There are a few different apps I always have on my phone while traveling. This list of apps helps me stay connected, get around, communicate, keep track of funds, and make your travel days smoother!
Google Maps or Apple Maps
When traveling internationally I never leave home without downloading my maps offline. It is super easy to do and is a huge lifesaver when you are out and about. Even without wifi or cell data I can look up directions to the next thing I want to see, find a place to eat, or get back to my hotel. I use maps before I ever leave home and while traveling. I like to map out how far away my hotel is from the places I want to visit. I check walking distances, public transportation options and driving distances to decide if I need to pre-arrange transportation while traveling. Check out my post on booking your travel excursions for my favorite transfer booking sites.
Google has made a blog post on how to download your maps. Learn more from Google!
If you prefer Apple Maps, they have their own how to article. Learn more from Apple!
This wifi messaging and calling app is a must for international travel. With a wifi connection, WhatsApp allows you to send texts, voice messages and video messages, make voice and video calls, and more! This app is a must for international travel. Tour providers or accommodations you have booked with can be reached with WhatsApp. It is important to have the app downloaded and account set up before travel in case you cannot find your tour's meeting location, your transfer driver, or even need to let your hotel know you have been delayed. WhatsApp is available for both iOS and Android devices.
eSIM app
Fading are the days of requiring physical SIM cards in your phone! eSIMs are the popular growing route travelers are taking to secure cellular service while abroad. Make sure to call your provider and confirm your phone is “unlocked”, otherwise, this method won’t work for you. Airalo and Nomad are two popular brands you can check out to get connected to local networks at a fraction of the cost of using your US provider. You can download their app and turn on your eSIM from your phone when you land in your new destination. It is easy to do and you can choose the plan that best suits your needs!
Major US carriers like Verizon and AT&T charge $10+ per day per line for international data usage. While eSIM plans typically provide coverage for up to 30 days. They offer plans for both single country destinations and regional plans. Today, an Airalo and Nomad regional plan for Europe with 3GB of data for 30 days covering 35+ countries is just $12-$13 per line!
eSIMs are a great option for those who use WhatsApp texting & calling, iPhone users using iMessage, Facetime Audio or Video Calls, or other wifi messaging and calling features.
Your Airline’s or other transportation provider's App
Don’t forget before it is time to check in for your flight to download your airline’s app. Checking in through the app on time will help your travel day go so much smoother! Never skip checking in on-time. By keeping the airline app on your phone you can also opt into flight updates you don't want to miss like gate changes, delays, and more. Some airline apps also provide free in-flight entertainment!
Download any helpful apps like your train provider, cruise ship provider, or others. These apps will help you stay up to date on your bookings, get important announcements, and make your travel days run smoother.
Pro tip: If you are not successful when checking in on the app is not, try again on a computer. If that still doesn’t work, try again on the morning of your travel day. When all else fails, take a screenshot of the error message and simply go to the counter and check in with an agent.
Listening Apps - Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks
I always make sure to have my favorite playlists ready to go when traveling. Whether you are into music, podcasts, or audiobooks, you will more than likely want to pass at least some of your travel time with headphones on. Make sure to download your playlists for offline listening for the plane and while abroad. One Spotify playlist I always have ready is some kind of white noise! I love ocean sounds to help me sleep on the plane and fall asleep faster while I am traveling. When I am passing the time, I love to turn on an audiobook. Pro tip: check with your local library to see if they offer any free audiobooks. I love using Libby with my library for free books. You may want to place holds on popular titles a few weeks in advance though!
Google Translate
This one is a no-brainer if you are traveling to a country with a language different from home. Travelers can speak or type what they want to translate in the app and get the translation quickly! You can even download languages for offline use when you are out of service range or without wifi. One of the best features is the camera feature. The feature reads text and translates it for you! Perfect to use for restaurant menus, transportation signage, notices signs, and more!
Google Drive
It is a good idea to always have copies of your travel documents with you while you travel. Much like maps, you can also download documents and files offline in Google Drive as well! Perfect for keeping everything with you on your phone while you are on the go! Plus, if your phone gets lost or stolen, you can still access your account from another device.
Your Banking Apps
Before you leave home, make sure to download and sign into your banking accounts. You will kick yourself if your transactions get flagged and you are unable to verify them, putting a hold on your card. The quickest fix, approve the transaction on your bank’s app and avoid a bigger headache. For debit card users, it is also nice to check in on your funds and have confidence when making withdrawals at ATMs.
Pro tip: always choose to charge your card to the local currency when making purchases abroad. Selecting the local currency at the point of sale terminal will most often provide you with the best crate of conversion. Selecting your home currency often comes with a pre-contracted rate which is often not as good as the daily conversion rate.
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