travel blog apps for iphone

10 Best Travel Journal Apps to Organize Your Travel Memories

As a digital nomad or frequent traveler, you likely want to keep a log of your travel activities. But what and how you record is a very personal experience.

You may want to write extensively about your experiences and feelings and keep them private. If so, you are probably better off with a paper journal and a pen.

Or maybe, you want to log the most important moments, photos, and travel routes and share them with your family and friends. In that case, a digital travel journal makes more sense.

Perhaps you’re an Instagram Influencer or blogger and want to keep copious notes for future posts/reels.

No matter your reason, if you’re looking for a travel journal app to maintain a digital log, this list of the 10 best travel journal apps will help you find the one that suits your needs.

Let’s start!

Table of Contents

10 Best Travel Journal Apps

1. day one journal.

With a Twitter-like interface, the Day One Journal is about capturing the important moments of your trip. The app can collect data such as location, weather, and music, for your travel photos and videos.

You can use this app as a digital diary and write using your finger or Apple Pencil and quickly comb through the entries using photos, timeline, or calendar. It even accepts voice commands.

This travel journal app can record fine details such as temperature, moon phase, weather, address, etc.

A free version is available, but upgrading to the premium version gives unlimited journal entries, photo storage, cloud sync, audio recording, and 25% off on book printing (if at some point you’d love to create a printed book of your adventures).

Platforms Supported:

• Apple Watch
• Safari and Chrome browser extensions

Cost: $2.92 per month billed annually.

Perfect for: Anyone looking for an online version of a standard journal that can also include images, voice recordings and track your locations

2. Find Penguins

One of the top digital travel journals, Find Penguins uses GPS tracking and AI to automatically track your journeys.

It also updates temperature, weather, altitude, etc., giving you a quick snapshot of the conditions on a particular day.

All the data that the app gathers is then displayed in a fun way on an interactive map as a trail and posts.

Find Penguins refers to those posts as footprints that are essentially blog posts where you can attach photos, videos, and texts as diary entries.

If you want, you can order a printed photo journal complete with maps, photos, and footprints.

Cost : Free with in-app purchases. You can buy a monthly or yearly subscription for $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year respectively.

Perfect for: Anyone who needs the best travel journal app for automatic journey tracking.

3. Polarsteps

If you need a completely free travel journal app that not only helps you to plan and track your journeys but also doubles up as a digital travel diary, Polarsteps is one of the top travel diary apps you can find.

It comes complete with an editable itinerary planner and transport planner. It even plots and automatically tracks your path on a digital world map.

You are free to add thoughts, videos, and photos. If you want, you can leave tips for the traveling community, or retrace your steps by scrolling through your travel stats, photos, and places.

The app also supports printing a hardcover travel book with just a touch of a button. The best part? It works offline and allows you to manually add journal entries that can later sync when the internet is available.

Perfect for: Anyone looking for a free travel tracker app that can track the travel route and keep the family informed!

Momento is more than just a travel journal app. It can double up as a project/work journal, pregnancy journal, or private journal.

This app can organize and streamline your social network activities from 11 social platforms. You can add photos & videos, tag your fellow travelers and places you visit , and even record your pregnancy journey!

Momento can also give daily, monthly, or yearly visual summaries, and allow you to explore past timelines.

Cost: Free with in-app purchases for paid upgrades.

Perfect for: People who need a multi-purpose digital journal that works not only as an online travel journal but also as a private and/or work journal.

5. Journi Blog

Journi Blog is a unique photo journaling app that you can use to record your travel experiences as timelines and maps or even have them printed as a photo book to show off to your friends and family members.

Whether you have a travel blog where you write about your vacations and travels, or whether you are maintaining personal travel diaries or recording your kids’ photo album, Journi Blog helps to capture all the moments and stories.

With this travel diary app, you can create a public travel journal or create a private journal entry.

Cost : Free with in-app premium membership purchase options. Membership costs €9.99 for one month, €43.99 for 6 months, and €53.99 for one year.

Perfect for: Those who want a photo journaling app.

Penzu isn’t particularly designed to be a travel journal app. In fact, it is more of a reflective journal meant for note-keeping and milestone tracking. However, it can be used as a pregnancy journal, a food diary, and even a travel diary.

It will give you the feel of maintaining an online travel blog with the ability to add images, add photos, and write your travel stories. You can use custom tags to categorize your travel logs.

Penzu has an incredibly simple interface where you can record beautiful memories of your entire trip.

Cost : Free, Pro for $19.99 a year, and Pro+ for $49.99 a year.

Perfect for : Anyone who needs a private online journal or a digital diary with syncing ability across the web and multiple mobile devices.

7. Tripcast

Tripcast is one of the favorite travel journal apps for many users worldwide. The app is perfect to keep your friends and family members updated about your journey.

With Tripcast, you can create shared photo albums where your fellow travelers can upload and share photos they click and store them in a single place.

The app uses photo geotagging to create a map of the places you visit.

Cost: Free!

Perfect for: Those who are on a group vacation, or participating in volunteer projects.

8. Journey: Diary, Journal

Journey was listed as the Google Editors’ choice in the best travel apps category. Just like other travel diaries, Journey will help you to maintain a travel journal complete with texts, audio files, images, and videos.

You can also use this dedicated app to add location and weather details to all your journal entries.

If you want, you can download and keep your entries private on your computer. Alternatively, you can export them as PDF or DOCX files for easy sharing.

Journey is not just a simple travel journal app. It is a multi-purpose app that allows users to record anything they want such as a stress management journey, sleep journey, better habits development journey, and so on.

Cost : Journey is a free app, but there is an in-app membership purchase option for $3.99 a month or $29.99 a year.

Perfect for: Those who need a multi-purpose journal app that can also be used as a digital travel diary.

Diarium is another great app that allows maintaining a travel journal using a calendar interface.

You can quickly attach texts, audio files, and images, and even tag multiple entries in a single day.

There is an option of adding a sitemap with location info. Plus, the app will display a wide range of data including your fitness data, weather info, and calendar events.

You can easily export entries in HTML or DOCX formats. Journal entry is possible using a laptop, PC, mobile, or tablet.

Cost: Diarium is free, but offers in-app purchases. You can purchase a lifetime pro version for $5.99.

Perfect for : Those who want a travel journal app without committing to a monthly or yearly subscription.

10. Worldee Trip Planner & Journal

Worldee is a popular digital travel diary that not only allows you to organize and store your travel memories.

You can mark the countries visited on an interactive world map, add timelines, photos, and maps, and even share your trips.

You can share your stories with other travelers or you can keep everything private. The app will also help you to plan your next trip using the integrated trip planner.

With the trip planner, you can set your itinerary and travel map on the same screen and then share your trip details with your travel partners.

Cost: The app is completely free to use.

Perfect for: Those who want a completely free digital travel journal.

More Journal Apps to Consider

1. trotter it.

Trotter It is a digital travel journal app that allows you to create and share travel stories with travelers across the world. It also doubles up as a social networking app for travelers. The app is available only through Google Play Store and is completely free to use.

2. Jauntlet

A mix of a travel journal and a free travel blog, Jauntlet allows you to present your trips in a neat timeline. The app connects with Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and imports photos from different profiles.

You can add the location to a post to add it to the map and write your story. Jauntlet is a web application that offers a platform-independent mobile site.

3. Esplorio

A beautiful and interactive travel journal app, Esplorio can record trips even without a data connection. You can choose what to share publicly and what to keep private.

It easily integrates with social platforms to retrieve previous journeys. The app is free but there is a pro plan available for $49.99 per year. It is available on iOS devices and through a web app.

4. Traverous

Traverous is an automated travel journal application that uses GPS data to track and record your trip. It also records media and location to create a personalized animated travel diary. The app is free to use but to unleash its full potential, you will need a premium account that costs $4.99 a month or $54.99 a year. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

How to Choose the Best Online Journal App

Choosing the best online journal app can be tricky. They’re all so good and you need to pick one that does everything you want it to.

Here are a few tips on choosing the best online journal app:

• Ease of use : The app you select should be straightforward and easy to use. An overly complex app will only make your life difficult.
• Mobile apps : Since you will mostly be traveling with your phone or ipad, the app must have versions for either iOS or Android or both. However, digital nomads traveling with laptops can always use web apps.
• Social features : The app you select must be able to integrate with social platforms. If the app has a built-in community feature, it is even better, especially for group tours and backpackers.
• History : The company developing the app must have a proven history of offering digital journaling services. You will not want to use it only to see that it is no longer under development.
• Cost : The app you select must be cheap. Expensive subscription plans can put budgetary pressure.
• Security: If you want your journal entries to be private you need to ensure the app has end to end encryption services.

Best Travel Journal Apps FAQs

Is there a free journaling app.

Yes, there are a few free travel journal apps available today. While some are dedicated digital travel diaries, others are all-purpose digital journals that can be used for keeping travel records.

Day One Journal has a free version, Polarsteps is completely free, Penzu has a free version and Tripcast is free. Try them out and see which one you like the best!

What’s the best app to track everywhere I’ve traveled?

Most of the digital travel diaries listed above can track every place you have traveled . Apps like Day One Journal and Find Penguins can not only track the places you visit but also add additional data like weather, temperature, altitude, address, and more.

Best Travel Journal Apps Summary

Digital travel diaries or journal apps are immensely beneficial (and fun) as they help to organize your travel experiences and keep your memories stored in a single place.

They will allow you to add written notes, images, videos, audio files, tags, etc., and help you to easily share your experiences with friends and family, or other users.

For digital nomads or influencers, some come with customizable layouts for enhanced personalization and some will even allow you to blog automatically and share moments of your trips with your readers.

Try a few out and select the one that is within your budget and meets your needs the best. Hopefully, this list of the best travel journal apps will assist you in finding an awesome journal for your travels! 🙂

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services I’ve used or would use myself. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊

Packing Light; 24 Expert Tips to Travel Light (From a Fellow Traveler)

35+ hilarious road trip games for couples & digital nomads.

A Little Journal… These Digital Travel Diary Apps Are Worth Your Time

Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon

As travel enthusiasts, we yearn to capture the essence of extraordinary travel moments and freeze them in time. We even want those mundane details preserved—what was the name of that hilarious taxi driver who shuttled you from the airport to your guesthouse?

If you’ve logged those details in a travel journal, you don’t have to remember—that’s where travel journaling apps come in, offering a digital travel scrapbook that easily documents even the craziest travel adventures.

I’ve been traveling the world for 15 years, writing, photographing, and sharing my travel stories from the first day. That means I have pretty high expectations when it comes to using digital travel diaries meant to preserve the memories of your expeditions. Here’s what you need to know about the best online travel journal apps available.

Table of Contents

What are Digital Travel Diaries?

While journaling about your travels via a paper notebook used to be called a travel log, the more modern equivalent is an online travel journaling app. That said, even diary app is just a new way to log the most important moments of your travels—and the mundane ones too.

Travel journals essential just document your experiences, capturing your memories as you travel the world. By logging your travel memories in real time via a journaling app, you ensure the smaller details are captured.

Was it a torrential downpour on the day you had booked an “any-weather” tour of the Norwegian fjords? Log that and then share how you felt at that very moment, otherwise the details fade with time.

That’s the real magic of keeping a travel log in any form, a beloved notebook, an app, or a blog. I’ve used all three over my 15+ years of travel. This travel blog was my primary travel log, but at times I’ve used these travel apps to capture moments more immediately.

And no matter my online travel journal app of choice, I always, always have a small physical journal. Even if you diligently record all of the best moments of your trip in your digital travel diary app, you should also carry a small travel journal that acts as your travel log—you use it to jot down funny off-the-cuff moments, or even just mundane details.

Perhaps you press between the pages ticket stubs, a pretty flower from your world wanders, and other small memorabilia that can’t be captured in a journaling app. It becomes a place to log currency conversions you can surreptitiously glance at when haggling at a market, or jot down lists and travel plans.

I never travel without a pocket Field Notes waterproof notebook and this Moleskine travel journal —its these two things that have allowed me to share such rich details on this blog, my personal travel log that’s been running 15 years and counting.

How to Choose an Online Travel Journal App

Travel journal apps are not one-size-fits-all. The best apps offer the exact range of features you need and at a price point you can afford—which can mean free! Many journaling apps offer a free version that may just meet your needs. Often its the more sophisticated features that require a paid upgrade.

Given that you’re probably snowed under travel planning, don’t waste your time downloading every travel diary app here. To pick the right app for your travels, consider these things before you download it:

When choosing an online travel diary app, there are several factors to consider that can help you find the one that best fits your needs. Here are some tips to help you make a decision:

• Features : Review what the journaling app actually does—what are the key features these app developers believe are the hallmarks of their app? That will tell you a lot about functionality. Standard features of most digital travel diaries include: text entry, photo and video uploading, geotagging, and weather data. Decide which features are important to you and ensure that the app provides them. Maybe you want an awesome map interface because you’re hopscotching around the world for a year ? Or you’re studying abroad you might want an app with more functionality around text and photo entries.
• Platform Compatibility : Check if the digital journaling app is available on your preferred platforms, such as iOS, Android, web-based, and desktop. If you’re bringing both a smartphone and laptop on your travels , you may wan a travel diary app that seamlessly switches between the two devices.
• Syncing and Backup : Consider whether the app offers syncing and backup options—and if those are free or paid features. You want access your travel diary across multiple devices, and you want it securely backed up to the cloud.
• Export and Sharing Options : If you plan to share your travel diary with others or would like to have a backup of your entries outside of the app, check if it offers export options, such as PDF or other file formats.
• Company Story : If the travel journaling app you’re considering using hasn’t been around for at least two-to-five years, run in the other direction. Companies, especially app makers, fold quickly. The last thing you want is an email saying you have a matter of days to download your cherished memories before they’re all deleted.

Best Travel Journaling Apps

Day One tops most of these lists because it’s actually that good—and it’s been around since 2011, so you know your travel memories are safe with this online diary app. The company has invested in a high-quality product, and updates over the years have responded to user reviews and feedback—which is enthusiastic across the board.

Its clean interface and seamless integration with iOS (both iPhones and Macs) and Android make it a joy to use. You can effortlessly capture each destination through text and photos, while popping in location data too.

Best app features : The “On This Day” functionality is neat because it doesn’t pull in the best of anything, but rather that exact moment years ago when you were on an incredible adventure out there in the world—or maybe you had logged a tasty hot chocolate at a hipster spot near that landmark you were visiting.

Either way, you’ll be transported back there in an instant and that app feature is maybe one of the strongest motivators to journal about all the big (and small) things that happen as you travel.

Cost : The free version is enough to see if you like it, but if you’re using this as your main digital travel journal then the one photo per entry restriction on free plans isn’t going to cut it. Premium is affordable though, at just under $3 per month, which buys you unlimited photos, videos, audio, drawings, and more.

If you go all in on Journey as your travel journal app, it will become your trusted companion. Rather than being a journaling app that’s great for travel, this travel-centric journaling app goes above and beyond with its extensive features.

Geotagging allows you to pinpoint the exact location of you experiences, while the inclusion of weather data and “mood” status adds depth to entries. You can import photos from your camera roll directly into journal entires, creating vivid visual narratives of your travels.

This robust app works on iOS devices and Android phones, Mac or Windows computers, and there’s even a web app! Basically, it’s an accessible and essential tool for any travel writer seeking to document their adventures with style and precision. Not only because of the features, but also because it allows multi-media exports in PDF or doc format.

It’s also a bit cheeky and has a handy guide to what Journey offers versus Day One or Daylio .

Best app features : Stand out for many will be the features that let you automatically sync and import social media content from Instagram and the like—what a time saver! And the full text editing screen is nice—you can bold, bullet, color, or link to anything you’d like right inside the text. Surprisingly, that’s not in every diary journaling app.

But one of the neater travel-focused elements are the three views for your journal—media (where you scroll by photos), map (which shows your entries pinpointed on a map of the world) and calendar (journals organized by date).

Cost : Unlike essentially all competitors, Journey offers a one time purchase license—currently $18. You can buy a membership for ~$4.20.

Daylio , billed as a “simple micro-diary app,” adds an interesting twist to a travel journaling routine. As a mood and activity tracker, it enables you to record daily experiences and emotions with ease—and without writing anything. It’s an interesting way to to reflect on how your travel adventures have impacted your overall well-being .

It’s not for the hardcore travel writer, but rather, Daylio captures the essence of the travel experiences in a uniquely personal way. It’s a good companion for those seeking to intertwine their emotional journey with their physical travels. And for those who want a more streamlined diary app with fewer features and just straight to the meat of what you want to do.

Best app features : This app is dead simple to use and can be updated in under a minute thanks to the tap interface. It’s certainly not going to be the only way you record you travels, but if you’re already planning to share extensively on a Facebook or Instagram page , then this ease of use may just ensure that you use it every day.

Cost : You could get pretty far with the free version, or upgrade for just $3 per month—only the premium version supports exporting to PDF.

4. Evernote

Real talk: The digital travel journal of your dreams may be something you’re already using. When it comes to versatile note-taking, Evernote reigns supreme. Its functionality goes beyond simple journaling, allowing the creation of multimedia-rich entries.

I’ve organized my entire life via Evernote—travel pans, stories, etc—and its robust features make a compelling case for this being one of the best journaling apps out there, period. Not just in travel, but in general.

As one of the best digital diary apps, you can update it seamlessly across iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Best app features : Well, you could use Evernote to basically plan and execute your trip, in addition to using it as a digital journal. You can also stay ruthlessly organized.

Cost : The free version offers 60 MB monthly uploads, which is constraining for travelers looking for an online app where they could add photos and videos to Evernote itself—this would like be better if you’re embedding YouTube videos, for example, versus storing them in Evernote.

The Personal version offers a more reasonable 10 GB in monthly uploads, but costs $11/month for that perk. If you’re already paying for Evernote for other reasons then this could be an excellent online travel journal, otherwise some of the other ones are likely better priced for a traveler.

5. Travel Diaries

For those seeking a dedicated travel journaling app, Travel Diaries hits the mark. It’s really a truly solid option. As a travel writer, I’m captivated by its interactive features. You can easily create immersive travelogues, complete with photos, maps, and annotations.

It’s also a captivating way to showcase your journey to fellow travelers (and your family and friends back home, of course!). The ability to share your travel stories and explore others’ adventures on the platform adds a sense of community not available in the other digital travel journaling apps.

It’s available as software for web, iOS and Android, but will only work with an internet connection (either cell data or wifi)—which means this might not be the best journaling app for those going far off-the-beaten path .

Best app features : A broad range of fonts and styles allow you to design your travel diary according to your own taste, and your travel log can include itineraries, travel photos, and a traveling map. The layout as an actual travel journal is a fun and personal touch that makes it feel like your digital diary is just as capable of creativity as a blank page in front of you.

Cost : There is no free version of Travel Diaries—it’ll be a subscription for as long as you want access to your travel journal. The basic plan costs $1 a month and includes unlimited storage and is really all most travelers will need for a robust travel journal. If you want to export your stories to PDF, you’ll have to upgrade to $3 per month.

Diaro App is a reliable companion for millions of people, not just globetrotters. This comprehensive diary app offers an array of features that elevate a travel journaling experience. Sometimes the best travel journal is, well, just a great online diary that you happen to use to document your travels.

The ability to add text, photos, tags, and organize entries into folders keeps this app well-organized—you can effortlessly find specific memories or delve into specific themes from your trips. It has a map of entry locations, which is especially important for those using this as a travel journal diary.

Diaro’s sleek interface and user-friendly design make the process of documenting adventures a true pleasure. Available on web, iOS or Android devices (with cross-device syncing via Dropbox) Diaro is a go-to app for travelers who want to capture the essence of their trip with elegance and efficiency.

Best app features : The multilingual UI (30+languages) may be a real boon for those for whom English is not their native language, but the shining standout features is just how easy it is to create a robust diary accounting for all of the key moments on your trip.

Cost : The free version has robust functionality. Upgrading to Diario Pro costs $10 per month and offers more customizability.

7. Polarsteps

Polarsteps is a great travel journal app that offers automatic tracking of your journey, making it effortless to document and share your trips. With its GPS technology, the app traces your route in real-time, creating a visually appealing map of your adventure without requiring any manual input.

This feature sets Polarsteps apart from other travel journal apps, as it eliminates the need for constant updates and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip while the app takes care of recording your route—and uses minimal data and power to do so.

What truly makes Polarsteps unique is its ability to create a beautifully presented travel log that showcases your journey. This app is made for the travel photographers out there also wanting a digital travel log of their journey.

Along with the automatic tracking, the app allows you to add photos, captions, and personal insights to your entries. These elements are then combined to create a visually stunning travel journal that can be shared with friends, family, and fellow travelers. I think this is one of the prettier apps—the maps alone are just a step up from the others.

Best app features : The GPS tracking is easily the standout here. You’ll know the precise spot you took a photo, and can then include a quick note—an inside joke you shared with a friend while there, a tidbit about the day, and more. This kind of precise location data is invaluable in the months and years after you travel.

Cost : It’s free! Polarsteps offers you a printed travel journal of your trip, which is how it’s monetized.

8. Waffle Journal

Waffle Journal stands out from the rest as a a collaborative journaling app that allows you to document and share your travel experiences with others—probably those on your same trip. Its unique approach fosters collaboration, allowing friends, family, or fellow travelers to contribute to your journal. With the ability to add stories, photos, and memories, everyone can create a collective travel diary that captures the essence of your adventures.

The app goes beyond traditional journaling by integrating multimedia elements. You can include photos, videos, and audio recordings. It’s not a travel journal specifically, so you’re not going to have any of those map features the travel apps have integrated into the experience, but it could be a great option for those travel in a group, or a group of friends who just love to share their travel adventures with each other. Social sharing features make it easy to showcase your travel adventures on social media platforms or via email.

