20 Best Travel Apps for 2024

September 11, 2024

Last Updated on September 11, 2024

From easy-to-use language translation to sustainable travel recommendations, here are some of the best travel apps we personally use to make traveling a breeze!

In 2024, there’s an app for just about anything – whether it’s booking flights, renting cars for a road trip, converting currency rates or navigating public transportation. I’ve noticed that I use travel apps even in my daily life, not just when I’m traveling. Google Maps for example is a lifesaver, just to get to places I’ve never been before or find restaurants worth trying.

The tech revolution has undoubtedly made life easier than ever, with new apps constantly popping up. To help you avoid wasting money on apps that aren’t worth your time, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite travel apps. These apps will save you time, money, and help you make the most of your travels. Be sure to download them before you leave home!

20 Best Travel Apps for 2024

1. Google Maps

Google Maps is perhaps the travel app I use most, even when I’m not traveling. The navigation app is fantastic to help you find your directions to places. These days, Google Maps also offers real-time traffic updates, public transit schedules, and even crowd levels at popular attractions so you can avoid the dreaded tourist swarm. It’ll also point you to the highest-rated local food spots, complete with photos and reviews so detailed you’ll feel like you’ve already tried the octopus carpaccio.

Lost in a foreign city? Street View can virtually walk you through the area, making you feel like you’ve been there before. However, for me, the stand-out feature on the app is the create your map option.

2. Airalo

Gone are the days when we need to hunt down telecom stands at an airport or in the city. Now I only use eSIMs when I travel. An eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is basically a digital version of the traditional SIM card and it’s built directly into your device.

Designed to replace plastic SIMs, eSIMs allow you to connect to mobile networks without physically swapping cards. Launched in 2019, Airalo is one of the pioneers of this technology. has coverage in over 190 countries, making it a reliable option for globetrotters who want hassle-free connectivity.

I’ve used Airalo from the start, and it’s been my go-to eSIM provider for every trip. The eSIMs they offer are affordable, easy to install and functional. I’ve bought eSIMs on Airalo for Pakistan, China, Uruguay, Spain, Peru and they have worked really well.

3. Allyz Travel Smart

As a seasoned traveler (who’s traveled to 150 countries), my best advice is to get travel insurance – whether you’re traveling for a week or a year. You just never know what can happen. With travel insurance, you can be compensated for any flight cancellation, baggage loss or medical emergenices.

I have the annual Allianz Travel Insurance plan, that covers multiple trips throughout the year and up to $20,000 in emergency medical benefits. The app that comes with my travel insurance plan, the Allyz Travel Smart app has been my best travel companion since I got the plan.

The app even lets me store my trip details, track flights, and file claims directly from my mobile device. It has features such as a hospital finder based on your location, a medical term translator in 18 languages, and access to local emergency phone numbers at your destination. You also have 24/7 access to customer support if things go awry.

4. Booking.com

Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine and app as it constantly delivers the best prices. Its interface lets you compare prices, read reviews, and filter results to suit every preference.

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I love their flexible booking policy, like free cancellations and pay-at-property features. I’m also a member of their loyalty program, Genius, which allows me to unlock discounts, perks like free breakfast or room upgrades, and exclusive deals.

I’ve been able to book hotels on Booking.com at every destination I’ve been in the last 20 years – except Cuba and North Korea!

5. Airbnb

When I travel with my family, I like to book Airbnb for more space, comfort, and local immersion that traditional accommodations often lack. I’ve booked many unique accommodations on Airbnb, from a Mongolian yurt in the mountains of Spain to a conch-shell-shaped villa on an island in Mexico. Whether you’re seeking a cozy apartment in the city or a cool glamping spot, Airbnb’s diverse options cater to every style and budget.

It also allows you to experience destinations like a local, often with insider tips from hosts who know the area best. Plus, features like kitchens, laundry facilities, and personalized spaces mean you can travel on your terms, enjoying a home-away-from-home experience.

6. XE Currency

When I started out traveling, one of the biggest pain points was finding reliable forex exchange hubs. And when I did find them, many were offering exorbitant exchange rates that would eat into my budget. I was so happy to find XE Currency, which offers accurate real-time exchange rates, historical charts, and even offline mode for those times when Wi-Fi is elusive.

