14 May Top 8 Apps for Travel

It’s hard to imagine a time that we used to travel before technology because we depend on it so much for booking, navigation and communication. Now we are spoiled for choice with really helpful apps that we carry with us on our phone anywhere in the world. There’s an app to help you with all of the logistics, find fun activities, talk to locals and just about everything you can think of. Here are 8 apps that you must have on your next trip to get the most convenience and enjoyment from your vacation.

1. Google Translate

Forgot your high school Spanish? Can’t read Japanese? Language barriers are no longer an issue thanks to Google Translate. You can download your language of interest in advance to have easy access to look up words, communicate with the locals and even use the camera feature to read menus. There still may be the occasional funny translation but that’s part of the fun of travel and experiencing different languages and cultures. 

2. DuoLingo

For those that want to take their foreign language skills to the next level, DuoLingo is a gamified language learning app that is great to pick up the basics of many languages. Learning the basic phrases of the country you are visiting is always appreciated by the locals and makes for a more immersive trip. Nothing feels more satisfying than having a successful interaction at a restaurant or market in the local language.

3. Kayak

Booking flights, accommodation and cars can be overwhelming with all of the providers and travel websites out there. Luckily, Kayak does a lot of the research for you by searching across all the major providers and travel websites to save you time and money. They search for flights, hotels and cars around the world so you can find the best deals all in one place. 

4. Airbnb

If you’re looking for a more unique stay or need more than just a hotel room, Airbnb is a great option to find alternate accommodations around the world. You can find everything from entire houses to private rooms and even the occasional treehouse, hosted by real people. 

5. TripIt

Once you have booked all of your flights, accommodations and cars, TripIt is a great app to organize your itinerary all in one place. The best part is, you don’t have to manually input all of your confirmations as TripIt is smart enough to scan your emails and automatically add them to your app. All your check-in, check-out, departure and arrival times will be organized in one place for your convenience.

6. LoungeBuddy

For those long connections or couple of hours to kill before your flight, LoungeBuddy is a handy app to locate the available airport lounges during your trip. It’ll provide information for ones you have access to based on memberships or the cost for a one-time fee. You’ll also get information on the amenities, hours and food.

7. TripAdvisor

You won’t miss any activities with TripAdvisor’s top sights in every city in the world. The best part is the huge collection of feedback from travelers from all around the world with their comprehensive review system. It not only applies to attractions but also for hotels and restaurants and just about any travel related business. However, if you’re looking for hidden gems or off-the-beaten path surprises, this might not be the best resource for you because the lists definitely capture very popular places.

8. Google Maps

There’s a good chance that you heavily rely on Google Maps in your day-to-day life and it’s even more invaluable for travel. Not only does it provide much needed driving directions, it’s also a great resource for finding nearby restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and sights. The reviews also include a good number of reviews from both locals and tourists so you’re more likely to find local gems this way. The offline feature also comes in handy for those times that you don’t have local data service when you are traveling.

As helpful as technology has become for travel and everything nowadays – don’t forget to disconnect and embrace being in a foreign place! Don’t be afraid to get lost, ask a person for recommendations, spontaneously stop at a cafe or embarrass yourself with a new language. After all, that’s part of the adventure and fun of travel!

Ready to start planning your trip? Wherever you decide to start your new adventure, there could be a wonderful one day volunteer opportunity to make it even more special. Learn more about the destinations and projects at Give A Day Global.