Planning adventures in far flung lands can be a challenge, and things only get more hectic once you’re on the ground, but so long as you’ve got a smartphone, you have everything you need to make your trip a success.
Yes, a list of top travel apps for 2017 (or insert year here), seems to be a right of passage for travel bloggers, or perhaps just a fluff piece for when they’re not on the road.
Still, just as our hopes, dreams, passions, and aspirations all differ from one another, so too do our travels. To that end, I’m going to join the masses, and describe the apps that have taken me half way around the world with my unique blend of overland travel, backpacking, adventure, and city breaks. Look closely, there’s bound to be a gem you haven’t discovered yet.
Mobile data
Firsty
Best for: free data around the world
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
Firsty is a mobile eSim specifically designed for travel. Unlike other eSims Firsty works on a freemium model, where you get free data for watching an ad.
It’s a novel concept, but it works. I tested Firsty on a trip around South America, and the free data model had its limitations, it was immensely useful. For those that want more, Firsty also offers paid plans for fast high-speed connectivity wherever you are.
Travel money
For ATMs see my guide to free free ATMs around the world.
XE Currency
Best for: Knowing how much you’re actually spending
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
XE is the go-to site for currency conversions on the web, so it should come as no surprise that its app is so popular: For the traveller it is most useful for the simple fact that it’s able to convert every world currency. It also functions offline by saving the last updated rates, which is great if you’re in a place with limited connectivity or trying to save on data.
Monzo (UK customers only)
Best for: fee-free spending and ATM withdrawals
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
Monzo is a digital bank account in the UK. It offers the Mastercard exchange rate when spending abroad and fee free withdrawals from ATMs (unlimited in UK/EU, and up to £400 a month elsewhere).
It’s one of the top recommended cards on Money Saving Answers in their best card for spending abroad article.
Booking, planning, and accommodation
booking.com
Best for: Low cost money transfers
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
I’ve used booking.com on nearly every extended trip I’ve been on. The ease of searching and booking hotels, hostels and guesthouses sets it apart from the likes of Expedia and others. Add to that, the ability to cancel booking free of charge, and it’s my go to app for accommodation at home and abroad.
Airbnb
Best for: Apartment stay of three days or more
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
booking.com tends to be main app for accommodation when on the go, but if I’m planning to stay in one place for a while then Airbnb wins hands down. I’ve used this for stays in Tel Aviv, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and beyond and always managed to find a cost effective apartment in the right part of town.
iOverlander
Best for: Overlanders
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
Loved this app when travelling South America. iOverlander is a crowdsourced list of overlander friendly camping spots (including wild), guesthouses, and hotels, complete with descriptions, prices and reviews from other overlanders. Great when you need to find a hotel with garage in middle of Peru, or a safe wild camping spot in Patagonia.
I did try the app on a tour of Ireland, but it really shines once you get outside of Western Europe, and off the beaten track.
Getting around
Google translate/World Lens
Best for: Low cost money transfers
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
I speak some very basic Spanish, even more basic French and a touch of Japanese, but I’ve been in plenty of situations and countries where this isn’t enough to get by. This is where Google Translate comes in. As well as simple text translation, if you download the dictionaries before you travel it can also translate spoken language on the fly, and since the buyout of World Lens, it can also translate signs, menus and other written texts.
Google Maps
Best for: Low cost money transfers
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
Nothing needs to be said about this really. Free, and now that you can download tiles on wifi before you head out, you don’t even need a data connection. I tend to look up places ahead of time and then star them to allow me to easily find them when in a new city. Works well especially when starring them direct from a google search. The alternative for pure navigational purposes is the Maps.me app.
Rome 2 Rio
Best for: Low cost money transfers
Cost: FREE | Available on: Android / iOS
This is a wicked app for getting from A to B on unfamiliar public transport systems. Particularly handy for getting to and from forgien airports without paying a premium for expensive, and sometimes dodgy taxis. Hell, I even use it around the UK.
Any hidden gems I’ve not mentioned? Let me know in the comments below.