BONUS: RIP: Bonjournal

Bonjournal captured my attention many years ago for its visually stunning approach to travel journaling. As you penned your travel stories, this app transformed them into beautifully presented narratives—and it made you choose just one photo to represent your day. Which was really quite neat.

This travel journal app is no longer available! Even though other websites are still recommending it as a travel diary app, the gorgeous app that debuted more than a decade ago is no longer up and running. Instead, a new app with the same name launched in 2021—it’s not a viable alternative. This new Bon Journal diary app is glitchy and poorly rated—storing your cherished travel memories there is not a good idea.

Don’t forget a paper journal as well.

This Moleskin travel journal is well made and worth the space it will take up in your bag. There will be times you just want to put pen to paper—you’ll be glad you have an analog record of your travels too.

How to Safely Store Travel Photos and Videos

These travel journaling apps are a terrific way to document your journey for personal memories, and to share with others. Although some long-term travelers create a travel blog to record their trips, using a travel diary instead is a great alternative.

You get amazing functionality and the ability to share your travel stories without the hassle of running a blog—which can get pricey and generally lacks the ability to share some stories privately with family, or keep other journal entries entirely private.

One thing all of these apps have are general constraints on how you upload, store, and present your travel photos and videos. Although some of these apps offer paid subscriptions with unlimited uploads, you’re likely safer if you store your actual travel photos elsewhere, too. Here’s a quick review of other places you can store travel photos, and the perks of using them in addition to, or instead of, a travel diary app.

• Facebook pages : Rather than use your personal profile, consider setting up a Facebook page for your trip—then you can share unlimited stories, photos, and videos. And you’re creating and sharing in a place where it’s likely your family and friends are already hanging out.
• Instagram : This is a great way to share photos, but videos and stories are a little more constrained on this platform. This might be a good option in addition to a digital travel diary.
• SmugMug : If you need a place to both store and display all of your travel photos, SmugMug is a great option. I’ve had an annual plan for more than a decade and it offers unlimited storage for all of my photos from all over the world for $88 per year. And it’s totally customizable—you can create gorgeous albums on a custom domain name if you own one.
• Google Drive : If you just need a backup solution without the need to share then Google Drive is a good option (I find Google Photos a chore to use). It’s just $2 a month for 100GB of cloud storage.

Ready for some travel inspiration? These are the best travel stories of travelers to follow now, inspiring books from historic travels, and short reads, too.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Tips
• Mobile Apps

The Best Digital Tools for Travel Journaling

When it comes to logging your travel memories, the modern era poses a unique set of problems. You don’t want to upload a hundred vacation photos to Facebook (newsflash: no one’s looking), and you know you won't get around to printing all those snapshots—but one or two Instagram posts just aren't enough to do your trip justice. Enter the digital travel journal: an elevated way to share photos, jot down memories, geo-tag restaurants, and track your itinerary in real time.

Kristen Dold is a Chicago-based freelance writer and content strategist who focuses on health, travel, and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Travel + Leisure, Runner’s World, Marie Claire, GQ, Vogue, and New York magazine.

Best For: Building stunning photo-centric narratives

Exposure’s clean, minimalist aesthetic has made it a fast favorite among the professional photog set, but it’s easy enough to use for amateurs. The concept is simple: drag and drop your snapshots into grids, add some brief titles and descriptors, then let your followers bask in full-bleed photos that have the highbrow feel of a digital magazine. (Take a look at some of their featured stories to see what we mean.)

Price: Free for the first three stories, $5+ a month after that

Best for: sharing real-time updates with close friends.

No more overposting anxiety— Tripcast is like a private Instagram feed for the folks who really do care about your every move. (Hi, Mom.) Friends at home and fellow explorers can get notifications on your whereabouts and comment on trip photos that automatically upload to a travel map. Another perk: travel pals can build albums together so everyone’s memories are in one spot.

Price: Free

Best for: keeping a quick chronicle while on the move.

The newly revamped version of the Day One app (called ‘Day One 2’) makes journaling as easy as posting to Twitter. Jot down some highlights, attach a photo, and the app will stamp your location, the date, time, weather, and even your step count, if you want it. Plus you can tag posts, so it's easy to keep past excursions organized for future reference. (If you like microjournaling, the app can keep separate journals for things like work, health or sleep.) Features like audio recording and tagging your friends are coming soon.

Cost: $4.99

Best for: getting wordy without wifi.

Words and images get equal real estate on Bonjournal , a Tumblr-like platform ( here’s what it looks like) which allows you to add tags like ‘food & drink’ or ‘nightlife’ to entries, share them on social media (a privacy lock is available for any posts you want to keep to yourself) and even give your experiences a grade. The best feature: you can create posts offline and upload them later, ideal for long flights home without wifi.

• Carry-On Luggage
• Checked Luggage
• Convertible Carry Luggage
• 4-Wheel Luggage
• 2-Wheel Luggage
• New Arrivals

Adventure-ready wheeled carry-on & checked luggage

• Packing Cubes
• Compression Cubes
• Toiletry Bags
• E-Organization
• Garment Folders
• Sacks & Pouches

Compress bulky items, separate dirty shoes or clothes, and maximize luggage space while packing

• Carry-On Duffels
• Large Duffels
• Rolling Duffels
• Backpack Duffels

Designed & constructed to minimize fabric waste

• Carry-On Backpacks
• Waist & Shoulder Bags
• Travel & Hiking Backpacks

With practical packs & bags for commutes, extended trips, and everyday use

• Luggage Tags & Locks
• Comfort & Necessities
• Money Belts
• RFID Security

With Undercover Hidden Pockets, Money Belts, and more

• Travel Blog
• Sustainability
• No Matter What Warranty
• Find a Store

Find travel tips, adventure checklists, packing hacks & more in our Travel Blog

6 Top Digital Travel Journals & Travel Log Apps

If you’re hitting the road you’ll want to document every moment. these are the best digital travel apps that just might replace your journal..

Asked your boss for well-deserved time off? Good! Depending on the reason for your break (and how long you'll be away from work), you might not want to spend every second documenting your travels ... and every travel photo you post might not be Insta-worthy. Even though there’s something to be said for packing your daypack with a pen and a paper journal and writing about your trip, it’s a lot easier to keep friends and family in the loop while you’re on the road if you do it digitally.

How to Choose an Online Travel Diary App

Every trip is different, and so is every traveler. If you're headed out for a short two-week trip, you may choose a travel diary app that offers features to integrate into your life as well—more of an online journal. But if you're traveling around the world on a one-year trip, perhaps a dedicated app that could transition into a blog is more your speed. Either way these are a few considerations before you sign up and start journaling.

• Ease of use : If the travel journaling platform is online but offers no app, that might be a deal breaker if you're only traveling with a smartphone! Look for apps that allow you to quickly open it up, upload photos, and jot quick notes.
• Company history : How long has this company been offering digital journaling services? The last thing you want to do is invest time and effort into journaling only to discover the app has shut down, and you need to export all of that hard work.
• Social features : Do you want an app that excels first and foremost at getting you right to the journaling, or are you interested in digital travel communities with a social element? If you love one of the travel diary apps on this list, but it doesn't feature a built-in community, consider how you could use Instagram or a Facebook page to fulfill that need.
• Cost : Some of these are free, while others offer limited services on the free platform and require paid upgrades to make it fully featured.

Best Digital Travel Journal Apps

Here are the best digital travel diary apps that will help you document your next journey.

Day One Journal

The best part about Day One journals? You don’t necessarily need to be taking a cross-country or international trip to use it; you can just make a habit of capturing things that inspire you. Journaling novices will likely be content with the free version, which allows you to write diary entries by hand, with Apple Pencil, or your finger. You can look back through entries via calendar, timeline, or photos, while also being reminded of specifics of that day, like temperature, weather, moon phase, and altitude. Upgrading to the premium version of this digital travel diary gives you even more incentive to make journaling a habit: It allows unlimited photo storage and journal entries, cloud-based storage, audio recording, and a 25 percent off book printing discount … perfect if you’d prefer to page through your memories in paper form after collecting all of your epic travel stories.

Travel Diaries

The free Travel Diaries app has everything a traveler could want in a digital diary: Customizable layouts that allow you to enhance your text with photos and maps marking all of the places you visited, with the option to keep entries private or share them with family and friends. Inspired to turn your diary into a travel blog? No problem: The app can convert your entries from diary to blog automatically, which you can share via social media or email. Need to see your entries in print? That’s an option, too. Choose to print all (or a portion of) your trip; books are available for printing in as few as 40 pages (or as many as 320), in hard or soft cover formats.

Tripcast markets itself as the place you "share your travel photos with the people who want to see everything, not just the highlights." It's designed as a social network for those who love to spend time on the road. The app supports photos and videos and encourages your friends and family to comment, like, and interact with your updates—perfect for solo travelers who will love knowing their loved ones back home are along for the ride. The iPhone app is highly rated, and users generally rave about the variety of features to journal through the website or on iPhone or Android. You'll love the feature where it uploads all your travel photos to a map, so you can see the world populated with your best memories.

Even though it’s currently only available for iPhone users, Bonjournal is ideal for travelers who want a simple interface for documenting their activities, whether that means road-tripping up the West Coast or chilling on a deserted island. Not sure if you want to share every moment of your trip? Its privacy settings allow you to keep some entries to yourself. Need inspiration for your next trip? Follow friends (or fellow travelers), curl up in your travel blanket, and be inspired by their entries.

Are you not traveling but want to live vicariously through someone who is? Polarsteps is a photo-lovers dream. It provides the capability to track your travel route automatically when on the road (and uses minimal battery power while doing so) and transforms each travel journal into a visually stunning coffee table book. The coffee table books are complete with modern-looking layouts of the countries visited, miles and/or kilometers covered, and the number of photos taken.

Even if you don’t have any life-changing trips planned, Momento is worth downloading either way. Momento can organize your social network activity from up to 11 different platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Swarm, Flickr, and YouTube) into one neat, cohesive package. You can make it private, which is great if you’re using its pregnancy feature that allows you to journal your experience of nine months of pregnancy and beyond. You can also explore people who have tagged themselves enjoying similar experiences. No vacations (or pregnancies) in your future? This travel diary also doubles as a work/project journal, allowing you to track project notes, milestones, and meetings so you’re always prepared, whether working in-office or in another time zone.

When you use a digital travel journal you need only slip your smartphone into your waistpack and let the travel adventures get under way.

Travel Diary Apps: FAQs

What is a travel diary app.

You have all your essential tech for travel , like your smartphone to share photos with friends and family, but are you using it to document your experiences? Now, you can use app-based travel diaries to track and capture your experiences. Travel diaries allow you to document every fun and exciting thing you do while traveling the world. However, thanks to the many travel log apps available, you no longer have to carry a journal. Instead, you can create a travel journal on your smartphone to capture your best memories and create your own personalized travel book.

These apps also allow you to share your travel scrapbook with the touch of a button. You can share them either as a blog or on social media. Common features of travel diary apps include:

• Photo and video sharing
• Journal entries
• Snapshots of temperature, weather, altitude, and more

Are there any free travel diary apps?

Yes, there are tons of free travel diary apps you can use, including some mentioned on this list, such as Day One Journal and Travel Diaries. Additionally, many paid travel journals come with free versions with limited features. However, if you love traveling and sharing your experience with others, we recommend using paid versions to track your travels, upload photos, and share entries with your followers.

Can I use a travel diary app offline?

Some travel journal apps allow you to create entities offline in case you lose service, while others let you share pictures without the internet by selecting photos and creating private posts offline. However, whether you can use a particular travel diary app offline depends on the app, so you should research which apps you can continue to use when you don’t have any service.

That said, if your app doesn’t allow you to create new entries without service, you can continue to take photos on your smartphone and update your entry later.

Can I add photos and videos to my travel diary entries?

Yes! Most travel journal apps allow you to add photos and videos to document and remember your experience. Additional features may include turning your diary entries into social media posts and blogs, taking a snapshot of the time and weather, customizing layouts, and more. However, some apps are more photo-based than others, so consider what you want your travel diary to be. For example, if you prefer to create a scrapbook with photos and captions, you might choose Polarsteps, which allows you to create a coffee table book-style photo journal.

By Alison Kotch

Alison Kotch is a freelance writer, managing editor and runner living in Brooklyn, New York. You can read more of her writing at alisonkotch.com.

Read More From the Travel Blog

The definitive hawaii packing list based on your travel goals.

Hawaii is often referred to as the Paradise of the Pacific. With 750 miles of dramatic coastline to explore, mountains...

How Do You Fly Standby: The Ultimate Guide to Flying Standby

Unlock tips & seamless travel adventures with our comprehensive guide to spontaneous jet-setting!

The Ultimate Dog Packing List — What to Pack for Your Pet

No matter what adventure you have planned, this packing list will ensure you have everything you need to keep your...

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

6 Best Travel Journal Apps for Your Next Trip

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Travel Tech

Share the love!

I love to look back on past adventures via journals, photos, and videos – but it can be so time consuming!

One of my tricks to organizing all of my travel memories is to use travel journal apps.

Over the years, many of these apps have evolved to include so much more than a way to organize photos and videos.

Many also help you plan your travels, gather and report data, and a few even help you create printed photo books!

Check out this post for my absolute favorite travel journal apps to help you document your adventures through slide shows, photo collages, timelines, maps, photo books, and more.

1 Second Everyday

Turn your travel videos into a travel journal summary with 1 Second Everyday.

This app pieces together 1 second video clips to create a video, making it a super easy way to create travel video without the need for video editing skills.

1 Second Everyday is a great way to journal a day or an entire trip with ease. I love that it eliminates the analysis paralysis when it comes to journaling creatively or creating content for your social media.

In my opinion, 1SE is the best free journal app for iPhone and Android overall, not just for recording travel memories.

Pros : Super easy to use and create fun videos that can double as social media content. Cons : Sometimes 1 second just isn’t enough! Download : iOS / Android

Day One Journal

Day One Journal is an impressive digital travel journal app for iPhones, Android smartphones, Apple Watch, and Mac computers.

Its biggest strength is the collection of data for all photos and videos, such as weather, location, and music. It also includes a timeline view and a map view.

This is a great travel journal app for those that like to reflect about everything that happened on their trip.

Day One Journal will make it a bit easier to remember the finer details, like weather and addresses.

Pros : Not just an app – also has a Mac app and a Safari browser extension so you can work on your Mac laptop or desktop. Cons : No browser extension or software for non-Mac laptops and desktop computers. Download : iOS / Android / Mac / Browser Extensions

Grid Diary combines digital journal capabilities with a planner for one ultimate app.

Users can keep track of all they need to do, create journal entries with guided writing prompts, add stickers and tags, and gather statistics.

This app is more of a traditional text-based journal and planner, but sometimes that is really all folks want!

Pros : One app to keep you organized and record memories. Cons : Most of the valuable features are only available in the premium version (can’t blame ’em though!) Download : iOS / Android

Momento pulls in data from all of your social channels to piece together a journey’s story, such as Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and Uber.

You can keep your stories private or share with friends to select social media channels, as well as via text message or email.

Momento is a great travel journal app for those that are heavy social media users. You’re already documenting your travels elsewhere, but this app will pull them together in a cohesive way.

Pros : Super easy to use and affordable premium subscription available with extra features. Cons : Only available on iOS. Last major update was in 2016. Download : iOS

PolarSteps is a fun app that helps you plan and track your travels.

However, the standout feature with this travel journal app is that you can transform your journal into a printed photo book!

The PolarSteps book includes summaries and stats pulled from app usage, such as maps, miles or kilometers traveled, number of countries visited, and so on.

In my opinion, this is not only the best free travel journal app for iPhone and Android, but one of the best traveling apps for iPhone and Android, too.

Pros : Top notch usability design makes it super easy to use. Cons : Some limitations with customizing the travel book, such as inability to choose size and limited number of color themes. Download : iOS / Android

Keep mom and dad updated on your travels without annoying your Facebook or Instagram friends with every single photo you take via Tripcast .

Or if you’d rather not share with everyone you can use Tripcast to share photos with just your travel group.

Tripcast is a great way to track longer journeys and still keep up with your friends and family back home.

Pros : Makes sharing photos from everyone on a group trip seamless. Cons : Limited social media capabilities despite being one of its focus features. Download : iOS / Android

What are your favorite travel journal apps?

Let me know in the comments below which travel journal apps you use when you travel.

Next up, check out more of my favorite travel & tech tips:

• 15 Best Travel Journals
• 8 Best Manifestation Journals
• 8 Photo Sharing Websites
• Best Photo Editing Apps
• Best Camera Apps

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published April 22, 2017. It was last updated December 1, 2022.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wednesday 14th of February 2024

I have been hunting and hunting for a travel journal that is easily updating- shareable with friends, with a push notification kind of thing. There are SO many and have read and read. I want to journal and add pictures. I don't want anything that does anything automatically or populates anything. I want to write and add photos or maps as I choose. Thank you SO much

25 Best Paris Travel Apps to Make Your Trip Better in 2023

Friday 17th of March 2023

[…] Best Travel Journal Apps for Journaling on the Go […]

26 Photo Editing Apps for Instagram & Blogging in 2023

Saturday 11th of March 2023

[…] 5 Best iPhone Travel Journal Apps […]

8 Photo Websites for Sharing Photos With Family & Friends - Frost + Sun

Friday 17th of June 2022

The Best Video Editing Apps for iOS & Android - Frost + Sun

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

The best travel apps you need on your iPhone

via Cameron Casey/Pexels

Going on holiday to far-off destinations was exciting and challenging until a certain global pandemic made things considerably harder. As the world starts to open itself back up, so is the prospect of travel.

Though you may be limited to within a country's borders or are barred from accessing some territories and potentially face quarantine in others, there's always the chance of going away. And, just like a few years ago, your iPhone will be your best friend for the trip, wherever you decide to go.

These are what AppleInsider believes are some of the best apps you can have on your iPhone when traveling alongside Apple Maps.

Google Maps

Navigation apps are extremely useful in travel, not only in getting to your destination but also in traversing a town or city you're unfamiliar with. They're critical and go first on this list ahead of anything else.

It may seem odd to recommend Google Maps over Apple Maps, but there are a few things to bear in mind here. For a start, Google Maps is extremely popular, has been around for quite a bit longer, and has over 220 countries and territories mapped, complete with hundreds of millions of businesses and other locations for you to find.

For international travel, where data plans become expensive or severely limited, the Google Maps offline option is its biggest asset. You can define an area and preload maps before you travel, which can then be used without needing a data connection, potentially saving you money.

Google Maps is free to download and use and requires iOS or iPadOS 12.2 or later.

If you know where you want to go but don't fancy scouring airlines for flights or trying to track down a great hotel deal, Expedia is an excellent way to sort all that out for you.

Expedia helps you find the perfect flight within your budget, as well as the ability to find and book the right hotel, and if you need it, a rental car. Packages and bundles offer discounts for buying flights and other elements simultaneously versus getting them individually.

The app does more, including offering recommendations to local attractions and getting deals on tours, shows, and theme park entry.

It's also handy in that everything to do with your trip is held within one app, making it a one-stop-shop for all of your travel needs. You'll even get alerts for flight delays and gate changes, as well as any other unexpected alterations to your trip itinerary.

Expedia is free to download and requires iOS or iPadOS 14.0 or later.

LoungeBuddy

Frequent airline passengers may not be that enthralled by busy airports. Airport lounges can offer an escape from the crowds and a relaxing time before you take off, but typically they're only offered as a free service for certain types of plane tickets or if you have a credit card or something similar that provides similar access.

While you may be OK with the idea of paying for a pass to the lounges, there's no guarantee that the lounge you want to enter will allow you in the first place, such as if you're flying on a different airline. It can also be hard to determine what lounges are in a specific airport in the first place.

LoungeBuddy serves as both a guide and a way to quickly buy access to airport lounges so that you can travel in style. The app will tell you what lounges you may have access to based on your trip, class of service, memberships, or credit cards you have, as well as whether it's free or paid.

It also allows users to buy access to hundreds of other lounges in airports worldwide, regardless of the user's status or ticket.

LoungeBuddy is a free download, requiring iOS or iPadOS 14.3 or later.

If you need a place to stay somewhere, hotels are the obvious choice. However, if you want something a bit more personal and native to the area you're in, you could try Airbnb.

Offering access to many locations, ranging from secluded beach houses to apartments in the heart of a city, the app can get you as close or as far from civilization as you want. You can also stay in unique locations, such as domes and treehouses, that you won't find in more corporate-focused travel sites.

You can get in contact with hosts through the app, as well as local experts who could help make your trip the best it could be by using their knowledge of the area. The app also recommends various experiences you can try out for fun while you're at your destination.

If you're lucky enough to have a property that you could let out and earn a bit of cash, you can do so on Airbnb, which provides support and liability insurance for those choosing to become a host.

Airbnb is free to download and requires iOS or iPadOS 14.0 or later.

Google Translate

In a similar vein to the Google Maps recommendation, we're recommending Google Translate over Apple's Translate app. In short, it's because Google's heavily-developed service is far more helpful.

Offering translations between 108 languages by typing, it also includes other ways to translate, including verbal conversations, handwriting, and photos. There's even a live instant translation feature, managed by using your iPhone's camera and superimposing translations of words on top of the live video feed.

This is extremely useful for immediacy, such as reading a menu or looking at signs, as it'll help you understand what's happening extremely quickly.

Again, the best part is that there's an offline mode for translations without Internet for 59 languages. So long as you preload the languages at home before you go, you're saving on data costs.

Google Translate is free to download and requires iOS and iPadOS 12.4 or later.

