Best Travel Apps in 2026
Travel apps have completely changed the way we travel.
From finding cheap accommodation and booking buses, to tracking expenses, navigating offline maps, and even translating menus in remote countries – there’s now an app for almost everything.
After travelling across Asia, North and Central America, West Africa and beyond, I’ve ended up with a list of travel apps that I genuinely rely on almost every day while on the road.
Some help me save money. Others make travel smoother, safer, or far less stressful. And a few have completely changed the way I travel.
So in this guide, I’m breaking down the best travel apps in 2026. This includes the best apps for planning trips, navigation, accommodation, budgeting, transport, language barriers, and staying connected on the road.
Whether you’re backpacking long-term, planning a short holiday, travelling solo, or just trying to organise your next trip better, these are the travel apps actually worth having on your phone.
Quick Answer: Best Travel Apps in 2026
If you just want the essentials, these are the travel apps I personally use the most :
- Google Maps – Navigation, saved places, public transport
- Maps.me – Offline maps and hiking routes
- Skyscanner – Finding cheap flights
- Booking.com – Hotels, guesthouses and apartments
- Hostelworld – Best for backpacker hostels
- Wise – Exchange rates and sending money overseas
- TravelSpend – Tracking my travel budget
- Google Translate – Essential in countries with language barriers
- Polarsteps – Tracking trips and routes
- AllTrails – Great app for hiking trails
Most travellers only really need a handful of good apps rather than 50 random downloads they never use. You could probably survive with these and nothing more, but continue reading below and you might find a few more niche apps to suit your needs!
Best Travel Planning Apps
These are the travel planning apps I actually use while travelling full-time. They genuinely make planning routes, organising trips, and figuring things out on the road easier.
Polarsteps
Although Polarsteps is mostly known as a travel tracking app, I actually use it heavily for trip planning too.
Before arriving in a new country, I’ll often use Polarsteps to save places I want to visit, plot and visualise my route, and check where other travellers have gone.
It’s particularly useful for long overland trips where you’re moving regularly and don’t want to lose track of your route.
The map-based layout also makes planning feel far more visual than using spreadsheets or notes.
Read my complete guide on how to use Polarsteps here or my Polarsteps review.
ChatGPT
I hate to say it, but ChatGPT has become one of my most-used travel planning tools.
I use it for anything from building rough itineraries to researching transport routes. It’s an easy way to compare destinations and brainstorm alternative plans – especially if the AI understands your preferences so it can tailor its responses (something we, as bloggers, can’t do)!
I probably shouldn’t do this, but I’m also guilty of using it to check VISA information…
It’s especially useful when travelling in countries where information online is limited or scattered across forums (like West Africa).
That said, I never rely on ChatGPT blindly. I still double-check transport schedules, border information, and anything time-sensitive. Often material isn’t fully accurate.
Apple Download / Android Download
Google Maps
This probably sounds obvious, but Google Maps is still one of the best travel planning apps out there.
I use it for more than just navigation. Before arriving somewhere, I’ll usually create a custom saved list with all the things I want (or might want) to see. This includes anything like: accommodation, cafes, viewpoints, transport stations, ATMs, and food spots.
Over time, all these pins basically become my entire trip organised visually on one map (it’s a beautiful sight).
If I ever happen to pass near one of my saved pins, I’ll go and check it out!
Notion
Notion’s not necessarily a travel app, but I use it as one! Mainly to organise itinerary ideas, packing lists and other travel ideas.
I resisted using the app for years because it looked overly complicated… But it’s actually incredibly useful for planning trips (especially if you love itineraries).
Instead of spreadsheets in Excel or long Word documents, Notion allows you to add specific pages, allowing you to organise your trip in a more flexible way (almost like your own mini website).
If you enjoy organising things properly, it’s one of the best travel planning apps available.
Best Navigation Apps for Travel
Good navigation apps become ridiculously important once you start travelling independently. Especially in countries where transport systems are chaotic, offline maps matter, or Google Maps suddenly stops being reliable.
These are the navigation apps I personally use most while travelling.
Google Maps
This is still the travel app I use more than anything else.
Yes, it’s obvious – but it genuinely does almost everything well.
I use Google Maps constantly for walking directions, public transport, journey times, finding restaurants (and checking their reviews).
Offline Google Maps are also essential when travelling through remote regions or countries with unreliable internet.
