As an independent solo traveler, I rely heavily on the best travel apps to enhance my journeys. Inspired by the likes of Jules Verne and Salgari, I savor the slower pace of travel, the quiet moments, unexpected encounters, and the reflective breaks that solo trips offer. However, I’m also a person of my time, deeply passionate about technology. During my travels, I combine my love for gadgets with my wanderlust, making technology an integral part of my adventures.
My transformation from carrying paper guides and printed reservations to relying solely on digital tools started during a road trip in Thailand. Back then, I was lugging a backpack full of books, printed documents, and my Moleskine notebook. Upon returning home, I made a promise to myself: No more paper on my travels. And I’ve stuck to it ever since.
Today, my digital toolkit consists of a Kindle for travel notes and an iPhone filled with apps that make planning and navigating my travels easier and more efficient. Here’s a list of the travel apps I can’t live without.
Cozycozy
For those looking to find the best accommodation deals, Cozycozy is an essential app. It compares listings from popular platforms like Airbnb, Booking, VRBO, and Expedia, all in one place. Whether you’re searching for a hotel, apartment, or a unique stay like a treehouse or houseboat, Cozycozy simplifies the process, ensuring you get the best value.
Traveloka
Traveloka is a great option for affordable travel. It offers daily deals, customizable packages, and smart search features that tailor recommendations based on your preferences. The app’s machine learning technology ensures that your future trips are both affordable and suited to your travel style.
Travel PackList
I’ve been using Travel PackList for years, and it has become my go-to app for packing. It allows you to create different packing lists for various types of trips, such as a tropical getaway, a weekend adventure, or a hiking expedition. With categories like “clothes,” “accessories,” and “to-do before leaving,” this app helps streamline my packing process. It costs €2.99 and is available on the Mac App Store.
AirportTransfer.com
AirportTransfer.com is a lifesaver for anyone who wants a hassle-free way to get to and from the airport. Available in over 160 countries, it allows you to pre-book private rides, eliminating the need for overpriced taxis and local transportation. The process is easy, the prices are fixed, and you can cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s available for both iOS and Android and is free to use.
Going
For discovering flight deals, Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights) is an indispensable app. It helps travelers find major discounts on flights, including mistake fares and special offers ranging from 40% to 90% off. The app has a team of flight experts who hand-verify every deal, ensuring you only get the best discounts for your next trip.
XE Currency
XE Currency is a must-have app for anyone traveling internationally. It provides real-time exchange rate updates, allows you to convert multiple currencies instantly, and works offline. Whether you’re planning your trip or tracking your spending while abroad, this app is a reliable tool for managing your finances. Best of all, it’s free.
Skratch
Skratch is perfect for travelers who love to keep track of every place they’ve visited. The app allows you to mark countries, cities, and attractions on a world map, add photos and notes, and share your travel experiences with friends. You can also explore new destinations, view destination guides, and access key information like eSIMs, weather forecasts, and visa requirements.
Converter
While traveling, I often need to convert distances, weights, or measurements, and that’s where the Converter app comes in handy. It works offline and is simple to use, making it a practical tool for everyday travel needs. And best of all, it’s free.
Benefits of Using an eSIM While Traveling
An eSIM is a game-changer for staying connected while traveling. With services like SIM Local’s travel eSIM, you can easily activate a local network in over 150 countries, avoiding expensive roaming charges. Whether you’re sharing travel photos or using maps and translation apps, an eSIM keeps you connected effortlessly.
ViaMichelin
Whether at home or on the road, I always rely on ViaMichelin for its up-to-date maps and route calculations. The app helps you plan routes based on cost, distance, or scenic views, and it even calculates fuel consumption and toll fees. It’s free and available in multiple languages, though I find the ads a bit intrusive.
ForeverMap 2
ForeverMap 2 is one of my favorite mapping apps. It works offline, has interactive and customizable graphics, and offers up-to-date city maps. Whether you’re calculating routes or searching for local businesses, it’s a reliable app for navigating new destinations. It’s available for €2.99.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a classic travel app, and for good reason. While it’s famous for restaurant and hotel reviews, it’s also a great tool for discovering local gems abroad. I use it mainly to find places to stay, and its “nearby” feature is especially useful when I’m exploring new cities.
GPSmyCity
GPSmyCity is a fantastic app for self-guided walking tours. With over 1,000 destinations worldwide, it offers offline city maps and travel articles that include embedded GPS coordinates. You can even upgrade for $1.99 to get turn-by-turn navigation between points of interest.
WeatherPro
When it comes to weather forecasting, I rely on WeatherPro, especially when I’m on the move. It provides detailed forecasts, including hourly updates for the next seven days. While not perfect, it’s far more accurate than the default weather app on my phone. It costs €2.99.
Tipulator
Tipulator is a handy app for calculating tips, especially on group trips or when you’re traveling overseas. It’s also perfect for splitting expenses, such as the costs of a sailing trip with friends. The app is free and available in English.
Kindle
I can’t travel without my Kindle. It’s not just for reading books—it’s also my digital notebook where I keep my travel thoughts. The app is free and syncs with my Kindle library, so I always have my favorite reads with me.
Final Thoughts
These travel apps have made my solo adventures smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful. From finding the best flight deals to keeping track of my spending, each one serves a unique purpose. If you have any other recommendations for travel apps, I’d love to hear them!
P.S. While technology has certainly become an essential part of my travels, my trusty Moleskine and pen are still by my side for those moments when I want to jot something down the old-fashioned way.