Top Stories

Killer deal: Apple's M2 Mac mini plunges to $474.99

iOS 18 is coming soon with AI, a new interface, and accessibility: what to expect at WWDC 2024

iPhone 16 case leak includes vertical camera bump at the back

Canva's Affinity deal will shake the Adobe status quo

Apple Ring rumors & research - what you need to know about Apple's next wearable

Apple AI, visionOS 2.0, iOS 18: What to expect from Apple during WWDC 2024 on June 10

Featured deals.

Apple's M3 MacBook Air (10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) drops to $1,329

Latest comparisons.

M3 15-inch MacBook Air vs M3 14-inch MacBook Pro — Ultimate buyer's guide

M3 MacBook Air vs M1 MacBook Air — Compared

M3 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air — Compared

Latest news.

Apple will be holding WWDC 2024 from June 10, showing off its future operating system updates and maybe even new hardware. This is what has been rumored so far.

Flash sale: Best Buy drops Apple Watch Series 9 to $269, iMac to $799 today only

Best Buy's 24-hour flash sale offers epic deals on Apple products, including a record low price on the Apple Watch Series 9. Plus, save up to $600 on iMacs and $500 on an LG OLED display.

Crime blotter: A year later, Alderwood Apple Store theft remains unsolved

In the latest Apple Crime Blotter, a significant Apple Watch theft happened at Walmart, Woz wins a round in court, and Malaysian ethics after an iPhone incident.

Save up to 50% on external SSDs, hard drives & NAS enclosures with World Backup Day deals

World Backup Day deals are officially live, with discounts of up to $840 off on Synology NAS enclosures, Samsung external SSDs, Seagate hard drives and memory cards galore.

Grab Apple's new M3 MacBook Air for $999

Apple's M3 MacBook Air 13-inch is in stock and ready to ship in the standard configuration with exclusive coupon savings driving prices down to as low as $999. Plus, save $40 on AppleCare.

If you have an iPhone with AT&T, there's a good chance your info has been stolen

AT&T is finally resetting passcodes for current customers after hackers stole a trove of customer data more than two years ago.

Apple has a new Swift tutorials webpage for budding developers

Apple has launched a new tutorial webpage featuring beginner resources for programming using Swift, Swift UI, and Xcode.

How to keep your Mac's data safe using Time Machine

Time Machine is Apple's backup system that automatically saves your Mac's files. Here's how to use the macOS file protection feature.

Police seize fake iPhones in $750,000 haul of counterfeit items

Fake iPhones, AirPods and iPhone cases were among counterfeit goods seized in police raids in Northern Ireland.

A photograph of cases intended for the iPhone 16 indicates at least one accessory producer is leaning in on rumors of a new vertical camera arrangement in the new models.

Latest Videos

WWDC 2024 will show off Apple's AI efforts on June 10

iPhone 15 Pro Max review six months later: Still an exciting upgrade

Latest reviews.

TP-Link Tapo Indoor cameras review: affordable HomeKit options with in-app AI tools

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Kit review: Upgrade your iPhone photo shooting game

Keychron Q1 Max review: cushy, comfortable, costly

{{ title }}

{{ summary }}

Best travel apps for iPhone and iPad in 2024

Whether it’s for business or leisure, travel is today much more comfortable than it was even a decade or so ago. There are cheaper flights and great deals that you can take advantage of, no matter your budget. Moreover, a wide variety of apps make things even simpler by giving you a convenient way to plan and organize your trip from the palm of your hand. So if the travel bug bites you, check out these best travel apps for iPhone and iPad.

• Google Maps
• Booking.com
• TripAdvisor
• Google Translate
• Roadtrippers
• XE Currency
• Wanderlog Trip Planner

1. Google Maps 

No matter where you go, let Google Maps lead the way and ensure that you never get lost. It is an offline map app for over 220 countries and territories. It features hundreds of millions of businesses and places waiting to be discovered by you.

Not only does it help you navigate, but you can also find restaurants near you, make lists of notable places, share your location, and more. You can also check out recommendations from local area experts.

Price: Free

This one is among the best travel planner apps for your iPhone and iPad. It lets you save on flights and hotels and also offers free cancellation for up to 24 hours. Further, you can learn about things to do at your destination and helpful trip reminders if you like.

Plus, you’ll earn double Expedia Rewards points every time you book through the app. Tickets are available for shows, tours, reserve airport shuttles, theme parks, and more. Through alerts, it keeps you updated about flight delays, hotel check-out time, etc.

With a presence at over 600 airports in 700+ cities around the world, Uber is your best friend when it comes to getting around locally in your destination. It allows you to get reasonably priced rides on bikes, cars, and other local transport such as tuk-tuks.

Furthermore, you can see a price estimate before booking and have multiple payment options such as cash or cards. Safety features only add to the convenience. For instance, you can quikcly share your trip status with any contact at any time.

4. Booking.com

No matter what your travel accommodation budget, you’ll find the best place to stay with Booking.com. It has listings for over 27 million hotels, homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay worldwide.

The clean and fast user-interface makes it a breeze to use and sort properties according to your priorities. Moreover, the best part is that you can often ‘book now and pay later.’ This lets you plan your trips even when you’re not absolutely sure about going.

5. Airbnb 

Airbnb is one of the best iOS travel apps that has revolutionized the travel industry. It makes it easy to stay with locals and experience the distinct culture of any place. You can search from over 6 million vacation home rentals in over 191 countries.

Add unique experiences and events to your itinerary, led by native experts. You can also choose to be a host and make money by renting out spare space in your home to travelers. It also pays attention to safety, and all users have to verify their profiles by uploading identification documents.

Hopper helps you out by recommending the best time to book a flight at the best price. You can opt to ‘watch’ trips for up to a year in advance, and the app will advise you if you should go ahead and book or wait for a bit.

This is extremely helpful to save on flight costs, given how airline prices change in unpredictable ways. It currently supports the major airlines in the US, Canada, and other popular destinations around the world. You can also book hotels and rental cars.

7. Skyscanner

Just as its name indicates, this free travel app scans the skies for the best possible flights you can take. No matter where you want to go, Skyscanner will find you the cheapest and fastest flight deals.

It is essentially an aggregator that saves you the tedious task of searching on multiple flight websites. Moreover, a notable feature is that when you’re not sure of where to go, it can find you the cheapest destinations from your starting country. Pretty cool.

This is another top travel app that searches tons of flights, hotels, and rental cars to find you the best deals. It also keeps all your travel plans organized in one place, including free flight status updates, airport terminal maps, and security wait times.

Further, you can pick a destination and choose flexible dates to find out when it’s best to get there. And when you’re planning a group trip, it lets you share search results and more info using iMessage so everyone can stay in the loop.

When it comes to trip planner apps, Tripit is worth checking out. When you’ve got long travel itineraries, it can be challenging to keep track of things and remember when exactly you have to catch the next flight. Tripit makes this super easy by syncing travel plans to your calendar.

After you sign up, every time you book something – a flight, bus, train, hotel, etc. – just send the confirmation email to [email protected], and the app will take care of the rest. It creates a master itinerary that is super easy to reference and edit whenever you wish.

Price: Free (TripIt Pro 1 Year – $48.99)

10. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor has been one of the most trusted names in the travel industry for years. Their free travel app provides over 830 million reviews of flights, hotels, things to do, cafes, restaurants, and more across the globe.

You can save and organize your travel ideas and view them together on a map too. Further, it has the world’s most extensive collection of tours, attractions, and experiences. You can book using Apple Pay or PayPal and make free cancellations and modifications if needed.

11. Google Translate

Travel is fascinating, but language barriers can be frustrating and stressful. Google Translate comes to the rescue by making it easy to translate between 108 languages through typing. You can also download languages for offline translation.

Further, you can translate text in images for 90 languages and draw text characters instead of typing for 95 languages. Build up your foreign vocabulary by starring and saving translated words and phrases for future reference.

12. Roadtrippers

If you love road tripping, then check out this app that lets you find amazing spots nearby and plan your trips with friends. From local diners to national parks and quirky roadside attractions, it finds something for everyone.

You can get inspired by pre-made trip guides of the most exciting and must-see scenic routes in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The free version of the app lets you start planning with up to 7 waypoints.

Price: Free (Roadtrippers Plus Monthly – $6.99)

If you’re anxious about finding your way around an unfamiliar city, Moovit will guide you from point A to B in the most convenient way. It features train and bus times, maps, and real-time instructions that will guide you to move around with confidence.

It currently supports over 3000 cities around the world. It’s almost like a personal transit assistant that gives you step-by-step directions for your chosen mode of transport such as bus, metro, scooter, walk, or even a combination of them.

14. XE Currency

If you’re a globetrotter, it can be challenging to keep up with the different currencies you’re dealing with. This app makes it easier by providing fast conversions in multiple currencies, so you always know how much you’re spending.

Moreover, when you’re exchanging currency, this app can help ensure that you get the best deal at the current rates. It also saves the last updated rates when offline, which is convenient when you don’t have reliable internet access when traveling.

Whether you love it or hate it, packing is something you cannot ignore, no matter what kind of trip you’re going on. Packr can help you out by creating a packing checklist for your suitcase based on 24 pre-defined activities.

Just input some criteria such as your length of stay, the weather conditions, etc., and your packing list will be generated in no time. Moreover, it learns from each trip you take and adjusts the items based on your preferences. Personal Packing Assistant? Check.

Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $0.99)

16. Wanderlog Trip Planner

Wanderlog is curated from hundreds of travel guides, blogs, and maps to help you create the perfect travel itineraries. Save your plans offline for easy access and automatically import email confirmations to keep track of your reservations.

Further, you can collaborate with travel buddies to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Connect with other travelers through sharing your travel tips and stories. Best of all, you can store information about multiple trips, so it’s’s almost like a personal travel assistant.

Price:  Free

Summing Up!

So, where is your wanderlust taking you next? And which of these great travel apps are you adding to your iPhone? Let us know in the comments below.

You may want to take a peek at:

• Best Apple Watch Travel Apps
• 14 Must-Have Travel Accessories for iPhones
• Best Flight Tracking Apps for iPhone
• Best iPhone and iPad Travel Kit Bags

🗣️ Readers like you help support iGeeksBlog. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.  Read Disclaimer .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

25 Travel Apps That'll Help You Save Money

And, they're all free!

Best for Finding Cheap Flights: Hopper

One of the best travel apps for flights, Hopper analyzes billions of airfare and hotel prices a day—as well as its vast archive of historical data—to tell you whether to wait or book your trip.

Here’s how it works: Type in your destination and a color-coded calendar will show you the cheapest (and most expensive) dates to fly. Hopper will then recommend whether you should go ahead and buy now, or hold off until the rates get better.

If it tells you to stay tuned, you can set up a price watch and put your phone away. When the fare has dropped to its lowest point and it’s time for you to swipe, Hopper will send you a notification.

Best Travel Planner App: TripIt

TripIt organizes all of your itineraries in one place. Available for both iPhone and Android , users simply forward confirmation emails to [email protected], and the app will create you a *free* master doc for each trip. You can access the itinerary anywhere, even without an internet connection.

Their premium service, TripIt Pro ($49/year) boosts your organizing power with additional features. These include real-time flight alerts, refund notifications, and the ability to track reward points and miles as well as a currency converter, a list of socket and plug requirements, and tipping advice for 180 countries.

Download Now

Best for Road Trips: Roadtrippers

You have a considerable amount of flexibility on a road trip , but planning them requires effort. Try Roadtrippers the next time you're inspired to grab a car and go. The app allows you to map your route with up to 7 waypoints free of charge. After that, there's an option to upgrade to Roadtrippers Plus.

Along your route, the app will recommend local food options , roadside attractions, scenic stops and more. They even have pre-made guides for popular road trips.

Best for Finding Unexpected Destinations: Skyscanner

Skyscanner's "everywhere" feature allows you to look for surprising destinations simply by sorting by your budget and your travel timeframe. For example, you may think Europe will be out of your price-range, but this feature could make the trip possible. Like Hopper and Kayak, it also helps you find the best airfare rates by alerting you when prices dip.

Best Travel Weather App for Road Trips: Drive Weather

The last thing you want is to get caught in a nasty, vision-obscuring storm when you're on a long stretch of highway with your family or friends. DriveWeather was designed to help road travelers avoid the worst weather conditions. The app lets you track your best (read: sunniest) departure time, providing radar views and routes from one point to another—with rain, freezing rain, ice, and snow icons that let you know when there's slippery roads ahead.

The free version offers 2 days of forecasts, city-to-city routing, and a 900-mile trip limit; the ad-free $9.99 a year version offers 7 days of forecasts, wind direction info, specific address-to-address routing, and no cap on trip length.

Best Last-Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight

Booked that spontaneous flight, and now you're trying to figure out where you're going to sleep at night? In the middle of a road adventure and need to find lodging ASAP? Don't panic, there's an app for that. HotelTonight finds last-minute deals on hotels near your location, ranging from "basic" to "luxe" options, including unique boutique hotels.

The app allows you to filter for location, dates, the number of guests, pet-friendly options, and amenities like a gym.

Best for Navigating Traffic: Waze

Waze makes it easy for you to avoid congestion, blocked roads, police, accidents or other hazards that might increase your driving time—because starting off vacation by sitting in traffic is a major mood killer.

The app has a speedometer to help you make sure you're staying within the speed limit, and it updates your arrival time based on live traffic data.

Best for Filtering Airlines and Hotels: Kayak

The beauty of KAYAK is that it aggregates the best fares from most airlines, allowing you to filter flight options based on your airline preference and departure times, while easily changing dates and destinations. You can also find deals on car rentals and hotels.

Once you've booked, the app, available on iOS and Google Play, keeps your plans organized and updates you on flight status, airport terminals, and security wait times.

Best for Non-Hotel Lodgers: Airbnb

Whether you're looking to rent a room, a house, or an entire hacienda, you can search for accommodations in your desired location. The app (free on Google Play and iTunes) lets you filter through photos and reviews, as well as sort by amenities—like a pool or washing machine. Plus, a local host can provide insight about great dining spots.

Best for Preventing Jet Lag: Timeshifter

If you have an international trip in the works and you're hoping to fend off jet lag, give Timeshifter a try. The app was developed by scientists who used sleep and circadian neuroscience to help inform the personalized jet lag plans they craft for you. According to the app's website , even astronauts and elite athletes have used it to arrive at their destinations in tip-top shape.

The first "jet lag plan" is free, so try it out on your next adventure across the world.

Best for Connecting With Locals: Meetup

One way to fully immerse yourself in your travel destination is to meet and talk with locals. Meetup can help you connect with people who are interested in the same things as you, even while on vacation. Whether it's cooking, tech, sports, music, or photography, the app will help you make new friends all over the world.

Best Voice Controlled App: Hound From SoundHound

Free on iOS devices and Android, Hound from SoundHound is a voice assistant app that you can chat with like you would a travel agent. For instance, say, "Okay, Hound. Show me hotels in Chicago for this weekend that cost less than $300 and are pet-friendly.”

Best App for International Travel: Rome2rio

With data from over 160 countries, Rome2rio is one of the best international travel apps. Simply enter any address, landmark, or city as your destination and the app displays info about accommodations and things to do.

Free on iOs and Android, Rome2rio also shows you how to get around, and compares costs, if, for example, you're debating flying from Florence to Rome versus taking the train.

Best for Frequent Flier Travel: App In The Air

This one's been placed on Apple’s coveted “Best App” list because it not only keeps track of itineraries, boarding passes, and frequent-flier programs, but it also tracks boarding and landing times, along with current waits for check-in, security and customs. Through augmented reality, it even helps you figure out if your carry-on is the right fit for your next flight.

For the best place to grab airport coffee, or where you can get a mimosa before 7 a.m. in a specific terminal, the app also pulls tips from fellow travelers. And, if you're the competitive type, you can keep "score" of all of the places you've been on the worldwide leaderboard.

The app is free on iOS and Google Play but also offers a paid upgraded version.

Best for Finding Recommendations: TripAdvisor

For the unacquainted, TripAdvisor has over 700 million reviews of 8 million destinations to peruse before booking your hotel, dinner reservation, or even planning a day at the museum. Free on both iOS and Google Play, the comprehensive app is available in 28 languages.

You can also follow friends and travel experts for advice that matches your interests, view travel videos, read articles for inspo— and write your own reviews, if you're so inclined.

Best for Budgeting: Trabee Pocket

Perfect for the business traveler who needs to track spending and receipts—or anyone who likes to stay on top of budgets—this app also boasts a helpful exchange rate calculator. It's free on iOS and Android with option to upgrade.

Best for Remembering Items: PackPoint

"Never Forget Your ______ Again!" is the slogan for PackPoint , which helps you build a packing list based on your trip. Input the dates, location, the type of travel, and the activities you plan on doing, and the app will conveniently generate a list of items you should bring. It even checks the weather to make sure you bring an umbrella or a heavier jacket depending on your destination.

Best for Refueling On Road Trips: GasBuddy

Despite the cost-saving benefits of a road trip, gas money can really start to add up if you're driving for days. Enter GasBuddy , which helps you find the best gas prices near you. With at 4.7/5 rating and over 300,000 reviews on Apple, the app has helpful features like a gas price map, outage tracker during natural disasters, a trip cost calculator, and useful search filters like brand, price location, available restrooms, and more.

Bonus, you can save 5¢/gal on every gallon if you use the app's free "Pay with GasBuddy" card.

Best For Nature Lovers: AllTrails

If you're like Oprah and think "hiking is so fun," you need to download this app. AllTrails is for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and even those who just want to fit in a cardio workout while on vacation. The app has over 100,000 curated trails—which all but guarantee you'll find one near you—and lets you create and share custom maps with friends.

Best For Bathroom Breaks: Flush

When you gotta go, you gotta go, but finding a public toilet when you're traveling can be quite the task. The Flush Toilet Finder saves you time and helps you avoid an accident with the over 190,000 public bathrooms in its database. Flush will tell you which ones are free, accessible for the disabled, or require a key—and users can even rate and report a toilet.

The Flush app is available for free on iOS and Google Play.

25 Best Beach Hats for Sunny Days Ahead

Comfy and Cool Travel Pants for Your Next Getaway

20 of the Most Stylish Weekender Bags for Women

The Best-Tested Compression Socks for Women

The Best Places to Travel Alone

The Best Luggage for International Travel

20 Makeup Bags That’ll Keep You Organized

34 Stimulating Things to Do Alone

The Best Fanny Packs for Hands-Free Travel

20 Beautiful Places to See Fall Foliage

The Best Travel Accessories for Any Trip

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 9 Best Travel Apps

These days, everyone travels with a smartphone. Beyond the ability to take endless selfies and keep in touch with family back home, they provide us with a never-ending stream of tools and apps to help us plan our travels and deal with any hiccups we encounter on the road.

Unfortunately, while there’s no shortage of travel apps, most of them are terrible.

To help you avoid downloading (and maybe even paying for) apps that aren’t worth your time, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite travel apps. These apps will save you time, money, and help you make the most of your travels. They’re the apps I think every traveler should have on their phone before they leave home.

Table of Contents

1. GetYourGuide

2. loungebuddy, 3. hostelworld, 4. skyscanner, 6. xe currency converter, 7. google translate, 8. happycow, 9. gasbuddy.

Whether you’re in the planning stages and looking for things to fill out your upcoming itinerary or you’re already in a new country and want something to do later that day, GetYourGuide can help. I’ve used them a bunch and always have a great time!

LoungeBuddy takes the pain out of the process. After entering your credit card, airline status, and lounge memberships, the app tells you which lounges you can access at any given airport. It makes even the longest layover tolerable so you can relax and enjoy your travels. And if you don’t have status, you can book lounge access directly through the app. It’s easy to use, and free to download.  

You can also use the app to see who else is staying at the hostel. You can join a group chat for the hostel and connect with travelers to make plans before you arrive. In short, it’s a must-download app for backpackers and solo travelers. The app is free to download.  

The best feature of the app, however, is the ability to search for flights to everywhere . You simply input your departure airport and the dates you want to travel, and it will bring up all the potential options — from cheapest to most expensive — so you can browse for ideas without needing to check each one manually.

If you want to save money on flights, this app is a must. The app is free too.  

The basic version is free while the pro version is $49 USD per year.  

If you have to stay on budget (and don’t want to get ripped off), download this app. It’s free.  

The app can read out your text too so you can hear how it is properly pronounced, and you can also use your camera to take photos of text that it can translate too (which is helpful if you need to read ingredients while shopping, for example). The app is free.  

The app is free but for $9.99 USD per month, you can upgrade to premium, which saves you 20 cents a gallon (up to 50 gallons) and provides 24/7 roadside assistance.

While it’s important to not spend your entire trip on your phone or social media, there are times when using your smartphone can easily improve the quality of your trip, keep you safe, and save you money. By downloading the apps above, you’ll be able to have a much smoother trip, giving you more time, energy, and money to invest in your next adventure.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

30 essential travel apps every traveler needs before their next trip

When it comes to planning and taking a vacation, travelers rely on their phones now more than ever.

Travel apps are a source of inspiration and are extremely useful for booking and managing logistics — even making restaurant reservations or finding a great fitness class wherever in the world you're flying next.

From apps that help with everything from day-of hotel bookings and last-minute flight changes to those that serve as guidebooks and foreign-language dictionaries, travel is infinitely easier thanks to technology.

Apps can help you navigate a new city, make currency conversions, pack a perfect suitcase and even provide on-the-ground local expertise. Whatever you need when you hit the road, there's an app for that.

We've rounded up the most-loved apps here at TPG. Some may be obvious, and others more obscure, but either way, get ready to download.

Best apps for researching and booking trips

In addition to the apps for the airlines you fly most frequently and your favorite hotel brands, these apps can help you save money on flights and accommodations.

Hopper has changed in recent years from just offering a price prediction tool for flights to being a true online travel agency. The app helps travelers find the cheapest flights, hotels and rental cars.

