Technology

Learn how the technical world can support your travels, and allow you to expand even further.

Aug

2023

Best VPN for Travel & Digital Nomads

In today’s interconnected world, where your digital data is your most valued asset and privacy and security are paramount, having a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become an essential tool for everyone. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or working remotely from a tropical paradise, a VPN can safeguard your online activities, protect sensitive information, and even help you save money. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of VPNs and explore the top options for young budget-conscious travelers, to help you stay protected online! Keep reading to find out the best VPN for travel!

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Summary & Recommendation

1. Surfshark – Overall Best Travel VPN. #1 choice for No Trace Travel due to its low cost, high speeds, the most countries with server locations, and added features for a better experience. Stay protected online with Surfshark today!

2. NordVPN – Fastest Speeds Travel VPN. is a quality-assured option, a favorite of many due to its long-term success as a VPN service.

3. ExpressVPN – Most Consistent Travel VPN. Reliable and affordable VPN with consistent speeds and reliability.

4. CyberGhost – Most User-Friendly Travel VPN. Simple to use and consistent performance.

What Is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server, masking your online identity and activities. This encryption shields your data from potential hackers, cybercriminals, and even nosy advertisers.

For travelers, this means added protection when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in airports, cafes, and hotels. Additionally, a VPN can grant you access to geo-restricted content, allowing you to stream your favorite shows and access websites as if you were in your home country, or any country of your choice (hello unlimited Netflix options)!

Who Needs a VPN?

Anyone who values their online privacy and security can benefit from a VPN, not just the IT nerds who actually know about the breadcrumbs you leave with every click. The advantages are especially pronounced for young budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads:

Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage: When you’re on the go, you’re likely to connect to various public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN ensures that your data remains encrypted and safe, preventing potential cyberattacks.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions: If you’re traveling abroad and want to access content from your home country, a VPN can make it seem as though you’re still there, granting you access to your favorite websites and streaming services. Every country has different online restrictions, a VPN can help skirt around those (in a legal way).
Cost Savings: Many online services, including flight booking websites and hotel reservation platforms, often display different prices based on your location. By using a VPN to appear as if you’re browsing from a different country, you might unlock better deals.
Remote Work Security: For digital nomads, a VPN adds an extra layer of security when accessing company networks or sensitive work materials from various locations.

Cost - Many companies offer their goods and services at a rate consistent with your location, meaning there are deals out there waiting for you in other countries! Use a VPN to see your savings potential.

Considerations To Choose The Best VPN For You

All VPN’s are not created equally – each offers a different combination of features and quality for a competitive advantage. Before looking into VPNs to purchase, it is important to consider what factors are the most important to you!

By carefully evaluating these factors and assessing how well each VPN meets your specific needs, you can confidently choose a VPN that enhances your online security, supports your digital lifestyle, and aligns with your budget.

Cost

While budget is a key concern for many travelers, remember that a slightly higher investment can often lead to better security and performance. Consider the value you’re getting for the price, including features like security protocols, server options, and customer support.

Security & Reliability

The primary purpose of a VPN is to enhance your online security and privacy. Look for a VPN with strong encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and additional security features like a kill switch. Prioritize reliability and a solid reputation in the industry.

Number of Devices & Compatibility

If you have multiple devices or are traveling with others, a VPN that allows multiple simultaneous connections can be a significant advantage. Similarly, consider the devices you’ll be using during your travels. Ensure the VPN supports all the devices you plan to connect, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Server Speed & Locations

VPNs can sometimes result in slower internet speeds due to the encryption and rerouting of traffic. Look for VPNs that prioritize maintaining high speeds, especially if you intend to stream content, video call, or work remotely.

The more server locations a VPN offers, the more versatility you have in accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining optimal browsing speeds. If you have specific regions in mind for your travels, ensure the VPN has servers in those areas.

Read More - Once you establish how you will protect your data online, check out everything you need to know about International Phone Plans!

Option 1 - SurfShark

Surfshark is a versatile VPN option that offers a well-rounded set of features suitable for budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads, making it our #1 Choice for Travelers. It stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure all your devices under one subscription. With a quickly growing network of over 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark provides an amazing range of server locations for accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining good speeds.

Cost – $2.49/month for 2 years
Speed – 100+ Mbps
Servers – 3,200+ servers in 100 countries

No Logs Policy
24/7 Support
Multiple Devices - Unlimited
Kill Switch
Trial Period - 7 Days
Ad Blocker
2-Factor Authentification

Tip - Unlimited devices mean you can share the plan with your travel companions to save!

