Essential Must Have Travel Apps: Incredible travel apps you might be missing out 2024

Must Have Travel Apps you might missing out! As a passionate traveler with over 14 years of experience, I’ve learned that thorough research and planning are key to a seamless trip. While crafting my itinerary is always exciting, I’ve also discovered that certain mobile apps can make a huge difference in making my travels more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable.

I’ll share some of my favorite travel apps that have helped me navigate unfamiliar territories and overcome common travel challenges. From eSim solutions to ride-hailing alternatives, visa assistance, and weather forecasting, these apps have become imperative tools in my travel arsenal. So, buckle up and let’s explore the incredible travel apps you might be missing out on!

Key Takeaways

• Mobimatter is a useful eSim app that provides great network coverage in many parts of the world, with advantages such as easy activation, packages covering multiple countries, and data or data + calling options.
• Rentalcars and Rentalcover are important apps for car rentals and insurance, offering competitive prices, additional benefits, and flexibility in bookings and cancellations.
• Regional ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go, Grab, and Bolt provide improved interfaces, convenience, and cheaper prices compared to Uber, and are reliable alternatives in different regions.
• Travel planning apps such as Rome2Rio, Visareservation, and Skyscanner are must-haves for building itineraries, checking visa requirements, and comparing flight prices, while Google Translate and Accuweather are important for language translation and weather forecasts.
• Flight tracking and mapping apps like FlightAware, Google Maps, Waze, and 2Gis are useful for tracking flights, navigating routes, and exploring cities, while Visited is a fun app for avid travelers to track their progress and set travel goals.

Essential Travel Apps You Never Knew You Needed

Before I probe the must-have travel apps that have made my journeys seamless, convenient, and efficient, I want to emphasize the importance of thorough research in planning a trip. Over the years, I’ve realized that some mobile apps can make a significant difference in making your trips smoother and easier.

1. Mobimatter: Streamlining Your Travel Itinerary

Streamlining your travel itinerary is crucial to ensure a hassle-free trip. That’s where Mobimatter comes in – an eSim app that has great network and coverage in most parts of the world. I used it extensively in Europe, and it worked really well. Prior to Mobimatter, I would always buy a local tourist sim in the country I was traveling to. However, there are several advantages of Mobimatter over traditional local sim cards.

The convenience of downloading and activating the eSim even before arriving in a country takes away the hassle of standing in a queue, buying a sim card, and physically installing it in your phone. Additionally, packages provide coverage across several countries, and you have the choice of buying only data or data + calling, depending on your requirements.

2. Rentalcars and Rentalcover: Hassle-Free Car Rentals

Your car rental experience can be a breeze with Rentalcars and Rentalcover. Rentalcars is an aggregator app that shows all the options available through different car rental companies along with the rental specifics such as mileage, etc. Whenever I’m planning a road-trip, I always compare all options on this website and choose the best.

One big advantage of booking on rentalcars.com vs the actual company is that some additional benefits such as complementary extra driver, etc. might be included for free. Rentalcars also has its own third-party insurance, which is definitely cheaper than the one available on the counter. Also, most bookings on rentalcars.com are cancellable and refundable until the last minute, providing more flexibility.

The Rentalcover app provides car rental insurance that gives full coverage, including the excess, at a much lower cost than what you’d buy from the car rental company or over the counter. It gives you complete peace of mind when driving in a foreign country.

Navigating Unfamiliar Roads

Even the most seasoned travelers can get lost in unfamiliar territories. That’s where these incredible travel apps come in, making navigation a breeze.

3. Yandex Go, Grab, and Bolt: Ride-Hailing Made Easy

Easy peasy, that’s what ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go, Grab, and Bolt are all about. These alternatives to Uber are region-specific, offering improved interfaces, convenience, connectivity, and cheaper prices. I’ve had the pleasure of using Yandex Go in Central Asia and East Europe, Grab in Southeast Asia, and Bolt in the Baltic States. What I love about these apps is that they’re more reliable than smaller local players or public taxis, and often cheaper than Uber.