Of course, Hopper also still offers its signature price prediction technology to help you plan out when to book, as well as travel protection options and a price freeze to help you lock in the lowest possible price on hotels and flights.

Kiwi is used mainly to book flights, but it also helps you book hotels (using its partnership with Booking.com) and car rentals (using its partnership with RentalCars.com).

Some of the app's most interesting features include the "Deals" section, which pulls in discounted flights, and the "Travel hacks" section, which includes options for hidden city ticketing, throwaway ticketing (making one-way flights more affordable) and free price alerts.

Hotel Tonight

A dream for last-minute travelers, Hotel Tonight ( now owned by Airbnb ) lets you book stays for the same evening up to a few months in advance in thousands of cities worldwide. Available hotel rooms are categorized into sections like basic, luxe, hip, charming and solid, so you can select what works for your vibe. Take advantage of the daily drop feature, where you swipe to find a personalized deal with a special price only valid for 15 minutes after unlocked.

At TPG, we love a good loyalty program, and HT Perks, the app's nine-level reward program, is extensive. Not unlike a video game, you "level up" by reaching specific spending thresholds on the app, and you'll gain access to perks like discounts, VIP customer support and credits. Also, your levels never expire, so you can only continue to move up.

To book home rentals instead of hotels, use the Airbnb app. After entering your destination and dates, you can filter results based on the home type, price, requisite amenities and more. If you find something you like, you can book directly through the app.

The app is ideal for managing your trips while on the road — you can access all your bookings under the "Trips" tab, where you can view your reservation (and the address or directions), contact the host or change your reservation. Once you have a booking, you can also explore and book local experiences in your destination, such as wine tastings, kayak tours, hikes, shows and concerts.

We can't talk about travel apps without mentioning the TPG App. Use it to track your credit card, airline and hotel points balances; earn points and miles efficiently through using the right credit card ; and research how many points or miles you'll need to book your dream getaway. You can even curate your own news feed so you see the news and advice that matters most to you first.

The TPG App is available for download on iOS . Android users can join the waitlist here .

Related: The TPG App has arrived — here's why you should download it now

Best apps for organizing a trip

From keeping all your documents in order to perfectly packing your suitcase without forgetting a thing, these are the best apps for organizing travel plans.

TripIt declutters your itineraries and documents by keeping them organized in one place. You can set your reservations to automatically send to TripIt, which lets you view travel confirmations, flight itineraries, tickets, hotel and Airbnb booking information, rental car reservations, ferry tickets and driving directions without ever leaving the app.

TripIt also makes it simple to share your trip plans with whoever picks you up from the airport or train station or anyone else who may need to coordinate with you. TripIt Pro subscriptions cost $49 per year and include extras like real-time flight alerts, security wait times, baggage claim information and updates on your loyalty reward programs.

Roadtrippers

Perfect for organizing that epic road trip you've always wanted to take, Roadtrippers plans out your driving route and lets you book hotels and activities along the way. The app is especially useful for finding interesting and off-the-beaten-path roadside attractions, cool restaurants and can't-miss landmarks you can bookmark.

A Roadtrippers Premium membership includes offline maps, live traffic information, overnight RV parking and more for $59.99 per year. For those looking to only venture on a few road trips per year, the app also offers a Pro ($49.99 per year) and Basic ($35.99 per year) membership.

PackPoint takes all the stress out of packing . The app shows you what to bring based on the length of your trip, the weather in your destination and any activities you're planning along the way. If you have access to laundry facilities at your destination, PackPoint even allows you to account for washing your clothes and wearing them multiple times.

Just download and install the app, type in the city you're visiting and plug in your travel details. So, stop waiting until the day before your trip — or the hours before you have to leave for the airport — and start packing now.

Best apps for navigating the airport and flights

Track flights, navigate airports and find airport lounges with these apps.

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world, regardless of the airline or class you're flying. When you create a trip in the app and type in the credit cards you currently hold, it will tell you which lounges you have access to based on the airports you'll be transiting through and how to purchase access if you don't already have it.

You can purchase access on the day you're traveling or up to two months in advance if you're the plan-ahead type. If you prefer to search by lounge or lounge program, the app will tell you exactly what is needed to use them.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide and provides meal vouchers at select airport restaurants across the world for an annual fee starting at $99.

Several cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve , offer Priority Pass memberships for all cardholders (enrollment required). Otherwise, you'll have to pay an annual fee to be a member and, depending on your membership tier, a fee to enter each lounge on top of the annual fee.

To use the Priority Pass app, enter the name or code of the airport you're in, and Priority Pass will pull up the lounges or restaurants that you have access to, including photos, hours, amenities and specific location information. For more information on the Priority Pass Program and how to gain lounge access, click here . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access

FlightAware

The FlightAware app allows you to track flights online, see a live map of a flight and check on delays, cancellations and gate changes. This app is especially helpful if you have a tight connection or want to track your flight.

It's also useful when picking up friends and family at the airport, as you can track their flight and see updated landing times or delays. AvGeeks will enjoy digging into flight statistics, flight maps and community aviation discussions on the app.

Best apps to use during your flight

Timeshifter.

What better way to cure jet lag than with an app? Timeshifter actually helps you avoid jet lag long before your flight takes off and also offers inflight and post-flight suggestions. The app relies on neuroscience research about sleep and circadian rhythms to provide personalized recommendations, taking into consideration your age, gender and normal sleep patterns — as well as specifics about your trip and travel plans. Timeshifter maps out when you should avoid or seek light, take a nap or try to stay awake. It even tells you if you should consider supplementing with melatonin or caffeine.

Your first jet lag plan is free, then $9.99 per plan, or you can enjoy unlimited plans for a year for $24.99.

Flying can cause anxiety — or provide a welcome relief from constant contact with our digital devices. Either way, use travel as an opportunity to relax, meditate or listen to soothing sounds that will lull you to sleep or a deep, relaxed state. Or, perhaps, you'll simply find it helps pass the time during a long flight.

Calm offers meditations on topics such as self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels and happiness, among others. The app also has music options for focusing, relaxing and sleeping, as well as stories for adults and content for kids.

A limited selection of meditations and music is available for free (which you can download to use when you're offline or in flight). The premium version of the app costs $14.99 per month or $69.99 annually.

OK, so Netflix isn't really a travel app, but it can be a lifesaver during a long flight on an aircraft without seatback inflight entertainment or at the airport during an unexpected flight delay or boring layover. If you have a Netflix account, the app allows you to download your favorite shows onto your device to watch offline.

Just make sure to download your shows while connected to Wi-Fi before flying and check them again preflight to make sure they haven't expired (you can usually renew any expired downloads, but you must be connected to Wi-Fi or data to do so). Monthly prices vary depending on the plan.

Another app that's not really a travel app, Spotify can still be incredibly useful during tedious travel moments — just pop in those noise-canceling headphones and listen to your favorite music, meditations, podcasts and more.

The app's Premium plans (prices vary) allow you to download all your content offline on your phone, so you'll have it during long flights or when you don't have data or Wi-Fi access. Whether you want to take a morning jog in Bali to your favorite tunes or pass the time with a podcast on the metro in Barcelona, Spotify has it all.

Best apps to use in your destination

From exchanging money and sightseeing to communicating and knowing all the local tips and tricks, you don't want to land in a foreign city for the first time without these key apps.

XE Currency Converter

The XE Currency Converter app quickly provides live, up-to-the-minute currency rates, then allows you to store and view them even when you're offline. You'll never need to wonder if you're really getting a good deal in another country if you have this app.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a translation app that allows you to do it all — translate into more than 100 languages by typing, access 59 languages offline, translate via photo, translate bilingual conversations and even use the handwriting tool to translate.

The app is simple to use, too, with icons at the top you can click on to draw, take a photo, speak or type.

Not quite sure how much to tip when traveling internationally? GlobeTips will advise you on how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator for easy math. Globe also has apps for currency conversion, unit conversion and more that may be useful for travelers.

Related: The ultimate guide to tipping while traveling

For travelers globe-trotting with friends and family members or simply splitting the cost between groups, Tricount calculates shared costs and splits bills so you don't have to think twice about who owes what. Just enter your trip and currency and invite your travel mates to join your trip.

Each time someone pays for something, you enter the amount in Tricount, and the app splits everything up. You can also snap and store photos of receipts in the app. At the end of your trip, it will show the balances of who owes who what, making it easy to settle up.

Metric Conversions

Never be baffled by Celsius temperatures or suitcase weight in kilograms again with the Metric Conversions app . Whether you're measuring flour to cook at your Airbnb, figuring out distances for your Europe road trip or deciding whether to take a sweatshirt with you during your walking tour of the Great Wall of China, this app has you covered with easy conversions in volume, weight, temperature, area and more.

Google Maps

Google Maps is essential when visiting a new city (or even for getting around your hometown). You can map locations, get directions (walking, driving, public transportation, ride-hailing services and beyond) and see how crowded your subway will be in select cities .

You can make restaurant reservations, save your favorite spots and read and write reviews of attractions, eateries, shops and more. Make sure to download specific city or area maps ahead of time for offline access if you know you'll be without internet at your destination. For obvious reasons, the app works best when your GPS is turned on.

WhatsApp is a handy messaging service for travelers abroad as it uses an internet connection to avoid SMS fees.

It works like most other messaging apps: You start by creating an account, then add your friends and family members to contact and voila! You're able to call, video chat and send messages, images, voice memos, gifs and files just as you would in, say, iMessage (but with Android users too). You can also download WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer.

Best apps for planning activities

Traveling is about more than just getting from point A to point B. If you're looking for activities to add to your itinerary, check out these apps.

Meetup is an app designed for interacting with locals and other travelers who have mutual interests or shared hobbies. Whether you're traveling or at home, take what you love and do more of it with Meetup.

The app shows you groups that are formed around particular interests in your city, including yoga, photography, cooking, wine tasting, hiking, cinema and other activities. You can join groups to get updates on particular events you may want to participate in. The app can even help with networking, as there are many groups dedicated to business and technology. You might even be able to join a coworking group. Travelers with kids can participate in family-friendly meetups, and it's a great way for solo travelers to make friends and connect with others.

TheFork is one of the most useful resources for making restaurant reservations in Europe. Similar to OpenTable or Resy, the app lets you browse different restaurants by category and make reservations. TheFork features more than 60,000 restaurants in cities like London, Madrid and Geneva, as well as spots outside of Europe like Sydney, Australia.

The biggest perk is that many restaurant reservations come with discounts — in some cases, you can get up to 50% off your meal just by reserving a table through TheFork. Since we here at TPG are always down for earning rewards, make sure to monitor your YUMS — TheFork's reward system. You'll earn YUMS with each reservation, and when you hit 1,000, you receive a discount on your bill. Foodie travelers should also consider downloading these apps , too.

Happy Cow helps vegan and vegetarian eaters locate more than 180,000 restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, farmers markets and grocery stores in over 180 countries around the world. The app allows you to filter by not only vegan and vegetarian but also gluten-free and cuisine types. You can also read reviews and get recipes on the app as well.

The app does cost $3.99, but it's a one-time expense.

TripAdvisor

Besides reading reviews of restaurants, hotels and attractions, you can book almost anything on TripAdvisor, from vacation rentals and restaurant reservations to tours and tickets.

The app has grown to include almost all things travel, allowing you to search by destination or interest (like the outdoors, food and drink, family or by the water, for example), which can give you inspiration for a trip or help you get your activities, meals and accommodations organized before traveling or on the fly.

With over 400,000 curated trails, AllTrails can help you find the hike or walk perfect for you and your group. It's not just mountain trails — AllTrails offers city walks, too, like easy meanders through the Marais district in Paris or peaceful strolls through Bangkok's Lumpini Park in Thailand.

See photos, updated weather predictions and key information about each route and connect with other travelers through reviews and forums. Access to AllTrails+ is $35.99 per year, which offers perks like offline maps and wrong turn alerts.

Best apps for staying safe

Use these apps to stay safe when traveling.

Smart Traveler

Smart Traveler is a free service that offers tips and information specifically for U.S. travelers. You can see what visas and vaccines you'll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip.

Register your trip on the app, which gives your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination. If there's any kind of disaster or tragedy, the local embassy can contact you to see if you need help.

TripWhistle

Another app dedicated to keeping you safe, TripWhistle maps your location and allows you to easily text or send your GPS coordinates or location. It also provides emergency numbers for firefighters, medical personnel and police in nearly 200 countries. After all, 911 is only for U.S.-based emergencies: Each country has its own specific emergency number.

Yes, Uber (or any local ride-hailing service app) is convenient, but it may also keep you safe. Using this app when traveling means you'll never get stuck wandering around in an unfamiliar area late at night or have to deal with unscrupulous taxi drivers trying to scam you. Uber also has in-app safety features such as an emergency assistance button which will allow you to call local emergency services right in the app.

• Family holidays

• 10 Wow-Factor Homes For Your 2024 Reunion Holiday
• Our Top Tour De France Luxury Villas 2023
• The Most Popular Travel-Inspired Interior Trends
• The Best Places to Take a Workation – UK and Abroad
• Dreaming of Sunset with Oliver’s Travels
• Oliver’s Vampire Weekender – Only the Undead Should Apply!
• www.oliverstravels.com
• Smart Travel
• Places To Stay
• Travel Guides

25 Proven Apps For Travellers

Travelling to uncharted territory is thrilling as it is daunting. But it’s 2018, and travel with a smartphone is a whole lot easier. Mapping out your holiday from start to finish is a breeze. Be it restaurant recommendations, bagging cheap flights or creating a Pinterest board, the possibilities are endless. So with that, we’ve asked some of our most trusted influencers to dish out their best travel apps, to keep your stress at a minimum. 

Booking A Trip 

Nowadays, Mobile apps play an important role in booking your flights and accommodation.  With a travel app, it only takes a few steps to research accommodation,  check flights, and make a booking.  These apps can also help you get last-minute deals , keep track of your rewards points, and, in some cases, allow you to check into your room using your mobile device. Here, the approved list of the best apps for booking a trip (all are free and for both iPhone and Android).

Mellisa Giroux ,  A Broken BackPack

Melissa Giroux is a Canadian travel blogger who has been abroad for over 4 years. Melissa would rather invest money in flights and experiences than in a castle, she is currently based in Southeast Asia. 

Sky Scanner

Amar Hussian, Gap Year Escape

Amar is a veteran 7 continent world traveller, published travel writer, author and entrepreneur. He has been seen in the likes of TIME, BBC, Entrepreneur, Lonely Planet and is a contributor to the Huffington Post. Amar has a keen interest in photography, history, writing, philanthropy and most importantly, travel. He wonders how you can know your place in the world if you’ve not seen it?

Jack Flight Club

Rachel Medlock ,  Wayfaring Rachel

Marissa Anwar ,  Darling Escapes

Based in NYC/Toronto, Marissa spends her time as the Director at Darling Escapes (one of the largest female communities on Instagram), and a VP, Growth and Innovation in the emerging tech space. 

HotelTonight

It has everything you need, great hotel deals on the types of hotels you like, increased discounts based on use, a really cool new feature called daily drop where I can book an additional 30% on hotels in my favourite cities. All that, and it’s really really to use. I’ve used this travel app after I’ve landed in a new place, (yes, that last minute), but you can book up to 100 days in advance.  

Getting Around

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, smartphone apps can be a great way to help you navigate your new surroundings, and sometimes in the quickest route possible.  These apps from our trusted travel influencers can also ensure you won’t miss a monument, a key tourist attraction, a great meal in a local restaurant or even your time of departure. 

Dannielle, While I’m Young

Dannielle is a UK based travel blogger at While I’m Young , where she shares travel inspiration and her candid opinions of luxury hotels and mouthwatering food and cocktails around the globe. She’s lived in Edinburgh, NYC and Dubai and is no stranger to more intrepid adventures, having visited over 40 countries so far. She blogs to encourage other young women to live their best lives.

Lucy Ruthnum, Absolutely Lucy

Absolutely Lucy is the adventure travel blog for the 20-something who has spent far too long stuck in the office daydreaming about exotic escapes. Four years ago, Lucy set out on a year-long backpacking trip and now she has travelled 30+ countries solo. She’s all about making travel accessible and affordable for everyone. Whether it’s a weekend city break, a summer holiday or a gap year, she’s all about bringing adventure into every day.

Maya Steininger, Travel with the Smile

Vicki Garside ,  Make Time To See The World

Vicki is the lawyer turned content creator and the all-around boss lady at MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld – a site dedicated to showing you that you don’t need to quit your job to travel. Through detailed destination guides and incredible imagery her site will inspire you to explore the planet; and with her helpful travel tips about where to save and where to splurge, she makes sure you have the best travel experiences in whatever vacation time you have. 

Kimberly Davies ,  Walkaboot Travels

Kimberly Erin Davies is a Canadian travel blogger who focuses on adventurous and remote destinations, active travel, and luxury stays. Her blog Walkaboot Travel is for travellers who are sourcing out adventurous activities while choosing to remain luxury in lifestyle. From scuba diving to mountain climbing, to surfing, Kimberly is open to anything active. She believes that after a day of adventuring, there is nothing better than having a delicious meal and crawling into a comfortable bed. Her blog showcases the idea that adventure travel is not just for budget travellers, but is available to those who wish to live a more comfortable lifestyle as well.

Alice Teacake, Teacake Travels

Alice Teacake is a British solo female adventurer encouraging women to face their fears, push their boundaries and reach their full potential through solo female travel.

Lloyd & yaya ,  hand luggage only.

We are Lloyd & Yaya and we run a blog called, Hand Luggage Only which features all our trips, resources for new destinations and helpful tips on exploring the world.

Google Maps

Bruno Barroso ,  Greeky Explorer

Bruno is the founder and sole editor of Geeky Explorer . Through its detailed itineraries, insider travel tips, and destination guides and with an honest and down-to-earth approach, he’s hoping everyone can travel cheaper, smarter and more often.

Jessica Buck , Journeys with Jessica

Jessica is an award-nominated, UK based travel blogger who works lives and breathes travel. Focusing on UK, EU and US city breaks and short weekend stay, her blog is filled with destination guides, hotel and restaurant reviews and detailed itineraries from her multiple inter-railing trips. Having visited 25 countries by the age of 25, Jessica lives life in the fast lane and has no intention of letting the travel bug leave her system anytime soon!

Preparation  

There are a lot of tasks involved in planning a holiday, whether you’re just starting to search for a new destination or getting ready to pack and catch your flight, you want to avoid becoming overwhelmed.  F ortunately, with the prevalence of smartphones, there are now a number of apps available that can help you in every step of the way.

Megan Jerrard, Mapping Megan

Annika Ziehen, The Midnight Blue Elephant

Annika Ziehen considers herself a German/New York/South Africa hybrid and currently calls the world her home. She is a travel writer, shark lover, and owner of the Midnight Blue Elephant. On her blog, she writes about solo travel, adventures underwater, destination guides and personal musings about travelling the world.  She has recently published her first book “Solo Trip” which is available in German and in English. 

Jet Journal

Shannon O’Donnell, A Little Adrift

Shannon O’Donnell is a responsible tourism advocate and named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year for her work helping travellers use grassroots tourism as a force for good. She founded both A Little Adrift and Grassroots Volunteering, which is the world’s largest database of social enterprises empowering travellers to connect to causes and communities in the places they travel.

Becky Moore, GlobalGrasshopper

Becky Moore from Global Grasshopper. Global Grasshopper is an award-winning blog and resource for independent travellers which aims to unravel the secrets of the world’s most unique, under-the-radar and beautiful places. 

Inma gregorio ,  a world to travel.

Mar ,  Once in a Lifetime Journey

Mar is an ex-Googler and strategy consultant turned luxury travel blogger, digital marketing consultant and online entrepreneur. As an ultra-frequent traveller and long-term expat, she has lived in eight countries, visited over 100 and worked in more than 30. You can find her in one of the least visited countries in the world or enjoying the finest things in life. She shares her travels on www.OnceinaLifetimeJourney.com and www.SingaporenBeyond.com.

Google Trips

Chloe Gunning ,  Wanderlust Chloe

Wanderlust Chloe is a top UK travel blog for lovers of adventure, food, luxury and more. From volcano boarding in Guatemala and paragliding in Brazil to wine tasting in Argentina and swimming in Hawaii’s beautiful waterfalls, Chloe loves inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

Finding Places 

So you’re ready to explore the new city, but you have absolutely no idea where to start. This is where your trusty smartphone comes in. There are all sorts of different apps, some use your device’s GPS technology to help you find awesome spots around town, others give you tips, reviews, and recommendations from real people who’ve already been there.  Check out some of the most popular apps for finding new places that can help you make the most of your holiday. 

Victoria Brewood ,  Pommie Travels

Victoria is the author of Pommie Travels, and Top 10 UK travel blog offering solo travel tips, destination advice and travel hacks to help you travel in style, on a budget. Originally from Manchester, she now resides in New York City and has visited over 40 countries, including Madagascar, Iceland and Japan, to name just a few. 

Michele Frolla ,  The Intrepid Guide

Michele from The Intrepid Guide is a language and travel blogger and author. Michele shares her passion for bringing language and travel together through with her destinations guides, language learning tools, travel phrase cheat sheets, and more! Follow her on social media as she shares fascinating and little-known linguistic and cultural facts. Check out her Instagram , Facebook , YouTube and Twitter , too!

Abigail King ,  Inside The Travel Lab

Abigail King publishes the award-winning Inside the Travel Lab, a blog that focuses on luxury travel with a different perspective: through the eyes of a writer who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. Lonely Planet describes it as one of the best blogs in the world, while National gGeographicTraveller

Spotted By Locals

Cheryl Howard, Cheryl Howard

Over 44,000 people follow my round the world travels and expat adventures at home in Berlin. My wanderlust has taken me 38 countries, stretching across four continents. Upon falling in love with Europe, I left Canada, quitting my job, selling everything I own, and moving to Berlin. When I’m not jetting off on a weekend getaway, I work as an Agile Coach by day and travel blogger by night.