That said, Google Maps definitely struggles in some countries (e.g. China or India). Bus routes can be inaccurate, hiking trails may be incomplete, and restaurants/attractions aren’t always correct… This is why I almost always combine it with other apps too.
If you have an iPhone, the native Apple Maps app does a reasonable job as well (but not quite as good in my opinion).
Apple Download / Android Download
Maps.me
Maps.me is one of the best navigation apps for travel – particularly in remote areas where the signal isn’t great.
Simply download your destination before you arrive and you can seamlessly navigate the whole area!
It’s fantastic for offline navigation, overlanding routes, as well as more specific hiking trails or mountain routes. It even has viewpoints to look out for which is an added bonus!
I found it really helpful in Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan where some trails and roads simply didn’t appear properly on Google Maps.
Apple Download / Android Download
Organic Maps
A lot of travellers have started switching from Maps.me to Organic Maps in recent years.
It’s cleaner, lighter, fully offline, and doesn’t feel overloaded with ads or unnecessary features.
The app uses OpenStreetMap data, which often makes it surprisingly good for hiking, cycling and more remote areas.
If you mainly care about offline navigation, this is probably one of the best travel apps available right now.
One thing I love about it is the ease in which you can upload a GPX file to your map to use personally. I did this for several hiking routes that a friend sent over Whatsapp in Taiwan.
iPhone Download / Android Download
Best Travel Transport Apps
Once your trip is planned and your route is roughly mapped out, this is where most people start focusing on how to actually move between places – flights, buses, trains, and local transport.
The reality is: there’s no single “best” app for everything. Instead, the best setup is usually a combination of a few tools depending on where you are in the world.
Skyscanner (Flights)
Skyscanner is still my go-to starting point for almost every trip, as it’s the best all-round flight search.
It’s not a booking platform itself – it compares prices across airlines and booking sites, which usually helps you find the cheapest option.
I love its “everywhere” function where you can look for the cheapest flights anywhere! Ideal for flexible travellers like myself.
It also is great for finding the cheapest flights as you can search for the cheapest month to fly and also set up price alerts for any routes you’re tracking!
Plus you can use it to plan multi-city trips, which can be tricky with individual airlines.
I usually use Skyscanner to find the route, then double-check the airline website before booking. I also use it in conjunction with Google Flights to make sure I’m getting the cheapest price!
Apple Download / Android Download
Rome2Rio + 12Go (Local transport & buses)
For overland travel, especially in places like Southeast Asia or Central Asia, these two apps are extremely useful:
Rome2Rio shows you how to travel between any two places. Whether that’s flights, buses, ferries, trains, and driving options all in one place.
12Go is especially useful in Asia for actually booking buses, trains, and ferries in advance.
- Rome2Rio = planning and understanding routes
- 12Go = actually booking tickets where available
This combination is great for multi-leg journeys (e.g. city → border → next country) or countries with less obvious transport systems.
Uber & alternatives (Local taxis & ride-hailing)
In most countries, ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around cities.
Ideal for airport transfers, places where public transport isn’t great, late-night travel and avoiding taxi scams.
Depending on the region:
- Uber: Works in many major cities worldwide
- Bolt: Often cheaper and widely used in Europe and Africa
- Grab: Dominates Southeast Asia
- Gojek: Alternative to Grab, especially in Indonesia.
- Yandex: The main taxi app in Central Asia.
- Yango: Popular in West African countries like Senegal.
- InDrive: Used around the world from Nepal to Africa, but offers a bidding concept.
- Lime: Not a taxi, but the Lime app allows you to get Lime Scooters and Lime Bikes around cities in Europe
If you’re using multiple taxi apps, always compare Bolt vs Uber (vs others) where both exist to find the cheapest price.
Uber: Apple Download /Android Download
Trains: Regional Booking Apps (varies by country)
Train travel is very country-specific, so there’s no single global winner here. I rarely have a specific train app on my phone aside from Trainline (since I’m British) or 12Go.
- UK: Trainline
- Europe: Trainline / DB Navigator / SNCF Connect
- Japan: Japan Rail apps + SmartEX
If you’re travelling in a country with strong rail infrastructure, it’s worth downloading the official rail app rather than relying on third-party tools. I found this particularly relevant in Central Asia whilst taking trains through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Trainline: Apple Download / Android Download
Best Travel Money Apps
There are so many apps for travel money, travel budget and general money management. The best travel banking app often varies depending on rates and what you’re looking for.
ATM fees, bad exchange rates, card rejection, hidden conversion charges — this is where travellers lose money without even noticing.