Option 2 - NordVPN

NordVPN is renowned for its strong emphasis on security and privacy. With a vast network of over 5000 servers in 60 countries, it offers a wide range of server options for accessing global content. NordVPN is a solid choice for users seeking advanced security features while maintaining good connection speeds. It also provides specialized servers for activities like streaming and torrenting.

Cost – $5.49 / month for 2 years
Speed – 100+ Mbps
Servers – 5,608 servers in 60 countries

No Logs Policy
24/7 Support
Multiple Devices - Up to 6
Kill Switch
Trial Period - only for Android (7 days)
Ad Blocker
2-Factor Authentification

Option 3 - Express VPN

ExpressVPN is a high-performance VPN option with a focus on speed and reliable connections. With 3000+ servers in 94 countries, it offers a broad server network for accessing content from around the world. ExpressVPN is particularly popular among users who prioritize streaming, as it provides consistent speeds and reliable access to geo-blocked content.

Cost – $6.67/month for 1 year (+3 months free)
Speed – 100+ Mbps
Servers – 3,000+ servers in 94 countries

No Logs Policy
24-Hour Support
Multiple Devices - Up to 8
Kill Switch - Not on all devices
Trial Period - 7 Days
Ad Blocker
2-Factor Authentification

Option 4 - CyberGhost

CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly interface and is a great option for beginners. With over 7300 servers in 91 countries, it offers an extensive server network. CyberGhost places a strong focus on streaming optimization, making it a preferred choice for users who want seamless access to geo-restricted content.

Cost – $2.19/month for 2 years (+2 months free)
Speed – 100+ Mbps
Servers – 9,438 servers in 91 countries

No Logs Policy
24/7 Support
Multiple Devices - Up to 7
Kill Switch
Trial Period - 3-7 Days
Ad Blocker
2-Factor Authentification

Summary - Best VPN for Travelers & Digital Nomads

Selecting the right VPN depends on your specific needs. Consider factors such as server locations (to access content from your preferred regions), speed (necessary for streaming and remote work), and ease of use. Each of these VPN options provides a range of features tailored to different requirements, ensuring that you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your online activities are secure.

In conclusion, a VPN is a valuable investment for any young budget-conscious traveler or digital nomad. Not only does it protect your sensitive information, but it also enhances your online freedom and opens up a world of possibilities.

Choose a VPN that aligns with your travel needs, and embark on your adventures with the confidence that your digital footprint remains secure and untraceable.

Purchase an External Hard Drive before you go!

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Jan

2023

4 Easy Ways to Reduce your Online Carbon Footprint

Every action we take has an associated carbon footprint, including our actions in the digital world. If the Internet were a country, it would be the 6th largest energy consumer globally according to Greenpeace. Of course, there are the physical aspects that play a role in our carbon footprint, like the technologies we buy and the energy it takes to charge our devices. However, what you do online has an impact as well! This post will go over some simple actions you can implement today to use less energy, and reduce your online carbon footprint.

1. Use Search Engines Less

Every time you search for something on Google, it uses 0.0003 kWh of energy to deliver your results. To put this number in perspective, 1 Google search is equivalent to turning on a 60-watt lightbulb for 17 seconds. While this alone is negligible, how many things have you Google searched this year, or even in your lifetime? On average, Google processes about 8.5 billion searches PER DAY! That’s 2,550,000 kWh per day! That is equivalent to 238 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for 1 year, or 1 gasoline-powered car driven over 2,738,000 miles.

Most of this energy (80-90%) is going to the data centers that process the request. Basically, these are massive computers running 24/7 to process your search results. These buildings use anywhere from 10 to 50x the amount of energy as a standard commercial building, of which 40% of the energy goes straight to cooling these computers.

One positive is that although there are exponentially more Google searches, the energy required has stayed relatively steady due to more efficient technology. Like most major search engines, Google also employs a variety of renewable energy resources to power these data centers. Between 2016-2021, Google offset 100% of its annual electricity consumption with renewable energy credits where the resources are abundant.

While we can’t get rid of search options since they are extremely useful and important for a lot of the work we do (like writing this blog). There are a few things we can take away from this to improve our online carbon footprint:

Search for resources, not for answers

Unless you are just looking up a quick fact, chances are you want to understand the topic you’re searching for. Instead of searching for a straightforward answer, and then Googling another question that stems from the answer you found, you should search for resources. For example in writing this post, instead of Googling every small bit of information I was looking for, I looked for the resources that will likely have the answers like the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), EIA (Energy Information Administration), and Google itself.