Lia Garcia ,  Practical Wanderlust

Now it’s your turn.  What is your favourite travel app from the list above? Why not have a quick peek at the Infographic below to refresh your memory. If you want to get updated news about technology and gadgets you can find it on Tech Blog UK .

Add this infographic to your website by copying and pasting the following embed code:

<p><strong>Please include attribution to Oliver’s Travels with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href=’ https://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/best-travel-apps’ ><img src=’https://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Travel-Apps.jpg’ alt=’The 25 Best Travel App (Infographic)’ 540px border=’0′ /></a></p>

These travel apps will guarantee a smooth journey

One Response

[…] an https://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/best-travel-apps/ increasing list of nations under its belt, Citymapper is among the best tools to locate and use […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to enjoy a better experience.

10 Best Mobile Apps to Plan Your Next Trip

A list of the best travel apps that offer multiple features to log your trips.

If you like to log your trips but don’t want to carry a travel diary all along, then let your smartphone take over this task through a useful travel app.

A journal app built for logging your travels must have two elements; an intuitive interface as well as stunning features that allow you to capture your memories, add photos and videos along with location info etc. So, in this post, I’ll list down some of the best travel apps that offer multiple features for users. Let’s take a look.

Google Trips & 9 Alternative Travel Apps for Avid Travelers

Google released Google Trips, an app that wants you to "see more, plan less". The app aims to... Read more

I have used a few travel apps, but none as easy and intuitive as Polarsteps. What I liked most is, it tracks your trip and shows it on a colorful map . Also, you can add a story and calculate statistics including countries visited, distance traveled, etc. Moreover, you can share the trip on social media and via email.

What’s more interesting is that you can track your journey in the offline mode , letting you to trek and track remote places. Also, the app can create a travel log of your trip using the location-tagged photos. Last but not least, you can also create a paper-printed travel book through Polarsteps for just €30 to €80.

Download Polarsteps for:

Journi Blog

Journi Blog is an intuitive story-telling app that captures and categorizes your best moments and stories of your travel life on a catchy timeline. It lets you blog about your vacations, create photo albums, and geolocate your photos. What’s best? You can allow others to track your trips , thanks to its sharing options.

If you use several devices, you can sync your journal to Dropbox or Google Drive. Also, like Polarsteps, you can track your travels offline. However, these two features require a premium subscription. Last but not least, you can also turn your blog into a unique photo book for starting price of €22.99.

Download Journi Blog for:

Tripcast is another diary app, which — I find — is most useful when you are traveling in a group. It captures your trip and lets you share an update with family and friends in real time. Interestingly, it works like a group journal — all the members can add photos and videos to one place.

Moreover, you can also build a photo album like Polarsteps or Journi Blog; however, what is unique here? You can create a collective photo album as well. Last but not least, Tripcast creates a trip map based on the geo-tagged photos, so you can browse them by location, just like other apps on this list.

Download Tripcast for:

If you love journaling with a minimalistic approach, you will like the intuitive diary-style journaling of Bonjournal. You can create a day-by-day narrative with your photos, the date and location, title, and some chosen words. Moreover, it offers offline support to travel and journal without a web connection.

What I liked the most is, you can export your logs to PDF so it can be printed, shared, or stored. It also generates a map of your trip and lets you share the complete exhibition with your friends and fellow travelers. Last but not least, you can also share your journals or photos via Facebook and Twitter.

Download Bonjournal for:

Journey is another seamless mobile journaling companion to help keep your travel memories for a lifetime. You can add photos and videos, attach audio notes, and pen your stories in words. Additionally, Journey adds the weather and location information to your journal entries on the fly.

You can import diaries from other apps and export to DOCX and PDF, allowing you to share and safe-keep them. It can also sync across multiple platforms and share your journal entries on social media. Its Throwback feature lets you view your timeline and revisit the places on an intuitive map.

Download Journey for:

If you already use Evernote to jot down notes or to-do lists, then you can stick to it for logging your trips as well. How’s it better than the rest of the apps? It supports multiple platforms and cross-syncs between them. If that’s not enough, you can share photos on social media and do more, thanks to IFTTT.

What it uniquely offers is, you can create travel plans (and to-do lists) and assign tasks along with writing your journals. I suggest creating a notebook for writing your travel journals, and if it becomes complex, then create a notebook per journey. And lastly, you can share your diary with others as well.

Download Evernote for:

Although Penzu is not built specifically for travelers, like Evernote; it is a popular journal app that offers unlimited yet intuitive journaling experience. I love its reminders that request you to write — online as well as offline. Moreover, you can sync your journals across the web and mobile platforms — for free.

You can add photos in travel logs along with text and categorize them with tags . However, you can’t share or publish them, unlike above apps. Moreover, you can also customize the journal cover , perform smart searches, and enjoy a lot more features in its Pro/Pro+ subscription for $19.99 or $49.99 a year.

Download Penzu for:

Diaro is a multi-purpose and multi-platform service which works offline as well, like Bonjournal and Penzu. What I liked the most is, the app has an intuitive interface that lets you organize everything, thanks to its support for folders and tags . Also, it lets you add geotagged photos and maps in diary entries.

Diaro offers multilingual support (unlike many other apps), journal-sharing features, friendly reminders to write posts (like Penzu), and a lot more features. Isn’t it enough? Its paid version offers additional features like ad-free experience, cloud sync , and export options.

Download Diaro for:

When it comes to logging your memories, Diarium is helpful in capturing journals in a calendar interface . You can attach drawings and photos as well as audio files, tag multiple entries for a day, write stories, and include timestamp along with the location. What’s unique? Diarium automatically pulls in social media feeds and reminds you to write the journal on a daily basis.

Moreover, it displays your calendar events, fitness data, and weather info along with your journals. Last but not least, its pro version offers reliable syncing to OneDrive and allows you to export journal entries in various formats (like DOCX and HTML) along with their media attachments.

Download Diarium for:

This list would not have been complete without Momento: a travel diary app for your iPhone. Momento automatically organizes your entries into a beautiful private journal. You can write notes, add photos and videos, and insert people, places, and tags in your journals. Also, you can set up custom reminders to encourage you to capture your beautiful moments.

What piqued my interest is that Momento collects your posts from a wide range of social media feeds and places them in your journals. Moreover, you can search and explore, relive, and rediscover your moments on a unified timeline . Lastly, it offers journal-sharing features and local and iCloud backup and restore options as well, surprisingly.

Download Momento for:

Bonus: More Traveling apps:

Update your Facebook posts, Foursquare check-ins, tweets and Instagram photos like normal, and Jauntlet will collect them and map out your travels for you. You can also add to it by updating your travel blog.

Download Jauntlet for:

Log on and snap a photo which comes with the location of where you are (this makes it great as a real-time journey log). Plus, you don’t have to duplicate your updates onto other social networks like Facebook or Twitter – just syndicate it.

Download Geospike for:

Which is the best journal app?

It depends on your requirements. I have picked the ten best journal apps for Android and iOS, but all these apps don’t work on both the platforms, of course. Moreover, some of them work on the web and other platforms as well. So you need to think about platforms and use cases and choose accordingly.

40 Best Travel Apps for 2024: Plan, Book, Tech, Tickets & More

Home » Travel Style » Technology and Gear » 40 Best Travel Apps for 2024: Plan, Book, Tech, Tickets & More

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Updated: 24th November 2023

During the last decade, how we travel has been thoroughly reshaped. The internet and, more significantly, the smartphone have revolutionised how we plan our trips and explore this planet. Yet, with so many websites, apps, guides and resources now available, it can be overwhelming to decide which travel apps deserve a space on our home screens.

Of course, the travel apps you’ll need to download before your trip will vary depending on where you’re visiting, the type of traveller you are, and your priorities on the road. From those pre-trip essentials, such as finding cheap flights and securing hotel deals, to the boring but necessary tech to manage reservations, money and sometimes even access to the internet, there truly is a travel app for organising everything these days.

Then there are those glorious pocket-size pieces of tech that make our experiences so much richer. Travel apps that allow us to read constellations in the sky above Peru’s Andes, mind-blowing translation software which instantly reads a menu on a long train journey through China , or friend-finding solutions which can connect us with fellow travellers, generous hosts, road trip buddies and even waste-avoiding discount food. Sure, this little device might have taken some of the spontaneity out of our journeys, but there’s no denying that the best travel apps can also enhance our experience while exploring.

Editors note (AI): While I’m sure later in 2024, I’ll update this article again to include some AI travel apps, I haven’t as yet found one I believe is reliable enough. Having tested a selection of itinerary planning AI travel apps using Portugal as a destination (the country I live in, know very well, and write guidebooks for), I’ve received results littered with errors, out-of-date suggestions, or proposals that skip some of the best offbeat experiences in the country — likely because the training material that has been used is also not in-depth or up-to-date. I’m sure when live information integration arrives and things advance this year a few apps will start to stand out. But for now, I’ve skipped any solely AI-powered tools, especially as some seem to have been built exclusively to sell affiliate-linked tours and activities.

In this article...

Best travel apps for flights, lounges and compensation

These are my go-to apps for all things flying. You might also want to consider signing up for cheap flight-finding newsletters so you can get the best deals directly to your inbox.

Skyscanner (free travel app)

For over a decade, Skyscanner has been my preferred travel app for finding flights. While there are plenty of other options these days, such as Kiwi or Kayak, I still always opt for Skyscanner. It has a clean interface, there is no cookie tracking or worries about going incognito, and I nearly always find the best deals here.

Of course, the ‘search everywhere’ feature is always a winner for finding those bargain flights when you are up for going on a trip but don’t really mind where. The app also features ‘Price Alerts’ so you can track fares going up and down and third-party reviews to know how reliable the company advertising the flight is. As a bonus, the Skyscanner travel app now has a ‘Top Deals’ tab for spontaneous trips away alongside additional searches for hotels and car hire. Download on iPhone | Android

If you’ve ever dealt with trying to claim for a delayed flight under EU regulations , you’ll know it can be a challenging process. While there are various protections across the world to ensure compensation when delays or cancellations happen, sometimes it can be a drawn-out and even unsuccessful process. That’s where Colibra comes in, as it takes a different approach and pays out compensation for delays of over one hour or more due to any reason, such as strikes or weather, with the money supposedly hitting your account within 24 hours.

However, it’s good to know that the compensation you’ll receive through Colibra isn’t as high as doing it yourself. Their model works by getting you to download the app and register your flight before arriving at the airport — essentially taking a gamble as you then assign the legal right to Colibra to make the full claim. The advantage is that whether Colibra is successful or not in getting the compensation to them (often, if delays are just an hour or two, there is no cash compensation), you’re guaranteed to get your share of the pot.

The funds for this come from those who have been delayed for over three hours and get compensation via EU rules but take a lower share of their cut from Colibra’s claim, leaving money in the pot for those with shorter delays. There is also a flight booking feature called “Fly Now, Pay If Okay”, which allows you to book flights and pay after flying – thus, if there is a delay of three hours or more, you don’t pay anything. You can read more about how this works on their website. Let’s see if they become one of the best flight booking apps as they expand this feature. Download App

Priority Pass

Frequent flyers who don’t usually fly premium or own a credit card that comes with the benefit of lounge access may want to consider signing up for Priority Pass.

Offering membership to more than 1000 lounges in some 140-plus countries, this travel app, in connection with the Priority Pass Airport Lounge program , allows you and potentially a guest to enjoy all the amenities of a lounge; this usually includes both pre-flight and layovers. There are a few different pricing models, including a lower option with paid entrance to the lounges and a mid-range membership, which allows for ten free lounge visits. Of course, this means if you’re only flying a couple of times a year, it’s most likely not worth it. Sign up here and download the app

Best apps for booking travel by train, bus, ferry or car share

These are some of the best apps for travel planning in Europe; especially helpful if you’re considering an overland trip across the continent to seek out some of Europe’s hidden gems .

Rome 2 Rio (free travel app)

This website really is a leader in finding the best way to travel within or between countries. For example, I didn’t think getting a reliable bus timetable in Sri Lanka was possible until I fired up this trusty app. But where it really excels is when it comes to working out more complicated journeys, especially those that cross borders.

Simply type in your start and end point, and you’ll get a whole list of overland/water/air routes for your trip, often ones that other similar booking sites don’t bring up. The reason for this is that Rome2Rio was created to be a useful resource rather than to make affiliate income (the commission websites make by selling something), and therefore formed one of the most impressive databases of transport options in the world; it even often helps me where Google Maps fails. That said, they have recently started shifting into selling more tickets (also handy), but it seems they still show every option they know. With heaps of helpful info, such as approximate prices, distances, route numbers, and which operators to book with, it’s honestly the travel app I use most, and I can not praise these heroes enough for making multi-country travel so much easier to plan. Download on iPhone | Android

Omio (free travel app)

Omio is one of the best travel apps for planning your travels around Europe, allowing you to book and manage various transport and accommodation options in one interface. They proudly boast of an extensive collection of bookable bus and train options that some other aggregator websites and apps miss.

That said, they don’t cover all operators in every country. So, while this is a handy app for researching, planning and keeping your bookings together, it’s always worth checking local operators too. Often, smaller local players don’t have an integration with travel apps (or don’t want to pay them a commission for taking reservations), so you might need to hunt them out and book directly. Download App

Eurail / Interrail (free travel app)

The Eurail app is a godsend for planning train travel across Europe, as it covers more than 30 countries. While it’s actually designed for Interrail/Eurail pass holders, anyone can access and utilise the planning feature for free. Their travel app particularly stands out when it comes to planning multi-country train trips, often showing far more choices in connections than the other applications and websites I’ve detailed in this section.

For example, I just searched for Lisbon to Paris, and the Eurail planner highlighted all the train connections across Portugal, Spain and France I would need to take. Omio, on the other hand, tells me this journey isn’t possible by train as it sometimes struggles with cross-border rail searches.

While you don’t need to have purchased a pass to use the app, it’s well worth considering buying one if you plan to do a lot of rail travel on the continent over a month or two. If you live in Europe, you should look into the Interrail Pass, while non-European residents will need to learn how to use the Eurail Pass to be sure they get their money’s worth. Either way, their travel app is a great tool to have on your phone, especially as it even works offline. Download iPhone | Download Android

Rail Europe (free travel app)

Acting as an official agent for many of the leading train operators in Europe, Rail Europe is something of a one-stop shop for searching for and booking train travel on the continent and unlike the Eurail app, you don’t need a pass to book your tickets with these guys — hence my inclusion here.

However, not all countries are signed up. For example, in Portugal , you would still need to book with the local CP rail service directly, although much of central and western Europe is covered. Download the Rail Europe App

12Go (free travel app)

While many of my recommendations here are particularly geared up for planning travels around Europe, one of the best websites for researching and booking flights, ferries, buses and trains in Asia is 12GO . They cover a large range of countries, operators and transport options, and you can even book taxis in some countries too. That said, the Android version of their travel app seems to be much better quality than the iPhone version (which is unsurprising given Android holds more than 70% of the market share on the continent), meaning IOS users may find the website more helpful than the app. Download iPhone | Android

FlixBus (free travel app)

FlixBus (and now FlixTrain in Germany) has quickly grown to be one of the biggest inter-country bus operators in Europe. I remember when it first launched, and you’d be on a random local bus that sold tickets through the platform. Nowadays, the majority of the bus routes are operated by the official, modern, and green FlixBuses, although some remain franchises.

While Flix certainly isn’t a luxury option – what is on an 18-hour night bus? – They are fairly reliable and affordable, have toilets, and usually have wifi and plug sockets. Mainly operating in Europe, they also offer limited services in the USA with plans to expand into other markets in 2024. Download App

BlaBlaCar (free travel app)

BlaBlarCar might not appeal to everyone due to safety concerns, but it’s one of the most helpful travel apps for travellers like myself who can’t drive and are reliant on public transport. Sometimes, it’s hard to reach certain places, or you have restricted bus options, and that is where this app can be a life saviour. Think of it as a mix of Uber with normal people driving and pre-planned hitchhiking — it’s essentially a carpooling app which helps drivers split the cost of fuel. If you’re doing a big road trip and are looking to split some costs and share some company, you might even want to add your own trips to the app as a driver rather than a rider.

On the travel app’s simple interface, you search where you are going to and from, like on any other ride-share app, and it will show you any drivers doing the same route on the date you’ve searched for. If you find a good match, you can book a seat in their car and join them on a ride. The price usually is based on sharing the gas. Not only does this help you get from A to B, but it also helps you make new travel friends. I’ve mainly used this in Portugal and Spain, but they cover 22 different countries across Europe & Latin America. Recently, they have started offering bus services in France. Download on iPhone | Android

Best travel apps for accommodation

These are some of the best apps for finding alternative accommodation ideas , hotels, hostels or even free hosts. Just remember, you can often get a better deal directly from a hotel or hostel if you email them directly. This way, they won’t need to pay a commission to the OTA (Online Travel Agency) and can often pass that saving on to you. I haven’t recommended Airbnb here because I’ve seen first-hand how it sucked the life out of Lisbon, but there are a few more sustainable and community-concerned websites that I do love, Faribnb and Ecobnb ; however, as of 2024, they still haven’t launched dedicated apps.

Couchsurfing

Sadly, Couchsurfing is no longer as useful as it once was, which has led to plenty of alternative hosting sites cropping up, such as the free-to-use BeWelcome and women-only Travel Ladies app . However, in terms of membership numbers, Couchsurfing still seems to lead the way — even if it now costs a few dollars a month. There are a lot of complaints from long-term members about how the ethos of the company was destroyed after it went from community-owned to private, yet it still remains one of my favourite resources for both finding cool hangouts and traveller-focused events in new destinations, as well as offering to host, or finding a place to stay while on the road.

That said, the actual travel app isn’t the best (the website is easier to navigate), but it’s still worth having if you’re a member to use the ‘hangout’ and ‘local event’ features. Even though the app was born as a place to offer, or seek, a sofa/bed/room to crash for a night or two, even those who aren’t keen on staying with strangers will find good connections. While the payment model introduced has reduced the number of people active on the platform throughout 2023, I still made plenty of connections in person via the travel app, but mainly in larger cities. Download App

CozyCozy (free travel app)

One of the most interesting and newest accommodation search engines that has cropped up in recent years is CozyCozy , which has both a travel app and a website. I particularly like that it searches not just hotel booking websites but also the likes of Airbnb and VRBO, so you don’t need to run different searches on different platforms to find the best listings or the lowest prices. The filtering for the searches is also quite interesting and helpful. For example, you can look for camping or select the ‘ Unusual Places ‘ tab, which is always interesting for finding a different kind of stay. Think of unique stays such as hiring a houseboat in a marina to call a temporary home, treehouses, or mountain chalets.

The additional filters are also convenient, whether it be free cancellation or accessibility filters, which means not only do you need to search only one website, but you also don’t need to click into individual stays to check they meet your criteria. While CozyCozy only searched in around 40 destinations when it launched, it’s now expanded, with plenty more countries added heading into 2024. Download on iPhone | Android

Booking.com (free travel app)

I used to be a big hotels.com fan due to the book ten nights and get one free, but their app sucks. It’s slow to load, you need great wifi, and I’ve realised that the reward nights for booking ten and then getting an allowance for a free night means the costs are more than rivals. As such, I’ve returned to using booking.com as my go-to travel app for hotel stays. Yes, I know it’s not the best business model for the industry, and often you can get better rates if you email a hotel directly (Booking usually requires that the best ‘public-facing’ price is on their website, something I talk about more in this article on finding luxury travel deals ), but for ease of use and range of accommodation offered, it’s unrivalled.

Two other reasons that Booking is such a catch-all is they now have heaps of Hostel listings (hence why I no longer feel the need to recommend Hostel World) and even plenty of apartment stays, many of which are better value than those I see on Airbnb, particularly because cleaning and platform fees are nearly always included in the final quote.

Booking’s travel app also often has ‘Mobile Only’ pricing, meaning stays can be cheaper on the app than on the website, and after you have booked a certain number of nights, you’ll get access to ‘genius benefits’ such as additional discounts, late checkouts, in-hotel extras and quicker customer service. Having had a few problems in the past — such as hotels not existing or no one available for check-in — I’ve personally always had excellent service in resolving the issue with the support chat, and often an upgrade apology elsewhere at no extra cost. Download App

Best travel apps for tours and tickets

In many destinations, booking tickets for attractions directly is best. However, sometimes you want to book in advance or arrange a tour in a rush, and in those cases, these tour and ticket apps will come in handy.

Get Your Guide (free travel app)

Offering tickets to attractions around the world and a huge range of tours and attractions on their website , Get Your Guide also now has a handy app where you can make use of those tickets without the need to print anything — and I genuinely believe it’s better than competitors like Viator, though recently I have also started to use Tiqets for some museums that were better deals than GYG. I first started using this when I went to Milan to skip the lines for the Duomo rooftop, and if you have ever spent ages waiting to get into a big-ticket attraction, you’ll know how handy those fast-track tickets can be.

Likewise, when you’re planning a trip, it’s a good place to get some inspiration and see what activities are around. Recently, I was looking at stuff to do near home in Portugal and only found out about mountain Quad Bike tours from the app — so it can be a handy research tool too. New users of the app get a host of discounts and exclusives, such as discounts on luggage storage and partner bookings. Download App

TourRadar (free travel app)

TourRadar is another tour booking app, but it covers lots of big operators, such as G Adventures and Intrepid, alongside small local companies. This makes it a great search engine and one of the best travel apps for finding and booking multi-day tours, as they all appear in one place. While GYG is going to be helpful while travelling in general, the TourRadar app is a great resource for finding and booking a group or private tour before arrival. Download App

Best travel apps for maps, road trips, camping and hiking

These are some of the best apps for travelling overland, whether you’re in an RV, hiking, camping, or just looking for the best way to get from A to B.