The goal here is simple: spend globally with minimal fees and maximum control.
TravelSpend
This is by far my favourite travel finance app, so much so that I now pay for the premium version! Yet it’s still probably the single app that has saved me the most money while travelling!
I originally downloaded it because I was curious how much I was spending. Several years later, I now track almost every travel expense through it.
The app lets you categorise spending, track multiple currencies, set budgets, and (most importantly) see exactly where your money is going.
One feature I particularly like is the country breakdown. After finishing a trip, I can instantly see how much I spent in each country and what my average daily budget was.
Apple Download / Android Download
Tricount
If you’re travelling with friends, Tricount can save a huge amount of awkwardness by helping you split costs between multiple people.
Rather than constantly sending bank transfers or trying to remember who paid for what, you simply add expenses as they happen and the app keeps track of everything.
I’ve used it on group trips where we were splitting accommodation, fuel, food, and activities. By the end of the trip, the app calculates exactly who owes who.
It’s super simple! There are more alternatives available (like Splitwise), but I find Tricount much quicker and easier to use.
Apple Download / Android Download
Wise
Wise is one of the most useful travel finance tools out there. It lets you hold multiple currencies, convert money at real exchange rates, and spend abroad with a physical or virtual card.
It’s almost become one of my main travel bank accounts! So I always transfer a bit of money into Wise before a big trip so I’m not relying on my UK bank card abroad.
One of the best things is that it’s real exchange rates, so you’re not losing money from inflated bank rates or extortionate conversion fees.
Paypal is another alternative, though the rates aren’t anywhere near as good internationally because of fees.
Apple Download / Android Download
XE Currency Exchange / Currency Plus
These are two simple but incredibly useful apps, when negotiating prices or checking if you’re being overcharged.
- XE Currency (classic, reliable, fast conversions)
- Currency Plus (clean, simple interface showing multiple currencies at once)
My tip: I usually keep one of these widgets on my phone home screen so I can convert prices instantly in markets or taxis.
If you don’t want to download another app, you can even use the inbuilt feature on the iPhone Calculator app!
Apple Download / Android Download
Best Travel Accommodation Apps
Where you stay can genuinely shape your whole trip. A great location saves you hours of transport stress, while a bad one can make even a good destination feel annoying to navigate.
Accommodation apps are also where most travellers either save money… or accidentally overpay for worse options. So having a solid setup here matters.
Booking.com
Booking.com is still the most consistently useful platform for most travellers. It’s probably the best all-round accommodation app!
It has the widest coverage globally, especially in places where smaller guesthouses and hotels don’t appear anywhere else.
Why it’s so useful:
- Huge range: hotels, guesthouses, apartments, hostels
- Free cancellation on many listings
- Reliable reviews (generally more trustworthy than most platforms)
- Works almost everywhere in the world
My tip: I almost always book at least my first night in a new country here so I’m not arriving with no plan after a long travel day.
Hostelworld
Iconic for backpackers all over the world! Hostelworld is the go-to app if you’re travelling on a budget or want social accommodation.
It’s especially useful in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Europe, but it’s growing as backpacking routes grow. I’ve used Hostelworld in every continent I’ve visited!
Why it stands out:
- Strong hostel filtering system (party / quiet / work-friendly etc.)
- Reliable reviews from other travellers
- Easy comparison of dorm prices and facilities
- Good for finding social hostels in new cities
NOTE: I don’t rely on Hostelworld alone as they add additional fees. I cross-check the same property on Booking.com because prices can work out cheaper.
Check out my guide to choosing a top bunk vs bottom bunk in a hostel.
Apple Download / Android Download
Airbnb
Airbnb is best when you want more space, privacy, or a longer stay in one place.
It’s especially good for slow travellers and digital nomad stays where you want a base. Plus it often works out cheaper than hotels for longer stays! Especially with kitchen access to save on food. and potential discounts from negotiating for longer stays.
Equally it’s great for couples or groups who want somewhere quieter away from the city buzz.
It’s also a great opportunity experience more local culture and visit less-touristy neighbourhoods.
NOTE: Always check cleaning fees and final total price. Airbnb can look cheap upfront but change once fees are added.
Apple Download / Android Download
Google Maps
Google Maps isn’t just for getting around – it’s one of the best (and most underrated) accommodation research tools out there.
I often search areas for accommodation (rather than a specific hotel). Then you can see real photos from guests as well as reading a few recent reviews, before comparing and booking.
