15 Best Travel Apps that Every Traveler Needs in 2023
15 Best Travel Apps that Every Traveler Needs in 2023
Once you set your mind on going for that vacation, how do you decide on the best destination to visit? What platforms do you use to book your flights and accommodation? How do you keep track of your movement in another city/ country? How do you communicate if you travel to a country where there is a language barrier?
The answer to all that lies in travel apps. Travel apps are life savers and here's why you should use them during your trips.
Reasons to Use Travel Apps
Some people may wonder if you really need travel apps when traveling. Here are some reasons why you should consider using them on your next trip.
- Travel apps can make traveling more convenient by providing you with information for cheap flights. A great thing is that most of these apps are completely free.
- You can also book your accommodation around the world hassle free. If you're lucky, you'll discover some pretty amazing hidden gems.
- Using apps with features like maps, currency converters, and translation tools, can make navigation in a new city/ county can much easier.
- Some apps like Google Maps don't need an internet connection all the time to function, you can still use them when you're offline.
- Additionally, many travel apps allow users to easily track and manage their itinerary, thus helping them to keep all of their travel plans organized in one place.
If you're planning to go on vacation, here are some helpful travel apps that you can download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to use on your trip.
1. AccuWeather
AccuWeather is a weather forecasting app that provides accurate, up-to-date weather information for locations around the world. It displays the current weather conditions, hourly forecasts, extended forecasts and severe weather alerts.
The app also includes a feature that provides weather forecasts and information tailored to specific activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing, which can be helpful when planning outdoor activities.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
2. Airbnb
Airbnb is a well known app and website that enables travelers to discover hidden gems and book unique home rentals for short-term and long-term stays in different destinations all around the world. The rentals vary from entire homes, to apartments, to rooms, and are usually owned and operated by local hosts.
The advantage of staying at a rental as opposed to a hotel is that you can get the opportunity to stay in unique properties that you may not find when trying to book for accommodation the traditional way. Another advantage is that travelers are able to look for rentals based on their desired location, budget, and amenities, such as a pool, a kitchen, or a hot tub. The app also has a chat feature which allows users to communicate with the host and ask questions about the property, the area and anything they want to know before they book.
In case you're planning to visit Venice California, here's the perfect vacation rental for you.
Resthaven LA
Resthaven LA is a stunning, luxury vacation rental under Resthaven Properties. The home is located at 522-524 Rialto, Venice, California in the upscale neighborhood of Venice, CA. The property is a Black-owned luxury vacation rental with modern amenities and is perfect for people looking to experience luxury travel, on a trip/vacation, on their honeymoon, on a staycation or simply looking for new adventures.
This home sits on 3,400 sq. ft., has 4 beds and 4.5 baths. Its close proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Muscle Beach, Ocean Front Walk and the Venice Fishing Pier makes it the perfect home for travelers looking to explore the city. It is also located less than half a mile from Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard and less than ten miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
For those looking for an exclusive, safe and stunning vacation rental where you can take a break from life's daily stresses and just breathe, Resthaven LA is the perfect vacation rental for you.
Resthaven Properties offer you the ultimate membership for an extraordinary life of travel. The 3 membership options that you can choose from are:
Infinite Access
This option comes with:
- Complimentary 3 nights and 2 days visit across all U.S. based properties
- No annual membership dues
- $250 cleaning fee per visit
- $250 pet fee per visit
Global Entry
This option comes with:
- Complimentary 3 nights and 2 days stay across Resthaven properties worldwide
- No annual membership dues
- No pet fee
- $250 cleaning fee per visit
Global Entry, Monthly Financing
This option comes with:
- Monthly Financing
- No FICO requirements
- 10% down & 19% APR
- 20% down & 12% APR
- No prepay penalties
To book the property or for more information, get in touch with us here.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
3. Culture Trip
Culture Trip is a travel and culture app that provides users with information on the unique culture, history, and local experiences of various destinations. Users can read articles, watch video clips and scroll through photos in order to understand the culture of the place that they'd like to visit.
The app allows users to discover new places and read about local customs and traditions. It also includes a feature that allows users to save their favorite articles and create their own travel itineraries.