Roadtrippers

For those who are planning an epic road trip across the USA, this travel app is a great starting point. You can punch in up to 100 stops when planning your route, and the app provides interesting suggestions for other places to pause on the way. Additionally, it allows you to collaborate with friends to pull plans together; it’s a super helpful pre-trip tool. Then, while on the road, the app provides live traffic updates, ensuring you don’t wast valuable vacation time. Download App

Google Maps (free travel app)

I’m not gonna lie: I find the recent November 2023 update to Google Maps frustrating. There seems to be more clicking and a more complicated interface than before. However, it’s still an absolute must for me when travelling, mainly because of the vast database of reviews, photos and public transport options — especially in destinations where it’s linked with public transport GPS to show you bus or train locations — that it provides. I also appreciate that when I’m travelling somewhere without a data connection, I can select which parts of the map to download to my phone to use offline. It’s a staple for me; I just hope in 2024, they revert back from this slightly more clunky interface. Download on iPhone | Android

Maps.Me (free travel app)

Sometimes, Maps.Me is the superior choice, and this can be especially true in more offbeat destinations. I was especially impressed at how much more helpful this travel app was compared to the big players when I visited Oman and Tajikistan.

The maps are downloadable, so you can be offline and still use them anywhere, but the best thing is they are powered by OpenStreetMap, which is open-source, so anyone can update details and add new openings and finds. Often, people also had helpful points for trails and viewpoints. This community aspect (rather than Google’s more curated, business-centric approach) ensures that not only is this one of the best travel apps for navigating more remote destinations, but it can often be the most helpful on certain types of trips. Download on iPhone | Android

While nothing can usually beat a local walking guide’s knowledge, the All Trails app comes pretty close. Hosting a huge database of official — and not-so-official — walking routes, reviews and crowd-sourced paths, this travel app can really help you explore more of a destination on foot or by bike. The free version is okay, but for those often hiking in new destinations, the paid additions may be handy.  Go Janutly is another excellent app to have if you’re looking for local walking trails and routes. Download App

What3Words (free travel app)

This is a unique map that gives a three-word name to every spot in the world. If you are travelling to more remote places where street names aren’t a thing or streets don’t exist, this can help you to get there. Likewise, in case of an emergency, it can be used to give a very precise location to emergency services. When I first listed this travel app here a few years back, it was very niche, but now, as we enter 2024, even delivery companies and guidebooks are using it. Download on iPhone | Android

Best app for travel itinerary management: TripIt (free travel app)

TripIt is a super handy piece of kit that will even auto-scan your emails and compile all your travel plans into one place. If you are a frequent traveller, this can become a super handy PA in your pocket.

The free version is still one of the best travel apps for most average people planning a trip, but if you are often on the road, the business upgrade will make things much more streamlined, compiling all of your plans into one place. Download on iPhone | Android

Best travel apps for documenting (and inspiring) your trip

Beyond the normal suspects, such as TikTok, Instagram, or even starting your own blog, there are a few travel app newcomers for documenting and keeping track of your travel.

Framey (free travel app)

So, if you have become as fed up with Instagram as I have, then you might be seeking a photo-focused app to document your travels and inspire your future trips, and Framey does exactly that. No more endlessly scrolling through random reels; Framey’s feed is the perfect place to share your photos with specific locations and find inspiration from your friends or travel ambassadors/creators. The search function also works great, so you can scan your next travel destination and find quick, bite-sized information underneath fantastic visuals or scroll through ‘collections’, bringing together everything in one place.

While on the road, it’s also a helpful travel app to find your way to key sights and great photo points around your location, thanks to the inbuilt map feature, which pins photos on an easy-to-use road map. Both during and before your trip, you can easily save your favourite finds to your own collections so you don’t miss or forget that perfect spot. Download on iPhone | Android  

Visited App (free travel app)

Simple and easy to use, VisitedApp is one of the best travel apps for country counters to keep track of everywhere they have been. Simply add in your visited destinations, and you can see them both on a list view or a highlighted map. The inspiration section, which works a little like Tinder where you swipe left or right depending on if you want to add it to your ‘wishlist’ is a nice feature as it doesn’t just focus on countries as a whole but also cities, national parks, and regions — with nice photos for inspiration — so you can use it both for documenting where you have been but also where you still want to go.

There are also specific categories for various types of travel, such as Art Museums and Wonders of the World, so you can keep adding to your lists of places you have visited and want to visit. The paid pro version allows you to record the places you have visited in even more detail, such as specific cities or regions. Download on iPhone | Android

Best apps for backpackers and solo travel

These are some of the more useful travel apps if you’re travelling solo or as a backpacker.

Radical Storage (free travel app)

One of the biggest hassles when backpacking is finding a place to stash the bags, especially if you’re not able to check in early or are just stopping somewhere for the day before taking the bus or train. Radical Storage is one of many new handy travel apps (others include Luggage Hero and Bounce) that will help you find a pre-booked place to store your bag if the local bus or train station does not have an option. Usually, the fees are pretty decent, and both times I’ve used it, I’ve had no problems, although sometimes the storage options can be a little obscure, and the exact location isn’t always displayed until after booking. Download App

Travello (free travel app)

Travello has made some significant inroads in the travel world over the past few years and has even been named one of the top apps by the Apple store — it’s come a long way since I first met the founders back in 2016. Still, this will mostly come in handy if you’re travelling in Australia and, to a lesser extent, New Zealand and Asia.

But what is it? Well, think Tinder, but for travellers. With a well-developed interface, this travel app will help you find other travellers with similar interests who are already in or heading to the same areas. You can also search the noticeboard for your upcoming plans and arrange shares/swaps in advance. Recently, they have expanded into selling tours and travel experiences through partners, so you can also book activities directly in the app too, and discounts are applied depending on how many ‘points’ you’ve earned through activity within the app community. Download on iPhone | Android

Meetup (free travel app)

Meetup is great whether you’re travelling or not; I’ve used it to attend events in my home city before. It will help you connect with fellow travellers nearby to attend group events and activities, which can be searched and filtered by interests. If you’re travelling and seeking new connections and people to share experiences with — but don’t want to get Couchsurfing — this is a useful app to have on your phone while travelling. Download App

Top travel apps for staying connected

VPN, eSIM, internet-only mobile numbers — the web has provided a whole new world of ways to stay connected while travelling, and these are some of the most handy travel apps to ensure you don’t get lumped with a hefty data roaming bill.

HolaFly eSim

An eSim is a virtual sim card and provides an alternative to having to buy a new sim card at each destination. There are many benefits to this, such as speed, ease and forward planning, although the costs can sometimes be more than buying a local card. I’ve written a detailed guide to the pros and cons in this eSim for Europe guide . However, HolaFly is my go-to choice, especially since they have started offering some unlimited data packages in certain destinations. Get a 5% discount with my code: DANFLYINGSOLO when you sign up, then Download the App

A VPN is handy for security, but in some places, like when I went on a tour through China, it is essential to keep you connected to all your favourite apps that may be blocked in other countries. I would love to recommend an underdog here, but ExpressVPN is the best and most consistent I have used, so they are the winner. A free alternative is Windscribe , which I’ve found useful in many situations, though sometimes it’s unreliable and doesn’t always work. Enjoy a free trial of ExpressVPN via their website

WhatsApp (free travel app)

I feel like everyone should know and use WhatsApp, but I’ve discovered that plenty of folks in the USA still don’t rate it — though perhaps that’s changing since Meta brought it into the Facebook family.

An end-to-end encrypted communication app, it provides all the benefits of iPhone devices, such as calls, video chat, and messaging over data, but it is open to Android users as well. But the reason this is one of the most helpful travel apps is that in many regions (particularly in some Asian countries), nearly everything is organised through WhatsApp. From booking guest house stays in Indonesia to arranging tour guides in Kazakhstan, without this app, I’d have missed out on a lot of local experiences you won’t find on the big travel aggregators. Download on iPhone | Android

I haven’t personally used Rebtel, but a good friend in the USA recommended I include it in this article as it offers cheap international calls (via actual phone numbers, so it is a good alternative to internet calling) without always needing an internet connection. Thus, it’s a handy app to have if you’re going to be travelling and need a way to call physical numbers rather than communicating through WhatsApp. Signup is required to download the app

Best apps for language translation and learning

These are some of the best language learning apps to master some basics before arriving at a new destination. Of course, these are quite generic, so if you want to take a deeper dive into a specific language, such as learning Spanish online , you’ll likely want a more in-depth course. 

Duolingo (free travel app)

I spent all of 2022 using Duolingo Plus (the paid version of the app) and covered the first half of the Spanish course and all the (Brazilian) Portuguese courses. For me, the adverts in the free version are now really annoying, and I didn’t love the recent redesign; however, as far as free language travel apps go, Duolingo remains one of the best if you have a little patience.

I like the fact it is more like a course in the palm of your hand than a list of jumbled words. It uses repetition and reviewing to make sure you have grasped it and mixes audio learning with visual prompts. You aren’t going to become fluent here, but you will have more than enough to get by. They also have a relatively wide range of languages, although some courses, such as French and Spanish, are more in-depth than others. Download on iPhone | Android

I seem to go through phases with different language apps, dropping in and out when travelling, but now, having moved to Portugal, I’m using language apps not just for a short trip but to support myself in learning a brand new language, Portuguese.

Drops is a relatively new language app, and my favourite thing about it is the different mediums it uses to support learning words. You get both written and audio words, but also visual graphics to help support the learning. You also have complete control over the phrases that you go through this process with, so if you are already confident with certain words, you can tick them off, and they won’t show up in the lesson format. Another thing I love about Drops is their commitment to lesser-known languages and preserving traditional and regional dialects, such as Samoan and Ainu. Download on iPhone | Android

Google Translate (free travel app)

Okay, so it might not be teaching you a language, but it is undoubtedly one of the absolute BEST travel apps that you absolutely must have on your phone. Be sure not just to download the app itself before your trip but also to download the language of the country you’re visiting. Then, the translations will continue to work offline. But it gets even better, as you don’t actually have to type; pointing the camera at a menu or an info board at a translation will near-instantly give you the image back in your own language. The app will even work with voice translations, and I can’t tell you how happy it has made me to be able to talk to locals on night trains in Uzbekistan or hold a basic conversation while hitchhiking in Georgia. Honestly, it’s the best thing Google has ever created. Download on iPhone | Android

Best travel apps for money management

These are some of the best travel apps for money management, whether it’s splitting bills, sending transfers, or working out the exchange rate.  

This super handy and simple travel app will help you keep track of costs on a group trip. I’ve used this on a few of my non-solo travels now, and it’s as easy as tapping in the costs as you go along, so you can easily divide and balance who owes who what at the end of the trip. It is much easier than manually keeping tabs on different people’s payments, and it takes the stress out of talking about money when you just want to make the most of being on the road. Download App

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

A complete game-changer in sending money abroad, the (Transfer)Wise app works uniquely. Rather than physically sending your cash overseas, they have bank accounts in multiple countries, which reduces conversion costs. Say you want to send money from Germany to the UK; you add the money into their German account, and someone else’s money, which is being held in the UK account, goes to yours. Given how low the fees are and the savings you can make when withdrawing cash from certain ATMs, it’s an excellent travel app to have. Another solid alternative is Revolut, which is particularly good if you want to set up a joint account with someone while travelling. Download App

XE Currency Exchange (free travel app)

This is a great and lightweight travel app to keep track of various currencies in your pocket in real time; it also works offline as long as you have updated your rates before leaving the internet connection. XE also has a new premium feature which will alert you when a rate hits the target you have set — handy if you want to withdraw or convert a big amount. Download on iPhone | Android

Best travel apps to improve your trip and experience

These are some of the best apps for travel which will enhance your experience. From stargazing and pollen counts to tracking the time of the month, these are some nice additions to make for a better travel experience.

Too Good To Go

This isn’t so much a travel app, but it is amazing, both for travellers and also in day-to-day life. To combat food waste, it offers businesses the chance to sell their products that may be going out of date or the day’s leftovers at a heavily discounted price to minimise food waste. Not only are you getting some great food at great prices, but you are also helping the environment. For those seeking sustainable travel tips , this could be helpful in a few ways.

Say you are staying in self-catering accommodation; you could order a ‘magic bag’ of discounted fruit and vegetables to help you cook and collect them at the end of the day. Or, perhaps you fancy a hotel-style buffer breakfast but aren’t staying in a hotel? Then you can look for hotels nearby, and often, there is something to collect around 11 am. When I lived in Granada, I would often do this to get a cheap carry-out brunch. You’ll also find restaurants on the app, so if you don’t mind eating later than usual, you can often find delicious meals that are going spare for a fraction of the price of a takeaway. Sadly, the app mainly works in European countries, Canada and the USA. Download on iPhone | Android

Weather Bug

While nearly all smartphones come with basic weather apps, Weather Bug takes it to a whole other level. Whether you suffer from hay fever and want to know the pollen count or need to keep track of lighting and storm warnings, this is a one-stop-shop for all things weather. There’s a whole host of different map options, 18-day forecasting and plenty more nifty additional features, and given how much the weather can impact your trip, it’s a handy travel app to have on hand. Download on iPhone | Android

Flo (free travel app)

Trying to make this list as broad as possible, my dear friend Vicky suggested this travel app, which is especially useful for long-term travellers. In her words: “It monitors when your period is and sends you alerts so you can plan it with travel. It’s SO useful when you’re on the go and don’t know what day it is”. Download on iPhone | Android

SkyView (free travel app)

I started digging this app when I got into night photography, but it’s a staple for anyone who has an obsession with the stars. Simply point it at the sky, and it will tell you which constellations are in the viewfinder. If you want to start photographing the Milky Way, this is a great travel app to get on your phone. Download on iPhone | Android

Related Posts:

• Best Language Learning Apps for Your Phone
• Copenhagen on a Budget: 16 Money Saving Tips for Denmark’s Capital (And Beyond)
• 5 Tips for Finding Luxury Vacation Deals
• How To Get Unlimited Data in the States in Seconds: Holafly USA eSIM 
• Holafly, the eSIM for travelling to Europe and avoiding roaming fees
• Learn Spanish Online: 7 Ways To Study Spanish Without a Language School

I have been recently making photo books of my adventures with an app called Inkifi, their website is . They aren’t as well publicised as some of the other big print apps but their products are innovative and second to none.

great list, thanks for sharing :) i couldnt travel without apps :D there is one app i can recommend checking out, its called “ATM Fee Saver” and it shows atms around with no or low fees for withdrawing money. its super helpful i found :)

hi there – great article. Thought I’ll also share – I came across this app ATM Fee Saver – it gives atm fees and withdrawal limits in some 30-40 countries, it was super helpful, much needed these days. Helped me calculate my own fees also for my amount. Never seen anything like this before – should defo be on your list also, it will helps lots of other international travellers like me!!!

Being techy types as well as keen travellers here are a few different apps that my husband and I like to use:

* TripMapper: great for building our travel itineraries and keeping track of our budget. It also has interactive ‘inspiration’ itineraries you can download and customise which is super helpful.

* Dataman: to keep on top of our data. Our plans give us roaming, but it’s less than our typical monthly amount, so we just set the data cap to our roaming limit when we’re away.

* Surfshark: we got an excellent deal on a multi-year plan. It has been pretty good, and the unlimited device feature works really well for us as we have too many internet-connected devices.

* Flighty: for checking the status of our flights. It’s a beautifully designed app, too.

Thank you so much for that type of information. before this blog i know only about two google and apple . you share a lot of information with us thanks

Nice piece of information specially for those who wants to explore the world by him/her self. I also used to travel and looking for advice which is handy while traveling. Usually, I have few pre-installed apps which are enough for me like Google Maps is the only maps who acts as travel explorer for me in every way like tourist places I need to go, nearby hotels I need to stay, restaurants etc.

How come Xnspy didn’t make the list? It is such a cool app and its GPS location tracking and geofencing works in real-time. If you are traveling with kids and plan to split up and explore, you must get this app. You won’t regret it.

Like your list. Its got some of usual suspects, but the apps for handicapped plus meeting locals are great gems.

I’ve just come across this neat mobile app: potty poche. It highlights visiting the south of France: Languedoc and Provence, with the unique added feature of a public toilet locator for the places to visit; a necessity for France. And it identifies those that are handicap accessible plus has five language versions.

The app categorizes seaside towns, historic Cathar sites, beautiful and perched villages, famous french village movie venues, as well as practical guides to the lavender fields, favorite market towns, and places associated with famous painters.

I found the app on Apple and Google play stores

Very descriptive article it is…!! I usually use the google translate app for travel purposes. It is the best app from the above list. Thank you for the best suggestion I will try other apps also.

There are so many programs do download. I think it would be nice, if someone will made one platform for using all of these benefits on an app. I don’t have all of them, I use usually Airbnb, Skyscanner, Google maps or Maps.me and NordVPN Teams for mobile security. Till now it’s enough for my trips, maybe in the future I will need more, who knows!

Thanks for thelist. It helps me to get an overview about other travel apps. I’m also working on my own on a travel app in my freetime, which helps to create travel routes with AI. If you like it, you can maybe add it to the list :) https://yourtravelroute.com/

Greets David

I recommend “Leap” for planning and budgeting a round the world trip. Also helpful for digital nomads and full-time travellers.

I have found your article very informative and interesting. I appreciate your points of view and I agree with so many. You’ve done a great job with making this clear enough for anyone to understand.

Thanks for sharing this. This helps me a lot. :)

I am a big fan of Airbnb, and I think the good thing is I can go anywhere with my Chinese card. That’s the main reason for me to choose that App. I think your article is really useful for traveler. Thanks!

Nice list! One app which I use a lot is Leap. I heard about it from a movie on a German couple traveling the world. They basically used it to find out how much money they will need for their world travel depending on the countries where they want to go. I got inspired by them to travel the world so I have started using the app as well. It has a financial planner so I hope I will have my savings ready soon :-)

Thanks for the tip Asha!

Wow! I really enjoyed reading this post a lot because whenever I travel in a different country I tend to get lost. A couple summers ago, I went abroad to Spain and got lost many times! One of the apps I saw on this list was Google Translate, which I totally used all the time when I lived with my host mom. WhatsApp was another one I used all the time and I would agree it is very important when you are in another country. One of the favorite apps I read about on this post is Weather Bug because it seems very useful. A lot of the time my usual weather app was not accurate so this app would definitely be beneficial. I liked how you split up each up by using numbers to differentiate each app. It made it very easy to read!

Hey! you should check out Jetzy! its a travel app, and connects you with locals as well as people from all over the world! i think its pretty cool :)

i m still amazed why Make My Trip is not included in the list. No doubt that the apps which you mentioned above are great but we cant ignore make my trip too.

Great list. But what about Sygic Travel? It has offline maps and virtual reality videos… I am missing it here. I can activate you a Premium licence Daniel, if you want. Let me know. :)

Each country have their own favorite travel App. I prefer to use Tripoto while travel and it gives me good ideas about various places and things to do ! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful list !

This is a great post! Apps are so useful for every day life, but for travelling they can really make the experience much smoother and cheaper. Apps like skyscanner are a must for going around the world on a budget and making your travelling hassle free!

Awesome list. I have been hearing only good things about Skyscanner and Rome2Rio looks like heaven sent with all the local transport timings around the world. Herepin seems like a nice startup as it might make it easier to connect with fellow travelers rather than posting on Social Media and asking “who’s around”. A very useful list, thanks.

rome 2 rio just keeps getting better and better and has so much info not even google maps can pull up – god send! :)

Thanks for the great list, these are super handy – didn’t know about half of these. Another app I’d really recommend is Postsnap ( https://www.postsnap.com ), it’s a postcard sending app that’s perfect for sending travelling snaps back home when you’re abroad. Great to be able to use your own photos and write a personal message.

Sounds like a cool app!!

Thanks for this great list! We would like to add Tourlina – the first women-only travel app

Awesome, cheers Dan. I have just downloaded Rome 2 Rio and also the currency one.

Hope they came in handy. Rome2Rio is a lifesaver in some countries.

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hey, I’m Dan…

Sign up for (irregular) updates.

Email Address *

Recent Articles…

• 11 Unforgettable Things To Do in France
• 8 Alternative Spa and Wellness Destinations in Europe
• 9 Blissful Beach Destinations for Sun, Sand, and Serenity
• A Guide to Gijón, Spain: Asturias’ Beloved Beach Escape
• Summer Highs in Innsbruck, Where the Alps Are for All
• A Quick Guide To The 11 Major Edinburgh Festivals in 2024
• 8 Remote and Secluded Places to Travel for an Isolated Escape
• 5 of Europe’s Best Food Cities & Delicious Destinations

Best Real Driving Simulator Games For iPhone And iPad

Best graphics design apps (canva alternatives) for iphone and ipad, how to backup iphone and why it is so important to do so, apple launches a new apple developer youtube channel.

• Zip-rar tool
• Zip browser

Best Travel Planner Apps For iPhone And iPad (2024)

In this article, we discuss the best travel planner apps that can assist you in organizing your itinerary, finding attractions, booking accommodations, and more. 

Given the fast-paced and competitive nature of the world we live in, it’s no surprise that traveling has become a popular interest for a significant portion of the population. 

We all need a respite from the constant demands and pressures of daily life, so we can relax and de-stress.

But, the process of planning a trip can often become an ongoing headache that stresses you out more than anything else.

Fortunately, travel organizer apps come to the rescue, serving as invaluable tools that alleviate stress and elevate our travel experiences.

From creating itineraries and finding attractions to booking accommodations and managing expenses, there are numerous aspects to consider. 

