We rely on our phones for practically everything in our day to day life. Traveling is an amazing experience but it does come with its own unique set of challenges. We need to navigate unfamiliar streets, translate from a different language, find places to eat that have your preferential food (Vegan, Gluten-free, etc.), access itineraries and reservations, and in worst case scenarios call for help.
With these new obstacles (and adventures) our phones become even more critical when we travel. I've created a list of some of the apps that I highly recommend to have installed when traveling. This list is predominantly designed for an Apple iPhone user as some are not available on other platforms. Pretty much all of them are free but many have the option to upgrade or they have in-app purchases. I won't go into much detail about the upgrades here though so feel free to explore them.
Before we get to the list though you want to make sure that you can connect right? Can't use all those apps without having some kind of data plan so be read our other post >> about how to affordably stay connected when away.
Google Maps / Waze
Cost: Free
This is kind of a no-brainer. Google Maps is arguably the most essential travel app. It offers detailed maps, turn-by-turn navigation, traffic updates, and information on millions of places. Whether you're looking for the nearest gas station, supermarket, or posh cafe, it has you covered. Both apps are great and you can certainly get by with just Google Maps but I actually prefer Waze for driving directions so I keep both installed.
I find that Wazers ( yes, that's what the users are called) tend to be more diligent in reporting police sightings. I can't count the speeding tickets I've avoided thanks to the alerts from Waze. I know Google boasts the same feature but I have found it less accurate. I also find the real time traffic updates better on Waze. The biggest drawback to Waze is that it relies on the community so if there are very few users in an area, you might not get much intel which is why I recommend having both apps.
Flush Toilet Finder
Cost: Free
I know, right? Genius. Where to go when you gotta go. This app is essential for any parent. A parent knows that when their 4 year old says they need a toilet, it does not mean within the next 15 minutes. It means like, now! This app will help you find the nearest Toilet, Loo, WC or whatever else the locals call it.
In addition it will also give you information about whether there is a cost to use the facility, whether it is accessible, and it can show ratings. Not all toilets are necessarily shown but users can contribute and are encouraged to do so to fill in any gaps. The fact that this app is free is simply awesome.
Noonlight (Previously SafeTrek)
Cost: Free but with premium upgrades available
This is an amazing idea and the app should be on every woman's phone for sure. Unfortunately it only works in the United States but it is still a valuable app to have. The concept is that you open the app and press down on the "Hold Until Safe" button on the screen. Once you are safe and secure you release your finger and enter your PIN to indicate you are indeed safe. If you release and do not enter the PIN, i.e. you are not safe, then the police will be alerted and sent to your location meaning you won't need to dial 911 and say anything.
Consider it a preamble to a 911 call. You might feel unsafe but maybe it is just nerves so you don't want to call 911. This way you can press and hold and if things go sideways you will have the authorities alerted for you. They have even partnered with Tinder to provide backup on a date. You can share details about who you’ll be meeting to your timeline directly from the Tinder app and you can add a ‘Protected by Noonlight’ badge to your Tinder chat threads.
Hopefully the devs will one day get the app set up on an international scale. This is a concept that should be global.
Duolingo
Cost: Free with upgrades available
This is my favorite language learning app. Granted it is more of a pre-travel app than one I use while abroad. I like to know the basics of a language for any destination I am going to so I'll register for the lessons a couple months in advance and get to work.
Every course is free. Learn Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Dutch, Irish, Danish, Swedish, Ukrainian, Esperanto, Polish, Greek, Hungarian, Norwegian, Hebrew, Welsh, Arabic, Latin, Hawaiian, Scottish Gaelic, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, English, and even High Valyrian and Klingon (yep, I am on level 2 for that one: jIH vIyay!). The upgrade cost gets you more lesson time with unlimited hearts (i.e. when you make an error you lose a heart in the free version).
Why bother with it?
I personally believe that learning the local language when you travel is immensely beneficial. First off, it demonstrates respect for the culture and people you are visiting. Making an effort to communicate in the local language, even if it's just a few basic phrases, shows that you value and appreciate the host country's customs and traditions. This effort often leads to warmer receptions and friendlier interactions, as locals typically appreciate when travelers try to speak their language. I know this for a fact after a dour-faced waitress finally smiled when I thanked her for the meal and asked for the tab in Swedish.
Second, knowing the language enhances your travel experience by allowing for deeper connections with people and a more authentic understanding of their culture. You can engage in more meaningful conversations, understand nuances, and access experiences that otherwise might remain closed to outsiders. Furthermore, it increases your independence and confidence while navigating through daily activities, such as ordering food, asking for directions, or using public transportation.
