Over the span of 6 years, I traveled to 20 countries, and each time these apps were there to accompany me and make my trips more enjoyable. Here is the list of my all-time favorite apps that I use as a solo traveler.
As much as traveling is fun, it can also be stressful. Thanks to modern technologies, it is much easier and less time-consuming to prepare and spend a weekend abroad. Modern apps are meant to make our journeys safe and unforgettable.
Here are the 10 time-tested apps recommended by a number of experienced travelers:
Skyscanner - cheap flights
Every trip starts with a preparation and buying a ticket. Skyscanner compares and gives you the fastest and the cheapest options to get to your desired destination. One of the most popular features lets you check all the possible directions from a given location which is ideal for frequent and spontaneous travelers.
Audible - audiobooks
Long haul flights and waiting at the airports for hours can get boring. Download Audible to get access to a number of audiobooks to listen to while you are waiting for your connecting flight. You can have one free audiobook during the 30-day trial and cancel the membership after your trip.
Zangi Messenger
It is crucial and fun to stay connected while you are traveling and keep your friends and family updated on your adventures. Usually, we have to deal with slow Wi-Fi in public places, cafes or hostels and trying to call your friends becomes a nightmare. Here comes Zangi to save our trip and ensure we share our awesome photos or videos with them. The app lets you send and receive media files, messages and calls even with 2G coverage or slow Wi-Fi connection. It is also cheaper to use Zangi Call Out option to call your friends instead of Roaming.
Google Maps - maps and directions
One of the most used and useful apps for travelers is, no doubt, Google Maps. It gives you the opportunity to download the map of the area you want and use it when you are offline. Thanks to this feature, finding your hotel or a popular monument became easier than ever. While the app is a necessity for independent travelers, it drains the battery of your smartphone very fast.
XE Currency - live exchange rates
XE Currency is another important app to have on your phone. The app lets you convert currencies from one to another in a second since the interface is pretty simple and easy to use. Use this app when you are shopping abroad to avoid money loss in conversion.
Airbnb - worldwide accommodations
The app became popular during the last few years, and now more and more people prefer to use Airbnb while travelling, instead of staying in hostels or hotels. The app gives you a chance to stay with locals in typical houses and pay reasonable prices for each day of your stay. You also have an option to rent the entire house/ flat.
WiFi Map - free Wi-Fi hotspots
We always need WiFi to navigate through a new city, to order food, to find information about this or that attraction. WiFi Map helps you find WiFi hotspots anywhere you go. The information is entered by users, so you can also contribute to the development of the map by adding WiFi and password details in your city.
Sit or Squat - nearby public bathrooms
Sometimes, it can take hours finding a bathroom in a foreign country and very often you have to pay to use them or the place is not clean enough. Popular cities like Venice, Barcelona, Rome don't have enough restrooms and very often travelers have to go to cafes and restaurants, buy something in order to use the bathroom. Use the app to learn about the exact locations of clean restrooms and enjoy as much coffee and water as you want throughout the day.
Citymapper - transport app
It can be confusing and hard finding a certain street or bar in a city you are not familiar with, but you can't keep on asking strangers how to get from one place to another every time you want to use public transportation. Citymapper is the best solution whether you are using the train, bus or even your bike. You can choose the transport method you prefer and it will suggest the best routes for you.
Eventbrite - events and tickets
If you are interested in attending different cultural events while you are travelling, you can use this app as a discovery tool and you even create your own events and buy tickets through the app.
Bonus Tip: Locals feel flattered if you greet them in their own language or at least try to learn some basic phrases. Make sure you have Google Translator anywhere you go and you will feel the difference. It also can help you read and understand the street signs, menus and get some directions from locals.
More info: zangi.com
Must-Have Apps For Travelers
Must-Have Apps For Travelers