Just remember to get a local sim or eSim when you travel to have accessibility to these apps on the go! With these apps, you can easily hail a ride, track your journey, and even get access to other services like food delivery and scooter taxis.

4. Rome2Rio: Planning Your Route with Ease

Ease of planning is what Rome2Rio is all about. This fantastic website helps you plan your route from Point A to B, showing all available options, including flights, taxis, buses, trains, and self-drive. You can even get an estimate of the time taken, cost, and timings available, making it easy to book your tickets.

Grab your travel dates and destination, and Rome2Rio will do the rest. I’ve used this website extensively to plan my trips, and it’s been a lifesaver. What I love about Rome2Rio is that it gives me a clear picture of all my options, allowing me to make informed decisions about my travel plans.

Rome2Rio is especially useful when you’re planning a road trip or need to book multiple modes of transport. It saves you the hassle of searching through multiple websites, giving you all the information you need in one place. Trust me, you won’t regret using Rome2Rio to plan your next trip!

Visa and Travel Requirements

Not knowing the visa and travel requirements for your destination can be a major hurdle in planning your trip. It’s important to research and understand the requirements beforehand to avoid any last-minute hassles.

5. Visareservation: Simplifying the Visa Application Process

Requirements for obtaining a visa can be overwhelming, especially for countries like India, where we need visas to travel to almost all key destinations. The process can be cumbersome, with multiple document requirements, such as confirmed flight tickets, hotel reservations, medical/travel insurances, and more. This is where Visareservation comes in – a website that helps with all the required documents, including a perfectly built itinerary, at a minimal price. The documents provided are verifiable, and many people I know have used them to get their Schengen visas approved.

I’ve found Visareservation to be particularly helpful when it comes to Schengen visas, where the process can be extremely tedious. The website takes away the hassle of gathering all the necessary documents, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your trip. With Visareservation, you can be assured of getting all the required documents in place, increasing your chances of getting your visa approved.

Communication is Key

For any traveler, effective communication is crucial to navigating unfamiliar territories, cultures, and languages. Whether you’re trying to ask for directions, order food, or negotiate prices, being able to communicate effectively can make all the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one.

6. Google Translate: Breaking Language Barriers

To overcome language barriers, I rely heavily on Google Translate. This incredible app has been a lifesaver during my travels, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken. With Google Translate, I can instantly translate text, speech, and even camera images to help me navigate menus, signs, and conversations. The app’s voice translation feature is particularly useful, allowing me to speak into my microphone in one language and have it translated into another language in real-time.

In countries like Japan, where not many people speak English, Google Translate has been an necessary tool for me. I’ve used it to scan restaurant menus, read street signs, and even communicate with locals. The app’s accuracy is impressive, and it’s often helped me avoid misunderstandings and misadventures. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, Google Translate is a must-have app for anyone venturing into unfamiliar linguistic territories.

Staying Ahead of the Weather

Keep yourself prepared for any unexpected weather conditions during your trip by utilizing these incredible travel apps.

7. Accuweather: Reliable Forecasts for Your Journey

Your trip’s success can greatly depend on the weather. That’s why I always rely on Accuweather to stay informed about the weather conditions of my destination. Before I travel to a new country, I save the cities I’m going to visit in my ‘favourites’ under this app and then check the weather forecast for the next 3 days, which is usually quite accurate. Of course, it’s necessary to check the expected weather beforehand to ensure you’re well-prepared with what to expect and pack accordingly.

I’ve often found Accuweather to be quite reliable about the weather, and it’s become an necessary tool for me when planning my trips. With Accuweather, you can stay ahead of the weather and make informed decisions about your travel plans. Whether you’re planning a hike, a city tour, or simply want to know what to pack, Accuweather has got you covered.

