30+ Best Travel Apps for iPhone & Android in 2023

by Global Viewpoint
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Looking to download the best travel apps on your iPhone and Android phones? From international travel apps in Europe to travel guide apps in the US, it’s never been easier to find flights, hotels, and activities online. This article is jam-packed with mobile travel applications that makes traveling a breeze!

Let’s face it, trip planning feels like opening a can of worms. From booking flights and accommodations to mapping out an itinerary, traveling isn’t always easy. Thankfully, there’s an app for that! Today, there are so many free travel apps for iPhone and Android that can alleviate our trip planning woes. Having the best travel apps makes traveling much easier, both before and during your vacation.

In 2023, many travel apps also include COVID planning resources, which are highlighted later in this article. Whether you’re planning a nature getaway or a city break, you’ll want to stay up to date with the latest rules, regulations, and restrictions as it relates to travel during the pandemic.

If you’d like to spend more time enjoying and less time planning, you’re in for a treat. Here are 30+ free travel apps for iPhone and Android that every traveler should download in 2023.

Best travel apps for deals, useful tips, and more
This article on the best apps for travel contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top-rated travel resource in 2023

Before diving into this list of the best vacation apps, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Going. I’ve saved thousands of dollars this year alone through them. And the best part? It’s 100% free!

Once you subscribe to their email updates, you’ll get flight deals sent directly to your inbox with flight deals. I recently spent $250 on a roundtrip fare from Boston to Barcelona thanks to this tool. They offer a free and premium version (which easily pays for itself). I think it makes sense to start here before going deeper into the best Android and iOS apps for traveling in 2023.

Read next: Top Websites for Saving Money on Travel

Coolest travel app for trip planning

To kick off this list of traveling apps, let’s first address the elephant in the room, packing. This is something that’s stressful to almost everyone, especially if you don’t have a good packing list or system in place for remembering what to bring with you. To help you with this part of the trip planning process, here’s a travel app you should add to your portfolio in 2023.

1. PackPoint

This app helps you create a customized packing list based on your destination, length of trip, and activities planned. Based on the information that you enter, PackPoint generates a list of items that you may need to pack. This can include clothing, toiletries, electronics, and any other items that are specific to your trip. You can also add or remove items from the list as needed.

One of the benefits of using PackPoint is that it helps you remember to pack all of the essential items you will need for your trip, without overpacking. It also takes into account the weather forecast for your destination, and suggests appropriate clothing and gear.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out, Packpoint can be a useful tool for anyone planning a trip. It is especially helpful for those who tend to overpack, as it helps you focus on the items that are truly necessary for your trip.

[ iPhone | Android ]

Based on your trip details, you'll receive a tailored packing list
Based on your trip details, you’ll receive a tailored packing list

Best free apps for travel inspiration and idea generation

In the past, people relied on magazines, TV, and word-of-mouth for travel inspiration. However, since the advent of social media, people have turned to their smartphone apps for travel ideas and inspiration. Here are some of the best free travel apps for iPhone and Android that will have you booking your next adventure.

(If you’re already a social media guru, feel free to skip to the next section!)

2. Instagram

It wasn’t long ago when Instagram was exclusively used by millennials to share heavily-filtered photos with their friends. In the early days, there were no videos, stories, or geotags. But there were plenty of “stylish” filters and frames to make up for them.

Since then, Instagram has transcended every generation and nearly every country to become the dominant photo and video-sharing app. Today, it’s among the most downloaded apps of all time, and for good reason. Instagram has brought “Instagrammable” places around the world to the forefront of our minds, thus inspiring our next adventures.

As a travel blogger, I tend to use Instagram a little more than most people. However, it’s definitely the quintessential app for travelers seeking inspiration for their next journey around the world.

(Here’s my shameless plug to follow my Instagram account: @Global.Viewpoint)

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3. Pinterest

Pinterest isn’t just known for food recipes and home decorations. It’s also an incredible app for travel inspiration. As of September 2018, Pinterest had over 250 million monthly users, making it one of the most popular social media apps in the world. 

On Pinterest, you’ll find some of the best visual content on social media. This makes Pinterest a natural fit for the travel and tourism industry in terms of promoting destinations and finding inspiration for them. I enjoy browsing Pinterest’s travel group boards to find articles about places that are trending.