Go Straight To The Source

If you know where you’re going, skip the middle step altogether! If you want to go to Amazon, simply type ‘Amazon.com’ in the top bar, rather than Googling it. This may seem like a simple step, but it adds up! Let’s try to use search engines for what they’re meant for – searching for things we don’t know, rather than taking the lazy route and typing less (sorry, but it’s true).

Green Tip - Use the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator to see how much energy you're using! See the link below.

Click the Leaf to go to the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

2. Use a Eco-Focused Search Engine

Since searching the Internet is an energy-intensive action, there are some search engines out there that are committed to reducing the carbon footprint as much as possible! While Google is great, what good does it put back into the world? Do you really need to use Google when there are options out there that give back to our planet? Below are a few options that have put their environmental values at the front of their operations.

Ecosia

Ecosia’s mission is to plant trees globally to improve soil health, support biodiversity, and reduce the impact of deforestation. To date, they have contributed 36 million EUR across 13,000 planting locations. They work with native communities facing deforestation and erosion to employ local people and plant native tree species.

Ecosia uses 80% of the revenue experienced from advertisements to fund the planting projects and has planted 166 million trees to date (as of January 15, 2023). On average, every 45 searches a user makes results in 1 tree planted to help local people defend themselves from environmental destruction. Ecosia is a certified B-Corp and is transparent about its financial records so you can earn their trust while you support them to make a difference.

Ecosia has been my personal preference as a search engine for a few years and I have loved its performance!

Check out: ECOSIA

Assuming at a minimum a tree absorbs 1.8 kg of CO2/year, to date, Ecosia has
contributed to over
301.18 million kg of CO2 absorbed!

Ekoru

Ekoru is focused on the environmental health of our oceans and water systems. Ekoru allocates 60% of advertisement revenue towards two different ocean organizations; Big Blue Ocean Cleanup and Operation Posidonia.

Big Blue Ocean Cleanup works on beaches and the ocean surface to collect plastic and debris, which allows more carbon to be captured and stored from the atmosphere, and protects aquatic life.

Alternatively, Operation Posidonia works from the ocean floor where it plants native species of Seagrass (Posidonia australis) in bays surrounding Australia. Seagrass plays a vital role in providing shelter and nutrients to the ocean’s foundational creatures, and absorbs CO2 from the water to help slow ocean acidification!

Check out: EKORU

So far, Ekoru’s efforts have resulted in over
105 million kg of CO2
offset by the operations of Big Blue Ocean Cleanup & Operation Posidonia!

Protect yourself while using the internet with the best VPNs for Travelers.

3. What about open ai chats?

The latest thing that has swept the online world is chatbots, where you can ask (almost) anything to an online bot, and get a response with impressive detail and accuracy. AI is both an impressive and scary technology that has the chance to reshape the human species that we know today. These AI bots query the Internet with impressive speed and accuracy to deliver results to you. However, the amount of energy this search shows us how they do it so fast.

AI technology uses a type of machine learning called deep learning to ‘train’ AI programs to understand on a somewhat human level, so it can comprehend a question or query and compute the desired outcome. This requires an extensive amount of time to train, and the programs are then re-trained again and again as it gets more accurate and complex.

OpenAI released its ChatGPT beta model to the world in November 2022. The final training for this technology ran for 9 days and consumed over 936 MWh just in this training. That’s equivalent to what 51 US homes use in a year. There are a lot of estimates on how much energy is consumed for a single search, but unfortunately, OpenAI hasn’t released any of its energy consumption reporting!

The computing power capabilities have doubled every 3.4 months between 2012 and today. The EPA estimates that over 2% of the electricity used in the US is going to Data Centers. By 2030, digital computing is expected to reach almost 20% of global electricity consumption! Unless there is as much investment from these computing giants in renewable energy infrastructure as there is in computing power, we will go into a global energy crisis that we can’t keep up with.

4. Shopping Online

The online marketplace is a blessing and a curse in terms of our global impact. On one hand, it allows vendors to sell their items to a larger market, potentially to people on the other side of the world! And how can anyone say that supporting small business owners like those who sell on Etsy or mom & pop shops is a bad thing? Especially since so many of their products are earth-conscious! But on the other hand, it has enabled society to get their hands on almost anything they can think of and ship it back for a full refund, without ever leaving their home. How many items are currently in transit to a customer, that will end up making the same journey back once they’re returned?

