When it comes to planning and taking a vacation, travelers now rely on their phones more than ever.
Travel apps They are a source of inspiration and extremely useful for booking, managing logistics – and even making restaurant reservations or finding great fitness classes wherever you travel in the world.
An app that helps with everything from one-day hotel bookings to Last minute trip With changes in those that serve as guidebooks and dictionaries for foreign languages, travel has become infinitely easier thanks to technology.
Apps can help you navigate a new city, make currency conversions, pack the perfect suitcase, and even provide on-the-ground local expertise. Whatever you need when you hit the road, there’s an app for that.
We’ve rounded up the most popular apps here at TPG. Some may be obvious and others are more obscure, but either way, get ready to download.
The best apps to search and book trips
In addition to apps for the airlines you fly most often and your favorite hotel brands, these apps can help you save money on flights and accommodations.
Hopper
Hopper In recent years it has changed from simply offering a price prediction tool for flights to being a true online travel agency. The app helps travelers find the cheapest flights, hotels and car rentals.
Of course, Hopper also still offers premium price prediction technology to help you plan when to book, as well as travel protection and price freeze options to help you secure the lowest possible price on hotels and flights.
kiwi
kiwi It’s mainly used to book flights, but it also helps you book hotels (using its partnership with Booking.com) and car rentals (using its partnership with RentalCars.com).
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Some of the app’s more interesting features include the “Deals” section, which pulls up discounted flights, and the “Travel Tricks” section, which includes options for hidden city tickets, express tickets (which makes one-way flights more affordable) and a free fare. Alerts.
Hotel tonight
A dream for last minute travelers, Hotel tonight (It is now owned by Airbnb) allows you to book stays for the same evening up to a few months in advance in thousands of cities around the world. The available hotel rooms are categorized into sections such as basic, luxury, modern, charming and solid, so you can choose what suits your taste. Take advantage of the Daily Draw feature, where you can swipe to find a personalized deal at a special price valid for only 15 minutes after unlocking.
At TPG, we love a good loyalty program HT Franchises, The app’s nine-level rewards program is extensive. Just like in video games, you can “level up” by reaching specific spending limits on the app, and you’ll have access to perks like discounts, important customer support, and credits. Plus, your levels never end, so you can just keep going up.
Airbnb
For reservations Renting houses instead of hotels, Use the Airbnb program. After entering your destination and dates, you can filter results based on home type, price, amenities needed, and more. If you find something you like, you can book directly through the app.
The app is perfect for managing your trips while on the road — you can access all of your reservations under the Trips tab, where you can view your reservation (and address or directions), contact the host, or change your reservation. Once you’ve made your reservation, you can also explore and book local experiences at your destination, such as wine tastings, kayak tours, hikes, shows and concerts.
TPG application
We can’t talk about travel apps without mentioning the TPG app. Use it to track your credit card, airline, and hotel balances. Earn points and miles efficiently by using the right credit card; And find out how many points or miles you’ll need to book your dream vacation. You can also organize your news feed so you can see the news and tips that matter to you first.
TPG application is Available for download on iOS. Android users can join the waitlist here.
Related: The TPG app has arrived – that’s why you should download it now
The best applications for organizing trips
From keeping all your documents to packing your bag perfectly without forgetting anything, these are the best apps for organizing travel plans.
Trip it
Trip it Removes clutter from your itineraries and documents by keeping them organized in one place. You can set your reservations to be automatically sent to TripIt, allowing you to view travel confirmations, itineraries, tickets, hotels, and Airbnb Booking information, car rental reservations, ferry tickets and driving directions without ever leaving the app.
TripIt also makes it easy to share your trip plans with anyone who picks you up at the airport, train station, or anyone else who may need to coordinate with you. TripIt Pro subscriptions cost $49 per year and include extras like real-time flight alerts, security wait times, baggage claim information, and updates to your loyalty rewards programs.
Road pioneers
Perfect for organizing that epic road trip you’ve always wanted to take, Road pioneers It plans your driving route and lets you book hotels and activities along the way. The app is especially useful for finding interesting, off-the-beaten-path attractions, great restaurants, and can’t-miss landmarks that you can bookmark.
Roadtrippers Premium Membership includes offline maps, live traffic information, overnight RV parking, and more for $59.99 per year. For those looking to only venture out on a few road trips per year, the app also offers a Pro membership ($49.99 per year) and a Basic membership ($35.99 per year).
Backpoint
Backpoint Takes all the stress out Packing. The app shows you what to bring based on the length of your trip, the weather at your destination, and any activities you plan along the way. If you have access to laundry facilities at your destination, PackPoint also allows you to count washing and wearing your clothes multiple times.
Simply download and install the app, then type in the city you are visiting and enter your travel details. So, stop waiting until the day before your flight – or the hours before you’re due to leave for the airport – and start packing now.
The best apps for navigating the airport and flights
Track flights, navigate airports, and find airport lounges with these apps.
