19 Must-Have Apps for Stress-Free Travel

Author: Mike Fakunle

Travelling can be so much fun. It's exciting to visit new places, meet new people, and eat new foods. But it can also be tricky. There is a lot to plan; find places to stay and ensure you stay safe. That's where the right apps come in. These apps can help make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Here's a list of apps everyone should have when they travel. They help with booking, directions, staying connected and more. They can make your travel easy, and here's how.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is great for finding cheap flights. It lets you search for flights on different dates for the best price. You can also book hotels and car rentals.

What I Like About It:

You can set price alerts to track ticket prices.

It shows all airlines in one place.

It also works for hotels and cars.

Airbnb

Airbnb is helpful if you want to stay in unique places like a house or an apartment. It is excellent for families or anyone who wants a home-like stay.

What I Like About It:

There are many choices, like small apartments or big homes.

You can chat with the host before booking.

Some places offer local experiences, too.

Booking.com

This app is perfect for finding last-minute hotel deals. It also lets you book flights and other services.

What I Like About It:

You can cancel bookings for free in many hotels.

There is 24/7 support if something goes wrong.

Reviews from other travellers help you decide.

Google Maps

Google Maps is an app I never travel without. It shows directions for driving, walking, and public transport and works in almost every country.

What I Like About It:

It gives real-time traffic updates.

You can save maps to use offline.

It shows restaurants, gas stations, and more nearby.

Waze

Waze is excellent if you are driving. Other drivers share real-time updates about traffic or accidents.

What I Like About It:

You get alerts about roadblocks or speed cameras.

It updates quickly if there is a faster route.

It helps save time when driving.

Google Translate

When I visit a country where I don’t know the language, Google Translate helps me. You can type, speak, or even take a picture of text to translate it.

What I Like About It:

You can translate in real-time by talking into the app.

It works offline if you download a language pack.

It can translate signs and menus using your camera.

Duolingo

If you want to learn some phrases before travelling, Duolingo is perfect. It teaches you small lessons every day.

What I Like About It:

It is fun and straightforward to use.

There are more than 30 languages to learn.

It tracks how much you learn over time.

TripIt

TripIt is an innovative app that keeps all your travel details in one place. When you book a flight or hotel, forward the email to the app. It creates a schedule for you.

What I Like About It:

It organizes everything, so you don’t need to search for emails.

It works offline, too.

You get alerts if your flight gets delayed.

PackPoint

Packing for a trip can be challenging. PackPoint helps by making a list based on where you are going and what you plan to do.

What I Like About It:

It tells you what to pack based on the weather.

You can customize your list for activities like hiking or swimming.

It helps you avoid overpacking.

Splitwise

Splitwise is a helpful app for travelling with friends or family. It helps you split bills and keep track of who owes what.

What I Like About It:

It works well for group expenses.

It converts currencies for international trips.

You can send reminders to settle payments.

XE Currency

XE Currency makes it easy to convert money. You always know how much you are spending when shopping or eating out.

What I Like About It:

It shows up-to-date currency rates.

You can use it offline by saving on rates.

It converts multiple currencies at once.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp helps you stay in touch with people back home or the friends you meet on your trip. It works on WiFi or mobile data.

What I Like About It:

You can send messages and make calls for free.

It supports group chats for planning with friends.

It is secure with end-to-end encryption.

WiFi Map

WiFi Maps are helpful if you need free internet. It shows a map of WiFi hotspots near you.

What I Like About It:

You can find free WiFi anywhere.

Users share passwords for private networks.

It works offline if you download the maps.

Spotify

Long trips can get boring, but Spotify helps. You can listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during your journey.

What I Like About It:

You can download playlists to use offline.

It creates playlists based on your taste.

There are podcasts about almost anything.

Kindle

If you love reading, the Kindle app is excellent. The app stores books digitally, so you don't need to carry heavy books.

What I Like About It:

You can adjust text size to make reading easier.

It syncs across devices, so you can continue reading where you left off.

You can buy books or get free ones.

Yelp

Yelp helps you find the best restaurants, cafes, and shops wherever you go. It shows reviews and photos from genuine customers.

What I Like About It:

You can search by location or type of food.

Reviews help you choose the best place.

It often shows menus and photos of dishes.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is perfect for booking tours and activities. You can book tickets to attractions and skip the line.

What I Like About It:

It offers tickets for popular attractions.

You can read reviews about guides and tours.

It is easy to book directly from the app.

bSafe

bSafe is an app that helps you stay safe. You can share your live location with trusted contacts and send an emergency alert.

What I Like About It:

It has a fake call feature to help people escape unsafe situations.

You can set an SOS alert for emergencies.

Your friends can see where you are in real-time.

Sitata

Sitata is an app that informs users about safety risks and tracks health concerns, such as COVID-19 rules in different countries.

What I Like About It:

It gives you safety alerts for your location.

It shows emergency contacts in case of trouble.

It provides health tips for travellers.

Travelling is easier when you have the right tools. These apps can help you book tickets, find places to stay, navigate cities, and stay safe. Whether travelling alone, with friends, or with family, these apps will make your trip more relaxing. Before your next trip, make sure to download some of these apps. You'll feel more prepared and ready to enjoy your adventure.