(Here’s another shameless plug…follow me on Pinterest! @GlobalViewpoint)

[ iPhone | Android ]

Pinterest is one of the best apps for travel inspiration.
Pinterest is one of the best apps for travel inspiration.

4. TikTok

I’ve been using TikTok since December 2018, and it’s quickly become my favorite social media app. This short-form video app is highly entertaining and engaging, which is perfect for travel inspiration. Though I enjoy taking photos and posting them on social media, they are much more one dimensional than videos. As such, I feel that TikTok will continue to gain traction among avid travelers as one of the best free travel apps in 2023.

(Here’s my Travel TikTok account!)

[ iPhone | Android ]

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5. Twitter

Twitter isn’t just used by political pundits to monitor the President’s tweets. It’s also extensively used in the travel sphere to showcase interesting articles and current events.

On Twitter, you’ll find that most influential players in the travel industry are posting content daily. For example, Rick Steves seems to be an avid tweeter who posts himself; unlike on Instagram where someone evidently posts on his behalf. Other prominent accounts on Twitter include Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast, and Lonely Planet, which all post travel articles at least a few times each day.

I mainly use Twitter to keep up on travel news and trending topics in the industry. It’s also a great app for sharing pictures and blog posts of the world, therefore making it a wonderful source of travel inspiration.

(Here’s my Twitter handle in case you’d like to connect! @JonMiksis)

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6. TripAdvisor

I’m sure every traveler has used TripAdvisor at least once to read online reviews. However, this travel site has recently branched out from hotel and restaurant reviews into something much more.

A few years back, TripAdvisor got personal by launching its first ever social media-sharing platform. This app now allows users to create profiles and share photos and tips, as you’d expect to see on Instagram.

I don’t think TripAdvisor will be replacing other social media apps anytime soon. Nonetheless, I think its intrinsic focus on the travel industry makes it a valuable resource for those of us seeking travel inspiration. As such, it’s no surprise that it’s among the top apps for travel.

Read next: Top Travel Bloggers You Should Follow

[ iPhone | Android ]

TripAdvisor is a helpful resource for finding things to do in a destination
TripAdvisor is one of the best apps for travel

Best travel apps for flights and airfare bookings

I always recommend checking at least two different flight booking apps prior to purchasing your airfare. Here are a couple of my favorites:

7. Skyscanner

Each of my travel escapades begins with a simple Skyscanner search. This flight aggregator app allows you to search over 1,200 websites for the cheapest flight deals.

My favorite features of this app are the “Explore Everywhere” and “Best Deals by Month” options. Each allows you to find ridiculously cheap flights to pretty much anywhere in the world, as long as you’re flexible with your dates. Another cool functionality is “Your Perfect Trip”, which provides tailored recommendations for travelers (i.e. solo travel and kid-free vacations).

Skyscanner has recently expanded its travel toolkit, now offering hotels and car rental searches as well. I think Skyscanner does a better job discovering deals than other flight aggregators, but it’s always important to take a peek and compare, just in case. Is this one of the top apps for air travel? 100%!

[ iPhone | Android ]

Skyscanner is my go-to travel app for booking flights, especially in Europe.
Skyscanner is one of the best travel apps out there, especially for Europe where you’re guaranteed to find the best deals.

8. Hopper

Before hopping into the next phase of your trip planning, you’ll definitely want to check out Hopper. This easy-to-use flight app is an effective tool for discovering the best flight deals around the world. It also predicts whether or not the prices will rise and drop in the coming days.

The flexibility on this app is very useful. Once you select your home base and desired destination, Hopper arranges the flight prices in a color-coded calendar that shows the best deals throughout the year. You can also create flight alerts to monitor price changes, which is always a nice touch.

Don’t be fooled by the cute bunny that hops across the loading screen, this app means business.

[ iPhone | Android ]

Hopper is a great travel app for booking flights

9. Kiwi.com

One way to save some serious cash on flights is by mixing and matching airlines on different legs of the trip. Kiwi.com is a great resource for this, as it almost always fetches cheaper connecting flights than other aggregator websites.