We all shop online, and if not, you may just be fortunate enough to live in close proximity to stores that sell everything you could need, which is awesome! But since most of us do fill up our virtual carts more than our physical ones, this section is dedicated to how to shop online more sustainably.

Consolidate your shopping

Online shopping is quick and convenient, making it too easy to checkout, and expect your items to be delivered within a few days. Make sure you purchased everything you need at once, to prevent multiple orders. Make a list of things you want to purchase, and once you feel that your list is complete then go ahead and checkout. My rule of life is if it wasn’t thought about it probably wasn’t that important, to begin with!

Slow down Your Shipping

And to finish it off, slow down your shipping! One- to two-day shipping is not sustainable to do all the time, so unless it is super urgent and the only option, slow down your shipping as much as possible. Instant gratification just may be the term that defines this generation, so do yourself and the world a favor and practice patience next time you check out. As much as we all would like something to magically appear on our doorstep right after purchasing it, there are a lot of negative externalities from these decisions.

Summary - 4 Ways to reduce your online Carbon Footprint

What you do online has a big environmental impact! With some simple changes in how you interact with search engines, the search engines you use, and your online shopping habits, you can make a difference! No single action will change the world, but when that action comes from a place of environmental stewardship, the world around you will change for the better. We are in the digital era where technology is advancing constantly. It is important to stay aware of what’s happening in this world, and question the impacts it has so you can align your choices with your values.

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Dec

2022

Top 24 Travel Apps [Save Money Abroad]

There can definitely be a lot to figure out to plan international travel. Luckily, most of us carry a computer in our pockets that help keep us connected and prepared without all the stress and worry that can come with traveling. This list has the top travel apps to help you navigate international travel so you can move easily through the world, and focus more on experience than you do on planning. All while saving money along the way!

Read More - Check out other steps and tips for Travel Planning!

WhatsApp is a communication-based app that allows you to call and message easily with any other registered number around the world. This is a game changer to stay in touch with your people back home and connect with new people you meet on the way without the charges from international fees or phone plans, since this app uses WiFi/data, so there’s no need for a specific phone plan or international minutes!

Cost: Free

Available for: iOS and Android

TripWhistle

TripWhistle is an ESSENTIAL app for anyone traveling outside their home country to help you travel safely, and unfortunately isn’t well-known enough! This app updates based on your current location, and provides emergency numbers for the police department, ambulance service, and fire department.

It also syncs to your contacts to alert your emergency contacts if any of the numbers have been used and sends them your coordinates in case of an extreme emergency. This app provides a sense of safety and security while traveling, because no matter where you are, life happens, so stay safe!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS, Android equivalent is ‘Travel Safe‘

WiFi Map

WiFi Map is a crowd-sourced resource of local wifi networks, the strength and reliability, and the necessary passwords to access them! This takes away the need to find a cafe and buy some coffee to get a connection when you can find a WiFi source almost anywhere! WifiMap has some additional features that have been extremely useful, including A VPN with PRO membership, eSIM options, World Clock, An Internet Speed Test, Tip Calculator to determine the appropriate tip amount to leave based on your location!

Cost: Free
Optional Membership: $6.99 USD/month
Available For: iOS and Android

Google Translate

Google Translate has been the best translator app for most languages, with key features including voice detection and a camera function so you can translate anything you hear, see, or write without needing to type out words you probably can’t even pronounce! Google Translate has text translation for over 103 languages, 59 of which can be downloaded for offline use. Never get lost again with this quick and easy-to-use app!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Globe Convert

For any international travel, there are likely going to be some essential conversions, especially for those of us who weren’t properly taught the metric system. Globe Convert is your one-stop shop for over 160 currency conversions with historical data of currency trends, as well as converting between the metric and imperial systems for so many units of measurement. You can save ‘favorites’ into a specialized panel for easy access to all of your conversion needs.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS

DuoLingo

What better way to immerse in a new culture than learning to speak with the locals along the way? Duolingo is a fun and interactive app that teaches the basics of 40 languages, with daily challenges, quests, and leaderboards to challenge yourself until you’re fluent at a B2 level of proficiency. It’s a great way to pass the time on long transport or work it into your morning routine, I personally have been learning Spanish for the past 3 years with only 5-10 minutes in lessons a day!

Cost: Free
Optional Membership: $6.99 USD/month
Available for: iOS and Android

Google Maps

If you aren’t already using Google Maps, I’m surprised you’ve made it this far! This navigation resource provides directions between locations, with an unlimited number of stops in between on transit methods of car, bus, bike, plane, or even ride share through Lyft! From my experience, it has been extremely accurate in well-known areas, and as specific for bus and train connections.