Whether you’re a meticulous planner who likes to have every detail in order or a spontaneous traveler who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, these apps cater to specific needs.

Best Travel Planner Apps 

Let’s dive right into it. Here are our top picks for the best travel planner apps for iPhones and iPads.

1. Wanderlog

This iPhone travel planner combines convenience, comprehensive features, and intuitive design to ensure a seamless travel planning experience.

Whether you’re in for long-haul vacations or fun road trips, Wanderlog will assist you in creating the perfect itinerary, keeping in mind your budget and specific accommodation needs. 

But, that’s something every other app offers. What makes this one of the best travel planner apps is its ability to consolidate flights, hotels, and attractions in one place. Furthermore, with its ability to provide offline access to plans, offer collaboration options, and assist in budget management, Wanderlog is a valuable tool for organizing trips.

Key Features:

• View plans on a Google Maps-based map, map your route, and rearrange places easily by drag-and-drop.
• Add unlimited stops, optimize routes, view times and distances between places, and export to Google Maps.
• Automatically import reservations from emails or Gmail, keeping all your travel plans in one place.
• Trip plans automatically sync across devices, keeping your information up to date.

Download Wanderlog now.

2. Trip Scout

Trip Scout is an excellent app for discovering hidden gems and local attractions. Not only does it provide personalized recommendations based on your interests, but it also offers curated city guides created by travel experts.

So, with Trip Scout iPad travel planner apps you can explore off-the-beaten-path destinations or visit popular landmarks, restaurants, and activities near you. 

One of the best travel planner apps, Trip Scout’s user-friendly interface, and offline maps make it a convenient travel companion.

• Offers a curated selection of the best travel articles and videos along with a personalized and always up-to-date travel guide.
• Map every featured restaurant, cafe, shop, or site to 100M+ points of interest.
• Save anything you discover with one tap, compare photos and local tips from recent travelers, and easily create a personalized itinerary and map on your phone.
• Travel guides and maps work completely offline giving uninterrupted access to all locations.

Download Trip Scout now.

3. Roadtrippers

The perfect travel companion to take along on your next road trip, Roadtrippers is a travel organizer app that maps out your journey, suggesting interesting stops along the way. 

From quirky roadside attractions, scenic viewpoints, or local restaurants, Roadtrippers can do more than just give you a travel itinerary. You can customize the route, add specific destinations, and calculate fuel costs and travel time with this handy app. 

Plus, the app also allows you to save your favorite places and sync your plans across multiple devices, making it the best travel planner app for your road trips.

• Build your route and plan your road trip with the easy-to-use trip planner.
• Turn-by-turn navigation feature to guide you along your chosen route.
• Discover millions of interesting places, including local diners, quirky roadside attractions, scenic points, national parks, and hotels.
• Access pre-made trip guides for unique and once-in-a-lifetime routes to explore.
• Seamlessly navigate using CarPlay integration.
• Start plotting your route with up to seven waypoints.

Download Roadtrippers now.

TripIt simplifies the process of managing your travel plans making it one of the best travel planner apps. Forward your flight, hotel, and rental car confirmation emails to TripIt, and it will automatically create a detailed itinerary for you. 

The popular travel trip planner app of 2024 provides real-time flight alerts, notifies you about gate changes, and helps you find alternate flights if needed. 

Furthermore, TripIt allows you to share your itinerary with friends or family, making it easier to coordinate your plans and keep everyone informed. 

• Syncs travel plans to your calendar and allows easy sharing with others.
• Upload PDFs, photos, boarding passes, and digital passport QR codes to keep all your travel documents in one place.
• Provides comprehensive mapping tools for road trips, including plotting your entire trip on Google Maps or Apple Maps.
• Offers transportation options and driving directions between two points, powered by Rome2Rio.
• Helps you find nearby restaurants, parking, ATMs, and more while on your trip.

Download TripIt now.

This iPhone travel planner combines itinerary planning, expense tracking, and travel information all in one place. It enables you to create detailed daily plans, including activities, transportation, and accommodation. 

The best travel planner app, Tripsy also provides weather forecasts, currency conversion, and language translation features, ensuring you have essential information at your fingertips. 

• Receive push notifications for flight updates, departure and arrival times, terminals, gates, and baggage claims.
• Store images, notes, videos, and documents, and easily share them with others.
• Import reservations from over 700 providers and major airlines.
• Sync your trip data with your calendar app to stay organized.
• Access popular mapping services like Waze, Google Maps, and Uber directly from your itinerary.
• Configure each activity with the desired time zone, making the trip organization more practical.

Download Tripsy now.

6. Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is the best travel planner app for planning your transportation options, especially when you have multiple destinations in mind. 

The iPad travel planner app provides comprehensive information on schedules, prices, and durations, allowing you to compare various transport options easily. It helps you find the most convenient and cost-effective routes, whether you’re traveling by plane, train, bus, or ferry.

All in all, Rome2Rio makes travel planning easy by providing the quickest, cheapest, and most convenient options to get you to your destination worldwide.

• Simply enter your destination, and find all your travel options, including air, land, and water transportation.
• Comprehensive global coverage with information from over 5,000 companies in 160+ countries.
• Displays a wide range of transport options, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and rideshares.
• Enables easy comparison of prices, durations, schedules, connections, and booking details.

Download Rome2Rio now.

Get Your Vacay Mode On!

Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, you need the best travel planner app to ensure a seamless travel experience. 

After all, the purpose of a vacation is to relax and unwind, not to be overwhelmed by logistical worries.

With these travel organizer apps on your iPhone or iPad, you can effortlessly plan your trips, discover new destinations, and make the most out of your travel adventures in 2024 and beyond.

• iPhone apps

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Related posts, best couples apps for iphone in 2024, how to use pokemon go spoofers for ios and android (2024 guide), best apps to stay healthy with iphone.

Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Zaib Ali

• Blacklane Blog

The best travel apps for Android and iPhone

This list of must-download apps for iPhone and Android will make life on the road a little easier.

Apps for booking flights

Skyscanner – a reliable and user-friendly app for booking flights.

Skyscanner has been one of the best travel apps for booking flights for a while now. The app is well designed and easy to use, and fares found through Skyscanner are often a little cheaper than those found through competitors such as Modomoto or KAYAK. Skyscanner searches millions of flights from more than 1200 sources, with convenient filtering options such as shortest flight time or fewest connections.

One great feature of Skyscanner is the option to select “everywhere” instead of a set destination. This returns a list of potential destinations with flight prices for your dates – a great source of travel inspiration.

Available for iOS and Android

Hopper – book your flights when they’re at their lowest price

There’s nothing worse than booking flights, only to find they’ve gone down in price a week later.

Enter your intended travel dates and destination into price predictor app Hopper and you’ll find out when flight prices will be at their lowest. The app maps out the months leading up to your trip and predicts the cheapest days to book, claiming 95 percent accuracy up to a year in advance.

Select “watch the trip” and Hopper will send you a reminder to book when the time is right.

Blackbird – the carpool of the skies

Hailing themselves as the “carpool of the skies”, Blackbird helps you board a private jet flown by licensed pilots heading in the same direction as you.

Costs are split between the pilots and passengers, making flight prices both affordable and fair. As many of Blackbird’s pilots operate between regional airports, Blackbird is a great option for those flying more obscure routes that aren’t well serviced by commercial airline. The best thing about traveling on a flight found through Blackbird? You only have to arrive at the airport a few minutes before departure.

Victor – affordable private jet charters

If you’re looking to charter your own private jet for an affordable price , then check out Victor. You can book your charter in four easy steps via their app, with aircraft to suit a variety of needs, whether you’re looking for a sleek and stylish mode of transport for some important business associates, or just a faster and more convenient way of getting to your holiday destination.

The app accesses a marketplace of 7000 aircraft across 40,000 locations worldwide, which means chartering a private jet with Victor can be surprisingly affordable.

Available for iOS

Apps for booking accommodation and hotels

Booking.com – comprehensive listings and free cancellations.

Booking.com is one of the most universally popular hotel booking platforms, with an app that is a must-have for any frequent traveler. As well as making bookings, you can use the Booking.com app to store your reservations offline.

The address of the hotel is listed in the local language, which is also useful when traveling overseas. Because it’s so widely used, there are plenty of property reviews to guide your decision. Many hotels listed through Booking.com offer free cancellation up until the day before, which is useful if your plans change.

Airbnb – if you’re traveling in a group

No list of travel apps would be complete without Airbnb, which allows you to book both accommodation and cultural activities at your destination, all of which are hosted by locals.

Airbnb is a great tool for families or groups of guests who wish to stay together, as you can easily book entire apartments. The app is intuitive and easy to use, with the ability to chat with your hosts and keep track of all your bookings via your phone.

If you’re traveling for work, you can filter specifically for business-friendly accommodation which guarantees fast Wi-Fi and a laptop-friendly workspace.

Hotel Tonight – in case of emergencies

If your original accommodation plans fall through, or you end up booking a last-minute trip, then Hotel Tonight is your ticket.

Hotel Tonight partners with accommodation providers to offer amazing deals on their unsold rooms. Their app has great ratings and offers even cheaper rates than booking via their desktop site. Hotel Tonight is definitely worth having on your phone in case of emergencies.

Apps for getting around

Blacklane – safe and stylish city rides and airport transfers.

If you’re looking for a reliable and secure way of getting around in an unfamiliar city, then Blacklane is an excellent app to have handy on your phone.

While some travelers are happy navigating their way via public transport or taking a gamble with local taxi services, Blacklane guarantees you a sleek modern car driven by a professional chauffeur.

You can book your Blacklane ride up to an hour in advance via the app for iOS and Android, and if you book an airport transfer service with Blacklane, you’ll be greeted at the arrivals gate by your chauffeur, who will be holding a sign with your name.

You can also opt for zero emissions rides via Tesla Model X or S in a number of cities with Blacklane’s Business Class .

Google Maps – the travel navigation all-rounder

We’re likely stating the obvious here, but Google Maps is a must-have app for any traveler. It’s arguably the most consistent and dependable map app out there, and is a catch-all with an incredible amount of information and detail, whether you’re in the CBD or the countryside.

Google Maps is particularly handy for travelers as you can also use it to search for things to do around you, and save places of interest such as restaurants and museums into lists for future reference. You can also download selected map areas for use offline.

Travel planner apps

Mapify – plan and share your adventures with other travelers.

Mapify is relatively new on the scene, having launched just over a year ago. This Berlin-based startup describes itself as a “social travel network”, and its app allows you to document, visualize, find, and plan your travel experiences.

You can use the interactive map to search for cool things to do and add them to your itinerary, or you can load images and travel tips of your own for the benefit of other travelers (or to gain followers). The app is still in its growth phase so needs a little streamlining, but is definitely one to try out on your next trip.

TripIt – organize and store your travel itineraries

TripIt is a useful tool for business travelers who have trouble keeping on top of their reservations.

Forward all your hotel, restaurant, flight, and car rental information to [email protected] and the app will automatically turn all the information into a master itinerary. Your itinerary, as well as all related travel documents, can be accessed offline, which means you can avoid trawling through your emails at the airport or in the hotel lobby.

The app also sends you notifications to let you know when to check in and head to your gate and will alert you if your flight is delayed or canceled.

Available for iOS or Android .

Google Trips – the ultimate travel planner app for Google converts

If you’re already a heavy user of Google products such as Calendar, Gmail, and Maps, then Google Trips integrates these services to put together a travel pack for you.

The app detects reservation information, such as flight bookings and hotel reservations, creating a framework for your vacation with little effort on your part. You can then browse the app and add activities and restaurants as suggested by Google Trips to flesh out your travel plans.

Your itinerary is stored offline so you can access it from anywhere without relying on an internet connection.

Culture Trip – insider travel tips and local recommendations

Culture Trip’s travel app for iOS and Android is a great tool for finding insider tips and local recommendations in a new city.

Culture Trip is primarily a media company, which has been producing interesting travel content for years, publishing more than 1000 short travel articles per month. Their app gives you access to their content on the go, with the ability to search by location to find articles, videos, and top-ten lists related to your current location.

The Culture Trip app also has a social element, as you’re able to save and share your own travel itineraries and wishlists.

Apps for finding restaurants

Foursquare city guide – find the best-rated restaurants near you.

Foursquare’s City Guide app makes it easy to find the best-rated restaurants and tourist spots near you while traveling. Their filters are particularly useful, giving you the ability to search for restaurants “open now” or based on how much you want to spend.

You can save spots for later via lists, or browse other user’s lists for inspiration. Yelp, Foursquare’s primary competitor, may have the edge over them in some regions such as the U.S. and Canada where its more widely used but FourSquare’s City Guide app is a bit easier to navigate, making it a more useful tool for travelers.

HappyCow – the best travel app for vegetarian foodies

Vegetarians and vegans rejoice, HappyCow makes it easy to find a decent veg-based meal no matter where you are in the world. It’s a particularly useful tool if you’re traveling somewhere where vegetarian food is hard to find or if you don’t speak the local language to communicate your dietary requirements.

The HappyCow app allows you to search for nearby veggie restaurants and cafes through filters, or via an interactive map. Access reviews and restaurant images posted by other HappyCow users, or add your own to help future users.

Apps to streamline your airport experience

Loungebuddy – get intel on airport lounges worldwide.

LoungeBuddy lets you know which lounges you can access at various airports, based on your airline status and current lounge memberships.

LoungeBuddy is most useful if you’re a frequent flyer with existing memberships, however, it also notifies users of free lounges and gives the option of purchasing day passes for select lounges directly through the app, so it’s worth downloading for any traveler faced with a lengthy layover.

FLIO – navigate through the airport like a boss

Navigate the world’s airports with FLIO . As well as allowing you to easily track your flight for changes and delays, FLIO contains comprehensive information about more than 5000 airports worldwide, including airport layouts, lounges, restaurants, and transit options, all with handy interactive maps.

FLIO also offers discounts and coupons so you might be able to shave a few dollars off that 16 USD airport sandwich.

Available for iOS or Android

FlightAware – get notified about delays and cancellations

FlightAware is a comprehensive flight tracking app, which allows you to check the status of your flight by aircraft, route, airline, flight number, or airport code.

Although there are plenty of apps out there for tracking your flight , FlightAware is one of the best rated, and most widely used. The app offers push notifications which are handy for keeping up-to-date on both imminent or future travels. You can even set up notifications for friends and family in case you experience delays en-route.

Other useful travel apps

Packpoint – generate a packing list for your next trip.

If you loathe packing, then PackPoint is there to make the process smoother and easier. Enter your destination, the purpose of your journey (business or leisure), along with any planned activities and PackPoint will generate a packing list for you.

It even checks the weather at your destination during your travel dates, to further tailor your list to suit the conditions. If you opt for the premium version then you can use the app add-free and integrate it with other travel planner apps such as TripIt and Evernote.

VPN Proxy Master – stay secure on public WiFi while traveling

There’s no bigger buzzkill than returning from vacation to find out you’ve become the victim of credit card fraud. Protect your personal information while using public Wi-Fi with VPN Proxy Master, which allows you to browse the internet anonymously and hide your IP address from potential hackers.

VPN Proxy Master’s app is a pleasure to use, thanks to its sleek and aesthetically pleasing interface. The app has a seven-day free trial period which is perfect for short trips, and affordable monthly and yearly rates for frequent travelers.

Elk Travel Currency Converter – get converted rates quickly and easily

Currency converter apps are a dime a dozen, but Elk stands out from the rest for its stylish interface and the fact that it’s optimized for Apple Watch.

The other thing that makes Elk different from its competitors is its interactive rates table, which shows you a list of incremental prices and their conversion rate in your chosen currency. For example, if you convert 5000 Japanese Yen to USD, you’ll also see the conversion for 4000, 6000, 7000, etc. A handy tool if you’re trying to figure out which bottle of Sake best fits your budget.

Drops – learn a few local words and phrases

If you’re traveling somewhere where English isn’t widely spoken, kill time at the airport by learning a few words of the local language with Drops. Drops offers fun and visually appealing courses to learn 31 different languages and dialects, taking a unique approach to teaching languages by using images instead of words.

Compared to other language apps such as Duolingo and Memrise, Drops feels much less like learning and more like a game.

Shazam – collect musical souvenirs of your travels

Have you ever heard a new tune while traveling only to realize you have no way of figuring out who it’s by? Shazam is a tune detector app, which collects musical souvenirs of your travels by listening to songs and saving them to a playlist.

Shazam feels like magic with its ability to identify songs in just a few seconds, even with significant background noise.

Grace Catherine

Grace is a freelance writer and digital project manager from New Zealand currently based in Mexico City. She is an avid traveler who loves destinations with an eclectic history, a bike-sharing scheme, and plenty of cool animals.

Easily book, change, or cancel rides on the go.

After signing up for the newsletter, you will also receive occasional news stories and promotions from Blacklane via email. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party at any time. View our Privacy Policy.

SUGGESTED ARTICLES

The Best Mobile Flight Tracker Apps

July 19, 2023.

The best apps for booking a hotel

April 24, 2019.

The best apps for booking flights

April 17, 2019.

7 Free Travel Planning AI and ChatGPT Apps to Get an Instant Itinerary

These free travel planning apps use AI and machine learning to prepare a holiday itinerary for you in seconds.

Quick Links

• PLAN by ixigo
• Trip Planner AI
• Vacay Chatbot

Key Takeaways

• Layla, Wonderplan, and PLAN by ixigo are AI travel planning apps with customizable itineraries.
• iplan.ai offers detailed itineraries for popular tourist cities based on interests and budget.
• Curiosio plans road trips on all continents, while Trip Planner AI helps with activity selection and cost estimation.

You can tell a travel agent your preferred dates, the place you want to visit, and your budget, and expect a full itinerary of what to do there based on your preferences. But can AI do the same job?

These free travel planning apps use AI and machine-learning tools like ChatGPT to prepare an itinerary for you in a few seconds, and we took them for a spin.

Layla describes itself as an AI trip planner, meaning you can use it to decide your vacation destination, create itineraries, and find suitable hotels and flights.

If you are uncertain about your destination or would like suggestions, you can ask Layla for advice regarding your trip. Otherwise, enter your destination and ask Layla to create your itinerary. Within a few seconds, you'll get a detailed plan for your trip.

As Layla is a chatbot, you can enter a prompt to ask it to change your itinerary. For instance, ask it to focus more on outdoor activities or include local restaurants. If you're unsatisfied with the activities planned on any particular day, you can give instructions and ask Layla to regenerate that part only.

Once you've perfected your itinerary, you can share it with your friends via a URL or add it to your bucket list.

2. Wonderplan

Wonderplan is a wonderful AI tool for planning your trip. To create your itinerary, Wonderplan first asks you to enter your destination country and city, your budget, the number of days you'll be staying, and your interests.

It then creates a travel plan within a few minutes, displaying various places to visit, their descriptions, and the time usually spent at each location. Although Wonderplan doesn't show the trip map, it does provide a link to Google Maps for each place.

It also displays different types of accommodation available (like Airbnb, hotel, or hostel) and their respective costs. Similarly, there are details about transportation, food, and activities. This way, you can estimate the potential cost of your trip.

In addition to your itinerary, Wonderplan also shows essential information about the country you're visiting. These include the currency conversion rate, electricity plug type, languages spoken, weather, and popular conveyances.

3. PLAN by ixigo

PLAN by ixigo starts by asking you about your dream destination. Then, it provides an option to describe the type of experience you want to have. This is just like a ChatGPT prompt, so you can enter anything you wish.

For example, you can specify the duration of your stay, your interests, the kinds of activities you're looking for, whether you have a family with you, and so on.

But if you can't think of any prompts, PLAN by ixigo provides a few trip ideas, so you can always select those. PLAN by ixigo then shows a day-wise plan, showing what you can do in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

However, if the suggested itinerary doesn't sound appealing, you can again enter a prompt to edit it.

4. iplan.ai

While iplan.ai doesn't mention which AI or machine-learning algorithm it uses, the results are fantastic enough to gloss over that. The app works beautifully on phones to give you a full itinerary for any one city at a time, depending on how many days you have there.

The app first asks you to name the destination city. As far as we checked, iplan.ai works best for popular tourist cities, not offbeat or obscure travel. Next, note how many days you will be there, and then choose your free time each day—a cool step to ensure a better itinerary if you already have some plans, but not a whole days worth.

Tell iplan.ai if you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, and then choose your interest among topics like history, art and culture, nature, entertainment, shopping, food, sports, relaxing, etc. Finally, choose between an economy, normal, or luxury budget.

After a few minutes, iplan.ai gives you a day-wise itinerary for your trip. It's plotted on a map so you can see all the locations, and each point of interest has a brief description along with estimated travel time.

The app has both free and paid plans. With a paid account, you can share the trip plan with your friends and access it offline. Another limitation of iplan.ai is that you can't get an itinerary for a multi-city trip. For now, you'll need to make a plan for each city you're visiting, one at a time.

Download: iplan.ai for Android | iOS (Free, Paid)

5. Curiosio

The easiest last-minute travel plan is to get into a car and drive. Curiosio specializes in helping you plan an itinerary for a road trip to several major countries on all continents. It doesn't cover every single place, but the existing collection is impressive enough.

Curiosio uses its own AI engine, Ingeenee, which is trained on several crowdsourced travel-based resources, such as Wikivoyage, Wikipedia, Wikidata, Freebase, DBpedia, GeoNames, OSMNames, and OpenStreetMap. Through this dataset, it can chart an itinerary that meets your requirements across various parameters.

You can set options for a round trip or a one-way trip with starting and finishing points. If there are any places you want to visit on the way, add them in. Then set the number of travelers, dates of the journey, what vehicle you're using, total budget, and whether you want to visit places that spark curiosity or are obscure. The AI will usually give you multiple plans and routes for these options.

