Life
All Travel Junkies Need To Download These Apps Immediately
It seems contradictory to pair travel with an app because part of the joy of traveling can be being off the grid and unplugged — I get it, being attached to your phone while using an app, does in theory, sound antithetical. But! If you're a travel junkie in 2017, it totally pays off to have some travel apps in your back pocket. If you have the right travel apps, you can still be unplugged, while being on point. You might not realize it at first, but there are all sorts of ways that apps can help you enhance your trip if you use them correctly. And the best apps don't make you rely on them constantly — they just give you what you need as you go along so you can explore freely, and with direction.
For example, if you've got an app that helps you find the cheapest flight deals, you're improving your travel game and saving money so that you can get more out of your trip on your budget — plus, all the app work is done before you even leave. And if you've got an app that helps you find transportation while you're on the go in a new city, you're saving yourself time and stress, so that you can get to point A to point B, with confidence.
These are a few of my favorite travel apps — some of which I use from home, and some of which I use while on the go. All totally make traveling easier, more affordable, and/or less chaotic.
SkyScanner
This no fee service will help you find the cheapest airline tickets by pulling together all the major airline site data together and simplifying it for you. It's super easy to use, and you can count on it for unbeatable fairs.
Skyscanner, Free, App Store
Hopper
Hopper helps you figure out when the best time to purchase airline tickets is. It helps predict whether or not certain flights are going to become cheaper or more expensive and gives you advice on purchasing them. It's not magic, and it really works.
HotelTonight
If you're looking for a last minute hotel deal, this app will let you know what's available around you and set you up with a room in no time. No need to stress about where to lay your head in an unfamiliar city, this app's got your back.
Hotel Tonight, Free, App Store
Pretty Streets
There's no need to get lost roaming the streets for the perfect Instagram shot anymore. Thanks to Pretty Streets, you can browse through picturesque places before finding the ones that you find worthy of traveling to.
Pretty Streets, Free, App Store
WiFi Finder
If you don't have a travel package on your phone, wi-fi is literally going to be your best friend while traveling. You'll rely on it for all communication, so knowing where to find it, is key. This app will help you find free WiFi in your vicinity so that you can stay in touch.
WiFi Finder, Free, App Store
Google Translate
I don't think any translator app is totally perfect, there was always be something a little bit wonky about your translation, but Google Translate really gets the point across. I wouldn't use it to write poems in other languages, but if you're trying to get around or interact with people who don't speak your language, it will help you do so.
Google Translate, Free, App Store
Solo Traveler
If you're traveling on your own, this is a great tool. Find other travelers to link up with and get access to all the resources you might need while on your own.
Solo Traveler, Free, App Store
HappyCow
If you're vegan or vegetarian, this app knows where yo send you for food. It's like Yelp, but just for people who don't eat meat or animal products. No need to stress about your dietary preferences while you're on the go.
Roomer
If you want to stay in a nice hotel but can't find a good rate, try Roomer. It's a listing marketplace of people who already purchased non-refundable rooms and are selling them at a discounted rate to lessen the blow of their loss. It's your chance to get that five star room at a two star price.
Roomer Travel, Free, App Store
Walc
Sometimes standard maps can be confusing, especially when you're in an unfamiliar place. Walc helps you get around via audio instructions and landmarks. You don't have to learn a new street system to get around any more.
Geosure
This is the ultimate safety app to have on your phone when you're going anywhere unfamiliar. Keep up to date with political and social issues in the area, stay informed about potential dangers, know to avoid, what not to touch, and what to be aware of, wherever you go.
I swear by Instagram as an informative travel app. Not sure if a restaurant you heard about is worth the hype? Check out the geo tag of the restaurant on Instagram and scroll through real time pictures of people eating there. Take a look at the food and see what people are saying. Want to know if the farthest beach is really worth the trek? Check it out on Instagram. Want to know if the cool club the locals told you about is fancy? Check it out on Instagram, see what people are wearing. You can literally use geotags on this app to help you with anything!
