If you’re like me, your phone is never to far from reach. These apps every traveler needs on their phone are the ones you’ll want to download before your journey. I’m a huge believer in being organized before the trip and not waiting upon arrival to get everything in order. With access like none other before, it’s amazing how much technology can aid travel today.
These apps every traveler needs on their phone are designed to speed up process, give access to data like maps, and connect. Take a peak at these travel apps.
12 Apps Every Traveler Needs on Their Phone
1. Google Maps
I know this may be a given but do you know the full potential of Google Maps? This is the key to my travel planning. I use it in two crucial ways. I “star” everything I want to see, eat, and do. When I arrive on location, I can easily see where everything is in proximity to me and have the data. The other key function is I always download offline maps. In case I have no internet when I arrive, Google allows you save all of the data of a map and stores it offline!
2. Google Drive / Dropbox
Depending which you use to store documents/files, I always keep these on my phone. I use Dropbox to store my itineraries and important docs in a secure folder — you can also save them offline.
3. FLIO
If I am limited on time at an airport, I always check FLIO to see what is available in my terminal for food/shopping. It’s a great way to know ahead of time and see your options.
4. Whatsapp
If you’re looking for free texting that only uses data/WiFi, look no further. I use Whatsapp almost exclusively when I am abroad to avoid those charges.
5. Uber
I often land in country and don’t have local currency, so this is huge for transportation on arrival. Not every country may have it, but those that do, it’s incredibly convenient to get a ride.
6. Kayak
If I’m looking for flight research or hotel pricing, I always check Kayak first since it aggregates most data from airlines/hotels. I find the layout easy to understand and it’s a great way to hedge pricing.
7. Priority Pass
If you have a Priority Pass lounge account, I keep this on my phone to check what lounges I have access to. It’s been a game changer, like that one time I had a 6 hour layover in Delhi.
8. Airbnb
Since I use Airbnb often, I always keep the app on my phone. It stores important information for checking in, allows you to communicate with hosts more easily, and gives you information on your upcoming destination.
9. Yelp
Since they make you download it to read more than a few reviews, I keep this on my phone to have a quick look at what other travelers have said about restaurants and attractions.
10. XE Currency
Best app for real time data on currency exchange.
11. Hotel Tonight
It’s probably my worst nightmare to book a hotel the night of, but Hotel Tonight will guide the way. It gives you access to discounted rooms available that week and saves a ton of money for the last minute booking.
12. LoungeBuddy
If you want to see what lounges are available in the airport, this app holds it all. It will tell you which lounges give access by credit card and even lets you book discounted day passes.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
