to hold and convert currencies at the real mid-market rate, and it’s excellent for international money transfers.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Pro tip: Order your card before your trip so you’re ready to go the moment you land.
XE Currency
Simple, fast, and accurate—this app gives you live exchange rates and lets you convert between multiple currencies on the fly. Great for checking if that tuk-tuk ride is actually a good deal.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Bonus: Works offline with last updated rates—handy when you're out of data.
Splitwise
Perfect for group trips. Splitwise tracks shared expenses like dinners, taxis, and Airbnbs so nobody has to awkwardly chase cash later. Everything syncs automatically and balances can be settled with a tap.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Life-saver: You can split costs unevenly—ideal when one person skips the drinks.
Trail Wallet
Made by travellers, for travellers. Trail Wallet is a simple expense tracker that lets you set daily budgets and categorise your spending. The interface is friendly and super easy to keep updated.
Android: Not available
Best for: Long-term trips where every pound (or euro) counts.
Staying Connected
From booking last-minute stays to uploading that perfect beach snap, staying online abroad is key. These apps help you get connected without racking up ridiculous roaming charges—or putting your info at risk.
Airalo
Say goodbye to hunting for SIM cards at the airport. Airalo lets you buy and install eSIMs directly from your phone, so you can get online as soon as you land. Offers country, regional, and global data packs.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Great for: Short trips or bouncing between countries—no physical SIM needed.
Nomad
A solid alternative to Airalo with often competitive pricing and a slick interface. Nomad offers regional and global eSIMs and allows you to top up easily mid-trip.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Notable perk: You can schedule eSIM activation before you land—super handy for red-eyes.
Holafly
Holafly is best known for offering unlimited data eSIMs in select countries. It’s a go-to for digital nomads or long-term travellers who need constant connection without the stress of data limits.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Best for: High data usage (think YouTube, Zoom, remote work) without speed throttling.
NordVPN
Essential for keeping your data safe on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN encrypts your connection and lets you browse securely from anywhere. It also helps you access region-locked content, like streaming services.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Pro tip: Connect to your home country to access banking apps or bypass content restrictions.
Still the world’s go-to messaging app for travellers. Most hostels, tour companies, and even taxi drivers use it to confirm bookings and share info. Also great for sharing live locations or voice notes when you're short on time.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Fun fact: It’s the default messaging tool in over 100 countries—don’t leave home without it.
Extras You’ll Actually Use
Not every app falls neatly into a category, but these tools are the kind you’ll quietly thank yourself for downloading when you’re rushing to pack, juggling bookings, or hunting for a toilet in a new city.
PackPoint
Turn your stressy packing list into a slick, customisable checklist. Just pop in your destination, dates, and activities, and PackPoint builds a packing list based on weather and trip type.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Pro tip: You can tweak the list as you go—add your own essentials or ditch what you don’t need.
TripIt
A travel organiser that automatically pulls bookings from your email and creates a master itinerary. Ideal if you're juggling flights, trains, hotels, and tours across multiple emails.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Nice touch: You can access your itinerary offline—great for airport layovers or data blackouts.
Flush
Yes, it's an app for finding public toilets. And yes, you’ll be glad you have it at some point. Flush shows nearby loos, notes whether they’re free, and lets users rate cleanliness. Surprisingly handy.
Android: Get it on Google Play
Good to know: Works offline and includes thousands of entries around the world.
The best travel apps aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones you actually open again and again on the road. Whether you're trying to save cash, stay connected, or just find the nearest toilet before your train leaves, having the right tools in your pocket can make travel smoother, safer, and way more fun.
So before your next trip, give these apps a spin. Download a few, test them offline, and build your own digital travel kit. Your future jet-lagged self will thank you.