Additionally, Culture Trip also offers a feature called "Local Picks" which is a curated list of things to do, see, eat and drink in the area you are currently located, which can be especially useful when traveling in an unfamiliar area.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
4. Flush - Toilet Finder & Map
Flush Toilet finder is a free app that is designed to help travelers to easily locate public restrooms. Users can also access a premium version of the app which is ad-free.
The app uses the device's GPS to locate nearby public restrooms, and often provide information such as the availability of toilet paper, baby changing facilities, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Users can also be able to leave ratings and reviews of the bathrooms that they've used, so as to help other users decide which ones to use.
This app can really come in handy when you're traveling in an unfamiliar area, or when you're out and about for an extended period of time.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
5. GasBuddy
If you're going on a road trip, then GasBuddy is an app that you need to have in your phone or device. The app helps travelers spend less on fuel by enabling them to locate the cheapest gas stations near their current location by entering a specific address or intersection. It also includes a feature that allows users to filter their search by fuel type and brand, as well as by amenities such as car washes and convenience stores.
The app has features to enable you to track your fuel consumption and expenses as well as pay for gas directly from the app.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
6. Google Maps
Google Maps is an essential travel app that is popularly used for navigation and finding local points of interest such as malls and restaurants. The app provides detailed maps of destinations, including street maps, satellite imagery, and 3D views, as well as real-time traffic and transit information.
With this information, travelers can navigate much easier in places that they aren't very familiar with, find local spots of interest such as hotels as well as plan their routes and avoid traffic. Another great Google Maps feature is the ability for users to save places they want to visit. Travelers can also create custom maps for offline use when they are visiting places with limited internet access. Google Maps app also enables users to see reviews, ratings, and pictures of the places you want to visit so as to make an informed choice.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
7. Google Translate
Google Translate is a popular app among many travelers as it helps in translating text and speech in different languages. The app provides instant translations of text and speech in over 100 languages, and is extremely useful to travelers when visiting a country where there is a language barrier.
Google Translate can be used offline and it also includes a feature called "Phrasebook" which allows users to save commonly used phrases for easy access. This can help travelers stay prepared when they need to communicate with the locals.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
8. Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a travel app that allows travelers to find and book budget-friendly accommodations, mainly hostels, in destinations around the world. Travelers can search for hostels based on location, price, and amenities, such as Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and breakfast.
Hostelworld also includes a group booking function that allows users to book multiple beds in a dormitory-style room or a private room, which can be especially useful for those traveling in groups.
9. Packpoint
Packpoint is a packing list app that can help users create a useful and customized packing list for their trip based on their destination, length of stay, and activities planned. The app takes into account things like the weather forecast, as well as any specific events or activities planned. It also suggests a list of clothing and items to bring.
The app also allows users to come up with multiple packing lists for different trips and save them for future reference. This way, you are less likely to forget essential things when packing for your next trip.
Packpoint also has a feature which allows users to share their packing list with friends or family. This can be especially helpful when you're traveling as a group.
Another great feature of the app is that users are able to set reminders for important things such as passport expiration, vaccination renewals and visa requirements. This can help you be more organized and avoid any last minute stress when you're planning for future travel.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
10. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a popular travel app and website that allows users to search and compare prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars. The app allows users to search for the cheapest flights to a specific destination, or to set up a price alert for a specific route, so they can be notified when prices drop.
In addition, the travel app allows users to search for the best deals on hotels and rental cars, and to view prices for entire months at a time, which can help to find the cheapest dates to travel. The app also includes a feature that allows you to set an alert for a specific flight or hotel, so you'll be notified when the price drops to a certain level.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
11. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a popular travel app and website that helps travelers access information on destinations, hotels, ratings and reviews and attractions when planning and booking a trip. The information provided can help travelers make informed decisions on the best places to visit, stay and activities to do in a particular destination.
Using the app, travelers can also search and book hotels, cheap flights, vacation rentals, and activities, as well as create and share travel itineraries with friends and family. After their vacation, app users can also leave their own ratings and reviews to help other travelers make more informed travel decisions.
The app also has a "Near me now" function which enables app users to find the things that they need like hotels and hospitals in the area that they are currently located. The app is especially helpful when you're visiting an unfamiliar area.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
12. TripIt
TripIt is a handy app for travelers who would like to stay organized in the course of their trip. App users can be able to organize and manage their travel itineraries by forwarding confirmation emails for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other reservations to a specific email address, after which the app will automatically create a master itinerary for you for your trip.
