Travelling has changed a lot in the past decade. No longer do you need to carry the phrase book for local languages, a chunky oversized Lonely Planet guide and fold out map to avoid getting lost. Now with just about everything you could need available on your smart phone, we’ve made a list of our top apps to prepare for your next journey!
Best for Translating: Google Translate
Google translate is a free machine translation service which translates text from one language into another. You can even translate text in photos they’ve taken – or open the camera in the app and translate the text on it. Menus, signs and documents can all be easily translated now. You can download the languages in advance to speed up the translations while you’re abroad.
Download Google Translate: Android and Apple
Best for Getting Around: Citymapper
Citymapper helps you get around a new city flawlessly! It updates transport timetables in real-time to keep you up to date with trains and buses, as well as displaying estimated costs for taxis and ride-share apps. It also has options to stick to main roads and to stay out of the rain when the weather is not so great, which are both quite helpful when you’re exploring a new city. You can save locations in the app and find the best route with just one click, so you’ll never get lost on your way back to your hotel, or that restaurant you are desperate to visit again!
Download CityMapper: Android and Apple
Best for Finding Unexpected Destinations: Skyscanner
Skyscanner's everywhere feature allows you to look for surprising destinations simply by sorting by your budget and your travel timeframe. It’s a perfect feature for finding a new city to explore, and like Hopper, Skyscanner also helps you find the best airfare rates by alerting you when prices dip. Skyscanner has also introduced COVID-19 safety ratings, so you can see what measures each airline has put in place to keep you safe while you travel before you book.
Download Skyscanner: Android and Apple
Best for Sharing Your Plans: TripIt
TripIt organises all your itineraries in one place. All you need to do simply forward confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com, and the app will create a master document for the which everyone can access anywhere. For a premium service, TripIt Pro boosts your organizing power with additional features.
Download TripIt: Android and Apple
Best for Last-Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight
HotelTonight finds last-minute deals on hotels near your location, ranging from basic to luxe options, including unique boutique hotels. The app allows you to filter for location, dates, the number of guests, facilities and even whether the hotel is pet friendly or not, if you’re bringing along a furry guest.
Download HotelTonight: Android and Apple
Best for Finding Info on The Ground: TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor has over 700 million reviews of 8 million destinations (including hotels, restaurants and museums) in 28 languages. Follow friends and travel experts for advice that matches your interests, view travel videos, read articles and write your own reviews.
Download TripAdvisor: Android and Apple
Best for Nature Lovers: AllTrails
AllTrails is for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and even those who just want to fit in a cardio workout while on vacation. The app has over 100,000 curated trails which all but guarantee you'll find one near you, and lets you create and share custom maps with friends.
Download AllTrails: Android and Apple
Best for Bathroom Breaks: Flush
Finding a public toilet when you're traveling can be quite the task. The Flush Toilet Finder saves you time and helps you avoid an accident with the over 190,000 public bathrooms in its database. It will tell you which ones are free, accessible for the disabled, or need a key. You can rate and report the facilities too!
Download Flush: Android and Apple
Best for Finding an Airport Lounge: Priority Pass
This one was an easy pick! Priority Pass has more airport lounges and travel experiences around the world than any other program, with over 1300+ locations in 620 cities across 149 countries. The built-in Digital Membership Card gives you contactless access to all Priority Pass lounges with a simple scan of your mobile device. The app also has Airport Takeout, which lets you order and pay for food from your phone and avoid the line when you pick up your order. Airport Takeout is available across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Priority Pass has worked with lounges to implement Health & Hygiene Standards to keep you safe while you visit an airport lounge.
Download Priority Pass: Android and Apple