For example: in many international flight routes, airlines partner with one another to provide passengers with one seamless booking. In the process, however, they raise the prices higher than what you would otherwise pay by booking each airline separately. Using Kiwi, I’ve booked roundtrip flight packages between the US and Europe using separate bookings to save hundreds of dollars each trip. It’s important to note that while the cost savings can be tremendous, it’s sometimes tedious and cumbersome to book flights this way. If you value convenience over cost savings, then you’re better off using another flight aggregator or with one airlines directly.

Read next: Cheapest Cities to Fly Into Europe in 2023

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Kiwi is one of the best travel apps in 2020.

Best travel apps for hotel and accommodation bookings

I’ve toyed with at least 20 different hotel and accommodation-booking apps, which all tout having the best deals. Based on my experience, the apps below carry the best deals most of the time:

10. Booking.com

This app is my top choice for booking hotels. Booking.com is easy and efficient to use, which is a major plus relative to its competitors. There are other booking platforms out there, like Hotels.com, that are not as compatible for mobile use.

Booking.com also has 5.8 million properties around the world, making it one of the most comprehensive resources for finding the best deals. When you book frequently on this app, you’ll eventually become a part of the “Genius Rewards Program,” which gives you discounts and late-checkouts at various properties. Not a bad deal at all.

In terms of prices and functionalities, Booking.com offers the best of both worlds.

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Booking.com is one of the best travel apps in 2019. It's also one of the best travel apps for Europe.
Booking.com is one of the best travel apps for Europe.

11. Vrbo is a best holiday app

Lately, this has been my go-to app for booking vacation rentals. While Airbnb is a great alternative, Vrbo specializes more in vacation homes, including beach houses, cabins, and long-term rentals rather than apartments and condos. You’ll find a lot of large properties on this platform, perfect for family getaways, corporate retreats, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more.

Generally, I find Vrbo to be a cheaper platform than Airbnb, as there aren’t as many fees (though there are more premium listings). For that reason, I consider it a best app for travel deals.

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VRBO is among the best apps for travel

12. Airbnb

If you’re looking for the best accommodation deals without having to stay in a hostel, Airbnb is your best bet. This booking app connects travelers with local hosts who rent out their homes and apartments. Airbnb gives you a more local experience than typical hotels, as you’ll sometimes meet and interact with the hosts.

Airbnb is easy-to-use and customizable, lending itself to quick and seamless bookings. I also like the interactive map feature, which gives you an idea of where you’ll want to stay.

In addition to its focus on accommodations, Airbnb also displays “experiences” across different destinations. I’ve used the “Airbnb Experiences” tool to buy tours and tickets to other major attractions. From tapas tours in Barcelona to bistros in Paris, you’ll find plenty of things to do while browsing this app.

Though I mostly prefer browsing accommodations on my computer, Airbnb’s iOS version is super easy and efficient to use, making it one of my favorite free travel apps.

[ iPhone | Android ]

Airbnb is one of the best accommodation booking apps

13. Hostelworld

This is my go-to travel app for booking hostels. It’s simple, easy to use, and offers a variety of filters to help you narrow down your selections for a specific destination. Like many of the other booking apps out there, Hostelworld has an interactive map and lots of reviews, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.

I’ve been using Hostelworld since 2014, and have never had a bad experience. It’s definitely the most reliable (and most widely used) app for booking hostels.

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Hostelworld is a reliable free travel app for booking hostels.

14. HotelTonight is one of the best travel deal apps out there

If you’re a spontaneous traveler, HotelTonight is your best friend. This international travel app offers last-minute discounts on hotel rooms that haven’t been sold out. Hotels would rather make some money than none at all, which is ultimately the business model for this application’s continued success.

Like the other major booking platforms out there, HotelTonight offers a seamless user interface experience, allowing you to select from various criteria to find the best possible stay. If you’re planning a last-second road trip adventure and need a place to spend the night, HotelTonight has got you covered as one of the best travel deal apps in 2023.

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One of the best travel deal apps

15. HotelsCombined

HotelsCombined is a mobile app and website that allows you to search and compare hotel prices from multiple websites, helping you find the best deals on accommodations. It is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web.

To use HotelsCombined, simply enter your destination and travel dates, and the app will show you a list of available hotels and their prices. You can filter the results by price, location, star rating, and other criteria to find a hotel that best fits your needs and budget. It searches multiple websites, including major booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com, to find the lowest prices for you.

