Thanks to the world of technology and almost everything being on demand, traveling is made so much easier.  Check out my handpicked top 19 apps that will help you get the most from your travels from lodging, flights, communication and more.

Best Apps for Lodging

1. Hostelworld– Each hostel listing has accurate photos, reviews, an amenities list and directions from the airport. You only pay a 15% deposit up front and they have a fair cancellation policy. This is my favorite site to book with because you know exactly what you are getting.  (Web, iOS, Android)

Check out my blog post “Don’t book your hostel before you read this” for tips on how to pick the best hostel. 

2. Couchsurfing– A travel community of over 14 million people. Here you can search for locals willing to host your stay or find classes and hikes to join. (Web, iOS, Android)

Best Apps for Flying

3. Skyscanner– A travel fare search engine. Skyscanner searches for the best flight deals, car rentals and hotel deals.  It can also do a price comparison for flights across an entire month and you can see when the fares are the lowest. (Web, iOS, Android)

4. Hopper– An easy to use app that tracks flight rates. Just select where and when you want to fly and Hopper will send you a push notification of the current lowest price and the best time to purchase. (iOS, Android) 

5. Flightaware– Check your flight status, aviation news, weather and be notified of delays. (Web, iOS, Android)

6. My TSA– Check the TSA wait times at your local airport, weather conditions, approved items you can bring through security and look back at the historical peak wait times. (iOS, Android)

Best Apps for Communication

7. Whatsapp- A free messaging, video and phone calling app that runs off Internet Connectivity instead of using your data plan. (iOS, Android, Windows Phone)

8. Viber– Another great option for free messaging and calls. (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)

Difference in a nutshell: You can use Viber to call non Viber members, like family or friends, for a nominal fee which may be cheaper than your data plan.  It’s also used to connect with travelers. However, Whatsapp has more users than Viber and you will most likely meet another traveler who has Whatsapp.

Best Apps for Photo Editing

9. Snapseed– A professional editing app. It has 29 different filters and can open both RAW and JPEG. (iOS, Android)

10. Color Story– A photo editing app with 20+ different tools, 100+ filters and 40 movable effects (free & purchase). (iOS) 

Best Apps to Dine with Locals

11. Vizeat– Where locals will offer their homes and host a dinner or cooking class. The fee is usually the cost of the food. It’s great for couples or groups. (Web, iOS, Android)

12. Eatwith– Another great option to check out if you want to dine with a local from the country you are visiting. (Web)

Best App for Commuting

13. Maps.me– A very detailed map of the entire world that doesn’t need an internet connection. You will have to download the map location beforehand when you have internet connection. (Web, iOS, Android)

Best Apps for Language Barriers

14. Duolingo– A free language learning app. Before traveling to a country with a foreign language use this app and set a daily goal for yourself to at least learn the basics. (iOS, Android, Windows Phone) 

15. Instant Translator–  This app offers free instant translations of words and phrases in over 100 languages. It can be easily shared and also connects directly to Facebook or Viber. (iOS, Android)

Best Apps for Currency Converter

16. XE Currency– Know exactly how much you are paying in another currency in US Dollars. Store the currency rate in the app so that you can use it even if you don’t have access to the internet. (Web, iOS, Windows)

17. GlobeConvert Currency–  For all around conversions of currency, speed, temperature and length. In the US, we use the imperial system and Fahrenheit. In most other countries, they use the Metric system and Celsius. (iOS)

Best Apps for Travel Planning

18. Trip Advisor– The mega travel site. Use this to plan anything travel related. Find the best restaurants, flights, hotels and activities, where to buy the tickets and honest reviews from other travelers. (Web, iOS, Android)

19. Culture Trip– A travel community with a global network of content creators. You can find articles as specific as “The best sushi and seafood in Sydney, Australia” Just type in the search bar what city you are traveling to and you’ll find the best of the best there. (Web, iOS, Android)