35 Must-Have Travel Apps You Didn’t Know You Needed

1. Wi-Fi Map

Ever found yourself desperate for an internet connection while traveling? Wi-Fi Map is your lifeline for staying connected. It’s a user-powered app that shares Wi-Fi hotspot locations worldwide.

Think of it as your secret tool to access millions of passwords for free Wi-Fi spots, keeping you connected without the data roaming charges. You can download maps ahead of time, ensuring you stay on the grid, even when offline.

2. Flush – Toilet Finder & Map

When you’re out exploring new places, the last thing you want is the stress of finding a restroom. With Flush Toilet Finder & Map, that worry is a thing of the past! This handy app pinpoints public toilets near you with a quick tap.

It boasts a database of over 200,000 facilities, ensuring you’re never caught in a pinch. Accessibility options like disabled access are clearly shown, making it a breeze for everyone to use.

3. Splitwise

Traveling with friends? Keep tabs on who owes what with Splitwise. This app simplifies sharing expenses, perfect for roommates or group vacations. Say goodbye to awkward money conversations!

Just enter your costs and Splitwise does the math, making sure everyone pays their fair share.

4. Citymapper

Navigating city streets can be tricky, but with Citymapper, you’re covered! Famed for its accuracy and ease of use, Citymapper offers you routes using public transit, walking, cycling, and taxis.

You’ll love how it details time and cost for each option, simplifying your travel decisions.

5. TripCase

Need a travel companion to sort out the nitty-gritty details of your tour? With TripCase, keep all your trip essentials snug in one spot.

Flight updates? Check. Hotel addresses? Got it. TripCase sends alerts straight to your phone and crafts an itinerary that’s easy to follow. Say goodbye to frantic searches for booking confirmations and hello to smooth travels.

6. HappyCow

Are you a traveler with a plant-based diet? HappyCow is the app you’ve been looking for. Explore a new city and finding vegan-friendly restaurants with just a few taps on your phone. No more stress about where to find your next meal!

HappyCow acts like a personal guide, showing you a plethora of vegan and vegetarian dining options around you. Even if you aren’t vegan, it’s a great way to discover healthy, sustainable eating spots on your adventures.

7. Couchsurfing

Discover the joy of connecting with locals on your travels with the Couchsurfing app, your gateway to affordable and authentic stays. By staying with a resident, you gain insights into the everyday life and tips for hidden gems in the city.

Safety and trust are key. You can ease your mind by reading reviews by other travelers. Some Couchsurfing hosts have been bringing people together for years and their profiles showcase this history.

8. BarkHappy

Traveling with your furry companion just got easier with BarkHappy. This clever app locates dog-friendly places and activities wherever you roam. Discover new parks, cozy cafes, and social events that welcome both you and your pup.

It’s simple to use, and it even helps you connect with other pet parents in the area for playdates. Never stress about leaving your dog out of the fun again!

9. Hopper

When planning your next vacation, having the right tools can make all the difference. Let’s talk about Hopper, an essential app that simplifies your travel. Its main draw is how it predicts flight prices with impressive accuracy.

You’re in control, with the ability to watch your favored routes and receive alerts when prices drop. The app stands out with features like “price freezing”, giving you time to decide while securing a low fare found through its analysis of countless price points.

10. PackPoint

If you love breezing through packing without missing a thing, you’ll adore PackPoint. This savvy app creates a customized packing list based on your trip details like destination, length of stay, and planned activities.

Forget the days of forgetting your charger or swimwear. PackPoint has your back, offering smart packing suggestions so you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

11. Omio

Your next trip just got easier! Have you discovered Omio? This nifty app helps you book travel in Europe like a pro. Finding and comparing tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries is a breeze.

No more juggling different websites for the best deals—Omio brings them all to your fingertips. With access to over 10 million routes, it’s no wonder so many travelers are turning to this app.

12. GasBuddy

When you’re out and about, hunting for the cheapest gas can be a real wallet saver. Cue GasBuddy, your new best pal on the road. Saving some green at the pump feels fantastic, and GasBuddy is the tool that helps you make that happen.

It’s a breeze to use; you pop open the app and up comes a map sprinkled with the day’s lowest fuel prices.

13. LoungeBuddy

With hours to kill before your flight? LoungeBuddy offers you a sanctuary away from the airport hustle. Forget over-crowded gates; with this app, you can access a comfy airport lounge to relax, snack, or catch up on work.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, you can instantly find and book spaces in hundreds of lounges and selected restaurants and hotels right from your phone.

14. Timeshifter

Feeling groggy and out of sync after a long flight? You’re not alone! Jet lag can throw off your game and ruin those first few vacation days. But here’s a secret: there’s an app called Timeshifter designed just for that.

With clear alerts and simple advice, Timeshifter tells you when to seek or avoid light and when to rest. You can say goodbye to those groggy days and enjoy your trip from the moment you land.

15. Geocaching

Ready for a fun twist to your travels? Geocaching transforms any trip into an exciting treasure hunt. With just your smartphone and a sense of adventure, you can uncover hidden caches all around the globe.

Found a hidden box? Open it up! Inside, you’ll discover small trinkets or logbooks to sign. It’s not just about what you find; it’s the thrill of the search. Plus, you can swap items and track unique travel bugs.

16. Roadtrippers

Planning your next road trip just got a lot smoother with the Roadtrippers app. It’s a must-have guide to shaping your travel experience. Map out your journey, find fascinating places, and discover local gems along the way.

It’s the go-to companion ensuring you hit all the best spots. Who knew organizing a road trip could be this easy and fun?

17. Rick Steves Audio Europe

If you’re gearing up for a European adventure, listen up! Your travels are about to get a whole lot cooler with Rick Steves Audio Europe. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Paris or the ancient ruins of Rome, all while your trusty smartphone serves as your personal guide.