With its quick currency conversions and ability to track multiple rates at once, XE ensures that you always know exactly how much you’re spending. By using XE, you also benefit from a secure process that avoids the pitfalls of theft or fraud associated with carrying large amounts of cash.

7. Splitwise

This money-tracking app has been extremely useful for trips that I do with friends. Splitwise effortlessly tracks and divides expenses among friends or family, ensuring that no one is left holding the bill or fumbling with complicated calculations.

Whether you’re splitting the cost of a rental or pooling money for a group dinner, Splitwise simplifies the process and reduces the risk of awkward financial disputes. Its user-friendly interface and real-time updates make it easy to keep everyone on the same page, ensuring that the focus remains on creating memorable experiences.

8. Uber

The advent of the ridesharing model has solved the problems that many travelers face in certain parts of the world, like being overcharged or having to haggle with the driver. Uber, a pioneer of the ridesharing economy, has become an indispensable tool for the savvy globetrotter.

With a few taps on your smartphone, you can effortlessly secure a ride in unfamiliar cities, beating the stress of traditional taxi services. Additionally, Uber’s real-time tracking, upfront pricing, and user reviews ensure a seamless and safe transportation experience. Also, its availability in more than 900 cities means you can navigate new locales with confidence.

9. NordVPN

Having mobile VPN is important these days, with data breaches, cyber espionage, and digital surveillance increasingly rampant worldwide. With a VPN, you ensure your internet connection is secure and private, especially when using public Wi-Fi in airports, cafes, or hotels. If you’re looking for a reliable VPN for travel, I recommend NordVPN.

I have been using NordVPN for some years now without incident. The VPN provides a secure and encrypted connection that shields your sensitive information from prying eyes. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite content from anywhere in the world. This ensures you can stream, shop, and browse safely and without any limitations.

10. MyTSA App

In any attempts to beat the airport dash, the MyTSA app is one you must have on your phone. The app’s benefits are undeniable for regular globetrotters based in the US. MyTSA offers the convenience of quickly checking which items can be carried through security, bypassing the hassle of removing shoes or repacking liquids into a one-liter bag.

It also provides access to live assistance through AskTSA social media integration and gives insights into historical airport congestion, helping you plan your journey. Essentially, MyTSA functions as a personal airport assistant in your pocket, transforming travel chaos into a streamlined, predictable journey.

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11. PackPoint

In today’s modern world, think of PackPoint as an indispensable personal assistant ready to help you pack accordingly for your trip. The ingenious app effortlessly simplifies the packing process by generating tailored lists based on your destination, the duration of your trip, and the time of year.

PackPoint takes into account weather conditions and planned activities to ensure you’re fully equipped with everything you need for your trip. It even considers subtle details like access to laundry facilities, so you can plan for washing and reusing clothes.

If you are the type that hates the rigorous research about what to pack then this is the app for you. Before PackPoint, I had to do a lot of research on how to pack for my trips but it has since been a smooth experience.

12. TravelSpend

Tracking your expenses while on a trip often helps me to make sure I stay within my budget. It also allows you to plan my budget effectively, allocating funds for unforeseen expenses, and even capitalizing on savings opportunities. I have been using TravelSpend to help track my expenses for years and it has served me well. With TravelSpend, you can pre-set a budget, snap photos of receipts, and see all your expenses in real-time.

The app also automatically converts expenses into both local and home currency, allowing you to spread costs over multiple days and categorize them with ease. The premium version unlocks powerful features like custom categories and data export, making it a small investment for a stress-free travel experience.

13. Get Your Guide

If you are looking to do day trips at your destination, the best app to search for day trips and book them is Get Your Guide. The app offers thousands of day tours from all over the world to choose from. With its intuitive app, you can easily search, filter, and book tickets for tours and excursions based on your interests, language, and accessibility needs.

The best part—all is stored offline for easy access on the go. The app’s wish list feature lets you plan for future adventures. Another perk is its flexible booking policy which allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund.

best travel planning apps - Get Your Guide

14. Google Translate Camera

Going to a country where the language is different from your own feels like stepping into a live-action puzzle. Every sign, menu, and conversation is a tantalizing clue waiting to be decoded. Suddenly, ordering coffee or asking for directions is a game of charades, with hand gestures and hopeful smiles as your only tools of communication. But in 2024 there’s a practical work around the awkwardness.

