In today’s modern world, there is an app for everything! When traveling solo abroad, you always want to make sure you are well-prepared before you land. Here are 15 of the best international travel apps that will make solo traveling easier.
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I have great news for you first-time travelers; solo traveling has never been easier than it is today! All thanks to those little, portable devices that fit in our pockets.
I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say there is an app for almost everything. A little time spent preparing before you leave for an adventure will save you time, energy, and a headache in the future.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a situation where an app would have made traveling easier for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of some of the best international travel apps that I use daily as a full-time solo traveler!
15 Best International Travel Apps To Make Life Easier
1. Google Maps/Maps.Me
Google Maps is by far my most used and favorite app! I also included Maps.Me because I know many travelers use and prefer this map app because you can use it without data. So perhaps you like this one better.
Offline Maps
However, you can also download offline maps via Google Maps. GM works for me and has many other notable features besides offline maps (which is a great one!) Just make sure to download the area before you travel.
The only caveat is that it won’t give you walking directions or live bus schedules without data. You can easily still access the maps though and walk your own route.
Save Locations
I love that with GM you can save locations in different lists. For example, the three default lists are Favorites, Want To Go, and Travel Plans. They show up on the maps as either a heart, green flag, or blue luggage.
I make it a habit to pull up the app anytime someone recommends a cool place for me to go visit – whether it’s a restaurant, shop, or attraction. This way if I’m ever around the area, I can remember I wanted to visit there.
Location Sharing
Another great feature is that you can share your location with friends and family. While you can do this through Apple’s Find My app, not everyone has an iPhone. However, most people already use Google Maps.
Sharing your location with at least one person is a great idea so that somebody knows where you are at all times. It’s a great safety tip that could end up saving your life but also gives your loved ones peace of mind.
Your Timeline
Lastly, I love that the app saves your timeline. Sometimes I’ll forget what dates I was where and this is a great way to look back and see exactly where you went and when. It’s also great if I want to revisit a place I went to but don’t remember the name of.
2. Google Translate
Google Translate is another super useful and easy-to-use app! Depending on where you’re traveling, it may be inevitable that you’ll run into a language barrier from time to time.
Or perhaps you need help translating bus signs, metro maps, and food menus. This is where Google Translate has saved my life many times! Remember to download the languages ahead of time to use without data.
The app has several features so you can easily translate languages around you. You can choose from 133 languages and either type, speak or use camera mode (Google Lens) to translate in real time.
If you’ve never used this app before, it is a game-changer! Now you don’t have to struggle to speak to locals or be understood. There is even a conversation mode so you can talk back and forth with ease. Go download this one right now!
3. Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/Grab/Careem)
Ride-sharing apps like Uber are great ones to download ahead of time because you usually need to verify your phone number. It’ll save you some time and hassle if you do this at home.
Careem is a ride-sharing app normally used in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Grab is mostly used in South East Asia so make sure to do your research depending on which countries you’re visiting. There are a lot of different companies depending on the location.
Of course, there are countries where none of these are offered. However, for the ones where they do work, it’s a great way to call a taxi for cheap. Through the app, you know exactly how much to pay so you won’t get scammed.
4. Hostelworld
Hostelworld is one of the best international travel apps to find a place to stay while connecting with other travelers. As the name states, it’s an app to find hostels all over the world.
As a solo traveler, you’re probably more likely to want to stay in hostels to meet other people. This app makes it simple, easy, and pretty cheap. Plus it’s one of the only (if not the only) apps to book hostels globally.
Once you book a hostel, you can also chat and connect with other travelers planning to stay there as well. So not only is this an app to find accommodations but one to give you a head start with socializing with other travelers.
5. Booking.com
Sometimes even budget solo travelers need a private room to recharge and have some alone time. Booking.com is my go-to app for searching and booking accommodations. They also have hostels available on their site but not nearly as many as Hostelworld.
Booking.com has the Genius rewards program so the more you book, the more you save. Level 1 is the entry-level tier offering you a 10% discount. Level 2 is unlocked when you stay in at least 5 hotels within two years and offers up to 15% off.
Lastly, Level 3 is the top tier, offering up to 20% off, which requires a minimum of 15 stays within two years. This may seem like a lot but if you travel frequently or are a backpacker, you’ll likely easily reach this tier.
This rewards program is what keeps me coming back to Booking.com. I end up saving quite a bit just by continuously booking through them. I will also compare hostel prices between here and Hostelworld.
6. WhatsApp (Universal Messaging App)
You have to download WhatsApp if you’re traveling for an extended period and haven’t yet! It’s the universal (and superior) messaging app. I think Americans are the only ones that don’t use this app.
I’ve been using WhatsApp for years to communicate with my family in Bolivia. It’s free and the whole world uses it. Download before your trip to verify your phone number. Just trust me on this one!
You’ll need it to contact your hotel owner, message to book tours, and of course to stay connected with all the new friends you’re going to make from all over the world!
7. Convert Units Plus (Converter App)
Next up on useful international travel apps is a currency/units converter app. While the app’s interface isn’t the best one out there, I like Units Plus compared to other apps like My Currency or Xe Currency.
This is because they offer many more conversions than just currency. They also offer other units like length, temperature, speed, weight, mileage, etc. If you’re an American traveler you need this app!
Most of the world uses a universal measuring system but Americans use Fahrenheit, miles, feet, and pounds. Trust me, it can get tricky trying to understand the differences in all these measurements so get yourself this app where you can easily convert.
But of course, most importantly you can convert currency so no matter where you are, you can easily figure out how much things cost in your home currency.
