If you're somewhat of a gadget and techie geek like me, the smartphone is like an extension of your body. It's very likely glued to your hand while you follow directions from Google Maps towards your destination. You are likely documenting your travels religiously on Instagram or Facebook. Travel apps have always been helpful with guidance using maps or even helping out with the language barrier.
Want a map of the current city you're at? What about where to find the best flight deals? Maybe you want to know delays and status of your flight? Want suggestions from locals about where to drink or eat? All answers to these at the palm of your hands.
There are a plethora of apps out there that I end up downloading and never actually use. Throughout the years I’ve also downloaded dozens of apps and end up removing them from my Android phone because all they do is take up space. Besides the obvious necessity, Google Maps, I’ve compiled a list of the best travel apps that either solve problems or improve lives that will see continued to use through 2023.
1. Google Translate
Android | iOS
Nothing beats learning the language of the places you intend to visit or even just memorize a few phrases. However, it could take months or years to master a language. That's where Google Translate comes in, it can help on occasions you can't. It has a conversation mode, where you can speak your language and the person you're talking to in theirs with Google translating live.
It can handle English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian, with more to come. There's also the scanning mode where it will translate text instantly onscreen and a handwriting mode where you can draw text on the screen and Google will translate.
2. Trover
What is Trover? You can think of it as an Instagram for travel minus the selfies. Members post photos with details descriptions, inspirations from their travels. You can explore the world with other member's photos or find inspirations. Trover also has themed contests where they offer monetary awards to winners.
Follow me on TROVER: AlwaysWanderlust
3. JetRadar
JetRadar has an awesome easy to use WEBSITE for searching and booking low fare flights. It has quickly become my favorite flight search app. JetRadar could find me fares cheaper than Kayak, Travelocity, and other Airline search engine. Amazingly the search result has a fare that includes taxes, a feature I really appreciate. It also has a clean interface and is easy to use.
4. Tinder
Tinder isn't just a dating app. You can use it to meet locals and make new friends. Since it pretty much exists everywhere in the world you can find locals or fellow travelers to hook up with. It uses a location based proximity search so you'll always find somebody close by. So, if you're single, lonely, and traveling why not Tinder?
5. Instagram
This is probably the most popular social media platform out there right now, over 300 million users! You can share your adventures and travel photos and find inspiration from others. It's not a travel-specific app, Trover is better in that regards, but it does have a hefty user base.
Not just for selfies, you can use it to follow other travelers and share your adventures. Like Tinder, you can also use it meet people or other travelers.
6. TripAdvisor
I, with thousands of other travelers, use TripAdvisor to rate restaurants, hotels, bars, parks, and sights on a five-star rating system. It's a nice handy travel guide that offers tidbits of information. There's also a standalone Offline City Guide that's very useful when you have no Mobile Data Connections.
7. Hostelworld
What would I ever do without Hostelworld? This has saved me from sleeping under the stars in some unknown city for more times than I can count. It provides a directory of 35,000 listings for budget hotels, with user reviews, right under your thumbs.
8. Google Photos
It can back up your smartphone photos on the cloud. You can even edit these photos on the fly. It's one of the best free photo services on the web. Nothing fancy. It just does what it's supposed to do.
9. Hangouts/Google Voice
The coolest thing about this combo is that you can use your mobile data or wi-fi to make phone calls or send text messages. There are no third-party apps necessary. Since you have a Google Voice phone number, Hangouts will automatically use that number as your caller ID for all your Hangouts calls and texts.
This is still the most reliable VOIP (Voice Over I/P) system I’ve ever used. I’ve tried over services but none compare in terms of reliability. If you want to talk overseas, you have to buy some credits at Google for international calling. It’s cheap. I’m still 80% of my $10 credit and I’ve used hundreds of minutes on international calls already. There’s rarely any dropped calls but it depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi connection and internet service provider.
Just be careful to disable your mobile phone's mobile voice and data network service, and use WiFi, to avoid roaming charges. I use this combo with Google Project Fi overseas with great success. Saves a ton in long-distance calls!
10. Oanda Currency Converter
There's a ton of currency converter apps out there. But Oanda is the most no frills and easy to use currency converter I've ever used. It's free to use currency converter that uses daily filtered exchange rates that are used by auditing firms and banks. Convert 190+ currencies and even four precious metals. You can choose the Interbank rate, or use the percentage add-on to calculate rates charged by credit card companies and banks.
11. Duolingo
This is my de facto language learning app. It's very fun to use and can teach you some basic phrases in various languages and for what it's intended for, very awesome at it. It's designed like a game with a bit of social media competition. It offers courses in Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Dutch, Irish, Danish, Swedish, Ukrainian, Esperanto, Polish, Greek, Hungarian, Norwegian, Hebrew, Welsh, English, Swahili, and Romanian. You'll become multi-lingual in no time!