Lastly, learning a new language is intellectually stimulating and can improve cognitive skills. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking (seriously new synaptic pathways are formed) and seeing the world, making you a more adaptable and empathetic individual. Overall, the linguistic skills gained while traveling enrich your journey, making it more engaging and rewarding on a personal level.
Ok, I am off the soapbox now.
Google Translate
Cost: Free
This is the app I use while I am abroad for languages. While Duo will prep me, I use Google to help translate anything I don't know or remember on the spot. I love that I can use my phone's camera to hover over text and get a real time translation. Great for menu decoding! It will even give the proper pronunciation of the words.
This app has come in handy so often for my family and even for those around me. I just happened to be using the app in a Finnish supermarket looking for organic yogurt (Luomu Jogurtti if you're curious) when a woman saw me and rushed over holding a couple of milk cartons. She asked me in a heavy NZ accent if I could let her know if either was lactose free. I used the scanner to determine neither were but we eventually found one that was. So, yeah, super useful.
Trip Advisor
Cost: Free
This is my go to for finding places to eat, and things to do. Generally I'll research ahead about what we want to visit but more often than not we find ourselves with some extra time to kill so I jump on the app and see what's around. When I lived in Manhattan I'd wander around the city on weekends and would open up the app to find a place nearby to eat when the stomach started growling. I discovered so many neighborhood gems that way, it was wonderful. I love that you can filter for food type: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, 'za!
I haven't used it much in the way of booking hotels as I get a better rate usually either direct or through booking.com but I do use it to read the reviews of a hotel. I've added my share of reviews as well, albeit mostly for restaurants. A lot of reviews. As a thank you they even sent me some TripAdvisor Luggage tags. Those big green rubber tags are easy to spot! How cool was that?
OpenTable , Resy, TheFork
Cost: Free
The essential triumvirate of apps you need to make a reservation at a restaurant, anywhere. Enough Said.
TheFork (La Fourchette)
TripIt
Cost: Free
This app is a built in itinerary. As soon as you book a flight, hotel, rental car or other travel plan, simply forward it to plans@tripit.com and it will automatically add it to your comprehensive itinerary. Seamlessly sync travel plans to your calendar or share them with anyone you choose. It will store all of your reservation details and will plot out your entire trip on Google Maps for you to get from point to point.
You can upload PDFs, photos, boarding passes, digital passport QR codes and more to your travel itinerary, so you can track everything in one place. Granted, you can use Apple Wallet to do the same but this app just puts everything into one place for you. So if you like having all of your trip details at a glance then consider using this app. I've used it only a couple of times admittedly but it is kind of handy.
FlightAware
Cost: Free
Simply a must for any air travel. It will give you notifications of flight delays usually before you hear it from the airline. You can check what and where the inbound flight is so you have a better idea of when you'll be able to board. I've used it to track an inbound flight to know when I needed to be at the airport to pick someone up. I can't imagine flying without having this app to get updated info.
It really is that good. I was on a flight recently that ended up with a 8 hour delay in my connecting flight. I got an alert from the app as we touched down and I turned on my phone. I immediately went to the customer service desk for the airline after we deplaned and just minutes later the airline announced the delay which sent a flurry of passengers to the desk, all behind me. I was able to get myself on standby for an earlier flight and due to the advanced intel made it on to the flight. There were 25 others on that standby list and I was fifth and happened to be the very last passenger seated. Phew, goodbye 8 hour wait.
I should make a note here that I also never fly, or book flights, without my favorite website Seat Guru. It isn't an app but it is invaluable for determining where you want to sit. You plug in your airline, route, or plane type and it will pull up the seat map for that plane with info on things like leg room, charging capability, recline, etc. Give it a shot for your next flight.
MyFitnessPal
Cost: Free
One of the most popular apps for tracking calorie intake, sugars, carbs, and other nutritional information is MyFitnessPal. This app is widely used for its comprehensive food database, which contains over 11 million foods, including generic items, branded products, and restaurant dishes. Users can easily log what they eat by searching the database, scanning barcodes, or even using the app's recipe import feature.
It is a great tool when traveling because more than likely you'll be dining at restaurants so you will want to be able to still maintain that healthy diet while abroad (unless the point of the trip is to indulge in which case to hell with the diet...).
It also allows users to set personal goals, whether they're aiming to lose weight, gain muscle, maintain their current weight, or simply improve their overall nutritional habits.
In addition to its tracking capabilities, MyFitnessPal offers features such as:
A barcode scanner for easy food entry.
A recipe calculator for homemade meals.
A restaurant logging feature to help make healthier choices when dining out.
Integration with other fitness apps and devices for a more comprehensive overview of your health and fitness progress.
