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From tracking flight delays to finding last-minute accommodations and locating the nearest public restroom, these are the most helpful travel apps to download before you travel.
Using the right travel apps can help you save both time and money, while making the journey much less stressful. Many of these apps also provide local recommendations and hidden gems that tourists often miss — and some are completely free.
Whether you’re looking for an app that will give you discounts for popular local events, offer a last-minute booking at a fraction of the price, or help you breeze through the airport, these are the 22 best travel apps to download before your next trip.
Citymapper
Citymapper helps travelers find the fastest route to their destination, providing step-by-step instructions on where to find the nearest bus and train stations. You’ll see when the next arrivals are, and real-time routing means you’ll get updates every minute. The app also has a chat feature that allows you to update friends and family on your E.T.A. wherever you are.
PackPoint
PackPoint takes the hassle out of packing by creating a customized list of what you’ll need for your getaway. Enter your destination, travel dates, length of stay, and activities that might require special gear, like hiking or swimming, and the app will generate a custom packing list you can save for future use. Besides checking weather conditions for you, the app also allows users to share their packing lists with fellow travelers.
Rebtel
The beauty of Rebtel is that you don’t need an internet connection to call friends and family back home. The app connects to local phone lines to provide you with affordable calls in 51 countries around the world without the hassle of getting a local SIM card or racking up your phone bill.
AllTrails
If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, this app will provide you with the best hiking, biking, and running trails in the area. In addition to details on length, starting location, and trail quality, AllTrails includes reviews and photos from a community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find useful information such as what to pack, obstacles along the route, and the best scenic spots to check out.
Dayuse.com
If you have a long layover, Dayuse can get you into a hotel room for a few hours at a significantly reduced rate compared to typical overnight prices. The app features 5,000 hotels in 23 countries, allowing free last-minute cancellations in case you catch an earlier flight.
Selections include everything from business hotels to wellness accommodations, with payments made directly upon arrival. You also gain full access to the hotel’s amenities during your stay.
Hopper
The prices of flights can fluctuate, making it challenging to decide whether to book right away or wait. That’s where Hopper comes in, predicting the best time to find the cheapest fares, which can save you up to 40 percent. The app also features price-monitoring so that you can select a specific flight and receive alerts when the price drops. Through Hopper, users can compare prices and amenities of over 250 airlines and get alerts about airfare deals.
RV Parks & Campgrounds
This camping app helps you locate prime RV parks, campgrounds, rest areas, and gas stations across North America. With over 40,000 facilities, the app sorts locations based on ratings and includes both privately-owned RV parks and public parks to choose from.
Nike Training Club
Maintaining your fitness routine while traveling can be tough, but with Nike Training Club, you’ll have a personal trainer right in your pocket. Access hundreds of free workouts from Nike Master Trainers and celebrities like Kevin Hart, Serena Williams, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Audio and video clips help you perfect your technique, while personalized training plans keep you on track.
Grab
If you’re short on time at the airport, Grab allows you to explore food options near your gate, giving you the ability to pre-order your meal for quick pickup. The app currently operates at over 60 airports worldwide, offering numerous dining choices for your next trip.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is an essential app for road trips, as it tracks down the cheapest gas prices available. You can filter results by price, location, brand, and amenities. The app also features deals at nearby convenience stores and price hike alerts to ensure you secure the best prices wherever you go.
Headout
Want to discover local events at your destination? Headout shows you top attractions, shows, tours, and experiences in popular cities like New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and more. Activities range from Broadway shows and yoga in the hills to helicopter tours, featuring exclusive last-minute offers that can be up to 80 percent off.
TunnelBear
If you’re traveling and need internet access, you’ll likely connect to public Wi-Fi, which can be risky. TunnelBear provides a secure way to connect by offering a VPN (virtual private network) that encrypts your browsing data, keeping your information safe from hackers and advertisers. The app provides 500MB of free browsing data each month, or you can opt for unlimited data at a low monthly rate.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld offers access to over 17,000 hostels, hotels, B&Bs, and communal spaces in 178 countries. The app is especially useful for solo travelers looking to connect with fellow vacationers, featuring a Noticeboard that highlights events and meetups, and a translator that helps communicate in up to 43 languages.
WeatherBug
WeatherBug provides forecasts for millions of locations around the world, with options for current, hourly, and 10-day forecasts. The app includes specific weather maps to track lightning, wind, pressure, and humidity, making it easy to stay informed with instant alerts about changing weather conditions.
Eatwith
With Eatwith, you can dine with locals in their homes around the world. Menus are available for viewing, and hosts typically list what they cook, the languages they speak, and any alcohol pairings they offer. This app not only provides a chance to meet locals and get superb dining recommendations, but also allows you to enjoy high-quality meals at a lower cost than traditional restaurants.
Available on iOS and Android.
Flush
Finding a public restroom can be challenging, especially in a new city. This is where Flush comes in, containing a database of over 200,000 toilets and quickly providing travelers with nearby bathroom locations. You can search even without an internet connection, and the app also notifies if a restroom requires a fee.
Wise
While banks often charge high fees for transferring money abroad, Wise allows you to transfer money based on real-time currency exchanges, potentially saving you up to eight times compared to traditional banks.
TripIt
TripIt simplifies the process of creating a comprehensive travel itinerary. Just forward your confirmation emails, like hotel and flight bookings, and TripIt will compile a full itinerary to keep you organized throughout your travels.
With real-time alerts, you’ll be informed if your flight is delayed or canceled, and the flight finder can assist in booking a new flight if necessary.
Waze
Another excellent road travel app, Waze provides community-based information about traffic jams and helps you find points of interest like the cheapest gas stations and fastest routes to your destination. It features live maps that include voice-guided navigation to make travel easier.
Xe
Xe offers live exchange rates and charts to keep you informed on money matters during your travels, allowing easy currency conversion. It also has a rate alert feature so you can monitor your preferred currencies and can be used offline.
Timeshifter
If you’re tired of battling jet lag during travel, check out Timeshifter. This app helps you avoid jet lag long before your flight by providing personalized recommendations based on neuroscience research on circadian rhythms and sleep. It considers factors such as your age, gender, typical sleep patterns, and your trip specifics to guide you when to avoid or seek daylight, and when to stay awake or take a nap. The result? A smoother travel experience, allowing you more time to explore your destination.
FlightAware
If you have a tight connection or are picking up someone at the airport, FlightAware offers real-time flight tracking. You can see where the aircraft is at any moment and get information on arrivals, delays, and whether weather conditions might impact various locations.
