Summer’s all about rejuvenation, whether that means taking a staycation or travelling somewhere outside of your neck of the woods. But inevitably, organizing a trip can be time-consuming, especially if you plan to do a lot of activity when you get to your destination. Thanks to a handful of travel apps, however, planning your summer travels has never been an easier task.
Convenient apps make finding cheap airfare, booking a room, making dinner reservations, or hailing a cab a simple, stream-lined process. If you are planning a vacation in the near future, you should consider downloading these Android or iPhone travel apps.
Hopper
Best travel app for: finding the cheapest flights
Hopper is a flight booking app that allows users to compare rates between multiple airlines. Unlike many of its competitors, Hopper offers a calendar function that helps users compare rates between days. This makes finding the lowest price incredibly easy. While the app has only been available for a few short years, features are being added rapidly. If you are having trouble with the layout, some flight comparison app alternatives include Kayak, Expedia, Hotwire, and Priceline.
Download: iOS, Android
Booking
Best travel app for: getting a good deal
The Booking travel app makes planning a trip simple. Offering the option to book your hotel, flights, and transportation accomodations all in the same spot, you won’t have to go hunting on five different websites for the best deals. The Booking app lets you know if the accommodation you are looking into is a good deal, as well as if other vacationers have had a good experience. It’s also not exclusively a platform for hotels; you can find gorgeous and unique cabins, cottages, resorts, villas, and apartments up for rent if staying in a traditional hotel isn’t your thing. It is basically a one-stop-shop to knock out all of the high-priority tasks when planning a vacation.
Download: iOS, Android
Google Translate
Best travel app for: translating
Carrying around a translation dictionary or guide book is a thing of the past when you have the right app. Google Translate allows you to quickly identify writing. Speaking into your phone’s microphone will also allow you to accurately look up a phrase. Downloading the app in advance can avoid a lot of communication errors later on, especially if your primary goal is to meet new people on your trip.
Download: iOS, Android
Airbnb
Best travel app for: finding a unique and affordable place to stay
Emerge yourself in the local culture by finding a private bed and breakfast using Airbnb. This convenient app connects you to individuals with extra rooms and spare couches for rent at bargain prices. To help promote safety, the app encourages you to communicate with homeowners before making a reservation. You will also be able to see pictures of your accommodations in advance, making it easy to select something that suits your needs.
Download: iOS, Android
Hotel Tonight
Best travel app for: last-minute hotel rooms
Let’s face it, plans can change at the last minute. Whether your flight got delayed or every hotel you called was booked, you still need a place to sleep. Hotel Tonight provides the perfect last-minute solution, allowing you to browse rooms that are only available immediately. Much like Hotwire or Priceline, you’ll be able to make your reservation with the touch of a button.
Download: iOS, Android
TripAdvisor
Best travel app for: researching and trip planning
Research is the key to planning the perfect vacation. TripAdvisor has quickly evolved into a powerful online community that is happy to offer resources to visitors. Whether you need an all-purpose guide to your destination or you want to see reviews of local attractions, TripAdvisor can help. If you can’t find the information you need to properly plan your getaway, try asking a question in the forum.
Download: iOS, Android
Google Maps
Maps is quickly becoming an alternative to TripAdvisor or Yelp, offering easy access to contact information, user reviews, and real-life pictures of locations. Unlike TripAdvisor, Google Maps also has the added feature of offering detailed directions to users. Recently, Google Maps expanded its services to help people better anticipate their arrival times, regardless of how they are traveling. If you aren’t sure what the fastest way to your destination is, Google Maps will be happy to help you compare driving, walking, and public transportation routes in real time.
Download: iOS, Android
TriCount
Best travel app for: splitting expenses
If you are traveling with a group of friends, this travel app is an absolute must. It is used to document and split expenses throuhgout your travels, so there is no need to stress over who is paying for what. For instance, if John picks up the tab for dinner and drinks one night, all he would have to do is input the total he spent into the app. Then, if Brian pays for the taxi one day, he can put that expense in the app, as well. At the end of your trip, TriCount will calculate how much each individual traveller spent and let you know how much you owe each other based on the cost of everything you did on the trip. Paying someone back has never been easier.
Download: iOS, Android
Free2Move
Best travel app for: transportation
Free2Move isn’t an Uber. It’s not an Enterprise. It’s a ridesharing app that offers you a one-stop-shop to find the vehicle of your choice, whether it be a taxi, car, bike, or scooter. Using this travel app, all you have to do is check out your surrounding area and select the deal and vehicle that is best fit for you. It’s never been easier to see all of the available ways to get somewhere.
Download: iOS, Android
Uber and Lyft
Best travel apps for: ride sharing
What travel app list would be complete without one of these classic ride sharing programs? While Uber dominates the market in most United States cities, Lyft is a close competitor. Downloading both apps won’t just allow you to compare drivers and prices, it could be a necessity depending on where you are going. If you don’t want to risk riding in a personal vehicle, keep in mind that most taxi companies offer similar apps for their brands. You’ll just have to research in advance to see which companies are available at your destination.
Download: iOS, Android
What’sApp
Best travel app for: communication
When traveling overseas, it can be very expensive to make phone calls or send texts. What’sApp offers an excellent solution, allowing you to connect to individuals via wi-fi. The simple-to-use app helps you send unlimited text messages and make phone calls to anyone in your contact list.
Download: iOS, Android
Facebook and Facebook Messenger
Best travel app for: talking to friends back home
We live in a society that is very focused on social media, and Facebook has the largest userbase by far. Having both Facebook and Facebook Messenger ready before your trip will allow you to quickly add new contacts. If you meet someone without a phone or forget to get a number, you can easily search their name on Facebook to see if you can still make that connection. Don’t worry, if their profile or posts are in another language, you can translate them automatically using the app. Another fun alternative is SnapChat, which can also be a quick way to connect with a new contact.
Download: iOS, Android
Being prepared is important. Whether you are planning a future trip or have just arrived in a new city, downloading apps can be a great way to enhance your experience. You’ll be able to quickly find accommodations, flights, meals, and people in your area. For other ways to meet people, check out these apps.