Flight Tracking and Updates

Many of us have experienced the frustration of flight delays or cancellations, and the anxiety that comes with not knowing what’s happening with our flight. That’s where flight tracking and update apps come in – to keep us informed and up-to-date about our flight status.

8. FlightAware: Stay Informed About Your Flight Status

Informed travelers know that staying on top of their flight status is crucial to a stress-free journey. That’s why I swear by FlightAware, an app that provides real-time flight tracking and updates. With FlightAware, you can track your flight’s current status, including boarding gate information and any delays. What’s more, if you check in 6-7 hours before your flight time, you can even see the current location of the plane that’s meant to take you, including the city and airport it’s currently at.

But that’s not all – FlightAware also allows you to check the history of your flight over the past few days, so you can see if it’s been arriving on time or if it’s usually late. The app even provides an average delay time for your flight, giving you a rough idea of what to expect. With FlightAware, you’ll be well-prepared for any flight-related hiccups and can plan your journey accordingly.

Documenting Your Travels

Fingertips at your service! When I’m on the go, I love to document my travels in a way that’s easy, convenient, and fun. That’s where Visited comes in – a travel journal at your fingertips.

9. Visited: A Travel Journal at Your Fingertips

I’m obsessed with Visited, an app that lets me track my travels in a visually stunning way. With Visited, I can input all the countries and cities I’ve visited, those on my bucket list, and even where I live. The app creates a colorful map that shows my progress, setting it against my ‘travel goal’. It’s amazing to see the colors change as I add new destinations to my list!

The best part? I can even print my map (for a small fee) and show it off to friends and family. Visited is perfect for avid travelers like me who want to keep track of their adventures and stay motivated to explore more of the world. Here are some of the key features that make Visited stand out:

• Track your travels: Input the countries and cities you’ve visited, and watch your map come alive.
• Set travel goals: Set a goal for yourself to visit a certain number of countries or cities, and track your progress.
• Print your map: Get a physical copy of your map to show off your travels.
• Bucket list management: Keep track of the places you want to visit and move them to your ‘visited’ list when you’ve been there.

Any serious traveler will love Visited – it’s the perfect way to document your travels and stay inspired to explore more of the world.

Navigation and Maps

Despite the abundance of travel apps available, navigation and maps remain an imperative component of any trip. Whether you’re exploring a new city or navigating through unfamiliar terrain, having the right tools can make all the difference.

10. Google Maps and Waze: Finding Your Way Around

The dynamic duo of navigation, Google Maps and Waze, have revolutionized the way we travel. Instead of relying on physical maps or asking for directions, these apps provide turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, and even suggest alternative routes to avoid congestion. I’ve found Waze to be particularly useful in areas with heavy traffic, as it provides more accurate estimates of travel time and alerts you to road closures and accidents.

What I love about Google Maps is its ability to provide detailed information on public transportation, including bus and train schedules, routes, and even the exact location of stops. This feature has been a lifesaver in cities where I don’t speak the language, as it allows me to navigate confidently using public transportation.

11. Skyscanner: An Alternate to Kayak for Flight Bookings

Bookings for flights can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find the best deals. That’s where Skyscanner comes in – an alternate to Kayak that offers a range of features to make flight bookings a breeze.

Your search for the perfect flight just got easier with Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ option, which allows you to search for destinations based on your budget. Simply enter your starting point, travel dates, and ‘everywhere’ as your destination, and Skyscanner will provide a list of affordable options. This feature is perfect for travelers who are flexible with their destination or looking for inspiration.

In addition to its ‘everywhere’ feature, Skyscanner also allows you to compare prices across different airlines, online travel agencies, and meta-search engines. This ensures that you get the best deal possible for your flight. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars using Skyscanner, and I’m confident you will too.

Booking Experiences and Tours

Unlike relying on travel agents or scouring the internet for hours, these travel apps make booking experiences and tours a breeze. From exploring your destination to unique experiences, these apps have got you covered.