One of the benefits of using HotelsCombined is that it saves you time and effort by searching multiple websites at once. It also allows you to easily compare prices and find the best deal, without having to visit each website individually.

HotelsCombined also includes a feature called “Price Alerts,” which allows you to receive notifications when the price of a hotel changes. This can be helpful if you are planning a trip and want to be notified when prices drop. If you’re looking to unlock amazing hotel deals, add HotelsCombined to your portfolio of travel apps.

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HotelsCombined is among the best travel guide apps
HotelsCombined App

Best COVID apps for travel to help you plan your trip

In 2023, COVID has thrown a wrench in people’s travel plans. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and best apps for travel that consolidate these ever-changing restrictions and rules. Here are a couple you should consider.

16. VeriFLY

Looking to keep up with all the COVID requirements around the world? VeriFLY is a handy app for travel that you should download.

VeriFLY lets you upload trip docs, including COVID test results and passenger locator forms, to a portal where airlines and customs agents can validate the information prior to traveling. This makes the check-in process a little less stressful, that’s for sure! Many airlines are using this travel application, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia. It’s no wonder, then, that this is one of the best vaccine passport apps in 2023.

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Verifly is one of the best vacation apps
VeriFLY is a top app for trips. | Image Source: VeriFLY

17. Atlys

Traveling abroad any time soon? Atlys is one of the best apps for air travel that makes trip planning a whole lot easier. It does a solid job informing travelers about international rules and restrictions, as well as visa and any other documentation requirements. It’s so important to have the right documents and visas prepared well ahead of time, so this vacation app is a lifesaver.

Given that rules are being updated constantly, it’s still a good idea to check official government websites for the most up-to-date guidance. However, if you’re looking for a quick sanity check of the COVID requirements in your destination, Atlys is a best app for travel that will make the process simpler.

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Atlys is one of the best apps for travel, especially for COVID information

Best free travel apps for organizing your trip

Now that the flights and accommodations are booked, you’ll want to consolidate this documentation and continue your planning. Here are some travel apps to help you with that.

17. TripIt

Ever thought of using a mobile app to store all your trip information? Thanks to TripIt, the days of hopelessly sifting through your emails to find ticket confirmations are over!

From hotel and car reservations to airline tickets and tour itineraries, TripIt lets you compile all your trip information in one place. This Android and iPhone app also lets you share trip plans with others, which is super helpful when you’re coordinating travel plans with family/friends.

The best part of all? You can save this information offline so you won’t need an internet connection to access it!

I’ve found TripIt to be the perfect alternative to Google Trips, which was shut down in August of 2019. It’s one of the vacation apps that I think every traveler needs.

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TripIt is one of the best travel apps for iPhone and Android
(Image courtesy of iTunes)

18. Roadtrippers is a useful travel app for travelers planning a road trip

Looking to plan a road trip anytime soon? Save yourself a lot of time and effort by using this free travel app for iPhone and Android.

Roadtrippers lets you plan your road trip itinerary, mapping out all the stops you want to see (up to 7 points for free; unlimited waypoints if you upgrade your account for a fee). This includes dining venues, top sights and attractions, and other places you’ll want to incorporate into your itinerary. This mobile travel app also offers some generic road trip guides in case you’re crunched for time.

Read next: New England Road Trip Planning Guide

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Roadtrippers is a useful travel app for travelers wishing to plan a road trip
Roadtrippers is among the best apps for travel in 2023

19. Guides by Lonely Planet

Looking to add an itinerary app to your repertoire? Download this travel app guide to your phone.

I’m a huge fan of guidebooks, particularly those from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet. However, it’s not always convenient to carry them around with you while you travel. The best solution, of course, is a handy dandy iPhone or android app!

Guides by Lonely Planet is an awesome resource for travel tips and recommendations. Its city guides are user-friendly and filled with valuable information. The offline map is also pretty helpful when you get to the destination.

In addition to its city guides, you can also use this app to shop around for tickets and tours. This feature is great from an idea-generation standpoint, but I think you’re better off purchasing tickets directly with the seller (or on another website altogether).