The app also includes a feature that allows users to view all their reservations in one place, and to access important information such as flight times, hotel addresses, and confirmation numbers. In addition users can be able to share their itinerary with friends and family, so they can keep track of your travel plans as well.
The app also includes a feature called "Traveler profiles" which allows you to save your frequent flyer numbers, passport information, and seat preferences, which can be helpful when booking travel.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
13. Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft are popular ride-hailing apps that can be very useful for travelers. These apps are helpful to users when they are trying to get around in a new city. Getting a cab is as easy as requesting for a ride in the app and a nearby driver will pick and drop you at your destination.
With both apps, you can be able to view the driver's name, car type, and license plate number. Always be sure to verify these details before getting into the cab.
Another advantage is that there usually are different car types based on the customers' budget and if they have any special needs. The apps also allow users to rate their driver and provide feedback, which helps to ensure a high level of service.
Both apps are available in many countries worldwide and so you can be able to access cab services from most destinations that you may wish to travel to.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
14. XE Currency
Converter
XE Currency Converter is an app that provides live currency exchange rates for every currency in the world, and allows users to easily convert between different currencies. This app can not only help travelers come up with an accurate budget for their trips but also help them make informed decisions when shopping for both basic and luxury items.
The app also includes a feature that allows users to track multiple currencies at once, which can come in handy when traveling across multiple destinations or when making international purchases.
XE Currency is also offline-capable, meaning that you can use the app even with no data connection.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
15. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that can help travelers stay connected to their friends and family. The app allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos and videos with friends and family, regardless of their location.
WhatsApp also allows users to create group chats, which can be especially useful for travelers who are traveling with a group of friends or family. This can help to keep everyone connected and on the same page, especially when making plans or coordinating transportation.
One of the main advantages of WhatsApp is that it uses internet connection to communicate, which can save you a lot of money on international roaming costs, especially when traveling abroad. WhatsApp also includes a feature called "WhatsApp Web" which allows you to use the app on your computer, which can be especially useful when traveling and using a computer to plan your trip.
Finally, WhatsApp is available in multiple languages, which can be helpful for travelers who are not fluent in English.
Compatibility: Android & IOS
Price: Free
Conclusion
While using travel apps is very convenient, be sure to take some safety measures to protect your personal information so as to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Always ensure that you keep your device secure and practice caution when sharing personal information. Only use official and reputable apps and also read reviews and research an app's reputation before using it for travel.
By following these safety measures, you can help to protect your personal information and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip when using travel apps.
A few more free travel apps that you should consider checking out are Couchsurfing for alternative accommodation options, Meetup for making new connections, LoungeBuddy for identifying and accessing the best airport lounges , Spotify for music streaming and Netflix for watching movies.
Resthaven Properties
Unified Hub is an online booking engine that shifts the accommodation search experience from “where” to “who.” Consumers are inspired to experience the same properties as the value-aligned content creators they follow which leads to intentional purchase decisions based on whom they are spending in support of, not where they will be located when they spend.
Resthaven Properties is a collection of Black-owned luxury vacation properties. Resthaven Properties focuses on acquiring vacation property across the world's best travel destinations for predictable income and appreciation. So far, the luxury properties under the Resthaven Properties portfolio include Resthaven Los Angeles, Resthaven Tahoe, and Resthaven Zihuatanejo. Resthaven Properties operate under membership options that disrupt traditional lodging and timeshare accommodations by implementing a pay once and use for a lifetime strategy. The team opportunistically acquires properties in the 5-7M range based on the high potential for appreciation and a prime location for leisure travel and intentionally supports diverse vendors in each property.
Bay Street Capital Holdings is a leading Black-owned investment firm. The team of 17 is 75% women, 66% 1st-generation American, and 47% under the age of 30. DLA Piper serves as legal counsel, Weaver serves as tax advisor, and Juniper Square serves as fund administrator.
Sources
https://nomadparadise.com/travel-apps/
https://mashable.com/article/best-travel-apps
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-travel-apps/
https://airssist.com/vacation-travel-apps/
