14 Helpful Apps to use While Travelling

TIPS FROM FULL-TIME TRAVELLERS

Smartphones have definitely changed the way we travel.

We no longer rely on a map, phrasebook or local guide when heading to a new destination.

While on our travels it doesn’t matter what type of trip it will be, we always know that the one item we take with us is our trusty mobile phone. It’s a handy companion in times of need. Whether we’re lost in a new city or need a suggestion of where to go next, a phone can always help us out.

So below are our personal picks of useful apps we’ve tried and tested and now couldn’t go travelling without.

1. Monzo

By far the easiest and best bank for travelling. You can use your card anywhere in the world, for free. They don’t add any fees for the exchange rate and you don’t need to tell them in advance if you’re travelling abroad.

While in Barcelona our wallet was stolen. Within 30 seconds of realising we were able to go onto the Monzo app and freeze our card. Then we could see the address of where the person was trying to use it and it being declined. So in this situation, Monzo was definitely a lifesaver.

2. XE: Currency Converter

We use this app to convert currency while abroad. The app keeps track of live rates so you can convert your cash at the best time and it can also send you alerts of when to do so.

Advice | You can download the conversion rate of your choice so you can still use the app while on the road without data. It will just use the conversion from the last time you refreshed the app.

3. google maps

Google maps have easily become the most integral app we use before and during our travels. We would literally be lost without it (Get it? I’m hilarious)

It provides a brilliant tool (and our favourite travel hack) which we like to use before travelling which we then use extensively while on the go.

Advice | When heading to a destination I create a saved map that can be downloaded for offline use. This map includes all of our picks of places to eat, drink and explore which we use when creating our itinerary. The saved map is super helpful to have while on the go and you can see where you’re located and how close you are to the next place you want to visit.

4. all trials

The AllTrails app is a great guide for any outdoor adventure. Whether it’s hiking, running or biking - they provide hand-curated trails all over the world.

You can browse through photos and reviews from other users to help curate the right trail for you. Filter by difficulty, elevation level and length or find one that’s dog-friendly or child-friendly.. Whatever your needs - you can find a trail to cater for you.

5. NORD VPN

We use a VPN every day, whether we’re travelling abroad or not.

VPN’s (Virtual Private Network) are helpful for protecting you against malware, trackers, and ads. Especially while traveling we connect and log in to so many different wifi networks in public areas, hotels and cafes etc. So much private information is stores on our phones and laptops so we need to protect this.

A VPN is also handy when travelling if you want to watch TV and films from streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Disney+. Most platforms won’t let us watch anything while outside the UK allows us to still watch what we want, wherever we are. We also use a VNP to gain access to other countries streaming service like Netflix. The film you’re looking for might not be on your UK Netflix but it might be on the US Netflix.

Having a VPN is also handy if you’re online shopping while in another country. We can see what’s available on the brands UK website and also the price in our local currency.

There are many VPN apps out there, but we use NordVPN. We use a VPN for both our phones, tablets and laptops so it’s handy to go with an app that allows you to connect to multiple devices.

6. flush

This one isn’t the most glamorous app to talk about but in times of emergency, it’s the lifesaver on your phone!

Flush is a quick and simple way of finding public toilets near your given location. With over 190,000 public loos on their map all over the world hopefully you can find one when you need it!

7. citymapper

Citymapper is the ultimate transit app that compares every travel option in real-time across all transport modes.

One part of travelling I never feel confident in is public transport. How do I get from A to B? Am I getting on the right train? Which station do I need to wait at? Have I brought the right ticket?

With the super user-friendly app, it makes your journeys much easier to deal with, offering step by step directions and providing clear and simple information.

Advice | You do need data/wifi to use the app but once your chosen routes are loaded you can view them again offline.

8. happy cow

HappyCow is the best app for finding vegan/vegetarian food near you. With over 120,000 restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets in more than 180 countries, you can find somewhere that will cater for your dietary requirements.

Neither of us are vegan/vegetarian but I have annoying food intolerances so it’s easier to eat vegan at times, especially when travelling. This app can definitely prevent “hangry” moments from happening.

9. google translate

With over 109 languages to choose from, Google Translate is the perfect pocket translator. Translate your chosen language into English or vice versa. This can be done through typing it out, via photo, via voice in “conversation mode” or via live video imagery. Once translated it can also play the word or phrase out for you so you can learn the pronunciation.

Whatever way you translate the language you need, hopefully, it can help you out when in need of communicating!

10. bbc weather

We always look at this app before leaving the house. Along with the weather it also tells you when sunrise and sunset is which is handy information.

Weather can be unpredictable but this app seems to be the most accurate one we’ve found so far. It’s always good to check the weather while travelling, you may be planning on wearing a bikini and flip-flops but you might end up wearing your raincoat and wellies instead!

11. Lounge buddy

LoungeBuddy helps you make the most of your time at the airport. The app makes it possible for you to view, book and access airport lounges around the world in seconds.

If you’re like us and aren’t regulars in the lounges or may feel intimidated by them then this app makes it more accessible - even for one-off visits.

Do you want to know what’s behind the fancy doors but not sure how much it will cost or what amenities they provide? Use the app to find out and book your stay.

Advice | Airports can be expensive. If you’re paying for meals and drinks while waiting for your flight you might find it’s not far off of a lounge pass with food and drink provided.

12. netflix

I love travelling but sometimes I hate the long train journey or the flight there. So Netflix is handy for offline entertainment while on the go or for an evening in. You can download TV programmes and films to your device which is handy but we’d suggest downloading a few films before your trip instead of relying on intermittent wifi.

Or if you have a VPN then you can watch shows when connected to Wifi.

13.UBER & gRAB

We use Uber and Grab for secure taxi rides when we can’t use public transport. We’ve always hated taxis because there’s the potential of getting ripped off with extortionate prices but with Uber and Grab they’re always reasonably priced and easy to use. You also get told how much the trip will cost before you even step in the vehicle and you can pay on with your card.

Uber is available in over 80 countries worldwide right now. Grab currently operates in 8 Asian countries like Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

14. The app of the airline you’re flying with | RyanAir, EasyJet, British Airways etc

Once you’ve booked your flights it’s a good idea to download the airline app. That way you can download the boarding pass and have all the information you need to hand during your flight there and back.

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 at the airport.

Always print out your boarding pass and necessary information needed just in case though, its best not to rely on your phone.