With content from the “Travel with Rick Steves” radio show and self-guided walking tour excerpts, you’ll hear fascinating facts and stories that will make the sights come alive. It’s almost like Rick is right there with you!

18. HotelTonight

Are you ever in a pinch to find a hotel deal on short notice? Then HotelTonight is your go-to solution. It offers incredible discounts for last-minute bookings.

Reliable and quick, this app pools together unsold rooms from quality hotels and offers them to you at competitive rates. Travelers praise its user-friendly interface, and with stellar ratings on app stores, it’s not just popular but trusted too.

19. Rome2rio

Planning your next adventure can be a breeze with Rome2rio. Find all your transport options, from buses to trains to ferries, all in one spot. No more juggling multiple tabs on your browser!

With real-time schedules and routes from local operators available across 240 countries, Rome2rio makes travel as easy as pie. You’ll have the power to compare prices and book the perfect ride suited to your taste and budget.

20. Duolingo

Are you keen to chat like a local on your next vacation? Duolingo can be your ticket to becoming a savvy linguist. Sprinkle in some fun, bite-sized lessons, and before you know it, you’ll be saying more than just “hello” and “thank you” in a new language.

Whether you’ve got minutes to spare or an hour to invest, this app is designed to slot into your schedule like a dream. With over 30 languages, your next conversation abroad could be more authentic than ever.

21. TripIt

Travel can be a puzzle of flight details, hotel bookings, and rental car reservations. TripIt makes it a breeze by keeping them all in one place. With just a forward of your confirmation emails, this app lays out your entire journey in an easy-to-follow timeline.

No more shuffling through a stack of printouts or searching through emails; your organized itinerary is ready on your device!

22. WhatsApp

Have you ever found yourself puzzled with hefty roaming charges or just needed a quick way to stay connected? WhatsApp is your go-to app, making communication breeze across any distance.

23. SkyScanner

Are you on the hunt for a travel app that simplifies your vacation planning? Discover SkyScanner! This app is like your personal assistant for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals with ease.

With SkyScanner, you have access to great deals by comparing options from over 1,200 partners.

24. Google Translate

When you’re exploring new lands, language barriers can be a real challenge. With Google Translate, those barriers come tumbling down! You’ll have a pocket-sized buddy to translate street signs, menus, and conversations in over 100 languages.

25. AllTrails

Are you passionate about hiking and eager to discover new trails? The AllTrails app is your ultimate companion, guiding you through an incredible database of trails.

With ease, find paths right where you are, get turn-by-turn navigation, and feel empowered by the experiences of a whole community of outdoor enthusiasts!

26. AirHelp

Have you ever been stuck at the airport with a delayed or canceled flight? AirHelp is your go-to app in those frustrating situations. With a quick scan of your boarding pass QR code, it checks if you’re entitled to compensation.

It sorts claim details in seconds, giving you a clear path to what you’re owed. Travel disruptions are no match for this smart assistant in your pocket!

27. Uber

When you’re traveling, having a reliable ride is a must, and Uber is there for you. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s the convenience at your fingertips.

When you land in a new city, you want to move smoothly, and with Uber’s widespread service, you’re covered in most places. Want to avoid long taxi lines? Check. Need a ride after a late dinner? Got it. You can even compare fares to find the best option for your budget.

28. OpenTable

If you love to explore delicious dining options on your travels, OpenTable is a must-have on your smartphone. It’s a breeze to discover and book the perfect table at restaurants around the world.

Plus, with time-saving features like real-time availability and reservation management, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time waiting for a table.

29. Google Maps

You might know Google Maps for getting from point A to point B, but did you know it has features that can revamp your travel game?

With Google Maps, you can effortlessly keep track of parking spots, never forget the amazing restaurants you discover, and yes, even go back in time with Street View to see how places have changed.

Curious about what you did on your last vacation? Check out the your timeline feature. It’s like having a travel diary that writes itself, giving you maps of where you’ve been, complete with a breakdown of stops made.

30. AccuWeather

When you’re planning a trip, the weather can make or break your plans. That’s where AccuWeather steps in with its accurate forecast. Whether you need to pack an umbrella or sunscreen, you’ll be in the know!

31. Airbnb

Looking for a place to stay on your next vacation? Airbnb is a popular choice because it offers a diverse range of options, from cozy apartments to spacious homes.

Through the simple-to-use Airbnb app, you can filter for the perfect place by location, price, amenities, and even whether you can bring your pet along. Booking is secure and straightforward, with options for every budget.

32. Lyft

When you’re on the move and need a smooth ride, Lyft is your go-to app! This trusted rideshare option offers quick, reliable service with just a few taps on your smartphone.

Plus, you often have a choice of ride types, from budget-friendly shared rides to private vehicles for more space and comfort.

33. TripAdvisor

Tripadvisor is like your savvy travel companion, offering a wealth of user-generated reviews and photos that help in making informed decisions about hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Plus, the handy map feature means you can find top-rated spots even when you’re on the move.

34. Evernote

Evernote shines as your go-to travel organizer. Juggling itineraries? This app keeps your plans tight and tidy. Snap and store images of your passport and reservations with ease.

Share your trip agenda with travel companions, helping everyone stay in sync. Evernote also preserves sweet vacation memories; collect digital souvenirs like photos, tickets, and notes in one spot.

35. XE Currency

Navigating currency exchanges can be a headache, but your travels just got a lot smoother. The XE Currency app is your personal finance assistant.

It keeps you updated with live exchange rates for over 170 world currencies, including cryptocurrencies and precious metals. Swiftly convert any currency on your smartphone and make sure you’re always getting a fair deal when abroad.