Best Travel Apps for 2019
Travel Apps have made life so much easier for worldwide travel!
When you travel it’s important to have quick access to reliable information without needing wifi. Venice is about the only city I can think of where it’s a little bit of fun to be lost. I take comfort in having an offline map app on my phone that shows me exactly where I am.
If I want to communicate in another language or make it easy on myself to figure out the cost of something in USD, it’s all right there on my iPhone.
Anyone hungry? No problem. I have my itinerary, notes, and another app that will help us find great food.
The following are my favorite Apps to use for worldwide travel traveling:
Best Apps for International: Offline Use
CityMaps2Go
This is my go-to map for every international trip where I don’t have wifi. The Pro version included unlimited map downloads and is well worth the price. I recommend downloading the country, the region, and the city map for the places that you will be visiting. Then you will easily be able to see where you are at any time no matter where you go! Yes, the GPS will always show you where you are- and there is a little arrow to show you which way you are facing. Before you leave home, make sure to plot all of the sites, restaurants (including coffee, treats, etc.) and your hotel on to the city map (or region map if it is a small town). In the notes section you can put in the hours and any other notes you may need to know.
Google Offline Map
Download a map to use offline.
Search for a place, like San Francisco.
At the bottom, tap the name or address of the place and then tap More then Select “Download offline map.”
After you download a map use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, Google Maps will use your offline maps to give you directions. Note: You can get driving directions offline, but not transit, bicycling, or walking directions. In your driving directions, you won’t have traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. You also can’t modify routes like avoiding tolls or ferries.
Google Translate
Add the languages of the countries you will be visiting before you leave home or when you have wifi, and you will be able to translate by keying or speaking into your phone.
XE Currency
Add the currencies of the countries you are visiting before you leave home, or when you have wifi. You will be able to put a price in and see it in your currency almost instantly.
Google Trips
This app collects all of your reservations from Gmail and Inbox then organizes your trip. You can use it to find things to do, places to eat and plan out your day. You can also use the suggestions feature and a day will be mapped out for you.
*I also keep our detailed Itineraries in the Google Docs App
Rick Steves Audio Europe (best app for Europe Travel)
It’s worth having to listen to a few corny jokes…Rick knows Europe better than most and his FREE walking tours work well for parents as well as older kids, tweens, and teens. Included are tours of cities, historical sites, museums, etc. Just download all of the tours you are interested in (before leaving home) on everyone’s phone, put in ONE earbud and start the tour at the same time.
Trip Advisor
Download your destinations before leaving home and you will have access to all of the information-such as hotels, restaurants, things to do, etc.
iPhone Health App (the heart app that comes with your phone)
This is a fun way to track your steps!
Mobile Passport (for US Travelers)
There’s no paperwork or long lines to wait in when you have this app! When returning to the United States on an international flight, just connect with wifi, answer a few questions about your trip, and head to the fast Mobile Passport Control desk.
Best Travel Apps For Entertainment
Audible
*Download audiobooks for the kids to listen to during flights, long drives, or waiting in line. I highly recommend this one! My teen and college-age kids still look forward to listening to audiobooks when we travel. It is so nice to have them entertained and doing something productive (and not playing video games!).
Netflix
Download movies and shows in advance to watch on flights.
Spotify
Download playlists before leaving home for lots of listening. Check out a playlist for the typical music in the country you are visiting.
*If you have forgotten to download something before leaving home just head to a cafe, enjoy a coffee, and use the Wifi.
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Best Travel Apps that need Wifi
Airbnb
This is a great app to have on hand while traveling, to book “Experiences.” There are thousands of excursions, activities, eating and other fun experiences offered by locals around the world.
Uber or Lyft
Before leaving home, check to see if either of these transportation options are available.
Free texting and phone calls to and from anyone who has this app, but…you need to be online for it to work.
Find Friends
In case you want to find someone you know is already there (they have to be connected to wifi).
Zagat
One of the best apps for foodies to find the best places to eat.
App for the airline you are flying
This can be used to check your flight status, check in, and sometimes for watching movies, etc. It varies between airlines.
Booking.com
This app is easy to use, allows you to select from several options in the search criteria, and the reviews are reliable. Use it if you need to change your plan and book a hotel, bed and breakfast or farm stay.
Momondo- This is a great app to have on hand for any travel plans, especially important if you change you plans and need to book last minute flight, hotel, or car for the best price.
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