Best Travel Apps for Your Next Trip
In Cambodia, I met a Swiss traveler who’s been exploring the world since the 1970s. Back then, there were no apps to book hostels or track your route. Today, travel apps are everywhere, and almost essential. But are they actually useful? Here's a list of the best travel apps to download for your next trip!
Google Translate
A non-negotiable app. Perfect for communicating with locals, looking up words or phrases, and having conversations. Pro tip: download the languages of the country you’re visiting so you can use them offline too!
Wise / Revolut
If you're traveling, I always recommend taking at least two credit/debit cards. I carry one from my bank and a Wise card. It’s a secure way to handle money, often with better exchange rates when withdrawing cash. You load money into the app, and it links directly to your card—only that amount can be used. Be sure to order your physical card a few weeks before departure to make sure it arrives in time.
Polarsteps
It amazes me how many people don’t know this app. I’ve tested many travel journal apps, and this one’s the best by far. You can document your trip step by step, write short notes, add photos, and everything gets linked to a map—great for you and those who want to follow along. The best part? At the end of your trip, you can generate a beautiful printed photo book with just one click.
Currency App
Every country has a different currency. You’ll get better at estimating over time, but at first, conversions can be tricky. Download a currency converter that updates often so you always get the most accurate exchange rates.
Hostelworld
One of the best apps for booking hostels. Just enter your destination and browse through options. You'll see room types, amenities, reviews, and even have access to a chat function to talk with other travelers staying at your hostel.
In London, lots of people used this to find friends for drinks at the hostel bar!
Booking.com
Besides Hostelworld, I often use Booking.com for a wider range of accommodations. It’s also easier to contact the property owner directly.
Pro tip: If you book a hostel through Booking.com, ask for the bottom bunk—most places say yes!
TravelSpend
This app helps you track your spending while traveling. When I ask others how much they spent in a place, I usually get, “Hmm, no idea.” That’s risky—you might overspend without realizing.
In Peru, I was transferring money everywhere, thinking I was way over budget. But thanks to TravelSpend, I was right on track.
You can organize expenses by category, attach receipts, and even see your spending on a map—all in your home currency.
Tip: Use a separate Google account per country if you're using the free version (which allows only one trip). Or buy the premium version for a one-time fee of around €60.
Wise / Revolut (again)
I make sure to carry multiple cards in case one breaks, gets lost, or eaten by an ATM. Wise and Revolut are my go-tos for secure banking, easy payments, and better exchange rates.
Been
Some people love it, some don’t—but I enjoy seeing all the countries I’ve visited on a world map. The Been app shows where you've been, where you’ve lived, and where you still want to go. You can even add widgets to your home screen.
Skyscanner
To find the cheapest flights between destinations, I always use Skyscanner. I either book directly through the app or check the best routes and then book via the airline itself. Skyscanner gives a clear overview of flight options.
Splitser
If you're traveling with a buddy or group, Splitser is perfect for tracking shared expenses. You enter who paid for what, in which currency, and the app does the math—balancing everything at the end. Even if someone pays for others, the app figures out who owes who what in the end.
Many use Pinterest for creative inspiration, but it’s also great for finding travel tips. You’ll often see helpful blog posts with clear info about the places you want to visit.
Insurance App
Always useful to have your health or travel insurance app handy while on the road, in case you need to check anything quickly.
Stippl
Planning a tight-schedule trip? Stippl helps you map out where you’re going and how long you want to stay. Extend or shorten stays by adjusting the timeline. You get a clear route map and can add notes or accommodation details too.
Grab / Uber / Gojek
Taxi apps vary by region. Download the right one before arriving and create an account. I recommend setting your payment method to cash, in case you cancel a ride last-minute, it’s easier than checking your credit card statement.
Alpenglow
This app adapts to your location and shows golden hour, blue hour, and sunrise/sunset times—ideal for sunset lovers and photographers!
Maps.me
Allows you to download offline maps—perfect when you’re not sure if you’ll have reception. Just download in advance and explore with confidence.
Games
Let’s be honest: during a long flight, you’ll get tired of music and movies. Having a simple, offline game can be a great time-killer. Even if you're not a gamer—download one just in case!
