When we travel or plan on traveling; we need to have the best travel applications to assist us. Some applications can help decide where to go next. Booking apps that will help us find the best deals that could save as much money. Some can even assist you in your itinerary. Navigation apps will help you not get lost especially in the place you are going. Some could help with money matters or keep you entertained while traveling.

I’ve summarized the best travel applications that should be on a traveler’s phone so that you could enjoy future adventures with ease and safety. Here are the best phone apps for travelers:

Navigation Applications

Google Maps

It’s a relatively easy and reliable app to know where you are and what directions you need when you are going, especially if you are in unfamiliar territory. Google maps also provide you a street view in case you want to double-check the area or you are lost. Reviews and details (opening and closing time) of places; be it hotels, restaurants, offices can also be found.

Maps.me

No wifi? No mobile data? Afraid to get lost? Maps.me is a free and detailed offline map. However, you need to download the map of a country or city first. If ever you’re low on memory, you can delete it afterward. This app is a total lifesaver especially when I was traveling in an out-of-coverage area; it helped to know where I’m going.

Waze

For those who are road tripping or driving on their own or riding a vehicle; then this app is for you. Waze is a navigational app that tells you the best route and how to avoid traffic or incidents. It also gives you great info for fuel prices and the speed limits.

AllTrails

For hikers, runners or bikers out there, AllTrail is your guide outdoors. You can discover new routes in your area or the place you are planning to go to. It will inform you if it’s an easy trail or a hard one, so you could be prepared. Since you can record your adventure, it will help you in not getting lost, or if ever you are, then you could inform your family and friends about your location.

What3Words

There are just zones which are huge blocks or rural areas with no street addresses or famous building and it’s a bit challenging to find the exact location or meet up with a friend. For example you are meeting your friend at Central Park, but it’s big, and it will take you time to roam to find your friend; with what3words each 3m x 3m has a unique word and if your friend says she is in table.lamp.square, then you can search in the app and get a precise location. It’s very convenient and available in different languages, too!

Transportation Applications

Uber

This ridesharing app that helps you get from point A to point B. Some people take advantage of tourists so that fare would be very fair. You could also see the details of your driver and contact him in case you forgot something in the car or report him if ever he’s rude. Payment can be whatever you want to, so if ever you have no small bills; you can pay through Paypal or your credit card.

Citymapper

A lot of big cities have subways or trains we sometimes are not familiar with. This app tells real-time departures. It will help you choose which bus or train to ride to get to your destination in the fastest or easiest way ever.

Finance Applications

Toshl Finance

On a budget? Well, Toshl Finance will let you track your expenses while traveling. It can also track all your bank accounts, credit cards, and cash in one place. It also has a tip calculator, in case you want to know how much you need to give. Two hundred currencies are available, and you can take a picture of your receipts.

Transferwise

Need to receive or send money internationally, anywhere or anytime? Transferwise is a way to go since it has one of the best exchange rates compared to competitors. Bank transfers are fast, and this is easy and reliable to use.

Splitwise

Travel with friends and family and know exactly “who owes who.” You can organize expenses, track balances, split however you want, and pay or get paid by friends or family back. No more fighting or stressing too much on money matters while on the road.

XE Currency

Know the live rates all over the world. With this app, you can check whether you want to haggle more or know what you are buying is worth it. You can also check if the exchange rate of the money changer is fair. It also allows you to see multiple currencies at once.

Travel-related Applications

TripIt

TripIt helps you organize your trip and make you an itinerary. Check your flights and hotel bookings here. You can even access details even when offline.

Agoda

Check the best deals on Hotel and Vacation Rentals, it’s easy and has low or competitive prices. From backpacker’s hostels, personal homes to luxurious hotels, you can find there. You can check the reviews and see pictures of the property before booking. It’s fast and easy with excellent customer service.

Airbnb

If you can’t find a hotel or place you are looking for or feel that they are expensive or can’t find one that suits you; then you can book through here. You can also book experiences hosted by locals for a memorable trip.

Couchsurfing

Meet or stay with a local through Couchsurfing. Find someone who will host you on your trip, and staying at their place would be free! You could also check some events within the area and meet other travelers.

TripAdvisor

Know where to go or what to do during your trip. You can browse through millions of reviews and opinions of users on tourist spots, hotels or restaurants. You can also book activities, hotels or flights. With many users, you can ask questions about a particular place or check the forum.

Zomato

Search and discover restaurants to eat at or order in. Find the best restaurant through reviews and pictures. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, too!

Been Map

The been app lets you track down places you’ve been to. It visualizes the countries you have visited and is a beautiful memento, especially if you’ve covered all.

Other Apps

Facebook

Connect with friends and family through this popular social networking app. You can also message them about your status and if you are okay. Upload your recent pictures there too. Join travel groups or community to connect with fellow travelers and ask them advice.

Instagram

Capture, edit, and share your photos or videos on Instagram. Discover also great locations on Instagram.

Whatsapp

Send text messages and voice messages to people around the world. You can also make voice, video calls, and share images or documents.

Google Translate

It is a translation service that can help travelers, especially if they are in a place that doesn’t speak their language. You can copy texts and let the person read it. Alternatively, you could speak it, and they will hear it in the language you have programmed. There are over 100 languages you can choose from.

Dropbox

Store and share your files in dropbox. If your memory is full, then you can save pictures in Dropbox, and it will give you space on your phone or gadget. There is a free 2 GB.

SHAREit

Transfer your files including pictures, audios, videos, contacts, apps, and any other files. You can choose from Windows, Android, iOS or Windows Phone.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot shield is one of the most popular free VPN. It can help you protect or encrypt your connection.

Snapseed

Edit or enhance your photos in Snapseed before uploading on Facebook or Instagram.

Here are apps you can download to kill your time while waiting for your ride. Keep entertained in your long haul flight, train or bus ride:

Netflix

For Streaming movies and TV shows online

Kindle

Read books; from inspirational biographies to romantic comedies to international bestsellers.

Spotify

Stream music or listen to podcasts

TED

Watch and be inspired by videos about “ideas worth spreading”

These applications are beneficial in your travels, be it in navigation, bookings, entertainment or money matters. Some can even be a lifesaver. I have them on my phone, and they have been useful throughout my travels. I hope you download all of them too and make you at ease. Happy travels!

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!