The itinerary includes a map of your route and a day-wise breakdown of where you'll be going and what you'll be seeing. Each point of interest is clickable to find more information about it. There are easy ways to share your itinerary with co-travelers, print it out, or even export it to Google Maps. Curiosio is one of the best road trip planners for your next adventure .

6. Trip Planner AI

Trip Planner AI plans a perfect trip to your dream destination. Begin creating your itinerary by entering the city you wish to visit and traveling dates. You can add multiple destinations here.

Then, select the kinds of activities you prefer, the number of people, and whether you're traveling with friends or family. Trip Planner AI asks you about your dietary preferences and budget.

As an optional step, you can specify the place where you'll be staying so that it creates an itinerary accordingly. If you haven't decided on your lodging yet, you can explore hotels suggested by Trip Planner AI.

Finally, Trip Planner AI generates a detailed itinerary, a map, and basic information about the city you're visiting. For each destination, it provides the details of the place, expected traveling time, and cost. Though it provides a complete plan for your trip, you can manually add or remove activities from your itinerary. You can also invite your friends to edit the itinerary and download it as a PDF.

7. Vacay Chatbot

Vacay Chatbot is not a dedicated itinerary maker but an AI chatbot that acts like your travel advisor. So, you can ask it to give travel recommendations, compare different destinations, and, of course, create an itinerary. If you've previously used AI chatbots like ChatGPT, you'll find this trip planner easy to use.

Just enter a prompt specifying your destination and trip details and ask Vacay Chatbot to create an itinerary. You can include details like your trip duration, budget, preferences, number of travelers, etc. The more details you provide, the better your itinerary will be.

One of the downsides of using Vacay Chatbot is that it doesn't provide a map for your trip. However, you can use these apps to plot your itinerary on a map .

All these travel planning AI apps urge you not to use the itinerary as-is and only treat it as a template or guide to begin planning your trip. This is because they currently have several limitations, like databases that aren't recently updated or require specific prompts from the user.

A real human travel agent will still give you a more customized itinerary, but it will cost you a few bucks. If you want a free base guide, more basic travel planning apps are a good starting point.

This hidden iPhone feature is a game changer for air travel

• A hidden iPhone feature is gaining popularity thanks to a viral TikTok.
• Without downloading a third-party app, you can easily track any flight on an iPhone.

Whether you arrive at the airport hours before your flight or cut as close to the boarding door being closed as humanly possible, you can’t deny that it’s helpful to at least know your gate and if your flight is on time.

While there are countless dedicated apps for tracking your flight, identifying your aircraft’s tail number, determining the inbound flight, and even displaying your flight path, the iPhone itself has a bit of a superpower hiding in plain sight.

Related: iPhone owners just got access to a life-changing feature

“Preview Flight” has long been integrated into Apple's  ( AAPL )  iPhone and isn’t a new feature found in a recent software update like iOS 17.4 . Rather, it’s a classic — much like Shake to Undo — that’s once again gaining popularity thanks to TikTok .

It’s a personal favorite of mine regarding iPhone features. It makes it super simple to figure out the gate and track my flight, as well as to keep family and friends in the loop on travels. Here's how to use “Preview Flight” on your iPhone within Messages and by searching in Spotlight.

How to track a flight in Messages?

Unlike Flighty, an app I love, “Preview Flight” is already integrated with your iPhone and doesn’t require a separate download. In fact, if you text someone your flight number with the airline code in front, there is a chance you’ve already used it.

Once you’ve sent the airline code and flight number, you can simply tap on it in-line and then hit preview flight. From there, a splash screen will show a flight map showing the airline and flight number, flight status, arrival and departure times, overall duration, and even the gate and baggage claim.

Now, if that flight number is used for multiple flights, you can swipe between the corresponding flights.

It’s really that simple, and it updates in real time. So, if you’re already in the habit of texting your flight number to a loved one, a friend you're meeting, or a general group when you’re traveling, it’s also an easy way to track your flight.

As a cheat sheet, here are the flight codes for a few United States carriers: United is UA, Delta is DL, JetBlue is B6, American Airlines is AA, Frontier is F9, Spirit is NK, and Southwest is WN. Simply type that and your flight number with no space.

While a common place where this will appear and be used is in Messages, it also works in the email app.

Related: Report: Apple is bringing major changes to a fan-favorite product

How to search for a flight in Spotlight?

Thanks to Spotlight, aka the native search function built into the iPhone , you can also search for your Flight Number and get the same handy result without texting someone else.

On your iPhone’s home screen, you’ll swipe top to bottom in the middle of the screen. This will pull up the Spotlight menu, and you can easily type in your flight number via the keyboard to see the results in real-time.

Once you’ve searched, you’ll see the “Preview Flight" and can tap that to see the full widget. Like in Messages, this will pull up the flight map and pertinent information like the gate, arrival and departure times, and flight duration.

This is a handy way to confirm the gate or that you aren’t delayed as you make your way through the airport.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to share the current TikTok that is going viral showcasing this iPhone superpower.

Related: Veteran fund manager picks favorite stocks for 2024

• a. Send us an email
• b. Anonymous form
• Buyer's Guide
• Upcoming Products
• Tips / Contact Us
• Podcast Instagram Facebook Twitter Mastodon YouTube Notifications RSS Newsletter

Epic Games to Charge 12% Fee for App Sales From Alternative iPhone Store

Epic Games in February said that it would launch an Epic Games Store on the iPhone in the European Union, and today the company held an event at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) to provide additional information on the upcoming store debut and the fees that it will charge for apps distributed through its marketplace (via 9to5Mac ).

A game sold through the ‌Epic Games‌ Store will need to pay both Epic's 12 percent fee, and Apple's 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee (CTF) for each "first annual" install after one million installs. Apps distributed through the App Store under Apple's updated EU business terms will pay the CTF and a commission of 10 to 17 percent, down from the standard 15 to 30 percent cut that Apple takes.

‌App Store‌ apps making under $1 million annually will pay 10 percent under the ‌App Store‌ Small Business Program, and that's also the fee that Apple charges for subscriptions that customers keep for over a year. More successful apps earning over $1 million and new subscriptions are subject to a 17 percent fee. Note that Apple also charges an additional three percent fee for using the in-app purchase payment system, so developers who distribute through the ‌App Store‌ and use in-app purchases will pay 13 to 20 percent.

As an example, an app with fewer than one million downloads that is distributed through the ‌App Store‌ under the new business terms would pay the CTF and 10 percent fee, a total ultimately lower than the CTF + 12 percent fee that the ‌Epic Games‌ Store would collect. From ‌Epic Games‌:

"The Epic Games Store has a 88/12 revenue split for developers who distribute paid-for apps on PC and Mac and that will continue on mobile platforms. Developers do not pay Epic anything to distribute free apps. If developers offer in-app purchases, they can choose to either use our payment processing system with the 88/12 revenue share or use a third party payment processor and keep 100% of that revenue, just like they do today."

‌Epic Games‌ CEO Tim Sweeney has called Apple's EU changes and fees a "devious new instance of Malicious Compliance" and has promised that ‌Epic Games‌ will continue to "argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law" even as it prepares to launch the ‌Epic Games‌ Store.

The ‌Epic Games‌ Store is set to come to the ‌iPhone‌ in the European Union before the end of 2024. It will not be available in the United States and other countries.

Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox.

Top Rated Comments

Popular Stories

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May

iOS 18: What to Expect From 'Biggest' Update in iPhone's History

Apple Sues Former Employee for Leaking iPhone's Journal App and More

Google Reveals When to Expect RCS Support on iPhone for Improved Texting With Android Users

iOS 17.5 Update for iPhone Expected to Have Two Changes So Far

Apple's Phil Schiller Works 80 Hours a Week Overseeing App Store

Next article.

Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.

App Store changes for the EU, new emoji, Podcasts transcripts, and more.

Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.

A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.

Revamped models with OLED displays, M3 chip, and redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory.

Updated 10.9-inch model and new 12.9-inch model, M2 chip expected.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off with a keynote on June 10.

Expected to see new AI-focused features and more. Preview coming at WWDC in June with public release in September.

Other Stories

2 days ago by Tim Hardwick

2 days ago by Juli Clover

3 days ago by MacRumors Staff

4 days ago by MacRumors Staff

Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone

With iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

How Emergency SOS via satellite works

Before you go off the grid, text emergency services via satellite, emergency sos via satellite availability.

Emergency SOS via satellite can help you connect with emergency services under exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching emergency services are available. If you call or text emergency services and can't connect because you're somewhere with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, your iPhone tries to connect you via satellite.

To connect to a satellite, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular.

Learn more about connecting to a satellite with your iPhone

Emergency SOS via satellite is free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro.

If your iPhone or Apple Watch detects a severe car crash or a hard fall and you're unresponsive, an automatic Crash Detection or Fall Detection notification to emergency services may be communicated by your iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro using Emergency SOS via satellite if you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

If you're going somewhere with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, here are some ways to be prepared.

Try the Emergency SOS via satellite demo

To learn how Emergency SOS via satellite works, try the demo

Set up the information that you want to share

When you use Emergency SOS via satellite, you can share your Medical ID and notify your emergency contacts. You need to set up this information before going somewhere with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Set up your Medical ID and add emergency contacts in the Health app

First, try calling the local emergency number 1 to reach emergency services. Even if your normal cellular carrier network isn't available, you might be able to make the call.

If your call won't connect, you can text emergency services via satellite. Certain local emergency numbers require iOS 16.4 or later to connect to emergency services via satellite 2 .

Tap Emergency Text via Satellite.

If you need help but aren't in an emergency, you can choose to contact a roadside assistance provider.

You can also go to Messages to text the local emergency number, then tap Emergency Services.

Tap Report Emergency.

Using simple taps, answer the emergency questions to best describe your situation.

Choose to notify your emergency contacts that you contacted emergency services, along with your location and the nature of your emergency.

To connect to a satellite, follow the onscreen instructions.

After you're connected, continue following the onscreen instructions to stay connected while you send your message to emergency services.

Once you’re connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation with emergency responders by sharing critical information like your Medical ID and emergency contact information (if you have set them up), the emergency questionnaire answers, your location (including elevation), and remaining battery life for your iPhone.

You might be asked to respond to additional messages. Only Latin characters (such as English or French) are supported in these messages. This service supports English, American Spanish, Canadian French, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

Share information with your emergency contacts

If you set up emergency contacts in the Health app, you can choose to notify and share information with them when you text emergency services with Emergency SOS via satellite. When you choose to share this information, your emergency contacts get these messages automatically.

If your emergency contacts use iMessage on iOS 16.1 or later, you can share a live transcript of your conversation with emergency services. This transcript includes:

Your answers to the emergency questionnaire.

A map with your location.

The messages that you exchange with emergency services.

If your emergency contacts have a non-Apple device or don't have iOS 16.1 or later, they receive a text message that alerts them about your emergency. In the U.S. and Canada, this message comes from the number 767911. In Europe, this message comes from 767112.

The message says, "You're receiving this message because someone you know chose you as an emergency contact and used Emergency SOS via satellite."

To receive additional text messages, your emergency contacts need to respond "YES" to the first message within 48 hours. If they respond "NO" or "STOP," they won't receive any more messages about Emergency SOS via satellite notifications (either for the current emergency or future emergencies).

If your emergency contact responded "NO" or "STOP," they can receive future messages about Emergency SOS via satellite notifications again by texting "RESTART" to the same number.

The additional messages include your name, the time that you contacted emergency services, your location, and the information that you provided about your emergency.

Your emergency contacts can't respond to the messages, other than replying "YES" or "NO" when necessary. They don't need to contact emergency services, because emergency services has already been contacted for the emergency.

You need an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro with:

iOS 16.1 or later in the U.S. or Canada

iOS 16.2 or later in France, Germany, Ireland, and the U.K.

iOS 16.4 or later in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland

You need to be in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

You need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone

Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S. 3

International travelers who visit a country or region where Emergency SOS via satellite is available can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their iPhone in certain countries or regions 4 .

1. In the U.S. and Canada, call or text 911. In Australia, call or text 000. In Austria, call or text 112, 133, and 144. In Belgium, call or text 100 and 101. In France, call or text 112, 15, 17, 18, 114, 119, 191, and 196. In Germany, call or text 112 and 110. In Ireland and the U.K., call or text 999 or 112. In Italy, call or text 112, 113, 115, 118, and 1530. In Luxembourg, call or text 112, 113, 12112, and 12113. In New Zealand, call or text 111. In Spain, call 112. In Switzerland, call 112.

2. You need iOS 16.2 or later to connect to emergency services via satellite when you call or text 15, 17, 18, 114, 119, 191, and 196 in France, 110 in Germany, and 999 in Ireland. You need iOS 16.4 or later to connect to emergency services via satellite in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. The availability of these additional emergency numbers might also depend on your cellular carrier.

3. Including the Archipelago of Madeira, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Azores, the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca), the Canary Islands (El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, and Tenerife), the Collectivity of Saint Martin, Saint Pierre & Miquelon, Corsica, Coral Sea, Guadeloupe, Islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Martinique, Orkney Islands, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Scottish Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Sovereign states of San Marino and Vatican City, Torres Strait, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

4. Satellite connectivity isn't offered on iPhone models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

Related topics

Explore Apple Support Community

Find what’s been asked and answered by Apple customers.

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

Crown Explorer 17+

Voyage of the world, amaury garcia, designed for iphone, iphone screenshots, description.

Our application will show you the most magnificent museums in the world, which a true connoisseur of art must visit, a very convenient selection of museums, and an informative menu will provide you with the most popular exhibits that are located in this museum. Our application will make your travel easier.

App Privacy

The developer, Amaury Garcia , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Contact Info

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

You Might Also Like

Petrol Spy Australia

Public Transport Victoria app

China Southern Airlines

Neuron E-scooters and E-bikes

Earth Travel-Global Landscape

Porter - Truck & Bike Delivery

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

The Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best MagSafe Charger Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad (Qi2) Read more

Best MagSafe Stand Nomad Stand (Qi2) Read more

Best MagSafe Pad Nomad Base Read more

Best 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Read more

Keeping your iPhone topped up can be a challenge, but the clever magnetic MagSafe system means you don’t need to fumble with cables or worry about a wireless charging sweet spot. Apple’s MagSafe is an accessory system integrated into the iPhone 12 , iPhone 13 , iPhone 14 , and iPhone 15 range . A ring of magnets on the back of the phone (and in MagSafe-enabled cases) allows you to attach MagSafe chargers that can recharge your iPhone wirelessly.

Snag a MagSafe charger for your nightstand, work desk, and car, and you can easily top up throughout the day. These are the best MagSafe chargers we've tested. (And yes, if you have an Android phone with a MagSafe case , some of these chargers may be compatible and do the job.)

Check out our related iPhone guides, such as the Best iPhones , Best iPhone 15 Cases , Best iPhone 14 Cases , Best iPhone 13 Cases , Best MagSafe Accessories , Best MagSafe Power Banks , and Best Wireless Chargers .

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best MagSafe Charger

The new Qi2 wireless charging standard , developed with Apple’s input, brings MagSafe-style magnetic charging and a 15-watt charging rate. Sadly, most third-party MagSafe chargers with a puck-shaped design charge your iPhone at a slower rate (7.5 watts), but you won't have to worry about that with this 15-watt Anker charger. Few phones beyond Apple’s MagSafe lineup (iPhone 12 and later) work with the magnets today, but Qi2 is backward compatible. This pad from Anker stays put, has a durable aluminum casing that stays relatively cool, and has a 5-foot USB-C cable permanently attached, giving it the edge over Apple’s official MagSafe puck , which only has a 3-foot cable. It can also charge AirPods that have a magnetic charging case.

15-watt charging, 5-foot cable, wall charger not included, two-year warranty.

Best MagSafe Stand

Striking the perfect balance between heft and magnetism is tricky, but Nomad nails it with its new stand. It's heavy enough that you won’t knock it over when you fumble for your iPhone, and you can peel it away from the charger one-handed. The stand comes in black or white and feels sturdy, featuring an aluminum and glass body with rubber padding. It is officially Qi2 certified , so it can charge any Qi2 phone (including all the MagSafe iPhones) at the maximum 15-watt rate. It can get a little warm when charging, but not unusually so. You get a high-quality braided cable in the box, but you will need a 20-watt wall charger. We like Nomad’s 20-watt charger ($20) , but I can’t help feeling it should have been included at this price.

15-watt charging, 6.6-foot cable, wall charger not included, two-year warranty.

Best MagSafe Pad

Folks who prefer a pad should consider Nomad’s Base One. Like the stand, it's sculpted from metal and glass with rubber padding and has enough weight that you can pick your MagSafe iPhone off of it with one hand. The Base One is also officially MagSafe certified to charge at the maximum 15-watt rate, and you get a lovely braided cable in the box, though you need to supply your own 20-watt charger. If you don’t care about the 15-watt charging rate, perhaps because you charge overnight, you can opt for the regular Nomad Base and save some cash. It has a similar design and is MagSafe compatible, but tops out at 7.5 watts for iPhones. Stock seems to be fluctuating for the Base One, but you can get a notification when it's available again.

Best 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger

Our favorite 2-in-1 MagSafe charger is perfect for charging your iPhone and AirPods (or any other wireless earbuds with wireless charging support). It has a wide, circular base with a shiny metallic post connecting the MagSafe charging pad. Ours is white, but there’s a black option too. Stick your iPhone on in landscape view, and you can enjoy StandBy mode , effectively turning your iPhone into an alarm clock. This charger can provide the top 15-watt rate and includes a power adapter with a 5-foot cable permanently attached.

15-watt charging, 5-foot cable, wall charger included, two-year warranty.

Adrienne So

Nena Farrell

Aarian Marshall

Eric Ravenscraft

Best 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger

Folks with the holy trinity of Apple products will love Belkin’s 3-in-1 charging tree. It has a similar design to the 2-in-1 above, but the metal post is T-shaped, with a pad for your iPhone on one side and an Apple Watch spot on the other, plus a Qi-certified base for AirPods . It is fully certified to deliver 15 watts and can fast-charge capable Apple Watches . You can also pop your iPhone in landscape orientation if you want StandBy mode . There is a power adapter with an attached cable provided. Read our Best 3-in-1 Apple Chargers guide for more recommendations.

Best for Travel

Space is at a premium when you travel, but Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 folds away to an impressively compact form. It doesn’t scrimp on power, charging your iPhone or Qi2-certified phone at up to 15 watts on a magnetic pad that can adjust to your preferred angle. A second pad behind the main pad charges AirPods or other wireless earbuds, and there is a fold-out Apple Watch charger. You get a USB-C cable (around 5-foot) and a wall adapter in the box.

★ Alternative: Mophie's 3-in-1 Travel Charger With MagSafe ($150) is a nice option though it takes up a bit more space when it's unfolded. It folds neatly into a fabric case with a cable and charging adapter. It will fast-charge iPhones at 15 watts, and this updated model includes fast-charging support for the Apple Watch.

Best MagSafe Car Mount

This simple MagSafe mount slots into any vent in your car and has a powerful magnet array that keeps your iPhone securely in place, even on bumpy roads. There’s a ball joint so you can angle your iPhone slightly for a better view, and it’s easy to place it on the mount and remove it one-handed. You get a 12-volt car adapter and a USB-C cable in the box. Vent mounts are unobtrusive and may help your phone keep cool. If you prefer something different, read our Best Car Phone Mounts and Chargers guide for more recommendations.

15-watt charging, 3.9-foot cable, car charger included, two-year warranty.

Best MagSafe Power Bank

Sling a MagSafe power bank in your bag, and you can attach it when you need to top up your iPhone battery. This power bank boosted my iPhone 14 Pro’s battery by 78 percent and took around three hours to charge (since wireless charging is not the most efficient method, you will never get the stated capacity of a MagSafe power bank). You can continue using your iPhone while it’s charged because it doesn’t add much bulk, and there’s a small fold-out kickstand for propping your iPhone in portrait or landscape orientation. Just ensure you get the newer (A1614) version, as it has the USB-C port on the side and can turn off if you just want to use it as a stand. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more recommendations.

7.5-watt charging, 3.9-foot cable, car charger included, two-year warranty.

A Headphone Stand and Wireless Charger

Combining functionality is a great way to save desk space, and this headphone stand cleverly doubles as a MagSafe charger. There’s a stainless steel arm with a rubber section to lay your cans on and a MagSafe charging spot on the base. There’s also a USB-C port that you can use to top up your headphones or other devices. While you get a USB-C cable in the box, you'll need to use your own 20-watt wall charger.

7.5-watt charging, 3.3-foot cable, wall charger not included, one-year warranty.

Having a place to dump your keys, jewelry, and watch, and charge your phone and earbuds, can help you get out faster in the morning. This classy and roomy tray from Courant has a MagSafe spot for your iPhone, a secondary charging spot for your earbuds, and space for all your other daily essentials. I tried the black linen version, but you can opt for lighter shades or a leather finish (though it’s more expensive). The wireless charging is slow, but there is a spare USB-C port. There's also a bright, unnecessary LED on the back of this charger that I had to cover when using this on my nightstand.

It looks classy and neat, but the linen version picks up dust easily. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has the Leather-Saddle model—he says it doesn't show dust easily and looks great after months of use.

7.5- and 5-watt charging, 5-foot cable, wall charger included, one-year warranty.

Brenda Stolyar

Julian Chokkattu

Scott Gilbertson

WIRED COUPONS

Up to $58 Off TurboTax Online w/ TurboTax Service Code

$50 off in-person tax prep when you switch from TurboTax or another tax provider | H&R Block coupon

$25 off your first 3 orders with Exclusive Instacart Promo Code

1st Order: 25% Off DoorDash Promo Code ($15 minimum)

Take $10 Off Your Order - Finish Line Coupon Code

Groupon coupon: Extra 25% off sitewide