Summertime is here, and that means millions of travelers are hitting the roads, skies, and seas to explore new places, have amazing experiences, and create lasting memories. But let’s be honest – planning and enjoying a trip without any stress can be tough. That’s why having the right travel apps on your phone is a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best travel apps to help you have a simple and stress-free vacation. These apps are easy to download and cover everything from navigation and accommodation to finding local hotspots. So, before you head out, make sure you have these essential tools at your fingertips.
Plan your next trip to create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
Best Vacation Apps
Organizing a vacation close to home can still involve a lot of details, from booking accommodation, packing your bag, and sourcing places to eat or things to do. Here are some of the best apps for booking your regional vacations.
Wanderlog
A free travel planner app which creates detailed itineraries using maps, activities, and accommodation details. It also allows you to collaborate with travel companions in real-time, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
Tripit
This amazing app serves as your personal travel assistant by storing all your important documents in one place. From booking confirmations to flight details and train tickets, it keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
Kayak
The Kayak app lets you compare flight costs between different airlines, helping you find the best deals and save money on your travels.
AirBnb or VRBO
If you’re an Android or Apple user, the popular AirBnb and VRBO apps will help you find suitable accommodation with ease. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, these apps offer a wide range of options.
The Pao App
The Pao App alerts you to cool, unique places you can visit in cities across the U.S. (and further afield, too). It could be a stylish new restaurant, an underrated café, or another small business that deserves your support.
Prepare the right gear for your upcoming vacation.
Best International Travel Apps
The further in advance you book, the better prices you’ll find! As traveling internationally can be costly, keeping expenses under control is crucial. Before you attach that tag to your suitcase and jet off to your next destination, download the following apps to accompany you on your overseas adventures.
Packpoint
The name gives you a good clue as to what this does! The Packpoint app simplifies packing by personalizing your list based on your destination and desired activities.
Drops
Prepare to know the lingo in the drop of a hat! Drop gives you the words and phrases you’ll need while traveling rather than teaching you the ins-and-outs of the language in question.
Hoteltonight
The ideal app for the vacation that has no return ticket, you can find last-minute bookings in the Americas, Europe, Japan, and Australia.
XE Currency
If you’re traveling to Europe, 20 European countries use the euro, while other countries have their own specific currencies. So, if you’re backpacking through Europe or exploring Asia, the XE Currency app helps you convert costs to U.S. dollars or other currencies instantly. It’s super easy to use on the go and it’s perfect for shopping or dining out.
Signal
If you’re off backpacking on a solo vacation, it’s imperative you download this app. You can send/receive international messages as well as make/receive international calls so you can stay connected to your loved ones.
Explore essential travel accessories for your next international trip.
Best Cruise Apps
Discover the top cruise apps for travel planning and onboard activities. These apps streamline booking, onboard events, and excursions onto dry land, so you can have a smooth and pleasant cruise vacation.
MobilePassport
Get into holiday mode early and take the stress out of going through customs with this great app, an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Shipmate
Knowledge is key, and if you want to know the full details of your chosen cruise liner, the Shipmate app is for you! From choosing the right package to staying up-to-date on events while your cruise, this app has it all!
Wifi-Mapper
Get ready to roam freely! The Wifi-Mapper app helps you find the best Wifi spots on board, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are.
PocketEarth
Maximize your off-shore shopping trips by swiftly navigating the city or town you’ve docked in with this app. With detailed offline maps, local attractions, and travel guides, you can explore with ease and make the most of your time on land. Don’t miss the boat – efficiency is key!
Cruise Forums
Okay, this might one not be downloadable, but it should still make you very ‘appy. On these forums, anyone can share their experiences of being on a cruise. Before you book, find out what other people have thought about the cruise liner and what deals and activities they had on board.
Find custom accessories for your next cruise vacation.
Best Apps for RV/Camping/Staycation
These apps enhance your outdoor adventures with features for finding campsites, calculating routes, discovering local attractions, and more, leaving you with a memorable and stress-free vacation.
RVParky
One of the best camping apps to locate nearby campsites and RV grounds.
NationalParkTrailGuide
This app provides guides for 63 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas, including essential information on food, accommodation, activities, trails, and annual climate data.
AllTrails
Consider the AllTrails app to be your very own trailblazing companion! It’s full of information about hiking when it comes to how intense the routes are (with reviews and photos to back them up).
AllStays
The AllStays app provides information on nearby campgrounds, hotels, truck stops, and Walmarts, making it easy to map out your route and plan your journey.
HomeToGo
Your staycation matchmaker! Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, chic city apartment, or beachfront villa, the HomeToGo app finds your perfect getaway in seconds. Your personal travel assistant is now in your pocket.
Pack camping gear for your next adventure to stay prepared and comfortable.
Overall Tips for Travelling
- All the apps we’ve suggested are free, and so you can mix advice from each section to help out arrange the most epic vacation ever!
- Be kind to yourself – set reasonable goals or schedules for you or your family. Don’t feel the need to cram day trips and expeditions into every hour of daylight; you can sit back and watch other people do it instead!
- Make your luggage easy to spot. Whether you opt for custom suitcases or personalized lugguage tags, ensure your belongings stand out. This makes them highly identifiable amidst the chaos of an airport or port’s lost-and-found department, reducing the risk of them going missing.
- Pack essentials like a durable backpack for day trips, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, comfortable pajamas for a good night’s sleep, and portable chargers to keep your devices powered. These items ensure you’re ready and comfortable throughout your journey.
- If possible, travel during low season: the savings are higher and the crowds are smaller!
- Become a member! All the well-known cruise liners and hotel chains have some sort of service you can sign up to. Look out for vacation clubs, loyalty programs, newsletters, and other hints on their websites, and you could get lucky with discounts and more!
Explore our featured brand partners for stylish travel accessories.
Traveling can be stressful, but with the right apps, your vacation can be smooth and enjoyable. From finding the best deals and finalizing your itinerary to navigating new cities and keeping your travel documents close to hand, these apps are designed to make your journey easier. Download a few before your next trip and see how much more relaxing and fun your travels can be. Safe travels and happy adventures!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2019, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Hazel is a content specialist that reigns from the amazing land of Cork, Ireland. If her natural red hair doesn’t showcase her Irish roots, her love of humor and spontaneous outbursts would be a clear indicator. When she’s not looking out for her amazing team mates, she’s usually re-writing song lyrics – tirelessly trying to incorporate them into her writing pieces. She has a quirky, lively, and caring personality and her little dog Eddie makes her the happiest overall.
Those are great ideas! I also use the Evernote app a lot for travel. I make notes about places to think about visiting or things to do there. I save urls of related sites. I make packing lists of things to bring. And I try to write notes about where we stopped, stayed, or ate and whether we liked them or not. You think you will remember, but when you are back again two years later, you might not!