Travelling is a beautiful and wonderful way to see and experience the world. It certainly beats sitting at home and watching another David Attenborough documentary. For some it’s a glamorous and regular thing and for others a rare treat to escape from life. Over the past ten years technology has allowed us to experience travel in a totally new and unique way.

Travel Tales Before the Smart Phone Tsunami

I can still remember my first big international trip when I was in Guyana, teaching HIV/AIDS education and prevention. We lived in the jungle, had a satellite phone for emergencies and an old school Nokia phone that belonged to our group leader. There was no contact with our family or friends. Facebook was just only becoming a thing that we all used. In one town there was one internet cafe, which relied on the owner tethering his mobile phone to a modem and it was painfully slow to use. This town also only had power available during certain hours of the day/night.

After months in the jungle I found myself solo in New York city. No mobile phone, no Google Maps, nothing and abandoned at the wrong hostel at 11pm at night. Oh did I mention the 22kg monster backpack I was hauling around? Thankfully NYC is the city that never sleeps and a quick stop into a 7-11 style store had an internet cafe set up where I was able to google my correct hostel, and hustle down 2 New York City blocks to make it in by the 12pm curfew. If I’d had my smartphone on my in the airport I would’ve been able to give the shuttle bus booking agent the correct address and hostel name from a quick and simple google search.

During my week in New York I relied on a Frommers guide book, used a phone card to call home and generally wandered around happily missing out on some great attractions because I had no idea where I was, what I was doing or even how to tip.

Now that I’m an avid traveller and thanks to some really smart people who obviously had experiences like mine and decided to make apps that solve these problems I’m a huge believer in the benefit of apps to help make your travel experiences even better.

Apps That Help You Be Less Lost

Half the fun of travelling is walking around and getting lost. The other half is not being lost and making sure you get to your destination on time. Especially when that destination is time sensitive like airports, buses etc.

Citymapper

Citymapper has changed how I travel around cities. It was only when a friend in London told me to download this app was I made aware of it’s awesomeness! The app packs a punch. It’s up to date with public transport options and timings, walking routes, cycle routes. As well as giving you estimates on taxi and Uber fares. I love how simple this app is to use. You can save locations, like your hostel, as your home base.

Available on iPhone, Android and Web.

Maps.Me

This app has all the maps. Really detailed and up to date maps. Know what city you’re off to? Download the map and have full offline access. So no worries about huge data bills if you don’t have a local sim card.

Available on iPhone, Android

Google Maps

A classic but helpful in most countries.

Available on iPhone, Android and Web.

Apps That Help You Book Flights

Trying to book flights on the road, at an affordable price, can be a nightmare. These apps help you compare different airlines and price options.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner has recently upped their app game. The new app is easier to navigate and use.

Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com is in the same basket as Skyscanner. They use a different flight fairy algorithm and I have found there to be big price differences between the two brands.

Both of these apps have the option to book flights, car hire and accommodation. Kinda a one stop shop for all your travel needs.

Home Sweet Home – Accommodation Apps

Sometimes travel plans don’t go to plan. If you find yourself in need of accommodation whilst your on the road these apps may help you find the best place to rest your weary head.

Air BnB

Love it or hate it Air BnB is here to stay. With listings in over 30,000 cities world wide your sure to find somewhere to stay. Like any share system make sure you take the usual safety precautions.
If you’d like to receive $30 off your first booking click here to use my Air BnB code. If you use my code I also get a $30 Air BnB credit so thanks if advance.

Skyscanner also offers hotel bookings.

Confused by Currency Exchanges- Apps to stop that

XE.com

XE certainly isn’t the prettiest app or website on the market. It is one of the most robust currency coversion apps. With constant updates and ease of use it’s a no brainer as to why we’re loving this one. Another great perk is that you can store your most recent searches and have this information available even if you’re offline.

Lost In Translation

There are always a few key phrases that we learn – where is the ladies room? Do I need a lawyer? Where are my pants? Coffee please. You know the really important phrases. These don’t always cut it so here’s an app to help you talk your way out of just about anything.

Google Translate

An old classic that’s still kicking arse on travellers must have list. This app has around 103 languages on offer. You can save your favourite and most used phrases for use offline.

Available iPhone and Android.

Duolingo

Need to learn the basics but don’t have time for a regular class? Duolingo teaches you the very basics of languages. With over ten languages available. The joy of this app is that you can create teams and compete against your travelling companions. It’s a really simple app that encourages you to learn a new language in a fun and light hearted way.

Keeping in Touch

When I first started travelling you literally went to a corner store, bought a little phone card and dialled a million numbers to call home. And you paid a premium price for this luxury. Or you sold you kidney and used a phone at the hotel or hostel. Whatever took your fancy. Thankfully for us there are some great apps available to help you keep in touch with your loved ones at home.

WhatsApp

I love how secure and easy to use WhatsApp is. Even when I’m at home I use this app to keep in contact with my international friends. The messaging system is simple and effective. The voice calling is second to none in clarity and connection.  With over a billion users no doubt you’ll find someone along the way that has WhatsApp and wants to keep in contact.

Drive Me To Happiness

Uber

Uber is another one of these love or hate apps. As someone who hates taking taxis in Australia Uber is my saviour. This control freak loves that I can get a quote, choose different levels of comfort and get home safely.

Grabb

Grabb is great in Sth East Asia. It was a saviour when I was in the Philippines. The joy of this app is that you can choose to pay cash or card. Some of my trips to and from TBEX in Manila cost me less then $2. Paying in cash I was able to generously tip my lovely drivers who always went above and beyond in helping get me places safely and in educating me on local culture.

Shebab

Ladies only share riding system- This is currently only available in Australia and was launched in February.

Travel Apps love them or hate them they really have changed the way in which we travel. I for one are grateful and happy for these helpful little pieces of technology.

Have you got a favourite travel app that you can’t leave home without? Let us know in the comments below.