In today's digital age, travel has become less about printed maps and guidebooks, and more about smartphones and apps. With an app for almost everything, traveling has never been more convenient and stress-free. In this blog post, we will discuss seven top travel apps that are essential for every traveler’s toolkit.

Google Maps

I know, we all use Google Maps but I find it to be extremely helpful when traveling. Whether you’re navigating around a new city or driving around the countryside, it’s really helpful to have an app that can tell you where to go next to find what you’re looking for. With detailed maps of pretty much every city on Earth, Google Maps is the ultimate navigation tool. It’s delightfully accurate when trying to figure out the best public transport options and provides step-by-step directions to get you where you need to go. Additionally, it also provides useful information about local businesses and attractions, making it easier to plan your itinerary and find the best ramen or ice cream in town.

Duolingo

Travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about immersing yourself in new cultures. And one of the best ways to do that is by learning the local language. Duolingo is a language-learning app that makes learning a new language fun and easy. It offers courses in over 30 languages, with bite-sized lessons that you can fit into your busy travel schedule. Duolingo is not just a handy tool for travel, but also a great way to expand your horizons and improve your cognitive skills. I really enjoy spending down time on a bus, train, plane, or the waiting room for any of the above to brush up on the local language. It won’t turn you into a fluent speaker quickly but it will help you feel like you’ve got a few useful phrases in your back pocket.

Splitwise

Managing expenses while traveling, especially in a group, can sometimes be a headache. Before Splitwise came along, my friends and I would carry a little notebook with diligently recorded expenses that we totaled and split with a calculator at the end of the trip.

With Splitwise, the little notebook no longer a thing. This handy app allows you to track and split expenses with ease. Whether it's a shared meal, accommodation cost, or travel expense, Splitwise lets you divide the costs fairly and keeps a tab on who owes what. It also sends reminders for repayments, ensuring that everyone settles their debts promptly. With Splitwise, you can focus more on enjoying your travel adventure and less on worrying about the finances.

I don’t just use the app to keep track of shared travel expenses. Splitwise is extremely helpful in my every day life to easily keep track of expenses with my partner. We no longer worry about how much either of us owes the other; we just keep track of expenses in the app and make sure we’re keeping the owed balance between us under $100. I believe that it is a tool everyone should use when managing shared expenses no matter the relationship or situation!

Units Plus

Another must-have app for travelers is Units Plus. This incredibly useful app provides quick and accurate conversions for various units such as currency, weight, length, area, and temperature. When you're traveling internationally, understanding the local currency and measurement units can often be confusing. With Units Plus, you can easily convert prices into your home currency or convert kilometers to miles, making it easier to navigate your journey. The app also updates currency exchange rates in real time, ensuring you always have the most accurate information at your fingertips.

Notes iPhone App

The Notes app is a simple yet powerful tool for travelers. It's perfect for jotting down important information such as flight details, hotel addresses, and to-do lists. You can also use it to capture your travel experiences by writing daily journal entries or noting down interesting observations. What's more, you can use the Notes app to store important documents like e-tickets and reservation confirmations by taking screenshots and storing them within the app. Its search function allows you to easily locate your notes, making your travel information readily accessible. For travelers who like to stay organized and have all their information in one place, the Notes app is an essential tool.

Google Translate

Google Translate is an indispensable tool for any traveler. I’ve tried out a few translation apps over the years and I always go back to Google Translate. This powerful app can translate text, voice, images, and even real-time video in over 100 languages. Whether you need to understand a menu, ask for directions, or communicate with locals, the app can help you translate and understand foreign languages in an instant. If you download a language when online, the app also works offline, which is particularly useful when you're traveling in places with limited internet access. With Google Translate in your pocket, you'll have a personal interpreter wherever you go.

One of the standout features of Google Translate is its camera translation capability which allows you to translate text in images instantly. All you need to do is point your camera at the text you want to translate, such as a street sign, a restaurant menu, or an instruction manual, and the app will overlay the translation on your screen in real-time. This feature is incredibly useful when traveling abroad, as it allows you to understand foreign text without needing to manually enter it into the app. I especially like using it to figure out what’s on the menu when there are no English translations to be had!

Flush

Flush is a highly useful travel app that is especially beneficial for those who are exploring new cities or countries. The app acts as a public restroom finder, providing the location of the nearest public toilets wherever you are. It even provides details such as whether a restroom requires a key or a fee for use. This can be immensely useful in situations where you're in unfamiliar territory and in urgent need of a restroom. So, when you're planning your next trip, consider adding Flush to your list of essential travel apps!

Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

Seriously, from language learning with Duolingo, to expense tracking with Splitwise, to navigation with Google Maps, and even finding a restroom with Flush, these apps will help make your make your journey smoother, more organized, and simply more enjoyable. So go ahead, download these apps, and start exploring the world! Let us know in the comments which of these or your favorite travel apps you would recommend 📲 🧳 ✈️