9 Handy Apps to Help plan Your Next Trip
WRITTEN BY A FULL-TIME TRAVELLER
When planning your next trip to a new destination there are apps out there that are designed to help you with the process.
Trying to find cheap flights can be a pain but it’s a lifesaver if you know that by one click of a button you can get the answer you’re looking for. Whether you’re trying to find the best local experiences or learn some of the local lingo, these apps can help you before you step on the plane.
These 9 apps below are our personal picks that are used and tested by us.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner can sort you out with flights, hotels, and car hire.
We mainly love using Skyscanner for the “Anywhere” feature. This feature shows you the cheapest flights to random locations and in the cheapest time of year by searching through millions of flights from over 1,200 sources.
While writing this I’ve just looked and I can get return flights to Barcelona in September for £12, Milan in October for £13 or Corfu for £18. So if you need inspiration of places to visit on a budget then this is a great feature.
If you know your destination but want to know when it’s the cheapest time of year to fly then just click on the country and it will automatically give you the cheapest times to visit.
If you know you want to go away in a particular month but don’t know where click on the month and it will tell you the cheapest locations to fly to from your chosen airport.
Cost | Free
2. google maps
Google maps is the most used app for us before and during our travels.
It provides a brilliant tool we like to use while doing the research before visiting a new location but also while travelling when we’re there.
Advice | For each destination we’re heading too I create a new map titled with the location which you can later save offline. From there I make headings of places to eat, drink and explore. Like cafes, restaurants, museums etc. You can then drop pins of their location using the name or address. Once your map is full of pins, you can get a rough idea of the area you’d like to stay in and how to get from A to B.
Creating a map can help you plan your itinerary and also utilise your time.
Cost | Free
3. CULTURE TRIP
CultureTrip is perfect for travel inspiration, planning and booking - all in one app. With award-winning travel stories, they give you an inside perspective so you can experience the world like a local.
Here you can book unique tours and experiences like a Japanese sushi master class, a secret places of New York tour or even an online Belgian mousse class.
Along with experiences to book, there are also endless articles for your chosen destination so whatever your interests are there will be something to inspire you.
Cost | Free
4. luckytrip
LuckyTrip helps you plan a trip with just one click of a button and is the easiest way to find your next adventure.
A lucky trip is made of 3 parts - somewhere to go, somewhere to stay and something that makes you happy. All you have to do is set your budget and press the button. From there they instantly complete your trip from one of 300 destinations.
Go and experience Palermo and watch an Italian opera or walk in the clouds in Berat in Albania.
Below is an example of trips it suggested for me.
Cost | Free
5. TRIPADVISOR
Tripadvisor is a great app for getting an idea of places to visit at your chosen destination. You can find restaurants, hotels, things to do and also advice in their travel forum section.
Advice | Don’t just look at the “Top 10” places to eat/drink/stay in the area. Sometimes these suggestions will be the most expensive places and it won’t help you find smaller, independent places or off-the-beaten-track types which sometimes can give you a better experience.
Cost | Free
6. Duolingo
Duolingo is a language app that provides bite-size lessons in your chosen language. We’ve both been using this to learn a language for the past couple of years but it’s also great for learning some handy phrases you’ll need to know while on your travels. So start boosting your brainpower, sharpen your mind and get learning!
Cost | Free
7. AIRBNB
Airbnb is a great company we’ve used many times when booking accommodation.
It’s great being in a hotel but at times it’s nice to have your own apartment with more space and facilities. The app is handy as it makes communication with your host quick and easy in the inbox so no need to be emailing back and forth.
Along with accommodation, Airbnb also offers experiences. While in Italy do you want to learn how to make pasta from an Italian? Do it!
Our favourite airbnb’s we’ve stayed in are these ones in Porto, Portugal and Herefordshire, England.
Advice | If you’re in one destination for a long period of time try Airbnb as many places offer discounts of up to 45% if you book a whole month. Also before booking make sure you read all of the reviews and check the location.
Cost | Free
8. Your chosen airline’s app | RyanAir, EasyJet Travel App, British Airways etc
When you’ve booked flights it’s always good to download the airline’s app so you can have your boarding pass and all the information you need to hand. You can usually check in on most apps as well which makes the process a lot easier.
Advice | Once your boarding pass is on the app you can download that to the “wallet” on your phone. This means you can scan your boarding pass without even unlocking your phone creating incredibly easy access.
Always print out your boarding pass and necessary information needed just in case though, it’s best not to rely on your phone.
9. BBC Weather
Weather can be very unpredictable but the BBC Weather app seems to be the most accurate app we’ve found.
I always use this app the day before a trip to check what the weather will be like. This helps you pack the correct items you’ll need. You may be planning on packing a bikini and flip-flops but you might end up needed your raincoat and wellies instead!
Cost | Free
Do you have any app suggestions you love using? Let us know in the comments below!
