THIS APP IS A MUST FOR ANY AND ALL TRAVELERS. Hands down one of my favorite and most used apps while traveling. Citymapper is truly the ultimate transit app and makes traveling in major cities much less complicated. Currently, Citymapper supports 41 major cities across the globe and works with data from a variety of public transportation systems (subways, buses, Uber/Lyft, ferries, etc.) to create a comprehensive travel plan. It’s as simple as plugging in where you are and where you’re wanting to go, and the app will calculate all your route options and modes of transport including all schedules. No access to WiFi? No problem! Once you’ve successfully downloaded app and selected your city, you’ll have offline access to transit maps. This app is a complete game changer when it comes to transit and am eager for them to add more cities!
Somewhat similar to CityMapper, this is a great addition to have stored in your phone. Being in a foreign area not knowing how to get around, Rome2Rio shows a variety of ways to get to your destination such as: train, car, plane, ferries, etc. with real time schedules. This app also provides pricing information and you can purchase your option straight from the app or their website directly. Rome2Rio also allows you to save maps while you’re offline which is always a bonus.
I personally use this app almost on a daily basis. Skyscanner is one of the most popular and trusted apps for finding the best flight deals. This app scans over thousands of sources to help you find the best rates. Know where you want to go? Great! Simply plug it in and Skyscanner will provide the cheapest day/month to fly. Not sure where to go? No problem. Check out their blog or their interactive map for some inspiration! Not only does Skyscanner give you the best flight deals, it recommends hotels, car rentals and other suggestions relating to your trip.
I use the Hopper app regularly and is definitely a go-to when I’m first starting to plan a trip. Once you’ve finalized your destination, just input the information into the app and within seconds Hopper will provide its predictions of the best time for you to purchase your flight ticket. Wait… predictions? I know; a bit of a gamble, but according to their website, “Hopper predicts prices with 95% accuracy up to 1 year in advance”.
I was recently looking to purchase flight to Orlando and found a decent price through an airline, and then when I double checked with Hopper it recommended me to wait for a lower price. I was skeptical because it was already a decent price and it was only a month away, so begrudgingly I decided to hold off on purchasing and only a few days later I found the exact same flight for HALF the price! All thanks to Hopper.
Hopper also has this new feature that if you’re not totally convinced on purchasing the flight and need more time to decide, but also worried that the price will increase, you can choose to “freeze” the flight price for a deposit of US$40/traveler. This offers you 5 days to purchase the flight at the price you froze at, and if the price increases Hopper will cover the difference (up to US$100/traveler). Once purchased, the deposit will be refunded back to your card.
If you’re a frequent traveler, Tripit is a must to help you stay organized with all your travel plans in one place. Once you connect your email, Tripit will automatically import all your travel details/confirmations directly to the app. The app essentially makes a master itinerary for you while providing airport information, maps, top attractions, and safety information on the area you’re visiting. Not only does the app create a schedule, but it also helps navigate your way around while traveling. You can also invite your family and friends to share your itinerary if you’re on a group trip or want a loved one to stay up-to-date with your plans while you’re away. If that wasn’t enough, Tripit can also track flight compensation eligibility if you’ve had a delayed or canceled flight.
While traveling, it’s likely that you’re going to need a place to stay. Booking.com is a great app to find a variety of accommodations such as hotels, villas, apartments, etc. They have a wide variety of options for the budget travelers as well as luxury travelers. You can view the properties according to their price, user ratings and/or reviews. Once you’ve become a frequent booker you can access different benefits through their ‘Genius’ loyalty program. It can offer discounts up to 15% off and occasionally free breakfast and/or room upgrades!
If you’re traveling to a foreign country that speaks a different language, this is by far the best translation app in my opinion. I find this app to be simple yet sophisticated all while being extremely user friendly. You’ll want to download the language(s) that you need when you have WiFi so you’ll be good to go while being in a remote area offline. It’s a great app to be able to connect and communicate with those who speak a different language. You can translate by a variety of ways: speaking, scanning a picture (brochure, menu, etc), and typing. I’ve used this app numerous times to ask strangers about directions and questions about ordering off of a menu. This app is definitely a must.
Traveling internationally, a currency converter app is a necessity and this one is definitely at the top of the list. XE Currency can show your currency conversion for almost every country. This app allows you to monitor and compare up to 10 different currencies at a time with the rates being updated live. XE Currency also offers free international money transfers to over 130+ countries! Definitely a useful app to have.
Road trip coming up? This app is the ultimate road trip planner and has everything you need to make the most out of your road trip! I’ve done a handful of road trips not knowing where to start, and fortunately Roadtrippers was able to help me create the most iconic trips. Simply, plug in your start and end point and Roadtrippers will do all the work! Aside from providing the best routes/mileage and estimated gas costs, Roadtrippers offers the best roadside attractions, restaurants, scenic views and so much more along your designated route. Currently, the app focuses on USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
If you’re a traveler and don’t already use WhatsApp, please get out from under your rock! WhatsApp is a great messaging tool that allows you to stay connected with your friends and family all over the globe without the worry of international fees. Just like your normal messaging app, you can send text/voice messages, photos and videos instantly. The app makes it easier than ever to find your family and friends by syncing up with your contacts allowing you to see who else is also using WhatsApp. This app does require WiFi or data.
Sign up for travel tips, city guides, blog updates, and more!
© Morgan in Spain. All rights reserved.
