In the twenty-first century, it’s practically unheard of to embark on a journey without a cellphone in hand. And why would you? In this era of technology, there’s an abundance of helpful and handy apps that easily enhance our daily lives. Expat Explore has asked our tour leaders what travel apps they use and they’ve recommended some that they simply can’t imagine travelling without. 

Related: Looking for some travel inspiration? Check out these TV Shows to inspire wanderlust.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, these travel apps will help streamline your journey:

Planning your adventure

You’ve made the exciting decision to plan your next adventure, but now you need to determine if a visa is required. Passport Index comes to the rescue with its user-friendly app, offering a convenient way to check visa requirements for your nationality across the globe.

The next task on your pre-travel checklist is finding accommodation. Booking.com is very easy to use and offers countless affordable accommodation options in cities around the world. Then, it’s time to get packing! This can be daunting, particularly when you’re not entirely sure what weather to expect at your destination. Not to worry though – packing is made easy by the PackPoint app. This app takes the guesswork out of packing by generating a tailored list of what to pack based on the duration of your trip, any activities you have planned and the local weather. Getting a weather forecast for your destination also becomes a breeze with apps like AccuWeather and Yr.no. 

Once packing is in the bag, it’s time to start planning your activities. For that, Tripadvisor is your travel guru. This app provides a platform where you can read reviews and get valuable travel advice from fellow explorers about where to stay and what to do in your chosen destination.

You’ll also want to apply for and buy an international SIM card or eSIM. While many areas and hotels you’ll visit have WiFi, having a connected phone on hand to search for the nearest bus, restaurant or airport can be a lifesaver! We recommend reliable eSIM service providers like Airalo. Be sure to tick off this step in the month before departure.

Related: Suitcase still stressing you out? See our pro packing advice.

Making your way

Getting from point A to point B can be stressful, especially if you don’t know how local transport works. If your journey involves taking a flight, look no further than Skyscanner. This is a go-to resource for searching for flights and comparing airline prices, ensuring that you find the best deals for your travels.

Once you’ve landed in your destination, figuring out how to navigate your way around can be tricky. That’s where Rome2Rio comes into play. It offers comprehensive journey planning and mapping options, allowing you to explore various transportation and route choices while also estimating the associated costs. 

When it comes to purchasing tickets for buses, trains, ferries, and even flights, especially in Europe and the US, the Omio app offers a user-friendly platform for your needs. Not only can you easily compare ticket prices, but you can also use the app to plan your travel itinerary.

And when you need on-demand transportation services, e-hailing apps like Uber are the way to go. Uber provides a safe and convenient means to arrange a taxi, ensuring that you don’t pay the expensive rates of airport transfer services or traditional metered taxis. 

Want to take the stress out of travelling? Book an Expat Explore tour and all transport between destinations will be taken care of by our expert team!

Navigation in your destination

Ticking things off your bucket list is one of the main reasons to travel. However, if you can’t find those bucket-list sights, travelling can become quite frustrating. That’s where online maps become a must. If you haven’t already, consider downloading Google Maps onto your smartphone – it’s an essential tool for travellers.

If you are concerned about roaming charges or are travelling in an area with limited connectivity, Maps.me is a fantastic offline option.This app allows you to download maps for offline use, ensuring you can find your way even when you’re off the grid.

When nature calls and you need to locate the nearest restroom in a hurry, Flush comes to the rescue. This handy app is a lifesaver when you’re in unfamiliar territory, offering the peace of mind that you won’t have to wander too far to find the facilities you need.

Related: Speaking of finding things, you might find yourself needing to speak to locals. Have a look at our language tips and tools to overcome these language barriers.

Money matters

Ensuring you have the correct currency for your adventure doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the advancement of financial technology, managing your money across borders has become a whole lot easier.

The Wise app is an international account option. With Wise, you can spend, send, and receive money in different currencies, all without the headache of dealing with high fees or unfavourable exchange rates. It’s a game-changer for travellers, allowing you to access your funds without worry, and it’s particularly handy if you’re visiting multiple countries during your adventure.

But what about knowing the current exchange rates on the go?  XE Currency Converter provides real-time exchange rate information, ensuring you’re always in the know about the latest rates between any two currencies.

Related: See these tips for keeping your money safe when travelling. 

Whether you’re navigating foreign streets, searching for the best flight deals, or handling your finances, technology will streamline your adventure. With these handy apps at your fingertips, you can focus on the experiences, people, and places that make your adventure truly unforgettable. 

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Ready to explore? Want to trial these handy apps? Why not book your next adventure with Expat Explore now?