The most helpful travel apps are the ones with lots of information at your fingertips. Guides by LP will help prepare you with a travel itinerary for your next trip.

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Lonely Planet Guides is one of the top travel apps in the world

20. Trello

I recently began using Trello to plan my trip to Doha and Oman! This platform lets you share travel itineraries and create tasks that make the trip planning process much easier.

Trello is a great tool for organizing all aspects of your vacation, including ticket confirmations, to-do lists, and ideas that pop up along the way. To be honest, organization is not one of my strong suits, so Trello makes my life a heck of a lot easier!

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Trello is one of the best apps for iphone and android

21. Best Travel App for Packing Items for Your Trip: PackPoint

If you’re looking to organize your trip, you’ll definitely want to download this handy dandy packing app.

With PackPoint, you’ll never forget your underwear or socks again, but more importantly, this travel app will help you create a list of items you should bring that are specific to your destination. All you have to do is select your dates, location, and the type of trip, and this nifty app for travelers does the rest. Depending on your destination, the time of year, and the weather forecasts, this app will recommend accessories such as jackets, umbrellas, and beach attire that you may forget to bring otherwise.

If you’d like a free packing list, subscribe to my blog for exclusive tips and travel resources.

Read next: Best Time of Year to Visit the Northeast

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One of the best International travel apps for packing
PackPoint is one of the best international travel apps for packing.

Best travel apps for navigating the airport security process (USA Only)

One of the most stressful parts about traveling is the airport security process. If you’ve ever had to wait in long lines at security and customs, you can probably attest to this. Here are some of my favorite free travel apps that will alleviate your stress at U.S. airports.

22. MyTSA

This travel app is a lifesaver when it comes to the security check process at airports. MyTSA is a source of valuable information provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This app contains the following:

– Estimated wait times at security checkpoints.

– 24/7 access to security information (i.e. contact information and live assistance).

– Guidelines on permitted/prohibited items in luggage.

– Airport or weather delays that may affect your flight.

Whether you’re curious about the security wait time or what’s allowed in your luggage, MyTSA is a great resource that will answer most of your questions.

[ iPhone | Android ]

MyTSA is a reliable app for US travelers. It's one of the best travel apps for the US.
MyTSA is one of the best travel apps for the US.

23. Mobile Passport

For U.S. and Canadian passport holders, Mobile Passport is a saving grace that addresses the hassle of entering the United States.

This app allows you to breeze through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 26 airports and 3 cruise port terminals. All you have to do is update your profile with passport and trip information, and then you’re good to go. Another great part about using Mobile Passport is that you no longer have to pester flight passengers to borrow a pen. Where has this app for travel been all my life?

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Mobile Passport is a must-have travel application for entering the US.
Mobile Passport is a must-have travel application for entering the US.

Best travel app for booking unique experiences

Looking to partake in transformational travel experiences, including retreats and wellness workshops and events? Here’s a travel platform app that you should check out:

24. Bookretreats.com

Bookretreats.com is a website that allows you to find and book retreats, workshops, and other wellness-related experiences around the world. It is a platform for both travelers and retreat leaders, providing a way for people to discover and book unique and meaningful experiences in a variety of destinations.

The website allows you to search for retreats by location, activity, and duration, as well as read reviews from other travelers. It includes a wide range of options, including yoga retreats, meditation retreats, surf camps, cold immersion workshops, and wellness retreats, among others. You can book your retreat directly through the website, and many of the retreats include additional amenities like meals and accommodations.

Bookretreats.com is a great resource for travelers who are looking for something more than just a vacation, and want to focus on personal growth and well-being. It is also a useful platform for retreat hosts, as it provides a way to reach a wider audience and promote their offerings.

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Best travel app for checking flight status

In an ideal world, all flights would run smoothly (and on time), so we wouldn’t have to check on flight delays. Sadly, that’s not the case, but at least this app will help give us peace of mind:

25. FlightAware Flight Tracker

When it comes to flight tracking apps, this one is the best by far.

In real time, FlightAware allows you to check the flight status of any commercial flight worldwide. You can even set up flight status alerts and push notifications, which come in handy if you’re someone who’s paranoid about flight delays, gate changes, and cancellations.

FlightAware is often faster at notifying passengers of flight changes than the airlines themselves. So you’ll definitely want to download this before your next trip!

