12 Must Have Travel Apps
Amongst all the preparations you make before traveling, you should remember to carry your phone.
Why? Because you'll need it more than you think. Apart from making calls and keeping in touch with significant people, it's important that you download a number of travel apps on your phone. They will make it easy for you to get certain information/goods/services.
The travel apps you download depend on your needs and what you want to access. For example, there are apps you can use for:
● Booking flights/hotels
● Currency conversion
● Payment
● Weather forecast
● Travel itinerary planning
● Location tracking
● Language translation
They offer many benefits.
You can instantly find information you're looking for, and by giving users a platform to use online, travel mobile applications save them a lot of time.
In this article, we'll look at some of the popular travel apps you should have while traveling.
1. Google translate
As you go from one place to another, or from one country to another, you'll meet people that speak a different language from yours.
It will be a challenge for you to talk with and understand each other.
That's where Google translate comes in.
With this app, the world is closer than ever with over 100 languages. You can now translate between languages.
If you want, you can also learn a new language using Duolingo, another popular mobile app.
2. Airbnb
One of the questions most people grapple with before traveling is, "Where will I stay?"
We all need a safe place to rest when on a journey and that's why Airbnb is another useful app. You can now choose from unique homes—near or far—in many countries around the world, and as if that's not enough, you can also book your room right in the app.
So when next time you're wondering where you're going to stay, give Airbnb a try.
3. Xe Converter & Money Transfer
When you're crossing borders, you need to convert your currency to the one of the countries you're entering. For example, from Kenyan shillings to US Dollars.
So, how do you know the current currency exchange rates?
Simple.
Use Xe Converter & Money Transfer to check live market rates and send money globally.
4. Google maps
Don't know your directions? Don't worry. Don't even bother carrying your physical map either.
Just whip out your phone… access the internet and click the Google maps icon. You can then navigate your world faster and easier. There are now over 200 countries and hundreds of millions of businesses and places on the map so you can get navigation, traffic, and transit info, which helps you explore local neighborhoods.
5. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a travel app that makes booking cheap flights, hotels, and car rentals easy. When planning your next trip, it can help you research and book travel options for your trip, including flights, hotels and car hire.
Apart from Skyscanner, you can also choose to find and book flights, hotels and car rentals with Kayak's travel app.
6. Uber
With Uber, you can reach your destination fast.
● Just open the app
● Enter where you want to go, and…
● A driver close by will drive you there
Talk of having no-stress ride options. You can save the hassle and find a car in your city.
You can download the Uber app here.
With technology, you're spoilt for choice. Other apps you can use for the same purpose are Wasili and Bolt.
7. Weather by WeatherBug
Have you ever traveled and been caught in the rain? Or the sun was so hot you almost got sunburnt or fainted from heat stroke and thirst?!
In order to avoid that, before you go out, prepare for the weather.
However, with the inaccurate mainstream weather forecasts, you can't trust their reports.
And that's why you should get this app for the most accurate weather forecast.
8. ExpressVPN
While traveling, you'll want to log onto the internet and browse. However, that comes with a danger of data insecurity.
Good news, with ExpressVPN, you can change your IP address and be able to enjoy a private connection with servers, staying private on any network, even Wi-Fi hotspots.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for online security and data protection, better than an internet proxy.
9. Wise
Wise is for travelers, immigrants and organizations whose money crosses borders. It's the world’s most international account.
So, if you want to send money back home while on the road, you can download Wise here.
10. Social media apps
If you like traveling, you probably are naturally inclined to be in touch with friends on social media.
For example:
a) WhatsApp for communication
b) Instagram to share your travel photos
c) YouTube and/or Tiktok to share your travel videos
d) Skype for video calling
11. Jumia food app
This app helps you order meals from where you are and get them delivered to you in under an hour. You can get meals from restaurants with only one click.
The app works this way:
● You enter your location and find restaurants/shops around you
● You browse meals and products from the restaurants/shops you've picked
● You enter your delivery address and pay online or cash on delivery.
● And then sit back to track your order and enjoy speedy delivery!
12. TripAdvisor
It might not be easy planning for your journey all by yourself.
Most times, you'll find yourself googling for answers to questions such as "where should I go?", "where should I avoid?", "where should I eat", and so on.
Worse, you might find yourself going over to social media seeking answers from random strangers, which might even put you in danger.
And that's what TripAdvisor can help you with. It's a website that has reviews and photographs made by other travelers about various places, so you can easily use it to learn everything about an accommodation beforehand.
Now, these are not the only apps you can use while traveling. Bottom line, the app you'll download depends on your traveling needs, and, well… your level of awareness regarding where you are and where you want to go. With these apps, you can save yourself time, money and stress. I recommend you download them to make your travel fun and enjoyable this holiday season.