12. Prey
Prey helps secure your smartphone, tablet, and laptop. You can track multiple devices in case it gets stolen or lost. It will send out notifications via email it detects that one of your devices has gone missing. Prey is an Anti Theft "find my phone app" that can also recover other lost or stolen devices - Android, Chromebooks, iOS, Windows, Linux, or even MAC. You can track and manage every device from a single point, on your Web Panel.
13. BackCountry/Topo Maps
These apps turn your smartphone into a full-blown GPS unit! You can download maps from various TOPO sources and for all maps around the world. You can even use it without any data connection. Download any topo maps for an offline outdoor GPS navigator! You can use your phone or tablet as an offroad full blown topo mapping handheld GPS! You can now explore beyond cell or data coverage for hiking and any other recreation.
14. Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio is a must have app for any traveler. It's the most comprehensive point to point trip planner available today. You can enter your destination and it will find a route, whether by land, sea, or air. Enter an address, landmark or city as your destination and boom, and Rome2Rio will instantly display all your travel choices and a booking information, along with accommodation providers and other things to do, in one convenient spot. A huge user base in over 220 countries proves this is a very useful travel app.
15. Swarm
Swarm is actually an add-in to Foursquare that I've used all over the world not only for its entertainment value but also for documenting where I've been. Each check-in is recorded so if you had to refer back to where you at a specific date and time, you can just find it in your check-in history. You can also use it to discover good places to eat, drink coffee, bars, and whatever else you're trying to find all around the world. What about your friends? No problem! Not only is this little app good a logging your travels but it also keeps track of your friends’ adventures as well, no matter where they are.
16. Travel Stoke
Travel Stoke makes traveling way more fun. It's created a travel company, Matador Network, for travelers. The app lets you connect with others and lets you discover new places and things to do based on your location. The app displays local hotspots such as restaurants and places to stay and connects those spots with Google Maps and Uber. Once you join you get to interact with a community of international travelers and create your own customized travel guide.
17. eSteem
While not necessarily a travel app, eSteem allows you to access the Steem blockchain on mobile and that in itself has a flourishing travel community. The app could use some more polish but it's only one of a few out there to interact with Steem on mobile (you can also just go directly to Steemit.com using a mobile browser). If you don't know anything about Steemit, go ahead and read my Steemit Review. It's basically Social Media like Facebook that pays you for your activities on the platform.
18. SteepShot
SteepShot is a social media photo app powered by the Steem blockchain. Monetize your selfies and even earn a few bucks from that picture of that lunch you ate! It works a little bit like Instagram but with the caveat of being able to interact with the Steem Blockchain.
19. Google Maps
You can't really have an Android phone without Google Maps pre-installed. But, you know what? It's probably the most useful app out of everything you'll ever install on your Android phone or iPhone. It gives step by step walking or driving directions. Gives you hotspots such as restaurants and bars all around the world. There's also a nifty off-line mode where you can download portions of the maps in case you don't have a mobile connection in the countries you're traveling to. You will always use this app no matter where you are.
20. WhatsApp
The app works over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It’s not really an SMS app, it’s more of a messaging app with a huge global user base. A lot of people still use it so most of the travelers I meet on the road and future friends are on it.
It has voice calling, media attachments, and all kinds of other cool things that will lead you to practically eliminating your Texting plan. The annoying thing about it is, it doesn’t interact with other messaging apps so if all your friends use FB Messenger or Viber, you won't be able to communicate with them.
21. Booking
I'm a huge fan of Booking.com, which I use to book hotels, hostels, and various other accommodations more than I use other services. It tends to give the better prices and most of the places I book allows cancellations without fees, unlike Hostelworld.
It’s fast and efficient to use. I’ve even used it book the hotel/hostel where I’m at currently because it offers better prices than the walk-in. You can try it yourself, go to the hostel/hotel in question. Ask for a room/bed and compare the price you see on booking. You might just get a better price!
22. - Amazon Drive/Photos
It’s not free per se but included in your Prime Membership for FREE. For me, it has more than paid itself ten times over what it costs to be a member. Free Unlimited and storage on Amazon’s reliable cloud service for photos and RAW photo files. You can also backup your files and Video for a nominal fee.
I have terabytes of RAW files uploaded on the Amazon Cloud as a backup to all my photos. All the photos on my smartphone are also automatically backed up on the cloud whenever I have Wi-Fi service on. The User Interface could use a little facelift and improvements but it does what it’s meant to do, back up photos.
23. Airbnb
I may have had a few problems with Airbnb in the past, not the App, the company. But there are really few options that can yet compete with this room sharing app. I still and do use the app - that's why it's on this list. The interface is intuitive and easy to use and I've always had a roof over my head because of it.
So there you go, 23 travel apps you will use and continue using in 2023. Now, check out the best Flight Apps to Find Cheap Flights!
WHICH TRAVEL APPS DO YOU USE?
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : Travel Apps
You really need these things if you are a constant traveller or even you travel once, it is still advantageous if you have these things installed in your cp. At least you can use it during emergencies or even locating some destination that is totally alien to you. But one thing you might consider also is the language translator much better if with voice. If you are in the place with language that is unknown to you then you must have this apps also for your convenience.