[ iPhone | Android ]

FlightAware Flight Tracker is a great free app for checking flight status and flight delays.

Best free travel apps for getting around your destination

Getting around places can be challenging when you’re traveling. Aside from your typical ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, there are other cool apps out there that make transportation easy and accessible. Here are a few that stick out:

26. Maps.me

Maps.me is a nifty navigation app that is best known for its offline maps.

This app is community-developed, meaning that the information within it (i.e. local attractions and businesses) is updated by users on an ongoing basis. This model is beneficial for finding new and off-the-beaten-path places, which likely wouldn’t be shown on Google Maps.

As an open-source platform, Maps.me has a lot of potential. The downloadable, offline maps are helpful in cities where you don’t have access to data or internet. Nevertheless, I think that Google Maps is a better resource overall.

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Maps.me is one of the best travel apps in 2019

27. Google Maps

Both at home and abroad, Google Maps has a special place in my heart. This app provides up-to-date maps and directions in pretty much every country around the world. Similar to Maps.me, Google Maps has an offline mode that you can use whenever you don’t have data. As such, it’s one of the best free travel apps that every traveler should have in 2023.

Whether you’re renting a car in Iceland or simply needing directions around a city, Google Maps has got you covered.

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Google Maps was a lifesaver when I got lost in the Tianzifang neighborhood of Shanghai last fall.
Google Maps was a lifesaver when I got lost in the Tianzifang neighborhood of Shanghai last fall.

28. Rome2Rio

As its name suggests, Rome2Rio is a reliable resource for getting around Rome, Rio de Janeiro, and everywhere in between. All you have to do is search where you want to go, and Rome2Rio will find you viable transportation options.

In places where it’s tricky to find accurate bus and train timetables, Rome2Rio usually finds what you’re looking for. It also provides you with a ballpark of the prices, as well as the length of your journey. Bon Voyage!

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29. Omio (formerly “GoEuro”)

Having visited 25 countries across Europe, I’ve relied on technology to traverse many of its cities and towns. Since my study abroad semester in college more than 5 years ago, GoEuro has always had my back. As of 2019, Omio has assumed this role.

This app is simple, yet effective in locating and booking transportation around Europe. It also provides live updates and customer service, which are particularly valuable when you’re traveling through unfamiliar places.

When I need to catch a last-minute bus or train in remote towns like Füssen, Germany, I credit GoEuro (Omio) for getting me from Point A to Point B.

[ iPhone | Android ]

GoEuro, now called Omio, is a great resource for booking transportation. It's one of the best travel apps for Europe.
GoEuro (now Omio) is one of the best travel apps for booking ground transportation, particularly around Europe.

Best travel apps dealing with money

Whether we like it or not, money is a key factor in our travel decisions. Here are a couple of apps that are worth checking out:

30. Splitwise

Are you traveling with a group of friends anytime soon? If you have an arrangement where each person in your group is in charge of purchasing different things (i.e. flights, hotels, and attractions), you should consider using an app to track these expenses. Splitwise is my go-to app to ensure that everyone gets paid back.

Splitwise is a great resource for a couple of reasons. First, it allows you to track expenses in pretty much every major currency. This means that if you’re visiting multiple countries on a group trip, you can simultaneously track expenses in different currencies. In addition to performing currency conversion, Splitwise is integrated with Venmo and PayPal, which allows you to reimburse each other instantly.

Splitwise is much more convenient than tracking expenses in an excel spreadsheet (the old fashioned way).

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31. XE Currency

When you’re visiting places like the Czech Republic, where 1 Koruna = 0.044 USD, calculating the exchange rate is no easy task. To avoid getting ripped off in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to have a currency converter in your back pocket. My favorite resource for comparing exchange rates is XE Currency.

This app allows you to keep tabs on foreign exchange rates in real time. XE Currency is easy to use, and makes life easy by not having to calculate complex conversions in your head. When you’re not connected to the internet, XE Currency still works by showing you recent rates from your last time using the app.

Even if you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, it’s always advisable to carry local currency (and an app that calculates it) just in case.

