Travelling can be therapeutic as well as relaxing. However, planning for a trip can be quite stressful, especially if you have no prior experience.
This is where technology can help.
If you are a beginner who has never travelled before or you are struggling with planning your trip, keep reading. This write-up will include some of the best apps that can help you travel smarter and more efficiently.
Top Apps for Smart Travel Planning
Before we start our list, keep in mind that all these apps require a steady internet connection. I personally use Optimum, mainly since the brand offers free hotspot access, allowing me to stay connected during my trips, along with 24/7 Optimum Internet en español support so I can seek technical help anytime.
Now, let’s take a look at the top apps you can use for efficient travel planning.
Google Maps
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Real-time navigation, especially for travelers who struggle with directions.
- Stand-out Features: Direction, location searching, satellite imagery, street view, route planning for various transport modes, and offline maps.
Everyone knows about Google Maps. In fact, this service has single-handedly changed the way we travel. While most people think that Google Maps is only helpful in case of a road trip, it is equally helpful when you’re not driving.
How?
The answer is simple. When you are in a foreign country, you obviously want to visit the nearest tourist destinations. This is where Google Maps can help. Moreover, you can also locate the nearest eateries and track the route while travelling via public transport.
ChatGPT
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Travel planning, instant language translation, culture-related information, research, tourist attractions, etc.
- Stand-out Features: Conversational AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), creativity, image analysis, code generation, voice mode, and image generation.
Yes, you read it right. I’m talking about ChatGPT for travelling. Now, I know most people think that this is just a simple app for conversation, asking questions, or maybe writing content.
However, let me surprise you.
On my last trip, ChatGPT became my trip curator, guide, translator, and travel partner. This app helped me customize my travel plan, helped me carry on conversations with locals, and guided me through cultural expectations.
Airbnb
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Cheap accommodation, especially for travelers who are seeking an authentic experience.
- Stand-out Features: Unique stays, local activities, Airbnb services, search filtering, direct Messaging, and guest reviews.
Airbnb is an app that every traveler loves. Even if you are not an avid traveler, you must have heard about it. The goal of this app is to offer people an authentic living experience with a local.
For instance, you can live as a guest on their couch, book a whole villa, just a room, or an apartment; the options are endless. In most cases, Airbnb is quite affordable compared to hotels and other rental options, and it offers a glimpse of the local lifestyle.
SkyScanner
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Finding the cheapest flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.
- Stand-out Features: Price alerts, price trends, multi-city search, and saved lists.
Who does not want to save money while travelling?
I know I want to. This is where SkyScanner can help. With the help of this app, you can find the cheapest flights along with the best prices on hotels and car rentals.
By using this single app, you can book your accommodation, plane ticket, tours, and activities for your trip.
PackPoint
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Organizing things, making a list of things to carry, and simplifying packing.
- Stand-out Features: Trip details, activity selection, weather integration, intelligent list generation, customization, and item management.
Packing for a trip can become quite a hassle. Especially when you do not get to travel every day or if you have a weight limit for your luggage. In this situation, PackPoint is the best solution.
This app will plan your trip and offer you a list of everything that you need to pack just to enjoy your trip. Apart from this, the app contains a weather-tracking feature so you can pack your clothes according to the weather.
In case you have some activities planned for the trip, this app will keep all the activities in account as well.
LoungeBuddy
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Finding travel lounges and information about these lounges
- Stand-out Features: Lounge access wizard, comprehensive lounge information, user-generated reviews and photos, filtering by amenities, trip management, and purchase lounge passes.
Travelling is fun, but waiting in a cramped airport isn’t. If this seems like an issue you can relate to, then LoungeBuddy is the answer to your problems.
This app mainly aims to help travelers find the nearest travel lounges. Keep in mind that while the app is free, you might have to pay a small amount to access the lounge. However, there are some free lounge suggestions as well that you can enjoy.
XE Currency
- Available On: Android and iOS
- Recommended For: Sending and receiving money in different currencies.
- Stand-out Features: Currency converter, rate alerts, historical data, browser extension, international money transfers, and IBAN calculator.
Planning an international trip without currency exchange? Impossible, right?
Well, XE currency is the perfect answer for all your currency-related issues. This app helps in sending and receiving money. Moreover, the app has a currency converter that will help you track real-time exchange rates.
Simply put, travelling can be fun, but planning a trip might take a lot of time and effort. If you are also planning a trip, the above-mentioned apps can make your planning process hassle-free.