This is especially useful in places where listings on booking apps are limited or outdated. West Africa had very few accommodation options on Booking.com or elsewhere, so I often resorted to Google Maps (and then Whatsapp bookings).
Best Travel Tracking Apps
This is one of those categories that doesn’t feel essential until you start using it… and then it becomes something you rely on for almost every trip.
Travel tracking apps help you record where you’ve been, plan routes, share your journey, and avoid getting completely lost in offline or confusing transport systems (looking at you, Kyrgyzstan marshrutkas).
They’re also brilliant for travel blogging, content creation, or just keeping a personal record of your trips over time.
1. Polarsteps
Polarsteps is the closest thing to a “travel diary that writes itself”.
It automatically tracks your route in the background and builds a visual map of your trip.
Why travellers love it:
- Auto-tracks your route (no manual logging needed)
- Creates a visual travel timeline/map
- Lets you add photos, notes, and stories per stop
- Easy to share with friends or followers
My tip: I use Polarsteps after trips to reflect on routes I’ve taken — it’s especially good for long overland journeys where you forget half the places you passed through.
Polarsteps is probably my favourite travel app. It’s one that I’ve used for over 5 years. It was introduced to me in my very first week in Asia in 2019 and I haven’t looked back since!
Read my complete guide on how to use Polarsteps here or my Polarsteps review.
2. Flighty
If you travel regularly, Flighty is one of those apps that quickly becomes addictive – especially for flight nerds like myself!
It gives detailed live flight information, delay predictions, aircraft tracking, and genuinely useful travel-day updates. Unlike most airline apps, it actually feels designed for travellers rather than just trying to sell flights.
I mostly use Flighty during longer international trips with multiple connections. It’s especially useful during chaotic airport days where plans suddenly change.
Be aware, Flighty has a paid and a free version.
NOTE: Flighty works best on iPhone. Android alternatives exist, but they’re not quite as polished.
3. Been
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to track and visualise the number of countries you have been. Then Been is the app for you.
It’s essentially a travel scratch map for your phone where you can track each country you’ve visited.
I enjoy updating it after every trip and seeing how my map slowly fills in over time. It’s also a fun way to identify gaps and start planning future adventures.
If you’re the type of traveller who enjoys statistics, maps, and keeping track of where you’ve been, Been is surprisingly addictive.
Apple Download / Android Download
4. Untappd
This definitely falls into the “niche but fun” category, but Untappd is surprisingly useful if you enjoy trying local beers while travelling.
It lets you track beers you’ve tried, discover breweries nearby, and see what locals recommend in different cities. I’ve ended up finding some genuinely great hidden bars and breweries through it while travelling.
Obviously this won’t matter to everyone, but if you enjoy food-and-drink travel, it’s a fun addition.
Apple Download / Android Download
Best Travel Activity Apps
GetYourGuide
I don’t use organised tours very often, but when I do, GetYourGuide is normally where I start my search. It’s one of the first places I check when I don’t want to do an activity independently.
The app covers everything from walking tours and cooking classes to multi-day adventures and airport transfers!
It’s easy to compare reviews, prices, durations, and what’s included before booking.
Apple Download / Android Download
Trip.com
Trip.com started as a flight and hotel booking platform, but it’s gradually become one of the most useful all-in-one travel apps available.
I find it particularly helpful in Asia, where it often has better transport coverage than many Western booking platforms. It’s especially one of the most useful travel apps in China where other apps are locked down.
Flights, trains, accommodation, airport transfers, and attractions can all be booked through the same app.
I’ve also found their customer support surprisingly good when plans change unexpectedly. Plus I’ve managed to get a few free airport lounges just from my regular shopping.
Apple Download / Android Download
Viator
Viator is very similar to GetYourGuide and often lists many of the same tours and activities.
The main reason I keep both apps is because prices, availability, and reviews sometimes differ between the two.
Whenever I’m booking something expensive, I usually compare both platforms before making a decision.
Viator tends to be particularly strong for city tours, cultural experiences, and popular tourist attractions.
Even if you don’t end up booking through it, it’s a useful place to research what’s available in a destination.
Apple Download / Android Download
AllTrails
AllTrails is one of the travel apps I genuinely couldn’t live without.
As someone who spends a lot of time hiking, it has helped me find trails in countries all over the world.
The app provides route maps, GPS navigation, elevation profiles, estimated times, recent trail reports, and reviews from other hikers with photos.