LoungeBuddy
LoungeBuddy It provides access to premium airport lounges around the world, regardless of the airline or class you travel on. When you create a trip in the app and type in the credit cards you currently have, it will tell you which lounges you have access to based on which airports you’ll be transiting and how to purchase access if you don’t already have it.
You can purchase access on the day you travel or up to two months in advance if you’re the type to plan ahead. If you prefer to search by lounge or lounge program, the app will tell you exactly what is required to use it.
Entry priority
Entry priority It provides access to more than 1,300 lounges around the world and provides meal vouchers at selected prices Airport restaurants Worldwide for an annual fee starting at $99.
Several cards, incl The Platinum Card® from American Expressthe Capital One Venture XRewards Credit Card And the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offers Priority Pass membership to all cardholders (registration required). Otherwise, you will have to pay an annual fee to become a member, and depending on your membership tier, you will be charged a fee to enter each lounge in addition to the annual fee.
To use the Priority Pass app, enter the name or code of the airport you’re at, and Priority Pass will pull up the list Lounges Or which restaurants you can access, including photos, hours, amenities, and specific location information. For more information about Priority Pass and how to access the lounge, click here. Registration is required to receive select benefits.
Related: Best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
FlightAware
the FlightAware The app allows you to track flights online, see a live map of the flight and check for delays, cancellations and gate changes. This app is especially useful if you have a close contact or want to track your flight.
It’s also useful when picking up friends and family at the airport, as you can track their flight and see updated landing times or delays. AvGeeks will enjoy searching aviation stats, aviation maps, and community aviation discussions on the app.
The best apps you can use during your trip
Time changer
What is the best way to treat jet lag through an app? Time changer It actually helps you Avoid jet lag Long before your flight takes off, it also offers suggestions during and after the flight. The app draws on neuroscience research on sleep and circadian rhythms to provide personalized recommendations, taking into account your age, gender and natural sleep patterns – as well as details about your trip and travel plans. Timeshifter determines when you should avoid light, seek light, take a nap, or try to stay awake. It even tells you if you should consider taking a melatonin or caffeine supplement.
Your first jet lag plan is free, then $9.99 per plan, or you can enjoy unlimited plans for a year for $24.99.
calm
Flying can cause anxiety — or provide a welcome break from constant connection to our digital devices. Either way, use travel as an opportunity to relax, meditate, or listen to soothing sounds that will help you fall asleep or get into a deep state of relaxation. Or perhaps you’ll simply find that it helps pass the time during a long flight.
calm It offers meditations on topics such as self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels and happiness, among others. The app also has music options for focus, relaxation, and sleep, as well as adult stories and children’s content.
Limited set of Reflections The music is available for free (which you can download to use when offline or on the fly). The premium version of the app costs $14.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
Netflix
okay then Netflix It’s not really a travel app, but it can be a lifesaver during a long plane flight without in-flight entertainment or at the airport during an unexpected flight delay or boring layover. If you have a Netflix account, the app will allow you to download your favorite shows to your device to watch them offline.
Just make sure you download your software while you’re connected to Wi-Fi before flying and check it again in preflight to make sure it hasn’t expired (you can usually renew any expired downloads, but you’ll need to be connected to Wi-Fi or data to do so, so) . Monthly prices vary by plan.
Spotify
Another app that’s not really a travel app, Spotify It can still be incredibly useful during boring travel moments – just put on your noise-cancelling headphones and listen to your favorite music, meditations, podcasts, and more.
The app’s premium plans (prices vary) allow you to download all your content offline to your phone, so you have it on long trips or when you don’t have data or a Wi-Fi connection. Whether you want to go for a morning jog in Bali to your favorite tunes or spend time with podcasts on the subway in Barcelona, Spotify has it all.
The best apps to use at your destination
From exchanging money and sightseeing to communicating and learning all the local tips and tricks, you don’t want to land in a foreign city for the first time without these key apps.
XE currency converter
the XE currency converter The app provides live and quickly updated currency rates, then allows you to store and view them even when you are offline. You’ll never need to wonder if you’re really getting a good deal in another country if you have this app.
google translator
google translator he Translation application It lets you do it all – translate into over 100 languages by typing, access 59 languages offline, translate via images, translate bilingual conversations, and even use a handwriting tool to translate.
The app is also easy to use, with icons at the top that you can tap to draw, take a photo, talk, or write.
GlobeTips
Not quite sure how much to tip when traveling internationally? GlobeTips We will advise you on how to tip appropriately in over 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator for easy mathematics. Globe also has apps for currency conversion, unit conversion, and more that may be useful for travelers.
Related: The ultimate guide to tipping while traveling
Tricont
For travelers traveling the world with friends and family or simply splitting the cost between groups, Tricont It calculates joint costs and splits bills so you don’t have to think twice about who owes what. Simply enter your flight and currency and invite your fellow travelers to join your trip.