[ iPhone | Android ]

XE Currency is a great app for calculating currency exchange

Best free travel app for keeping connected with others

During your travel adventures, you’ll want a reliable way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones. Here are some travel apps that you should consider:

32. WhatsApp

Perhaps none of these vacation apps are more useful than this one. WhatsApp is an encrypted messaging app app that allows you to send texts, voice calls, and video chats over Wi-Fi. The best part of all? It’s free!

It’s shocking that this Facebook-owned application is still not widely used in the U.S. All of my international friends use WhatsApp to stay connected; and it’s baffled me why most Americans haven’t yet adopted it. In 2023, I expect (sadly) that cellular data providers will continue to hike their rates, which will make WhatsApp a more attractive alternative in the US market.

WhatsApp has been my lifeline to communicate with iPhone and Android users, both at home and abroad.

[ iPhone | Android ]

33. Google Duo

Google Duo allows you to make high-quality video and voice calls on smartphones and iPads. It’s free, simple, and easy to use. For those of you who are looking for an alternative to FaceTime, Google Duo is an excellent solution in the realm of video calling.   

[ iPhone | Android ]

Best free travel apps for learning languages

Before visiting a foreign country, I always learn a few important phrases in the local language. Below are two quintessential apps that will help you converse with locals.

34. Duolingo

This is my favorite language-learning app by far. What makes Duolingo so special? First of all, it’s fun. I like the way this app succinctly mixes visual and audio learning methods in an engaging way. Duolingo also uses spatial repetition to ensure that you’ve mastered the vocabulary and grammar before moving onto the next lesson. Given how important language-learning is for international travel, I consider Duolingo to be one of the top travel apps in 2023.

Duolingo’s free app version includes ads. However, I think the overall value and usefulness of this app supersedes the ads that appear after every lesson.

You won’t become a polyglot overnight by using this, but it’s a great starting point for learning some key phrases.

[ iPhone | Android ]

Duolingo is my favorite language-learning application

35. Drops is among the best apps for travel

If you’re a visual learner, this language app is for you. As a newer travel application, Drops is super fun and easy to use.

Unlike other language-learning apps, Drops gives you more control over what you want to learn. For instance, if there is a word that you are already comfortable with, you can label it as such so it doesn’t keep popping up. I have a solid understanding of German, so I don’t want to keep practicing the basics. In my experience, this feature alone gives Drops an advantage over Duolingo.

With its incredible assortment of languages, sleek design, and aesthetically-pleasing graphics, it’s no wonder Drops is a top tourist app for language learners.

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36. Google Translate

For international travelers, this is definitely one of the most essential travel apps in the app store.

Google Translate always comes to the rescue when you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the local language. This app provides instant translations in pretty much every major language. Most of the time, Google Translate is spot on. However, sometimes you’ll need to do additional research to discover more complex idioms or phrases.

Another cool functionality is that Google Translate lets you hover your camera over text to translate it. This is particularly useful if you’re trying to translate signs or menus in foreign countries.

At the end of the day, I think it’s worthwhile to learn the local language as much as possible. When there are any gaps in that knowledge, that’s where a translation app like Google Translate comes in.

[ iPhone | Android ]

Best app for travel after a trip

37. Best travel journal app: Journey

This app allows you to create a digital journal of your trips, with features like text, photos, maps, and audio recordings.

To use Journey, you simply create an entry for each day of your trip, and add text, photos, and audio recordings to document your experiences and memories. You can also add maps to your entries, which show your location and the places you have visited. Journey also includes a feature called “Moments” that helps you capture and organize special moments from your trip, such as sunsets, meals, or activities.

One of the benefits of using Journey is that it allows you to easily document and share your travels with others. You can export your entries as PDF or HTML files, or share them directly on social media platforms. Journey also includes a feature called “Sync & Backup,” which allows you to keep your journal safe and accessible from any device. Whether you’re a travel blogger or a hobby vacationer, you can easily document your journeys with this traveling app.

[ iPhone | Android ]

38. Visited

Ever considered getting a scratch map? Well, this one is virtual! Visited allows you to track your travel stats around the globe. There’s a handy map feature, as well as lists and progress trackers that are easy to set up. In addition, there is an inspiration section that functions like Tinder where you can swipe right/left to add places and attractions to your must-see list.

Every time you cross a destination or experience off your bucket list, you’ll be on your way to achieving your travel dreams and goals. Is this a best app for vacation? It certainly is!