One of my favourite features is being able to download routes offline before heading into the mountains. Which you can even link up to your Garmin watch!
I’ve used AllTrails everywhere from national parks in North America to volcano hikes in Central America and multi-day treks in Central Asia.
If hiking is even a small part of your travels, this app deserves a permanent spot on your phone.
Apple Download / Android Download
Komoot
A great alternative to AllTrails, Komoot is perhaps better for cycling routes. I used it on my bikepacking trip around Taiwan!
Komoot also has a few hiking trails that don’t appear on AllTrails, so it’s worth having both downloaded.
Apple Download / Android Download
Best Travel Apps for Social
Best social apps while travelling are
MeetUp
Meetup is great for finding local events, especially in bigger cities or digital nomad hubs.
I’ve used it most in larger cities where I wanted something social without necessarily staying in hostels. You’ll find everything from hiking groups and language exchanges to photography meetups and networking events.
Apple Download / Android Download
Hostelworld
Hostelworld used to simply be about booking your accommodation. Now it’s all about the hostel experience as well!
Once you’ve made a booking, you can be added to chats to make social plans when you arrive. I’ve used this on a few ocassions (to varying degrees of success).
Apple Download / Android Download
WhatsApp is arguably the most important travel app in the world.
In many countries, it’s the primary way to contact accommodation, tour operators, taxi drivers, guesthouses, guides, and even border transport providers.
I used it constantly throughout West Africa where many businesses don’t even have websites.
If you’re travelling internationally, there’s a good chance you’ll use WhatsApp every single day. Plus it’s great for keeping in contact with new friends and everyone back home!
Social Media (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok)
There’s no denying the capabilities of social media nowadays.
Facebook becomes weirdly useful once you start travelling long-term.
There are Facebook groups for almost everything nowadays, including backpacking routes, ride shares, digital nomad communities, volunteering opportunities, and country-specific travel advice.
Some of the best up-to-date travel information I’ve found has actually come from Facebook groups rather than Google. This is especially true in places where transport routes, border crossings, or local situations change regularly.
Dating Apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge)
Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have become a genuine way to meet people while travelling — not just for dating.
A lot of travellers use them socially to meet locals, explore cities, practise languages, or simply make connections abroad.
That said, it’s important to be sensible. I know people who’ve had amazing experiences… and others who’ve ended up in very sketchy situations. Use common sense, meet in public places first, and trust your instincts.
You can meet a lot of people around the world nowadays! It’s important to caveat that you should be careful. I have friends that have gone on Tinder dates in Colombia that have gone calamitously wrong, so pick your people and situations carefully!
Best Travel Apps for Safety
What3words
What3Words converts precise locations into three simple words.
It’s incredibly useful in remote areas, hiking trails, countries without proper addresses, or simply trying to explain your location to a driver.
I’ve used it multiple times in places where Google Maps locations simply didn’t make sense.
Apple Download / Android Download
Find My Friends
Easily forgotten, but sharing your location with trusted friends and family is a great way to stay safe.
One of the easiest ways to stay safer while travelling is simply sharing your live location with trusted people.
Apple’s Find My app (or Google alternatives on Android) makes this incredibly easy. It’s especially useful for solo travellers, overnight transport, hikes, and remote road trips.
It’s one of those features that’s easy to forget about until it becomes genuinely useful.
VPN Super Unlimited Proxy
VPN Super is the free VPN I find myself using most often when I need a quick connection.
It’s far from perfect, but for basic tasks like checking websites on public WiFi or accessing region-restricted content, it generally gets the job done.
The free version comes with limitations and occasional ads, which is why I still prefer NordVPN for longer trips.
That said, if you’re looking for a completely free VPN to keep on your phone as a backup, VPN Super is one of the best I’ve used which doesn’t require long sign-up forms and setup.
Apple Download / Android Download
NordVPN
If you’re looking for a more reliable, paid VPN. Nord VPN covered me through China. You can read my full list of apps you need in China!
VPNs become surprisingly important once you start travelling regularly.
I mainly use NordVPN for public airport WiFi, countries with internet restrictions, and accessing blocked websites or apps abroad. It was absolutely essential while travelling in China.
There are free VPNs available, but I’ve generally found paid VPNs far more reliable and secure.
Apple Download / Android Download
Best Miscellaneous Travel Apps
These don’t fit perfectly into one category, but they’re still apps I regularly use while travelling.
Touchnote
I love sending postcards home to friends and family.