Another great feature to help you stay organized with all of your destinations is the ability to create lists and save locations, so you can plan out your perfect travel route making sure to hit all of your must-see destinations. Since this app is so widely used globally, it has the most accurate information for locations operating hours, numbers to call, and traffic information.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Rome 2 Rio

Rome 2 Rio is an awesome travel app that helps you compare the different ways to get to your next destination, how much time it will take, and the approximate cost. Rather than looking at all of the possible transit methods from random google searches, this will give you a great starting point to know if you should be looking into a Bus, Train, Ferry, or Flight! From my experience, the app has been fairly accurate, but some additional research will be needed to book the actual travel to guarantee your transit.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Green Tip: While flights are usually the quickest route, they are also the most carbon intensive. Try to take the scenic route while a train or ferry to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling and save money!

Uber

As the most used ride-share app, Uber has created a presence that can help you get around in so many destinations. It operates in over 85 countries and supports contract drivers in the local area. Uber is reliable with outstanding customer service to help you get to your destination with confidence. Make sure to always verify the car you’re getting into!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Tip: There are often Uber alternatives used in some countries. This can include Bolt, Grab, Gojek, Lyft, and more! A quick Google Search will help you understand your best ride-share options.

Green Tip: Choose a 'Green Ride' with a hybrid or all-electric vehicle, or even hopping in a carpool vehicle to reduce the number of cars on the road!

iOverlander

This is a must-have for an outdoorsy person who isn’t afraid to get off the beaten path, especially if you’re traveling in a car or van! iOverlander is a crowd-sourced network of places you may need for your overland adventures, such as fuel, propane refill, water, and locations you can park your car or pitch a tent for the night, free of charge and in legal locations.

Whether you’re exhausted from a full day of driving and just need a quick place to crash, or you’re looking to explore the depths of the wilderness around you, this resource often has photos, reviews, and directions to get you to the GPS coordinates for a good night’s rest.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Via Michelin - Website

This one isn’t technically an App, but it is an awesome resource worth mentioning for anyone who is planning any type of road transport. This website is a trip planner, that allows you to set your destinations and any planned stops along the way while considering your vehicle’s fuel efficiency so you can calculate the total distance driver & how much you can expect to spend in gasoline and tolls.

Cost: Free
Available: Here

Green Tip: ViaMichelin calculates your assumed carbon footprint for each route so you can pick the least intensive way to get to your destination. It also gives a helpful tip how you can reduce your footprint even further!

SkyScanner

Booking flights can be a bit overwhelming, with determining when to book, who to book through, and knowing that you’re getting a good deal. The fact is if you’re booking through an airline, you’re probably losing a lot of money! Skyscanner is a search engine system that scans the web for flight deals and shows you the cheapest options.

It is a 3rd-party search platform, so once you select your flight you will be redirected to a booking agency to actually book the ticket, that way you have some stronger guarantees than if you’re using a smaller booking agency (like Hopper). Skyscanner also has a ‘Search Everywhere’ feature that allows you to search for your best flight deals that go anywhere from your home airport selected.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Lounge Buddy

LoungeBuddy is a must-have for anyone traveling by plane, especially if you have long layovers or extended travel and want someplace to refresh while you wait for your next flight. This app lists all available airport lounges that are accessible to you even without a first-class ticket! Most lounges do have an associated cost for entrance, but there can sometimes be free access that you want to take advantage of when you can.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is the way to gain airport lounge access at over 1,300 locations in 148 countries globally. This app is NOT free to use, so normally I wouldn’t mention it, however, if you don’t want to purchase the annual subscription, there is free access with some qualifying credit cards.

Priority Pass access is FREE with the following cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Platinum Card by American Express, Hilton Honors Aspire by American Express, The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant by American Express, Citi Prestige Card, and More! Check out the ‘Benefits’ of your Credit Card to see what perks are available to you!

Cost: Free with *certain Credit Cards (see above)
Subscription: $99/year + $32 per visit
Available for: iOS and Android

Airbnb

There is no better way to enjoy a local experience than staying in a local house or apartment. Airbnb is a verified service that allows residents to rent out their entire place or just a bedroom to travelers or anyone looking for a getaway. Read past reviews, get a full list of amenities included, and talk with the host 1:1 to make sure the stay is everything you’re looking for!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Pro Tip: There is often a MAJOR discount for month-long stays which will be useful when you travel slowly through the world (if you needed any other excuse to extend your travels).

