20 Best Travel Apps For Traveling

THE MOST USEFUL APPS FOR TRAVELING

The beauty of travel apps is their ability to simplify world travel. From booking flights and accommodation to bridging the language barrier and discovering epic locations, there’s no shortage of options.

It can feel overwhelming to sort out which are the best travel apps to download for your trip. We’ve made it easy for you. Our Matador team has collectively traveled to over 75 countries. Together, we created a list of the most useful apps for world travel.

PREPARATION FOR A SMOOTH TRIP

Don’t forget to download and set up apps BEFORE you leave. Some apps require authentication and connection that you may not have access to once you start your trip.

For example, a VPN should be downloaded before you leave. Some countries don’t allow access to VPN websites. Additionally, essential features like offline maps, currency converters, and translation apps need to be set up or downloaded in advance.

A few minutes of prep could save you the headache later. You can find the apps on Google Play for Androids or Apple App Store for iOS users. Take a look below to see which apps you should download before your next trip.

WHAT WE'VE PACKED INTO THIS POST:

List of top 20 travel apps
Best travel apps for booking flights and transportation
Top travel apps for booking accommodation
Phone apps for navigation and maps
Language, communication, and best translation apps
Apps to stay connected and oriented
Budgeting and health apps
Travel apps by region

20 APPS EVERY TRAVELER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

SkyScanner
Hopper
Rome2Rio
Grab
Agoda
Airbnb
Hostelworld
Booking.com
Worldpackers
Google Maps
All Trails
iOverlander
Duolingo
WhatsApp
Google Translate
Timeshifter
Nord VPN
Holafly
Splitwise
Kindle App

BONUS APP: What3Words

This app is a game-changer in remote locations.

What is What3Words App? The app breaks down the entire world into small squares and gives it a unique name using three random words, like: “pizza.squirrel.mirror.” You can use the 3 words to share exact location in places where GPS doesn’t cut it.

For example, addresses can be confusing in remote or public places (think multiple roads with the same names, remote destinations, national parks, etc.). Open What3Words, and it will show the 3-word name for your exact location. You can share this with anyone, and they’ll be able to find you within 3 meters.

The app is useful whether you’re trying to ship a package somewhere, meet up with a friend, or call in an emergency– It's actually saved the lives of hikers. What3Words is a great app for safety and convenience.

KEEP READING FOR TIPS, HACKS + MORE TRAVEL APPS

For a deeper dive into the best travel apps, we’ve organized them by category and added quick descriptions below. You’ll also score some pro tips and our personal favorite features on specific apps.

Girl boarding a plane with a matador backpack

Best travel apps for...

BOOKING FLIGHTS + TRANSPORTATION

SkyScanner: Search flights on local airlines with ultimate flexibility.
Hopper: Find flight & travel deals.
Rome2Rio: Plan your mode of transportation, viewing all the options available in your destination.
Grab: A ride-hailing app with options for food and grocery delivery.

BOOKING ACCOMMODATION

Agoda: Book hotel deals in Asia with this accommodation app.
Airbnb: Short-term rentals worldwide. You can also use Airbnb Experiences to book experiences guided or hosted by locals.
Hostelworld: Find hostels all over the world. Filter by location and reviews.
Booking.com: Book accommodation for your travels and explore hotel deals.
Worldpackers: A work exchange app where you trade volunteer work for living expenses.

NAVIGATION + MAPS

Google Maps: Navigate from start-to-end destinations by preferred mode of transportation. Search and save specific locations, restaurants, hotels, and more.
AllTrails: Find hiking trails across the world, added and reviewed by users.
iOverlander: Discover camping and parking insights from app users.

LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION + TRANSLATION

Duolingo: Practice key words and phrases in the local language.
WhatsApp: This instant messaging app is widely used internationally to communicate via WIFI.
Google Translate: The best app for translating the language in another country (in our opinion). The app's live camera is our team's favorite feature.

Google Translate Pro tip: Download the languages of the countries you’ll be traveling in before you go. Once downloaded, you can use this feature offline.

To use the Live Camera feature on Google Translate, open the app > tap ‘camera’ > place the menu, sign, paper, etc. in view. It will translate to your language of choice.

STAYing CONNECTED + ORIENTED

Timeshifter: A jetlag app to help you get back on track.
Nord VPN: IP masking for security and access.
Holafly: eSim for smooth phone service abroad.

BUDGETING, HEALTH + SAFETY

Splitwise: Track expenses and settle up between travel companions.
Kindle App: Read books on a device to save space and cut down on weight.
SLS Beachsafe: Stay safe and get updates for the beaches, including weather, surf conditions, and hazards.

a man setting up camp on a car camping trip

TRAVEL APPS BY REGION

Asia

Grab: Ride-hailing and food delivery app.
WeChat: Essential app for mobile payments in China. It’s also used for instant messaging and social media.
Alipay: Payment app for places that don’t accept Tap to Pay or physical credit cards.
Agoda: Find hotels and accommodation deals in Asia.

EUROPE + AFRICA

Rome2Rio: Map out your travels and view transportation mode options.
Omio: Compare transportation options and find transportation tickets.
Skyscanner: Find flexible flights on local airlines.
WhatsApp: Instant messaging app for communicating on WIFI.

NORTH + SOUTH AMERICA

AllTrails: Find trails, see reviews + updates from other users, and save activities.
Uber: Ride-hailing app and food delivery.
Google Maps: GPS app for walking, driving, biking, ride service, public transportation, and flying.
iOverlander: Campground and overlander services using data from travelers.

AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND

Gaia GPS: Ideal for hiking and national parks.
Holafly: eSim to stay connected.
SLS Beachsafe: Stay safe and get updates for the beaches, including weather, surf conditions, and hazards.

Pro Tip

Test out offline features at home before you go. Turn your phone on airplane mode and try out the apps you’ll need offline. Work out any kinks before you’re on the move.

For international travel, check out Matador’s Global Travel Adaptor. Stay charged in over 170 countries.

Person getting on an airplane after downloading travel apps

Find Your Favorite Travel Apps

Everyone travels differently. Use a combination of these apps based on your travel style, destination, and activities. Check them out and let us know how it goes.