Touchnote lets you send real physical postcards anywhere in the world directly from your phone.
You simply upload your own photos, write a message, and they print and mail it for you.
I love using it to send postcards home without needing to hunt down stamps or post offices.
Apple Download / Android Download
Flight Radar
If you’re remotely interested in aviation, FlightRadar24 is ridiculously addictive.
You can track flights live anywhere in the world, see aircraft types, routes, delays, and even identify planes flying overhead.
It’s not essential… but it definitely makes airports and long travel days more entertaining.
Apple Download / Android Download
Best Apps for Language Translation
Duolingo
Duolingo has long been one of the best apps in the world for learning other languages.
Sadly, the app won’t make you fluent overnight, but it’s great for learning basic phrases before arriving somewhere new.
Even learning a few words or greetings can make travelling feel easier and more respectful. I’ve found locals often appreciate even small efforts to speak their language.
Apple Download / Android Download
Google Translate
Google Translate is one of the most useful travel apps ever created.
Whether it’s for translating menus, speaking to taxi drivers, reading signs or understanding transport stations, it has been there to help me out!
The camera translation feature is especially useful in countries using non-Latin alphabets. Whilst the voice-feature is great for more genuine (and quick) communication.
Most people use Google Translate online… but the offline download feature is the real lifesaver.
Downloading languages before travelling means you can still translate things even without signal. I highly recommend doing this as it’s saved me in remote parts of Central Asia and West Africa!
Best Travel Apps for Internet
Airalo (Best overall eSIM app)
Airalo is one of the most popular and reliable eSIM platforms for travellers.
It works in over 190+ countries and is usually the first app I check when I land somewhere new.
Why it’s so good:
- Instant eSIM setup (no physical SIM needed)
- Wide global coverage
- Easy app-based installation
- Multiple data packages per country/region
My tip: I install the eSIM before I fly, so as soon as I land and turn data on, I’m already connected.
Holafly (Best for unlimited data)
Holafly is great if you’re someone who uses a lot of data while travelling.
Unlike most providers, many of their plans offer unlimited data, which is ideal for heavy users.
Why travellers use it:
- Unlimited data options in many destinations
- Simple setup (QR code installation)
- Good for long-term travel or remote work
- No need to worry about topping up
My tip: This is my go-to for longer stays in one country where I know I’ll be using maps, uploads, and hotspotting regularly.
Firsty (Best for free internet)
I use Firsty pretty regularly as a ‘hack’ to get free internet.
In those times when you land and don’t want to overspend on expensive airport SIMs or a more expensive eSIM, you can use Firsty!
Simply watch an advert or two, and you will be rewarded with data. It’s not the greatest data, but it’s enough to survive with messages and maps!
Of course, they offer paid plans as well which are similar value to several other eSIM brands.
Local SIM cards (Still the cheapest option in many countries)
Even though eSIMs are incredibly convenient, local SIM cards are still often the cheapest way to get data. Especially in places like Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa or South America.
You can usually buy them at:
- Airports (more expensive but easy)
- Local shops (cheaper, better value)
- Official network stores (best option if available)
For the most-part, I stay with physical SIM cards But as a general rule, if you’re staying somewhere for more than 1-2 weeks, I recommend switching to a local SIM after arrival for better value.
Travel Apps I barely use (but people recommend):
There are still a lot of so-called best travel apps that other people rave about, that I’m still yet to be convinced on. Here are my takes:
- Couchsurfing: Less used nowadays, but still an option for those seeking cheap accommodation and authentic local experiences. It’s still an option for accommodation, but it’s no longer in its heyday!
- Revolut: One of the best all-round travel banks. However, I prefer using my own setup of international cards and good rates to make the most out of my finances.
- Agoda: One of the bigger accommodation booking apps, but I’ve simply not got along with it! Accommodations I’ve been looking for haven’t been there, and it just doesn’t feel very user-friendly. It does have its place in some parts of the world though!
- Expedia: Just like Agoda, there’s plenty of accommodation options on here but I just never use it as it never clicked for me…
- Stippl: Stippl is a newer app that combines planning and tracking in one place. It’s more structured than Polarsteps and better if you like organising your trip in advance. However, I found it a bit glitchy and laggy.
- TripAdvisor: I’ve definitely used TripAdvisor before to see reviews, but I personally trust Google Maps more.
Before you go
Thank you for reading the 40+ best travel apps for backpackers and travellers. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy travelling!