Green Tip: There is a significant discount on a lot of stays if you stay for atleast 28 days. This allows you to stay in 1 place and thoroughly experience the area, while reducing your carbon footprint from hopping to a new destination every few days! This is a great way to save money during your slow travel experience.

Hipcamp

Hipcamp is like the Airbnb of the outdoors. This app offers home stays in places including cabins, yurts, and campsites for anyone looking for a few-night stay in a more remote setting (for much cheaper than an Airbnb too!). It is a great option for anyone looking to get into the outdoors, that isn’t afraid to rough it a bit without all of the amenities that come with a fully furnished house. Not to mention some of these locations are in really cool spots right next to a river, in a National Park, or with simply the best views. While this app is primarily used in the US, Canada, and Australia, many locations are popping up in Europe and Southeast Asia!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Hostelworld

Hostelworld is an easy-to-use platform to browse all hostel availabilities in a given area based on price with reviews from previous guests from over 180 countries! The app has key information about the hostels and amenities provided, and after booking you can connect with other travelers that will be there also, so you can plan ahead and meet some awesome people. With free cancellation available for many bookings, this is a great way to guarantee you have a bed for the night at an affordable cost.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a global community of hosts offering a place to stay in their homes to host guests from around the world while they’re in the area, for free!. This is a much more affordable and casual option than finding a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, and has done extensive work to ensure the safety of the guests using the platform. Couchsurfing has historically been a free service to connect hosts and surfers, but they now require an annual contribution to keep the community active and moving forward.

Cost: $14 USD/year
Verification: $60 USD (optional)
Available for: iOS and Android

AllTrails

AllTrails is hands down the best app for any person trying to get outdoors to explore. With filters to select trails that are dog-friendly, various difficulties, or key features that you’ll see on the trail, you are sure to access some awesome destinations by foot, bike, or horse! With photos and reviews, you know exactly what to expect on the trail, while being able to record and follow your progress on the real-time GPS locator.

Cost: Free
Optional Membership: $30 USD/year
Available for: iOS and Android

Meetup

Meetup is an event-hosting platform where you can RSVP to gatherings around the world to meet locals and travelers in a variety of activities. Whether it is a snowshoe adventure in the Alps, SUP yoga in Thailand, or a local cooking class in Italy, you will find new opportunities to learn and meet other social people from all walks of life! Check out what is going on near you with the Meet Up app!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

VoiceMap Audio Tours

For anyone trying to get some history lessons while you’re traveling throughout the world, Voice Map is a great way to get the info, without tedious reading or joining a guided tour so you can learn and explore at your own pace. Voice Map has various walking tours available for cities in 63 countries that are free for download, with an offline map. Learn about the history that happened right where you’re walking, with tips on local experiences from the authors, historians, and novelists that created them.

Cost: Free, in-app purchases
Available for: iOS and Android

Travello

Travello is a social platform designed for travelers. With a public audience, you can post your photos and videos from your exploration and interact with other global nomads in the area or maybe just dream of where you’re at. This is a great network of international social people to link up with online, and maybe even get some inspiration for where to travel next! The more you engage on the app, you more points you earn that can be cashed in for discounts and rewards to further dive into your travels.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

Mint

Mint is my personal choice for all budgeting and financial tracking. This app links all of your accounts so you can easily see all of your recent transactions, as well as categorize every transaction so it falls within a specific budget that you can customize yourself. Traveling can definitely be an expensive endeavor, especially if you’re not aware of just how much you end up spending at the bakeries on every corner or a few too many excursions. Mint makes it easy to stay on top of your budgets so you know exactly where you’re spending, and where you can cut back if needed!

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS and Android

TPG App [The Points Guy]

The TPG app is new to the Appstore and super helpful for anyone that wants to use points and rewards to travel, but isn’t sure how the various reward systems and accrued points can help you get to your destination. This app syncs all credit card points, and various reward memberships for airlines or hotels to help guide you in planning your perfect vacation, while using the minimum amount of cash so you can burn through your points and miles effectively.

Cost: Free
Available for: iOS

Summary - Essential Travel Apps

There is no guidebook for what apps and resources you need to travel effectively, this is a list that will help you get started to cover all of your bases so you know what is available to you! Traveling can be overwhelming if you think you have to figure it all out yourself, luckily there have been people doing this for centuries, and in our modern world of ease and convenience, it has never been easier to make all of your travel dreams come true with the help of the resources on this list.

What are some travel apps and resources you personally couldn’t get around with out? Leave them in the comments below!