My must-have travel apps are mozzarella sticks, chips & salsa… oh wait we’re not talking about those apps. The following apps are my most used apps while planning my trips and during my travels.

Flights

Skyscanner: Great app for those that have flexible schedules because you can search by the cheapest month and select Everywhere as your destination, giving you the best options for multiple destinations.

Available iOS, Android & Web

Skiplagged : This app is great at showing hidden city flights. Which is when you end your flight at the layover. Yes this is allowed, but make sure that you do not check any bags because those will not be following you.

Also beware to only do hidden city flights if you are taking the departing flight, if you intentionally (or accidentally) miss the departing flight, the returning flight is usually cancelled. (Don’t ask me how I know) 😑

Available iOS, Android & Web

Hopper : If you are looking for a flight rather in advance and want to know the best time to book, the Hopper has the best price predictor. The Hopper will let you know when the flight is expected to drop or increase in price , letting you know whether you should wait or book now.

Available iOS, Android

Airline Apps (American Airlines, Delta, Ryanair etc.) are also incredibly useful for your actual flights, allowing you to have a mobile ticket and having the most accurate updates on any delays, gate changes, or any other important information.

Accommodation

Hostelworld: Hostels are not as scary as your parents may want you to believe. And Hostelworld gives you the best listings of hostels available in your chosen city. There is an overview on the hostel with a rating out of 10, multiple reviews and a list or description of included amenities. Then they provide the availability for your chosen dates and let you know what nationalities are going to be staying there during your visit. Hostelworld also lets you know what events that hostel will be hosting while you are there. Plus if you book more than 7 days in advance you have free cancelation. Hostelworld also has the feature that can compare Hostels side by side.

Hostelworld is my go to for hostels, however I always do check the actual hostel website to price check just in case they have a better price.

Airbnb : Staying in stranger’s house has been popular now for a while, which has unfortunately caused the prices to increase with that popularity. There have also been more regulations and laws placed on Airbnb’s in many cities. With that being said there still are reasonable gorgeous places to stay, especially if you are staying with a larger group. And some of the houses are quite stunning. If you are new to Airbnb click here to receive $40 off your 1st booking!

Booking.com: While Solo traveling I usually do not use hotels very often. But when I am with a group or family/friends or in a location where hostels or Airbnbs are not readily available. I choose a hotel. Booking.com has thousands of reviews, a multitude of ways to filter your searches and is one most trusted and most used booking sites.

Research

Pinterest: This is probably one of my favorite apps/sites in general, but it is also great for discovering tons of blog posts about the location you are visiting. And you can easily save pins to specific boards if you are making plans for different trips.

Instagram: By searching the location tag you can scope out so many beautiful and interesting places that you may not otherwise know about.

Youtube: This platform is saturated with travel vlogs and videos, but that is great when you wanting different perspectives on your travel destination. Whether you are spending a week or have a long layover there is probably a video giving you the best things to do in your allotted time and budget.

During the Trip

Google Maps: This is an obvious and essential app. Whether you are using public transportation, driving a car, or even walking google maps is your best friend. However, when in public be careful not to stare at your phone too much because it does draw attention and make it clear that you are a tourist especially when traveling solo. I will usually look at directions while in a shop, while eating or before leaving my accommodation. There is a feature on google maps where you can select either what time you need to leave by or what time you need to be at your location by and then it tells you either what your arrival or departure . I have found that it is an extremely helpful feature, specifically when using public transportation.

Uber/ Lyft: If you don’t know these by know, then I’ll let you know that they are ride sharing apps that incredibly cheap compared to using a traditional cab service. Just be sure to verify the license plate and driver’s name before entering the car. If you have not signed up with Uber yet use my code morganp4362ui to sign up and get $2 off each off first 3 rides!

Bla Bla Car: Bla Bla what? Yes the name is Bla Bla Car and it is essentially a long distance Uber/Lyft. It is usually super cheap and you can pick who your driver is before and view their profile. This is mainly available in Europe, but it is a nice back up if you are not wanting to fly or ride a train.

Communication

WhatsApp: This is a free messaging, video, and voice service that allows you to communicate freely with people from across the globe with just wi-fi. It is really useful when entering a different country and you do not have phone service yet. It is reliable for the most part and groups can also be created on it.

Messenger: Facebook has a message sharing app known as messenger and it is similar to WhatsApp. You do not have to have a Facebook in order to have messenger, but if you do have one, they can be linked together.

Both apps work well, I use both

Other

Spotify: This is my go-to music app, with a student account it is only $4.99 a month or you can get the free version with ads.

Audible: I do love reading books, but sometimes there just is not enough room for 3 pounds of books in a carry on. So an audio book is a great alternative for on the plane or train.

Google Translate: The app allows you to take photos and then it automatically translates the words into your desired language, very useful at restaurants if you have picky eaters with you.

There are many other apps that are more region or location specific, but as a whole these are the apps and resources that I tend to use the most regularly. Let me know what your favorite travel apps in the comments down below.