The best travel apps work in real time, keeping you informed at all times. They not only provide information, but also advice, ideas, tips and warnings. Suppose you are planning a trip and the price of a flight suddenly drops. You’ll want a notification for that. Or maybe you are driving a long distance when an accident occurs in front. Getting an alert on your phone soon after the fact can help keep your trip stress-free as you reroute or decide to take a break until it clears up.
From the moment you start thinking about your next destination to the moment your feet hit the welcome mat at home, having the right travel apps on hand can make the experience smoother and less stressful.
In this list of the best travel apps, it is not necessary to include all the big name search aggregator sites, like Expedia, Hotwire and Priceline, since most people are already familiar with them. They help you research and book (usually by paying in advance) flights, hotels, car rentals, and sometimes vacation packages and cruises. The same goes for hotel search aggregators, like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Trivago. I’ve only included here those that serve a specific niche or those that are great but little known.
Listed alphabetically, here are the best travel apps you might not be using.
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Summary
1 Airbnb
Airbnb connects travelers with people who have unique rooms, apartments, houses, and other places to rent (including treehouses, trailers, and boats). Whether you need a short-term vacation spot or a month-long stay, Airbnb has options all over the world. In some locations, the site also sells Experiences, such as tours, classes, workshops, and excursions. In some areas, it can help you book a restaurant.
2 Google Flight
Never refuse a second opinion. Despite all the great travel search sites available these days, Google Flights is one to add to your list (at google.com/flights). Use it when you need a quick check on airfare for round-trip, one-way, or multiple cities. It’s also good for exploring destinations based on price.
3 Lonely Planet
The reason I use Lonely Planet for information on what to see and do when I travel is because it has great photos. It’s the best of wheelchair travel. Lonely Planet offers advice and information, as well as travel experiences you can book through third parties.
4 TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is one of the best online sources for travelers, especially because it has in-depth reviews of hotels, restaurants, and sights to see. Photos uploaded by other users are also useful for getting a glimpse of a place from an unbiased point of view. TripAdvisor is one of the richest resources you will find because it has a huge and active community.
Also read: Save time and money with travel agencies