12. Viator and GetYourGuide: Explore Your Destination

For travelers who want to explore their destination without the hassle of planning, Viator and GetYourGuide are excellent options. These global companies provide tours in every city, offering reliability and trust. While I always recommend opting for local companies to boost local business and save on costs, Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources to understand the activities available in the city you’re traveling to. They act as the perfect starting point of your research! You can even find the names of local companies operating the tours and contact them directly for a better price.

What I like about these apps is that they offer a wide range of activities, from sightseeing tours to adventure experiences. You can filter by price, duration, and rating, making it easy to find the perfect tour for your interests and budget. Plus, you can read reviews from other travelers to ensure you’re booking a high-quality experience.

13. Headout and Klook: Unique Experiences Await

One of the best ways to experience a new destination is through unique experiences, and Headout and Klook offer just that. These apps curate exclusive tours and activities that you won’t find elsewhere, from private cooking classes to behind-the-scenes museum tours.

What I love about Headout and Klook is that they partner with local experts to create one-of-a-kind experiences. You can book a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Bagan or a private wine tasting in Tuscany. The possibilities are endless! Plus, both apps offer a user-friendly interface, making it easy to browse and book experiences on the go.

The best part? Both Headout and Klook offer a price match guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal. And, with their 24/7 customer support, you can rest assured that any issues will be resolved quickly and efficiently.

Booking Transportation and Accommodation

All the excitement of traveling comes with its fair share of planning and preparation. Two of the most crucial aspects of trip planning are booking transportation and accommodation. In this section, I’ll introduce you to some incredible travel apps that will make these tasks a breeze.

14. Bookaway and 12GO: Seamless Transportation Bookings

One of the biggest headaches while traveling is booking transportation, especially in unfamiliar territories. That’s where Bookaway and 12GO come in. These apps allow you to book buses, trains, and ferries across various countries, making it easy to plan your itinerary. With Bookaway, you can book tickets for over 2,000 routes in more than 75 countries, while 12GO offers bookings for buses, trains, and ferries in Southeast Asia and Europe.

Both apps offer a user-friendly interface, competitive prices, and secure payment options. You can even book tickets at the last minute, making them perfect for spontaneous travelers. With Bookaway and 12GO, you can save time and hassle by avoiding long queues at bus stations or train terminals.

15. Agoda: An Alternate to Booking.com for Accommodation

With Agoda, you can browse over 15 million listings in more than 200 countries, making it an excellent alternative to Booking.com. This app offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels.

What I love about Agoda is its price match guarantee, which ensures you get the best deals on your bookings. The app also offers a rewards program, allowing you to earn points and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.

Transportation and accommodation are two crucial aspects of traveling, and Agoda takes care of the latter with ease. By using Agoda, you can save money and time while booking your stay, allowing you to focus on the more exciting aspects of your trip.

Exploring Local Culture

Many of us travel to experience the local culture, to immerse ourselves in the traditions, customs, and ways of life of the places we visit. And while guidebooks and online research can provide a good starting point, there’s no substitute for experiencing it firsthand with the help of locals.

16. Tours by Locals and Showaround: Immersive Cultural Experiences

Any traveler who has tried to navigate a foreign city without a local guide knows how frustrating it can be. That’s where Tours by Locals and Showaround come in – two apps that connect travelers with local guides who can provide an authentic, immersive experience. With Tours by Locals, you can book a private tour with a local guide who will show you the hidden gems of the city, share their knowledge of the local history and culture, and introduce you to the best local food and drink. Showaround offers a similar experience, but with a focus on social tours – you can book a local guide who will show you around the city and introduce you to other travelers.

What I love about these apps is that they offer a truly authentic experience. You’re not just following a scripted tour or reading from a guidebook – you’re experiencing the city through the eyes of a local. And because the guides are passionate about their city, you’ll get to see the hidden gems that most tourists miss. Of course, there are some security concerns to consider when booking a tour with a stranger, but both apps have a robust review system and safety protocols in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Savoring Local Cuisine

After years of traveling, I’ve come to realize that immersing oneself in local culture is crucial to having a truly memorable experience. And what better way to do that than through food? Trying new dishes, flavors, and ingredients is a huge part of the fun, and with the right apps, you can elevate your culinary adventures to the next level.