8. Surfshark (Any VPN App)
A VPN app is not always necessary depending on what you do online but it can still be useful to have just in case. While there are a bunch of free ones out there, the paid ones usually work better. I use Surfshark and haven’t ever had any issues with them.
I use VPNs when I travel to post on Instagram (there are a lot of features that aren’t available worldwide), to stream shows and movies like on Hulu or HBOmax (US-based platforms), or to access webpages that are only for US customers.
As I said, you may not need one depending on how you surf the web but for me, it’s more than worth it to have one. Prices vary quite a bit depending on contract length but it’s pretty affordable if you choose the 2-year contract option for just $1.99 a month.
You can check out their pricing options here!
9. TravelSpend (Track Spending)
TravelSpend is a budget/spending tracker. It might not be necessary for some but for others who are on a more strict budget or just trying to save, it’s a great tool. You can track your spending down to the cents in a pretty detailed manner.
This can help you see just how much you’re spending in what sections so you know where to cut down if your goal is to budget!
10. Worldpackers (Work-Exchange App)
One of my favorite ways of traveling is through volunteering! While there are a few work-exchange platforms, my preferred one is Worldpackers. They offer some wonderful volunteer opportunities all over the world.
It can be anything from working on permaculture projects to teaching kids in non-profit schools. You can help out on farms or eco-villages as well as work at a hostel. The options are endless and you’re likely to find something that matches your skillset perfectly.
The app makes it easy to browse and find the right experience for you. You can get $10 off your Worldpackers membership right here or by using my promo code: VIANCA. Happy volunteering!
11. Facebook
Facebook groups are a true GEM in this day and age. Reportedly, there are over 10 million active Facebook groups! This ensures that you’ll find a travel-related Facebook group that allows you to connect with others.
It’s worth looking it up, you never know what you’ll find. As a climber, I have joined and made many friends to climb with all over the world. There are groups for climbing in specific regions of Greece, Thailand, and Laos.
Just the same, there is a popular FB group called Girls Love Travel with over 1 million women to connect with. This is a great tool I use while traveling and of course, the app makes it even easier to browse through.
I know most people already use Facebook on a daily basis but maybe you don’t utilize FB groups to their full potential which is why it’s on this list of best international travel apps.
12. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is an app where you can book all sorts of tours, excursions, and adventures. It’s super easy to use and find great experiences all over the world. They work with local guides and companies so you know it’s going to be an authentic experience.
You can browse through the experiences here! They have everything from skydiving in Dubai to hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, and wild elephant safari tours in Sri Lanka!
13. Hopper (Flight Booking App)
Hopper can be a good app to have for booking flights, hotels, and cars. I love and recommend using Google Flights to book flights but they do not have an app. So secondly, Hopper can be a great resource to find cheap flights.
It’s useful to have a few different booking apps so you can compare deals. You’ll learn that some apps are better for flights, such as Hopper, and some are better for hotels, such as Booking.com.
14. AllTrails
If you are a hiker or an outdoor enthusiast, consider downloading AllTrails. This app will show you any nearby trails so you can easily follow them and hike. The best part about this app is that you can download the trail so you don’t need to use data to access the map.
You do need a subscription to access the app. However, they do offer a free trial so you can try it before you decide to buy. I have also heard from others that you can continuously get new free trials so keep that in mind and on the hush-hush.
15. Been
Lastly on the list of best international travel apps is Been! I love this app but it’s more of a fun app to use than a necessary one. I still wanted to include it as it’s a favorite travel app of mine.
It lets you track all of the countries you’ve been to and displays it in a cool way. I like it because it’s easy to share with friends or on social media but also because it tells you the percentage of the world you have seen so far. This one just makes me happy and feel good!
Bonus: Best International Travel Apps
Here are a few more bonus apps that you likely already have downloaded or don’t absolutely need but may find are great to pass the time.
Music Apps
First off music apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music are a must for me! Besides wanting to just relax and enjoy music, I would say it’s necessary for busy markets where the touts don’t stop hassling you.
The easiest way I found to ignore them is by putting on my headphones and just walking. The loud music can help drown them out. However, Spotify is also great for listening to podcasts or audiobooks on those long transit journeys.
Movie Apps
If you’re a movie buff like me, then you probably already have at least Netflix downloaded. I love relaxing by watching a movie or sometimes will watch one as I dine alone to keep me company.
Hulu, Prime, and HBOmax don’t generally work outside of the US which is when that VPN comes in handy. However, the options on Netflix usually range and change in each country.
This can ensure that you’ll have something new to watch everywhere you go. The movies are also generally way better than the ones in the US because the licensing and copyright laws aren’t as strict in foreign countries.
World Clock
A clock app generally already comes downloaded on most phones which is good for accessing world clocks. I like to have the time in my home country pulled up so I know what time is best to call my friends and family. It’s also useful for when you’re planning or booking in different time zones.
Weather
A weather app is also an app that already comes on most phones but it’s super useful when traveling. Bad weather can easily ruin a day trip somewhere so it’s best to always check before you go out.
This is a good habit to have anywhere but especially while traveling. Not all weather apps are created equal, like a lot of Apple apps (looking at you, Apple Maps!) some are better than others. WeatherBug and The Weather Channel are both preferred weather apps.
Hopefully, this list of the best international travel apps, which I use almost daily, will help you plan for your next adventure. Just remember that it’s always better to download them beforehand at home with secure wifi. Happy travels!
For more helpful posts on Solo Travel, you may also like:
- How To Effortlessly Make Friends As A Solo Traveler
- Travel vs Vacation: How to Know Which One is More You
- How to Overcome the Fear of Traveling Alone (Finally!)
