Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys. There’s nothing quite like discovering new cities, meeting interesting people, or diving into another culture. But whether you’re planning a big international adventure or a simple weekend getaway, juggling all the details can get a little overwhelming. That’s where technology steps in to make life easier.

Travel apps have become an absolute lifesaver for modern explorers. From booking flights to finding the coolest local restaurants, these apps are designed to help you plan, organize, and enjoy your trip with less stress. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of the best travel apps to download before your next trip, and how they can level up your travel experience.

Apps for Planning and Booking

1. Skyscanner

When you’re hunting for the best flight deals, Skyscanner is a must-have. This app lets you compare prices from hundreds of airlines and even mix and match flights if it means saving money. You can set up price alerts, so the app notifies you when fares drop to your desired destination.

Why it’s great: Skyscanner also includes hotel and car rental searches, so you can plan multiple aspects of your trip in one place.

2. Hopper

Hopper is perfect for anyone who wants to book flights but isn’t sure when to lock in the lowest prices. The app predicts when flight and hotel prices will rise or fall, helping you make smarter decisions about when to buy.

Why it’s great: Its “watch a trip” feature sends you alerts when it’s the best time to book your flight or hotel, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

3. Airbnb

Airbnb is a classic go-to for finding unique accommodations. Whether you’re looking for an affordable shared room or a luxurious private villa, the app has plenty of options to choose from around the world.

Why it’s great: It’s not just for places to stay anymore! Airbnb Experiences also offers tours, cooking classes, and other local-led activities that give you a taste of the destination.

Apps for Navigation

4. Google Maps

No matter where you’re headed, Google Maps is your ultimate navigation tool. It covers just about every corner of the globe, giving you real-time directions for driving, walking, biking, or taking public transport.

Why it’s great: You can download maps to use offline, which is a lifesaver if you’re traveling somewhere with patchy internet service.

5. Citymapper

If you’re exploring cities with complex public transit systems, Citymapper is an absolute game-changer. It provides step-by-step directions for buses, trains, subways, and even ferries.

Why it’s great: Citymapper simplifies urban travel by giving live updates on arrival times and service disruptions. It’s especially helpful for navigating cities like London, New York, or Tokyo.

6. Maps.me

Maps.me is an excellent offline navigation option. You can download entire maps before your trip to ensure you never get lost—even without Wi-Fi or cell service.

Why it’s great: Apart from turn-by-turn navigation, the app highlights points of interest like restaurants, hiking trails, and attractions, making it useful for outdoor adventurers.

Apps for Language Translation

7. Google Translate

If you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language, Google Translate is your best friend. The app supports translations in over 100 languages and even has a feature where you can point your camera at a sign or menu for instant translated text.

Why it’s great: It has an offline mode, so you can download language packs and use them without needing an internet connection.

8. Duolingo

For travelers who want to learn the basics of a language before arriving, Duolingo is a fun and effective option. With short, game-like lessons, you can pick up essential phrases and vocabulary in just a few minutes a day.

Why it’s great: It’s free! Plus, it has lessons in over 40 languages, so you’re bound to find the one you need.

Apps for Budgeting

9. Trail Wallet

Travel expenses can pile up quickly, but Trail Wallet helps you stay on top of your budget. The app lets you input costs (categorized by food, transport, accommodation, etc.) in your local currency and tracks how much you’ve spent compared to your daily limit.

Why it’s great: You can set budgets for each day or your entire trip, making it easier to spot where you’re overspending.

10. Splitwise

If you’re traveling with friends or family, Splitwise simplifies the sometimes-awkward task of splitting expenses. The app keeps track of who owes what and sends reminders so group debts are easy to pay back later.

Why it’s great: It supports multiple currencies, so splitting bills is seamless even when you’re abroad.

Apps for Entertainment and Extras

11. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor makes finding the best restaurants, attractions, and activities a breeze. With millions of reviews written by other travelers, it helps you figure out what’s worth your time (and money)!

Why it’s great: Many users upload photos to accompany their reviews, so you can see what’s in store before you book.

12. PackPoint

Ever start packing for a trip and wonder if you’re forgetting something? PackPoint builds a customized packing checklist for you based on your destination, the weather, and the activities you’re planning.

Why it’s great: It also factors in whether you’ll have access to laundry facilities, saving you from overpacking.

13. XE Currency

Whether you’re haggling in a market or trying to gauge how much dinner costs, XE Currency makes currency conversions quick and easy. The app lets you convert rates for different currencies in real-time to avoid surprises on your bill.

Why it’s great: You can use it offline after updating the rates, which is helpful when traveling in remote areas.

Apps for Staying Connected

14. WhatsApp

Staying in touch with friends and family during your trip is hassle-free with WhatsApp. The app lets you send texts, share photos, and make voice/video calls over Wi-Fi for free.

Why it’s great: It works almost anywhere in the world and is widely used, which means locals might be on it and prefer it too.

15. WiFi Map

If you’re traveling on a tight data plan, WiFi Map will help you find free or password-shared Wi-Fi networks wherever you are.

Why it’s great: It’s crowdsourced, so the app is constantly updated with new hotspots by users all over the world.