Traveling represents one of the most liberating and fulfilling experiences for any person. We were born to explore and learn new things, but we cannot do so unprepared. Technology has made it very easy for us to organize checklists, book flights, write down itineraries, take photos and communicate with our loved ones back home. If you have a smart-phone or tablet we recommend you to install some of the following apps.
The most important thing that they have in common is the fact that they solve problems you might not have realized you had. Some of these apps are innovative and quirky, others are just plain useful. Instead of wasting your time in the App store, install these apps. You can take our word for it, they are the best.
Offline Map & Exploration Apps
1. GoogleMaps
If you are looking for a good maps app for offline and online, you should definitely choose Google Maps. It is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive maps applications for Android and iPhone. If you want to use the app in offline mode all you have to do is access the inbuilt support for offline maps.
With this feature you can download a map area to your Android device, and view it later (without connection). Keep in mind that only map tiles may be downloaded, so you should save a larger portion of a map as well as several smaller areas of interest. You can still use the GPS, even if you are offline, to check where you are.
Available on Google Play: click here
2. Smart Compass
Smart Compass uses built-in magnetic sensors to find bearings (azimuth). Regardless of the position of your device (landscape or portrait), it will still point in the right direction. Its most important features include the Camera view, used for reality, the metal detector which verifies magnetic sensors, and GPS capabilities.
Available on Google Play: click here
3. OsmAnd
This is another excellent offline map app that you should consider using during your trip. It is a full GPS application which can give you turn-by-turn directions as well as offline databases for points of interest. Other features include spoken directions, downloading map files to your device (limited to 10 free maps) etc. OsmAnd isn’t designed only for driving: pedestrians, bikers and public transportation users can also take advantage of its features.
Available on Google Play: click here
Communication
4. Skype
This communication app is without a doubt one of the best communication apps out there. Millions of worldwide users stand testimony to this app’s capability. There are too many features to list so we will stick with the basics: free video & voice chat with friends, text messages worldwide, low cost calls for mobiles & landlines with paid lands, ability to share screens and photos etc. If you want to stay in touch with family and friends you should install this app.
Available on Google Play: click here
5. Google Translate
Visiting a foreign country without a translation app is like walking naked through the snow. Google Translate is the ultimate app for taking down language barriers because it has 80 supported languages and an ever-evolving database for terms & sentences. You can even converse naturally with the app and let it translate stuff for you. Another feature worth mentioning is the offline one: you do not require internet connection for translations. For more information and features check out the link below.
Available on Google Play: click here
6. WhatsApp
Here’s another app that you might want to install before embarking on your trip. WhatApp Messenger is similar to Skype in that it allows you to keep in touch with your loved ones at home. The first year of WhatsApp is free, and plans for the second year start at 0.99$ USD. Oh, we almost forgot, you can also send multimedia items like videos and images if you want to share moments from your trip and offline messages.
Available on Google Play: click here
General Travel Sites
7. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is the go-to source for all sensible travelers out there. It has all the information you need about cities, hotels, restaurants materialized in reviews, descriptions, images, map directions and more. There are several TripAdvisor Apps worth considering, including TripAdvisor Hotels, City Guides Catalog, TripAdvisor apps for specific cities (example: Paris, Rome etc.) and more. With the free TripAdvisor app you can plan your perfect trip. Here are some of the most important features:
- Millions of opinions, videos, photos and reviews
- Starring system for hotels and other locations
- Restaurant exploration by price range, rating and food type
- Access to airfares and edals
- Near Me Now: discover interesting locations near your location
- Downloadable Maps for over 300 cities
Available on Google Play: TripAdvisor and City Guides Catalog
8. TripWolf
Tripwolf is extremely similar to TripAdvisor: it offers reviews for the most popular destinations in the world, offline data, trip planner & itineraries, information about different hotels, restaurants, pubs and more. TripWolf is currently available in English, Italian, Spanish and German. This app also has separate apps for cities such as Vienna, Warsaw and more.
Available on Google Play: click here
9. World Travel Guide by Triposo
Are you looking for one travel guide that contains information for the entire globe? Look no further, the World Travel Guide by Triposo is the most extensive resource for avid globe trotters. The app comes equipped with maps, weather data, offline guides, phrasebooks for non-English destinations, events and information about wildlife & festivals, among other things. It will also make suggestions for your itinerary.
Available on Google Play: click here
Weather Apps:
10. Weather
Over 500.000 Android users have unanimously voted “Weather” as the best app for weather forecasts and conditions. This tool is simple, efficient and it has a user-friendly interface. Some of its features include weather supports geo-positioning, tracking for multiple locations, widgets, weekly/hourly forecasts, animated weather conditions and more.
