There can be a lot to figure out to plan international travel. Luckily, most of us carry a computer in our pockets that helps keep us connected and prepared without all the stress and worry that can come with traveling. This list has the best travel apps to help you navigate international travel so you can move easily through the world, and focus more on experiencing than you do on planning.
Although there are some regional distinctions like ride-share apps for example, which differ based on location, this comprehensive list will cover all the bases for international travel, transport, flights, accommodation, volunteering, and exploring-all while saving money along the way!
Table of Contents
Travel Planning
Stippl
FINALLY, a one-stop-shop for planning your perfect trip. I’ll be honest, I don’t know how I traveled for so long without Stippl. This app is your personal travel agent, with recommendations, budget planning, checklists, and more. It works with you, so when your plans change, the app easily adjusts everything. The added bonus of saving online blogs and guides for certain destinations is the cherry on top to keep all my resources and plans in one place!
Communication
WhatsApp is a communication-based app that allows you to call and message easily with any other registered number around the world. This is the best travel app for communication 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!
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!
Money
ATM Fee Saver
When you travel abroad, you end up incurring a lot of unexpected ATM fees. That’s because on top of the flat fee that you get charged when you use an out-of-benking-network ATM, you ALSO get charged a foreign transaction fee (between 1%-3%). Since most of the world is cash dependent, that ends up being a lot of fees!
This app helps you find ATMs near you, tell’s you their withdrawal limit, AND the fees you’ll get charged – both the flat rate fee + the foreign transaction fee, if there are any. Reduce your time wandering around foreign places hoping to find an ATM that actually words, this app is your answer.
*Cheers Ronald for the suggestion-definitely an app I need to use a lot more of!
Currency Convert
For any international travel, there will probably be some confusing currency conversions. Currency Convert is your one-stop shop for over 160 currency conversions with historical data of currency trends, and an easy interface to add your most-used currencies for a quick comparison. This is the best travel app for frequent globe trotters who are in and out of different currencies often!
Phone & Data
Check out this full guide to learn everything you need to know about your phone plan abroad. Don't make the mistakes that most travelers make, it's costing you!
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! The best travel app for digital nomads, 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 Google
Nomad
The worst mistake any traveler can make, is relying on your phone plan you use at home while traveling abroad. Instead, you should be setting up an E-SIM, a virtual data plan that embeds in your phone, so you can connect to the local network wherever you are! Nomad is a great option with plans around the world for data, calls, and texts. It works the same as Airalo (below), but download both since there are some variations in plan pricing, coverage, and availability.
Cost: Free Download, Use code TAYL58RX to save $3!
Available For: iOS and Google
Airalo
Similar to Nomad, Airalo is an E-SIM app to purchase and install a plan for data, calls, and texts. It functions the same as Nomad, but each has their own prices, country plans, and regional packages that may work better for you. Download them both to get the plan that works for you, and never go without being connected again! But, don’t forget to put your phone down and enjoy the experience!
Cost: Free Download, Use code TAYLOR8492 for $3 off your plan!
Available For: iOS and Google
Transportation
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, making it one of the best travel apps!
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
Flights
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 Google
Follow these steps to Book the Cheapest Flights!
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 Google
Accommodation
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!
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).
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.
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!
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 Google
WorkAway
WorkAway is the longest-running global volunteer platform, connecting travelers with hosts in over 170 countries. Through WorkAway, you can sign up for volunteer experiences where you can trade your time (at least 15 hours/week) for food and accommodation. This is a great way to meet other travelers, connect intimately with the local culture, and make a positive impact on the world by helping with SDG-supported projects. Manage your applications, stays, reviews, and more through the App so you never miss the opportunity to WorkAway!
Cost: Free App & host browsing.
Optional Membership: $49 USD/year
Available for: iOS and Google
World Packers
Similar to WorkAway, WorldPackers offers work exchanges globally, offering lodging and food in exchange for volunteering your time to help with local projects. WorldPackers has been offering a solution for global travel and work exchange for over 9 years, with a thorough catalog of hosts and projects in over 140 countries!
Cost: Free App & host browsing.
Optional Membership: $49 USD/year
Available for: iOS and Google
Destination Exploring
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. AllTrails is one of the best travel apps to get outside and explore your destination!
Cost: Free
Optional Membership: $30 USD/year
Available for: iOS and Google
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!
VoiceMap Audio Tours
For anyone trying to get some history lessons while you’re traveling throughout the world, Voice Map is one of the best travel apps to use, 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 who created them.
Summary - Essential Travel Apps
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 of the best 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
What are some travel apps and resources you couldn’t get around without? Leave them in the comments below!
Loving this list! ATM Fee Saver is another great tool—it helps locate free ATMs for foreigners and also shows withdrawal limits. With fees adding up fast, this app helps save a lot over time. Definitely worth adding to the list!
Hey Ronald, thanks for the suggestion! I have never heard of this but it looks like it would be really helpful!! Those fees definitely sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Thanks for the suggestion, it’s been added to the list!