Traveling can be stressful and requires a lot of moving parts to come together! We all bring our phones everywhere we go, so consider using these free apps to make your travel experience smoother.
I travel 70-90 days per year, and I use these apps consistently to make the experience smoother and more efficient.
Note: I have no affiliation with any of these apps. I use them personally and like them and will explain why I recommend them below. This post includes one Amazon affiliate link.
#1: The companies you have reservations with!!
Almost always on both Apple + Android | FREE
If the companies you are using (planes, trains, ride sharing, tours, accommodations, excursions, etc) have apps, USE THEM!!!! You’ll get real time updates and have access to your reservation at the swipe of a finger. I cannot recommend this enough. You can download them for when you need them and then remove them when you are done. If you will be somewhere without internet (for example, checking into an Airbnb in a foreign country before you get the internet password), screenshot all of your reservations and instructions on the app for use offline.
Examples of these apps include: Marriott, Royal Caribbean, Hyatt, Southwest, Delta, United, Air Canada, Airbnb, Groupon, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Uber.
#2: Tile
Apple + Android | FREE – but a Tile has a one time cost.
International + Domestic Travel
The best way to keep tabs on your devices, suitcases, bags, and children is using Tiles or Apple AirTags! This app tracks any Tiles you may be using. I keep one in my suitcase at all times.
#3: Out of Office
International + Domestic Travel
My favorite new app for recommendations of things to do in any city in the world is OOO! You can make/share recommendations, create future trip wishlists, follow friends, and find recommendations in a map or list view! You can see my recommendations here.
#4: Priority Pass
International + Domestic Travel
If you have a credit card that comes with Priority Pass, download this app to see all the lounges you have access to. If you have an AmEx Platinum card, you can also see all lounges on the AMEX app (Apple + Android) which I use too!
#5: Autio
Apple + Android | Free App with subscription model service with monthly or annual options
Domestic Travel
My husband and I are on a mission to visit all 50 states before I turn 30, and this app has been such a fun find! It plays short recordings of history, fun facts, and recommendations for the areas you are driving through! We have listened to dozens of stories driving through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas and have learned SO much that we never would’ve known! It’s like having a tour guide in your pocket.
Note: You get 5 free stories before you have to pay. We have 10 more states to explore this year, so we opted for the annual subscription with is $36 for the year. For shorter subscriptions, the price increases on a monthly basis.
#6: Mobile Passport
International Travel
I cannot recommend this app enough to every single person leaving the country. If you have Global Entry, you don’t really need it, but if you don’t it can save you an hour in line when re-entering the United States. The times I have seen the signs for it, there wasn’t a single person in line so you could’ve cut the entire customs line. All you do is upload a picture of your passport and confirm your information. You can put your entire party’s info on one phone. It is so fast that you could even download it in the customs line and then hop into the mobile passport line!
#7: Google Maps
International + Domestic Travel
I save all of the places I want to go on Google Maps. It makes it easy to see the places you want to visit and their vicinity to you at any given moment. You can also access it offline if you start navigating somewhere while you have WiFi and then don’t exit the app. I studied abroad in Europe for a summer without having international data so I relied on WiFi and Google Maps offline.
My first tip for anyone traveling internationally is to save and label the place you are staying, especially if it is an Airbnb and isn’t easily searchable!
#8. Google Translate
International Travel
If you are traveling anywhere they don’t speak your native tongue, download Google Translate and offline download the languages! You can scan words, talk into it, or type words to be translated. It truly is amazing and transcends so many barriers that limit people from traveling.
#9: Travel Freely
Travel hackers, this app is for you! You don’t use it while traveling, but instead to coordinate using credit card points to book travel. This app helps you manage your credit card points, sign on bonuses, open/close dates, and provides a quick overview of the multipliers and benefits of your credit cards. Interested in travel hacking but don’t know where to start? Travel Hacking Moms is an amazing resource!
Lastly, I recommend using the Clock and Weather apps (these are default apps on your phone) to always stay on top of the time changes, sunrise, sunset, and weather conditions wherever you are. WhatsApp (Apple + Android) and Signal (Apple + Android) are also free, secure internet based apps to use to communicate when traveling with others without needing cell data. Download apps like this before you leave for your trip because you will need to confirm your cell number with a texted code.
Do you have any other recommendations or do you use these apps? Let me know in a comment!
Traveling Sav 
what a great list! Would also recommend ATM Fee Saver – it helps find fee free and lower fee ATms abroad along with withdrawal limits for foreign card holders, use it quite a bit, helps in saving up on those costs! Worth adding to your list!
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