Available on Google Play: click here
11. Weather & Clock Widget for Android
Still looking for a good weather app? To be honest, this is my favorite Android Weather app because it has a stunning interface and great features. The best thing about it is the fact that it is completely free. Among its many features we will mention five-day weather forecasts, 10-day & hourly precipitation information, sunrise/sunset time, temperature status bar, widgets for the home screen, auto location detection, moon phase and more.
Available on Google Play: click here
Organization:
12. Evernote
We have been frantically searching for an app that includes voice memos, notes and reminders. We found Evernote. So many people praised this app and declared that it helped them organize their life better. To tell you the truth, I am a non-believer, but after installing it I was convinced. It is so easy to keep yourself organized with this nifty tool. Here are a few features that you will definitely need during your trip: notes, notebooks with tags, creative workspaces, To-do lists, agendas & itinerary creation, business travel planning, voice, video & image notes, reminders etc.
Available on Google Play: click here
13. Adobe Reader
This is a must-have app for interacting with PDFs such as documents, travel papers etc.
Available on Google Play: click here
14. KAYAK Flights, Hotels & Cars
With KAYAK you can plan your flights, hotel reservations, car rentals, manage prices etc. The clean and intuitive interface will make it easy for you to organize your trip and find the best deals. For flights, you will see airlines on the left, and prices & additional information on the right. We also recommend you to install specific airline apps (example: Salk ATG), for more specific information on flights and itineraries.
Available on Google Play: click here
15. TripIt Travel Organizer
Although this app is not the most popular out there, it is very useful for organizing all travel plans in one place. All you have to do is forward your travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and the app will create a detailed itinerary for you.
Available on Google Play: click here
16. TurboScan
Are you afraid of losing your documents? That can never happen if you keep them all in one place, on your Android Device. With TurboScan you can scan documents, notes, receipts, whiteboards and more. It is also a great tool for tracking your travel payments and activities.
Available on Google Play: click here / also available on iTunes
17. Dropbox
Where are you going to store all the photos and videos that you’re taking on your trip? On Dropbox, of course. Dropbox is definitely one of the best cloud storage apps out there, with a super-friendly interface and quick syncing. You can also upgrade your storage by completing several actions and inviting friends.
Available on Google Play: click here
Getting Around:
18. Hotel Tonight
This app is as simple as it gets: what it basically does is help you book hotels for your upcoming trip. The app’s motto is ‘Plan less. Live more”. With every booking you make you will earn HT credits which can be used for your next Hotel Tonight booking.
Available on Google Play: click here
19. SkyScanner – Car Hire
SkyScanner is an award-winning flights app (you can find the link for it below), but it is also a great app for finding rental cars. Although the app isn’t extremely popular, it has a super clean & crisp interface and easy functions that will help you secure a car within minutes.
Available on Google Play: Car Hire & SkyScanner Flights
20. MasterCard ATM Hunter
Are you running out of money but have no idea where to find ATMs? This app will come in handy. As the name stats, it is a Mastercard ATM hunter. It will locate nearby ATMs with the help of your phone’s GPS or by entering your address.
Available on Google Play: click here
21. Zomato – Restaurant finder
If you’re trying to find nice places to dine, but prefer to use something other than TripAdvisor, you should definitely check out Zomato. It is a simple app that helps users discover new locations with the help of pictures, menus and user reviews.
Currency & Units
22.. Easy Currency Converter
This app is easy, fast and efficient. It contains over 180 world currencies, updated with live exchange rates. You can use it while offline and you can also check out graphs and favorites. Interestingly enough, this app can convert 22 currencies simultaneously. Every traveler should use a currency converter to avoid getting ripped off.
Available on Google Play: click here
23. Mint
Mint is perfect for organizing finances and keeping the budget in check while traveling. We all know how easy it is to spend too much. Mint will help you use your money more efficiently. The app is absolutely safe & secure. It uses a read-only service (you can’t move money between accounts).
Available on Google Play: click here
Camera Apps
24. Instagram
Everybody knows about Instagram, so we don’t need to tell you very much about it. It’s the hippest social network for people who enjoy sharing images. The editing program, itself, is pretty basic but it has some cool filters that you can apply. Join the over 300 million users community and share your travel photography.
Available on Google Play: click here
25. Wondershare Panorama
If you want to take panoramas of the places that you are visiting, this app will come in handy. Wondershare Panorama for Android is the simplest panorama app out there. It’s extremely user friendly, all you have to do is move your camera from left to right, or right to left, and it will record the full image.
Available on Google Play: click here
This concludes our list of must-have travelling apps. If you install all of them you will be all set and prepared for your next adventure. Do you have any favorite travelling apps that you couldn’t find on this list? We would love to hear your opinion!
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