ClassPass
Cost: Free (free trial and then customize a plan that works best with your fitness & wellness routine)
Staying along the line of fitness this is a pretty cool concept. ClassPass is a versatile fitness app that offers users the flexibility to explore and book a wide range of fitness classes, gym time, wellness appointments, and even beauty services at various studios, gyms, salons, and spas around the world. The app caters to individuals seeking variety in their fitness routines, providing access to activities such as yoga, pilates, strength training, boxing, and more.
Members can customize their experience based on their interests, location, and schedule, making it an ideal solution for those who travel but want to keep active.
The cost of ClassPass varies by location and the membership plan selected, with plans typically based on a credit system. Users spend credits to book classes or services, and the number of credits required depends on factors such as the studio's popularity, class time, and the service's demand. This flexible system allows members to manage their fitness budget and choices actively. Some areas may offer introductory deals for new members, and prices can range significantly, making it essential to check the current rates in your specific region.
Features of ClassPass include:
Access to Thousands of Locations: ClassPass partners with a vast network of fitness studios and wellness providers, offering unparalleled variety.
Flexible Booking: Members can reserve spots in classes or schedule services directly through the app, with the ability to cancel or reschedule according to the policy of the provider.
Credit System: The credit-based system provides flexibility, letting members prioritize their preferences and adjust their monthly usage.
Variety of Activities: From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling to meditation sessions and massages, ClassPass caters to a broad spectrum of fitness and wellness needs.
Community Reviews: Users can read reviews from the ClassPass community to discover popular classes and services, helping them make informed choices.
Travel-Friendly: Ideal for travelers, ClassPass allows members to stay active and explore local fitness scenes without committing to a single gym or studio.
Calm
Cost: Free
OMG I love this app. If I cannot sleep on a plane, or in a noisy hotel this is my lifesaver. I set up the scene I want to listen to and the timer for how long and then pop in the noise canceling AirPods and I'm good. There are a wide range of options for this app, most of which require an upgraded membership but IMHO you don't need those. There are features in the upgrade that have celebs telling sleep stories or whatnot but WTF? No, thank you. The scenes feature is all you really need. Just give me my four hours of rain falling on leaves and I am more than content.
Overall, Calm is highly regarded for its comprehensive approach to mindfulness and mental well-being. It stands out for its variety of content, quality of production, and user-friendly design. If you're looking to improve your sleep, reduce stress, or develop a meditation practice, Calm offers tools that can support a wide range of mental health goals.
Local Transportation or Parking apps
Before going anywhere, you should always research the local transportation and parking applications that are used and put them on your phone. The above image is from the HSN app for Finland transportation. I’ve used it numerous times to purchase tickets ahead of time or even on the fly when I didn’t realize I needed a ticket for a particular leg of a journey. Just recently, I used an app for parking in Italy as the machine did not accept credit cards and we didn’t have any coins in our pocket. Save yourself some grief and install the apps ahead of time, and learn them, and you’ll be a master by the time you get to your destination.
Summary
There are so many other apps but those above are a pretty good start. Armed with them in your phone you'll be well prepared for your adventures. In essence, phone apps serve as a digital Swiss Army knife for travelers, addressing virtually every need or challenge that may arise during their journeys. They not only enhance the travel experience by making it more organized and stress-free but also open up new possibilities for exploration and adventure.
Il Digestivo
We all want our travel experiences to be enjoyable and stress-free. It does not always work out that way right? For me, the ability to escape my environment is critical in order to destress. This requires a bit of tech when you are somewhere you physically can't leave. Plane, train, subway, whatevs. We all need a little help sometimes. These are some of the things I use to escape.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
I learned early on that when it comes to headphones you can't go cheap. A bad pair will just frustrate you and travel is already stressful enough. Remember trying to listen to a movie on a flight with the airline provided headphones? Yeah, me too. Between the engine roar, the chatter of passengers and infants it was impossible to hear anything other than the louder sound effects. Well, suffer no more! These noise cancelling headphones make all the difference.
Ostrichpillow Contoured Sleep Mask
Say goodbye to awkward fitting sleep masks that let light filter in, or that press uncomfortably on your eyelids. The modal foam mask is adjustable and has a solid 3 dimensional design that fits the contours of your face beautifully. There is even an eyecup built it to alleviate any pressure on the eyelids. Blink in bliss!
BCOZZY Wraparound Neck Pillow
If you are lucky enough to be flying long haul in a lie flat bed, you can get a good sleep with the pillows the airline provides. For the rest who have to try and arrange their body in a barely reclined position you need to up your pillow game. Personally speaking the thing that makes my sleep nightmarish on a plane is the head bob forward always wakes me. I need a wraparound that will prevent my head from dipping forward too much when I sleep. This BCOZZY pillow does just that. I've even worn it when I am on the computer for long stretches of time (like now) to give my neck a rest.
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