Every time someone pays for something, you enter the amount into Tricount, and the app breaks it all down. You can also take photos of receipts and store them in the app. At the end of your trip, it will show you the balances of who owes what, making it easy to settle.
Metric conversions
You’ll never be confused by Celsius temperatures or bag weight in kilograms again with Apply measure conversions. Whether you’re measuring flour to cook at an Airbnb, calculating distances for your road trip in Europe, or deciding whether to take a sweatshirt with you on your Great Wall walking tour, this app provides you with easy size, weight, and temperature conversions. Heat, space and more.
Google Maps
Google Maps It’s a must-have when visiting a new city (or even just getting around your hometown). You can set locations, get directions (walking, driving, public transit, ride-hailing, etc.) and see how crowded your subway is Select cities.
You can make restaurant reservations, save your favorite places, read and write reviews of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Be sure to download maps of a specific city or region in advance for offline access if you know you won’t be connected to the Internet at your destination. For obvious reasons, the app works best when your GPS is turned on.
WhatsApp It is a useful messaging service for travelers abroad because it uses an internet connection to avoid SMS fees.
It works like most other messaging apps: you start by creating an account, then add your friends and family members to connect with and voila! You can call, video chat, and send messages, photos, voice memos, gifs, and files just like you do in iMessage (but to Android users, too). You can also download WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer.
The best apps for planning activities
Traveling means more than just getting from point A to point B. If you’re looking for activities to add to your itinerary, check out these apps.
We meet
We meet It is an application designed for Interact with local people And other travelers who have common interests or hobbies. Whether you’re traveling or at home, take what you love and do more of it with Meetup.
The app shows you groups formed around specific interests in your city, including yoga, photography, cooking, wine tasting, hiking, cinema, and other activities. You can join groups to get updates about specific events you may want to participate in. The app can also help with networking, as there are many groups dedicated to business and technology. You may also be able to join a joint work group. Travelers with children can participate in family-friendly meetups, which is a great way for solo travelers to make friends and connect with others.
Fork
Fork It is one of the most useful resources for making restaurant reservations in Europe. Similar to OpenTable or Resy, the app lets you browse different restaurants by category and make reservations. TheFork has more than 60,000 restaurants in cities like London, Madrid and Geneva, as well as places outside Europe like Sydney, Australia.
The biggest advantage is that many restaurant reservations come with discounts — in some cases, you can get up to 50% off your meal just by reserving a table through TheFork. Since we here at TPG are always looking to earn rewards, be sure to keep an eye on YUMS — TheFork’s rewards system. You will earn YUMS with every booking, and when you reach 1000, you get a discount on your bill. Foodie travelers should also consider downloading These applicationsalso.
Happy cow
Happy cow Vegetarian and Vegan Eating helps locate more than 180,000 restaurants, cafes, bakeries, farmers markets and grocery stores in more than 180 countries around the world. The app allows you to filter not only by vegetarian and vegan types but also gluten-free types. You can also read reviews and get recipes on the app as well.
The app costs $3.99, but is a one-time payment.
TripAdvisor website
Besides reading reviews about restaurants, hotels, and attractions, you can book almost anything on the site tripadvisor, From vacation rentals and restaurant reservations to tours and tickets.
The app has evolved to include almost everything travel-related, allowing you to search by destination or interest (outdoors, food & drink, family or water, for example), which can give you inspiration for a trip or help you get organized with your activities and meals And your places of residence before traveling or during flight.
AllTrails
With over 400,000 curated tracks, AllTrails It can help you find the perfect hike or walk for you and your group. It’s not just mountain trails – AllTrails offers city walks too, like easy meanders through the Marais district in Paris or peaceful strolls through Lumpini Park in Bangkok, Thailand.
See photos, up-to-date weather forecasts, essential information about each route, and connect with other travelers through reviews and forums. Access to AllTrails+ is $35.99 per year, which offers perks like offline maps and wrong turn alerts.
Best apps to stay safe
Use these apps to stay safe when traveling.
The smart traveler
The smart traveler It is a free service that provides advice and information specifically for travelers in the United States. You can find out what visas and vaccinations you’ll need before you travel and where you can find help if you need it during your trip.
Register your trip on the app, which submits your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination. If there is any type of disaster or tragedy, the local embassy can contact you to see if you need assistance.
Flight whistle
Another application dedicated to keeping you safe, Flight whistle It plots your location and lets you easily text or send your GPS coordinates or location. It also provides emergency numbers for firefighters, medical personnel and police in nearly 200 countries. After all, 911 is only for emergencies in the United States: each state has its own emergency number.
Uber
Yes, Uber (or any local ride-hailing app) is convenient, but it can also keep you safe. Using this app when traveling means you’ll never get stuck while wandering around an unfamiliar area late at night or have to deal with unscrupulous taxi drivers trying to scam you. Uber also has in-app safety features such as an emergency help button which will allow you to contact local emergency services directly from the app.