Travel apps worth having on your phone
You do not need dozens of apps. A handful of the right ones, set up before you leave, can replace paper maps, phrasebooks and a lot of worry.
Before you go
- Maps with offline mode: download the city or region on Wi-Fi at home. Maps then work without data.
- Translation: download the language you need for offline use. A camera mode can read menus and signs.
- Airline and booking apps: keep your boarding passes and confirmations in the app and take screenshots as a backup.
- Cloud photo backup and a password manager: if your phone is lost, you still have your photos and logins.
On the road
- Flight tracker or airline app: shows delays, gate changes and where your plane is. The airline's own app often sends the fastest alerts.
- Ride apps: the common ones differ by country, such as Uber, Bolt, Grab or local taxi apps. Ask your hotel which is reliable and use the app to avoid haggling.
- Transit and train apps: big cities and rail networks have apps that show routes, platforms and live times. Some let you buy tickets on your phone.
- Weather: check the forecast for hiking, beach days and flights.
- Currency converter: handy for quick price checks. Some work offline.
- eSIM or travel SIM app: a data plan you can install before you fly. See Use your phone abroad.
Tips for using them well
- Set everything up at home, on Wi-Fi, a few days before you leave.
- Turn on offline maps and language packs.
- Download only apps from official stores, and check the developer name.
- Carry a small power bank and a short charging cable.
- Keep a screenshot of key bookings in case your phone has no signal.
Plainly gives general information for everyday decisions. It is not professional medical, legal or financial advice. For personal situations, speak with a qualified professional.