This blog post was inspired by Episode 10 of the Go See Do Explore Podcast. Listen to it here!
Travel is an adventure, full of wonder and possibility. But let’s be honest – navigating unfamiliar places, finding the best experiences, and staying connected can be daunting without a little help. That’s where travel apps come in, acting as indispensable digital guides on your journeys. From curating once-in-a-lifetime activities to translating foreign languages, these apps are modern explorers’ best friends. So pack your bags and download these must-have apps – they’ll have you seeing, doing, and exploring like a seasoned pro.
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Getting there is half the adventure, but a smooth journey makes the destination that much sweeter. Start your travels on the right foot with apps like FlightAware to track flights in real time or airline apps for stress-free mobile boarding. Once on the ground, Google or Apple Maps attached to a smartwatch can keep you from staring at your phone while navigating in a new place. Apps like Obi and CityMapper become your urban scouts, deftly guiding you through the concrete jungles via public transit, rideshares, and more.
For road trips, Roadtrippers and iExit spotlight all the quirky roadside attractions and essential pit stops along your route. GasBuddy ensures you never overpay for fuel with its price comparison powers. Parking apps like ParkMobile and Park Whiz make finding parking in cities a breeze. Having the app for one or two rental car companies can save you time and hassle if you need to rent a car in a pinch.
The great outdoors is calling, and these apps are your entry into the wild world of adventure. Camping aficionados will fall for the Ultimate Campgrounds app, a comprehensive database of public campsites from national forests to local parks. Booking campgrounds can be done through a variety of apps including Recreation.gov , ReserveAmerica, Campendium and HipCamp. RV Life is a great app for campground reviews, especially when it comes to a park’s connectivity.
Plan epic hikes with Topo Maps or use AllTrails to discover nearby routes. For paddling pursuits, the Go Paddling app, reveals the best put-ins and waterways.
And no outdoor adventure is complete without exploring national parks. With the National Park Service app, you can virtually tour parks before arriving, with insider tips, trail maps, and the ability to track your conquered parks. An indispensable companion for your bucket list adventures.
One of travel’s greatest joys is discovering the unique heart of a destination. But how to find those off-the-beaten-path gems? Tap into the wealth of apps designed to connect you with authentic local experiences.
For an immersive cultural experience, nothing beats free walking tours booked through apps like FreeTour.com. These passionate guides, often locals themselves, offer an unvarnished look at their cities through fascinating storytelling. GetYourGuide and Viator are great resources for finding great tours in your destination, as well. For the flexibility of self-guided tours, Rick Steves’ Audio Europe provides a free virtual docent in your pocket all over Europe. Guide Along is a GPS-based driving tour app that is a great way to get the lay of the land.
When you want to dive into a destination’s top attractions with ease, turn to apps like Klook and CityPASS. These brilliant bundlers offer discounted admission to major sights and let you skip the line. Prefer to wing it? Apps like Yelp and OpenTable make it easy to read reviews and snag last-minute reservations at buzz-worthy restaurants and hot spots. Don’t forget Groupon for discounts on attractions. Unsure about tipping culture in your destination, check out Globe Tips.
Of course, no epic adventure is complete without a few inevitable snags and stresses. But apps like these can help you sail through travel turbulence like a pro.
Revolut is a multi-currency mobile banking app that eliminates pesky international transaction fees, giving you the best exchange rates on-the-go. Need to decipher signs, menus, or conversations? Google Translate provides real-time audio and text translation in over 100 languages. Airalo allows you to always have data wherever you are on the globe with an easy to use e-SIM. WhatsApp is important to have while traveling to communicate with hotels, restaurants, and tour guides as standard SMS texting is uncommon outside of the U.S.
For those travel hiccups, having the right app can save the day! MyTSA will let you know security wait tims so you know when to head to the airport. Mobile Passport can help you breeze through customs, while apps like Radical Storage offer a temporary place to store your luggage while traveling. The ingenious Timeshifter app is designed to help you conquer jet lag by creating a customized sleep schedule for your routes.
With these travel apps in your carry-on, every journey becomes an inspired adventure waiting to unfold. So pack that smart suitcase and get exploring – the world is yours to go see and do!
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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