Pairing travel with an app may seem contradictory, since one of the joys of traveling can be disconnecting and unplugging—I get it, being connected to your phone while using an app does sound antithetical in theory. but! If you're a travel junkie in 2017, it's definitely worth having a few travel apps in your back pocket. If you have the right travel app, you can still keep going unplugged. You may not realize it at first, but if you use apps correctly, they can help you improve your trip in a number of ways. The best apps don't make you constantly dependent on them, they simply give you what you need as you go so you can explore freely and have direction.
For example, if you have an app that helps you find the cheapest flight deals, you're improving your travel game and saving money so you can get more out of your travels on a budget - plus, all apps The work is done before you leave. If you have an app that helps you find transportation when traveling to a new city, you can save time and stress so you can get from point A to point B with confidence.
These are some of my favorite travel apps - some of them I use at home and some of them I use on the go. All of this makes traveling easier, more affordable, and/or less confusing.
sky scanner
This free service brings together data from all major airline websites and simplifies it for you, helping you find the cheapest airfares. It's so easy to use that you can rely on it for an unparalleled show.
Skyscanner, free, app store
hopper
Hopper can help you determine the best time to buy your tickets. It helps predict whether certain flights will become cheaper or more expensive and gives you buying recommendations. It's not magic, and it actually works.
funnel, free, app store
Hotel tonight
If you are looking for last minute hotel deals, this app will let you know what hotels are available around you and get you a room instantly. No need to worry about where to put your head in an unfamiliar city, this app has your back.
Hotel Tonight, Free, App Store
beautiful street
No more getting lost on the street trying to get the perfect Instagram photo. Thanks to Pretty Streets, you can browse picturesque places and find one that you think is worth visiting.
beautiful streets, free, app store
Wireless network finder
If you don't have a travel package on your phone, Wi-Fi will literally become your best friend while traveling. You'll be relying on it for all communications, so knowing where to find it is key. This app will help you find free WiFi nearby so you can stay connected.
WiFi Finder, Free, App Store
Google Translate
I don't think any translation app is completely perfect, there's always going to be some weirdness in your translations, but Google Translate really gets it. I wouldn't use it to write poetry in other languages, but if you want to communicate or interact with people who don't speak your language, it will help you do that.
Google Translate, free, app store
solo traveler
This is a great tool if you are traveling alone. Find other travelers to connect with and get all the resources you could need when you're on your own.
Solo Traveler, Free, App Store
happy cow
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, this app knows where to take you to find food. It's like Yelp, but only for people who don't eat meat or animal products. No need to worry about your dietary preferences while traveling.
HappyCow, $3.99, App Store
tenant
If you want to stay at a nice hotel but can't find a good price, try Roomer. This is a listing marketplace for people who have purchased non-refundable rooms and sell them at a discount to soften the blow of the loss. This is your chance to get a five-star room at a two-star price.
Roomer Travel, free, app store
Volcker
Standard maps can be confusing at times, especially when you're in an unfamiliar place. Walc helps you get around with audio instructions and landmarks. You no longer need to learn a new street system to get around.
Walc, free, app store
jousul
This is the ultimate safety app on your phone when you're traveling to unfamiliar places. No matter where you are, stay up to date on the latest political and social issues in the area, stay informed about potential dangers, know things to avoid, things not to be exposed to, and things to watch out for.
GeoSure, free, app store
I firmly believe that Instagram is an informative travel app. Not sure if a restaurant you’ve heard about is worth the hype? Check out restaurant geotags on Instagram and scroll through real-time photos of people dining there. Look at the food and see what people are saying. Wondering if the furthest beaches are really worth the trek? Check it out on Instagram. Wondering if that cool club the locals told you about is weird? Check out Instagram and see what people are wearing. You can actually use geotagging on this app to help you accomplish anything!
Instagram, free, app store