The Google Translate Camera is an essential tool that turns the world into a readable, navigable space at the tap of a screen. No more fumbling through phrasebooks or desperately miming to decipher a restaurant menu, street sign, or museum plaque written in a foreign script. This magical feature lets you point your camera at text, instantly translating it on-screen in real-time.

best travel planning apps - Google Translate Camera

15. Skyscanner

I have been using Skyscanner’s powerful search engine to get the best flight deals for the last few years and it has been quite helpful. Skyscanner seamlessly blends the power of price-tracking with an easy-to-use booking interface. It’s not just about searching for flights — Skyscanner scours hundreds of airlines and travel sites, offering real-time updates.

Its intuitive interface also allows you to compare prices and filter results by preferences like airline, layover time, and departure schedule, to help you find the best deals. Plus, with practical tools like price alerts, you’ll never miss a great discount, making Skyscanner the ultimate app for the savvy, deal-hunting globetrotter.

16. iOverlander

iOverlander is a practical app, especially for those embracing the van life or car camping lifestyle. It’s more than just a campsite finder; it’s a survival guide crafted by fellow adventurers who’ve blazed the trails before you. The app offers a treasure trove of information on everything from water sources to repair shops and hidden campsites to essential amenities like kitchens and showers.

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With offline capabilities, it ensures you’re never stranded without guidance. The app also offers user-generated content—with honest reviews and photos—offering a level of trust and reliability that’s hard to find. For the roadtrippers, iOverlander isn’t just an app; it’s a travel companion that understands the unpredictable nature of life on the road.

17. Duolingo

Learning a language is like holding a master key that unlocks the true essence of a destination. For me, it’s more than just a practical skill—it’s a gateway to authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of the culture. Ordering food or asking for directions with a bit of the local dialect can turn mundane interactions into moments of genuine connection and goodwill.

Duolingo is a great way to brush up on a foreign language before your trip. It’s like having a personal language coach in your pocket, turning learning into a fun, game-like experience.

You can practice a variety of languages for free with its diverse exercises, including audio, written, and reverse translation, ensuring you’re well-rounded in your understanding. The app also offers interactive stories, podcasts, and even meet-ups, making it easy to indulge yourself and practice with others.

18. Asana

Staying on top of your work or projects while on vacation is the modern way of life today. In the fast-paced world, work has to resume even when you are thousands of miles away. Using a project manager like Asana will ensure a seamless experience for you and your team when you’re out of the office.

Asana is a game-changer for modern globetrotters juggling tasks on the go. Asana’s seamless syncing between mobile and desktop keeps everything connected—even when you’re offline. This means you can continue working on tasks mid-flight or in remote areas, and your updates will sync once you’re back online.

19. Shazam

Have you ever been out dining or at a bar and heard a catchy song but had no clue what its title was? Rather than awkwardly asking a random stranger the title of the song, you can rely on the ingenious Shazam app to do the dig-up. With Shazam, a quick tap and a few seconds of listening are all it takes to identify the song.

Plus, if you’re offline, the app doesn’t miss a beat—it saves the clip and reveals the song once you’re back online. Its seamless integration with Spotify and iTunes ensures you can effortlessly add the tune to your library for keeps.

20. Netflix

Staying up to date with your favorite TV shows while exploring new destinations is now a reality thanks to Netflix. Whether you’re waiting out a rainy day or enduring a long flight, Netflix is a convenient escape with its vast library of movies, series, and documentaries. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a good way to keep them occupied in between itineraries.

One of its strong selling points is Its ability to offer localized content, including films and shows, helping you immerse local culture. And with the option to download content for offline viewing, the streaming app ensures that a binge-worthy experience is always within reach.

Plan Your Trip with These Travel Apps

That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading all the way to the end. We’ve definitely packed a lot into this article. This guide about the best travel apps will help you enhance your travel experience regardless of where the journey leads you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below!

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides. She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Wild Junket

Wild Junket

20 Best Travel Apps for 2024