17. Traveling Spoon and EatWith: Culinary Delights

Spoon-fed with excitement, I stumbled upon Traveling Spoon and EatWith, two fantastic apps that connect travelers with local food enthusiasts and home cooks. These platforms offer a unique opportunity to experience authentic, homemade cuisine in the comfort of a local’s home. Imagine enjoying a traditional Indian curry in a cozy Mumbai apartment or savoring a hearty Italian pasta dish in a Tuscan villa – it’s a foodie’s dream come true!

Traveling Spoon takes it a step further by offering cooking classes, where you can learn the secrets of local recipes from your host. Imagine learning the art of making sushi from a Tokyo local or mastering the perfect Neapolitan pizza crust in Naples. The app also provides a platform for cultural exchange, allowing you to engage with your host and learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. EatWith, on the other hand, focuses on social dining experiences, where you can join a local family or group of friends for a meal, sharing stories and laughter around the dinner table.

Planning Outdoor Adventures

As an avid traveler, I always look forward to exploring the great outdoors when I’m on the road. Whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, being in nature is a big part of what makes travel so special. To make the most of my outdoor adventures, I rely on some fantastic travel apps that help me plan and prepare for my excursions.

18. AllTrails: Discovering Nature’s Hidden Gems

On my last trip to the mountains, I stumbled upon an amazing app called AllTrails. This incredible resource has been a game-changer for my outdoor adventures. With over 100,000 trails across the globe, AllTrails is the perfect companion for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

One of the most impressive features of AllTrails is its user-generated content. The app allows users to upload their own trail reviews, photos, and ratings, providing valuable insights for fellow adventurers. This community-driven approach ensures that the information is always up-to-date and accurate. I’ve found that the app’s GPS tracking feature is also incredibly useful, especially when venturing into remote areas with limited cell reception. With AllTrails, I can confidently navigate even the most challenging trails, knowing that I’ve got a reliable guide in my pocket.

Currency Conversion and More

Your travels can take you to various countries, each with their own currency and exchange rates. To avoid confusion and ensure you’re getting the best deals, you need a reliable currency conversion app. Here are some incredible options you might be missing out on:

19. XE.com: Your Go-To Currency Converter

For exchanging money while traveling, I rely on XE.com, a trusted and user-friendly currency converter. With XE.com, you can easily convert currencies, track exchange rates, and even set up rate alerts. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible wherever you go.

One of the most significant advantages of XE.com is its accuracy. The app provides live exchange rates, ensuring you get the best possible conversion. Additionally, XE.com offers a range of tools, including a currency converter, exchange rate charts, and a travel expense calculator. With XE.com, you can avoid hidden fees and exchange rate markups, saving you money on your travels.

Final Words

Now, as I conclude this list of incredible travel apps that have made my journeys smoother and more efficient, I hope you’ve found some new tools to add to your travel arsenal. From eSim apps like Mobimatter and Sims Direct, to ride-hailing alternatives like Yandex Go and Grab, and planning vitals like Rome2Rio and Skyscanner, these apps have been game-changers for me. And let’s not forget the peace of mind that comes with having the right insurance, courtesy of Rentalcover, or the convenience of translating menus and signs with Google Translate.

As I continue to explore new destinations and experiences, I’m excited to discover even more innovative apps that will make travel easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable. Happy travels, and I hope these apps bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me!

Be mindful of, the key to stress-free travel is being prepared, and with these apps, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your trips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, I’m confident that you’ll find something on this list that will make a significant difference in your travel experience. So go ahead, download these apps, and get ready to take your travels to the next level!

FAQ about Must Have Travel Apps