Yes you are right these apps are very useful. We can us all these app when we need it manly the translator when there is a language problem. We can use Google Photos to back up our memories and all other app according to our uses.im using 7 out of 23 how much are you using??????
ajsharma you are right bro
follow my new post and upvot and i return follow and upvote your post
oho some of those i did not even know, because i am so busy using phone for work, not much time to see apps. Good info
Lots of great apps here! I see a few I didn’t know about. One I use is called maps.me it might be like backcountry, I will take a look. Maps.me works on airplanes even when your phone is in airplane mode.
Wow thanks! I didn't know about most of these! Upvoted!
haha google translate for sure
A wealth of app info!! Many I've not heard of!
Thank you very much @adonisabril!! 👍
Haha! Hopefully apps that won't collect dust or RAM on your phone!
My phone is Yureka so can I use all aaps
This is an interesting idea!
apps for traveling, shouldn't just be an interesting idea, it's almost a must
Right! This app may be helpful.
what idea
oo nice this is really helpful
..
That's two places on the opposite of the planet :)
...
Wikivoyage is much better than Wikitravel. Wikitravel is a for-profit company now while Wikivoyage is the one associated with Wikimedia.
cool that's good to know
I don't like Wikitravel.
i really expected whatsapp to be at the top of the list
but still very true i mean the entire list .
Google Hangouts got it beat voice and free wifi calling.
I had no idea google hangouts had free wifi calling. that's awesome
Google Hangouts don't run in my phone calling problem explain please
Excellent post... I use Booking to find hotels and I love it, it so nice and helpfull.
You also can use to Tripcase. This app allow made an activities plan, flights and track them daily. This app send alerts if your flight was canceled or modify. I really like it.
very useful post. I really find this interesting and useful but im expecting that google map is on the top 1 :) thank you @adonisabril
It's a great article thanks for sharing this information
Great post! Thanks to the author! I like traveling and I'll definitely try these apps)
yes!! everyone need this apps in smartphone they apps really helpfully
and we easily used your phone and do work easily in phone... thank you
What will come after the smartphone ...? I liked your post, Very eloquent!
AR glasses
I don't use anything that is Google or WhatsApp because your data is being collected about you and they are tracking you and selling it to Big Brother or someone that wants your data.
There used to be a way to bypass this because you can't create fake accounts but if you link it to your phone you are SOL and bye bye privacy.
Don't believe me? Use a Google app on your phone or do a search on Google with your phone and log into Facebook with your phone. Hell you don't even need to log in Facebook with your phone. Log in Facebook with just another computer and.....You'd be surprise how many suggestions will come up based on your searches on Google.
Me too.
Great knowledge I really appreciate you
You can add more like Uber, Kayak,Yelp, but most important you mention is tinder😜 and condoms.
This app useful for us I am traveling with this .
Great information.
Wow great info sir ji
Hi Adonisa,
you made blog with good info many of us don't aware of all that 23 apps
we know only few like Google translator , Instagram , whats up .
you share all 23 with us we will try this now.
Thank you so much for sharing a nice post. Your post has been very nice. I liked your post and posted it to you on steemit, thank you very much for my greetings and congratulations.
This useful applications , anyone read that he will chose one :)
App no 5 InstGram how can use for travel this is does not indicate any single like google map please suggest me
I discover new locations and places I want to travel to on instagram :)
Wow thanks for the plethora of apps listed. I've not even heard of some. True, eSteem is very cool and I often use it to interact in the STEEM blockchain. Nice one @adonisabril
Travala!
I think that whatsapp will be on the top of the list and many apps in this I didn't even know that they exists...Thanks for this important information
Excellente post very useful, thank you!
Resteemed :)
Nice and important post. Please follow me for healthy posts
you again!
Many applications that really no idea that exist, little by little I will remove applications from my cell phone and install those that are really worthwhile. Thank you for taking the time to make this kind of comment. Excellent.
awesome
I'm downloading these app
These are the best app for traveler i'm using 7 out of 23. When there is talk of WhatsApp can I have your contact number ???????
A really comprehensive list and it's good to know as a traveller (from time to time) we have 60% of these apps and know of a few others but just don't have the space on our phones 😜
Definitely bookmarking this post for the future. Great post to come back to. Found a lot of value, so well done @adonisabril. 😊
This very great info dear sir...
This very great info dear sir...
Lets hope we will use all these even before 2050
What do you think using APP for book the tickets is cheaper or we can book direct on Companies website? I am confused in this things. Please let me know your reply.
how you say that thease travel app is beast??????
ok super
i mostly use google maps and really find it helpful, however with so many apps , sometimes there is confusion
Commenting for later use
Good information about app and nice bolg.
Hi can you please help me and advice me why my prifile score is still 25 it is not increasing? As i am continues active on steemit still profile score is same please advice me thanx in advance.
Nice article
Interesting list. i have used many of tool in it. But today i got many other apps. i hope it will useful for me in future. when i will travel.
Fantastic work with this one, kudos