[ iPhone | Android ]

Other beneficial travel apps

WiFi Map: Shows you the GPS locations and login credentials for free Wi-Fi networks around the world.

GasBuddy: Helps you find the cheapest gas stations in your area.

NordVPN: Provides an encrypted network to protect your privacy. This is particularly useful in countries where websites like Google and Instagram are blocked. *Note: this VPN service charges a monthly fee.

This list includes some of the best travel apps in the world
Equipped with these travel apps, you can navigate any place on Earth. Even the most remote places in Iceland!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the travel apps

What are some must-have travel apps?

Some essential travel apps include Google Maps for navigation, XE Currency for currency conversion, and Packpoint for creating a customized packing list. Read the other sections above for more Google and Apple travel apps.

Are there any unique travel apps that are less well-known?

Yes, there are plenty of innovative and useful travel apps that may not be as well-known as some of the more popular ones. For example, Detour offers audio tours led by local experts, and Minube is a community-driven platform for discovering and booking unique experiences.

How can I save money on my trip using travel apps?

There are many travel apps that can help you save money on your trip. For example, Hopper uses data and machine learning to predict the best time to book a flight, and Airbnb offers unique accommodations that can be more affordable than traditional hotels. You can also use apps like Travelocity and CheapOair to search for and compare prices on flights, hotels, and activities.

An iOS travel app like no other
An iOS travel app like no other

Are there any travel apps that offer affiliate programs?

Yes, some popular travel apps do offer affiliate programs that allow users to earn commissions by promoting the app to others. Examples include Booking.com, Expedia, and Kayak.

Can I use travel apps while traveling internationally?

Yes, you can usually use travel apps while traveling internationally, but it is a good idea to check the app’s terms of service and any local laws or regulations before using it. Some apps may have restrictions or additional fees for using them abroad, so be sure to check with the app developer or your mobile carrier for more information. In addition, it is a good idea to check whether you will have access to a stable internet connection while traveling, as this may affect the app’s performance.

Are travel apps safe to use?

Most travel apps are safe to use, but it is always a good idea to be cautious when downloading and using any app. Be sure to download apps from a reputable source, and make sure to read the app’s privacy policy before sharing any personal information. In addition, be sure to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication when available to protect your accounts.

What other useful travel apps are out there?

Some other helpful travel apps include TripIt for organizing your travel plans, Rome2rio for planning the best route for your trip, and Foursquare City Guide for finding local restaurants and attractions. There are many other options to choose from, so be sure to do your research and read reviews before downloading them.

Best travel apps for Apple and Android devices in 2023

I hope you’ve found this list of top travel apps in 2023 to be helpful! There are so many incredible (and free) travel apps out there, which makes it difficult to choose the best ones.

In addition to using the apps listed above, it’s always a good idea to do some research on local apps in your destination. Each country and city seems to have their own special apps to make life easier. For example, when it comes to local public transportation, sometimes Google Maps will not have all the answers.

Do you recommend any travel apps that aren’t on this list? I’ll be updating this article periodically, and would greatly appreciate your insight! Feel free to comment below or shoot me an email (jon@myglobalviewpoint.com). Thanks!

unique mobile applications for travelers
Enjoyed reading about these best apps for travel? Pin it!

Looking for more travel tips and other best apps for vacation? Check out my recent blog posts below:

12 Simple and Effective Tips to Save Money On Travel

10 International Travel Tips to Make You a Smarter Traveler

Otherwise, feel free to check out my homepage to see what’s new!


Global Viewpoint
Jon Miksis is a travel writer and social media content creator based in Boston, MA. He enjoys sharing travel inspiration that encourages others to see the world with a global viewpoint. Follow Jon’s journeys on his Instagram and Twitter.

For further reading, check out my latest travel articles below.

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1 comment

Rod February 28, 2019 - 02:38

There are so many great apps for a traveler. I like Airbnb, Skyscanner and Tripadvisor. Have you ever hear about Worldpackers app? I also, can’t imagine my trips without NordVPN, with it you can break through geo-restriction barriers and get full access to your favourite apps or websites. By the way, I bought my subscription with this discount code nordvpn.org/1yoffer if someone is interested.

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