A wing of an airplane sits with the sunset from the window seat of a plane in the background. This is a feature image for a blog post about using apps while traveling

Please note: This post was updated as of December 2023

It’s not as if smartphones invented travel, however, they have drastically changed the way in which we go about wandering the world. From booking itineraries to audio guides and even foreign communication, it’s entirely possible that everything you need - and even what you don’t need - can be done from the palm of your hand.

Although I’m not in any way, shape, or form suggesting that travelers should rely solely on their mobile device, there are a few apps floating around that help to enhance the travel experience, rather than control it. Here’s some 5-star advice from your favorite 3-star travel blogger!

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* Note to readers: This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

1. ALLTRAILS

In short, AllTrails utilizes a database of over 100,000 hikes to provide users with everything needed in order to get out and hit the trails.

I constantly find myself on the app while at home, scrolling through hikes like it’s Instagram (but much more productive, of course), however, it has also proved invaluable while traveling abroad and I am a huge fan of what it has to offer.

Most recently, AllTrails became my best friend while exploring Panama. I’m all for “getting lost” in the jungle, but I certainly felt a lot more comfortable being able to track my little blue dot along with the interactive trail maps.

Sign up is free so if you plan to explore the great outdoors during your travels, this is a must-have resource!

Keep in mind that the database is built from user interaction, so although a rarity, information can sometimes be slightly inaccurate or minimal.

Be sure to pay it forward and review your own adventures so others can have a great experience as well!

Apple users get it here.

Android users get it here.

AllTrails features including a trail overview, explore map, and interactive tracking

2. DUOLINGO

Although Duolingo touts itself as “the world’s best way to learn a language,” some people swear by it while others despise it, as is the case with most things I suppose.

When beginning a new language, you’ll find that the lessons are built for long term language comprehension through a guided curriculum, however, I’ve found it to have short term value as well.

The app includes 35 languages for English speakers, including the likes of Klingon and High Valyrian if you’re really looking to impress a date. Track me down on a transatlantic flight and you can surely bet I’ll be studying up on whatever language I’ll be greeted with when the wheels touch down.

At the very least, the lessons have significantly helped me to identify useful words, recognize key conversational phrases, and more.

Learn the basics with Duolingo and then put the rest of the puzzle together during your travels!

Apple users get it here.

Android users get it here.

3. GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Do you get frustrated when you can’t read a menu? What about when you’re not sure if a building is a restaurant or a day spa?

It’s ok. We’ve all been there. That’s where Google Translate comes in handy!

The app has gone through some significant transformations in the past few years and now allows users to translate in a few different ways: text, instant camera (just point your camera and read), photos (the app will scan a photo and translate accordingly), or even conversations on the fly.

No more trying to type out what it says on the bathroom door when you’ve really got to go; just point your camera and get down to business!

Don’t get me wrong, playing charades and trying to communicate in a foreign culture is one of my favorite things I get to do while traveling, but sometimes you just need help and that’s where Google Translate quickly becomes a saving grace whether you’re lost or trying to console a fellow hangry traveler.

Apple users get it here.

Android users get it here.

4. MAPS.ME

Shortly after booking a rental car in South Korea, I realized that I had no idea how to get from point A to point B. “Ah, no problem,” I thought, “that’s what Google Maps is for.” As it turns out, Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea, so what’s a guy supposed to do?

Maps.me turned out to be an incredible alternative, providing comprehensive offline maps and driving directions as well as hiking trails, bike paths, and even metro maps.

The app also includes an offline search feature, making it easy to find transportation hubs, ATMs, hotels, or anything else you may need!

As useful as that all is, the most important feature may very well be the inclusion of speed camera locations. After all, nothing ruins a vacation quite like a speeding ticket!

In recent years the Maps.me has expanded its services, now offering hotel searches via integration with booking.com and even the ability to purchase tours with local guides.

This is definitely the way to go when you need maps for traveling! Just be aware that you need to download each individual country onto your phone, so if you’re heading to Germany and planning a road trip to Austria, be sure to download both ahead of time before you find yourself lost in the hills, although I hear they’re alive with the sound of music!

Apple users get it here

Android users get it here

Screenshots from Maps.me

5. LONLEY PLANET GUIDES

Lonely Planet isn’t exactly an “off the beaten path,” however, the Guides app offers some great functions that are worth exploring.

The collection of over 8,000 cities around the world includes offline maps as well as curated advice from local experts. It also integrates seamlessly with Lonely Planet’s TripApp which is a way for users to share photos and stories from their adventures.

One of the most useful features is the ability to get individualized advice on what to explore based on your budget. Simply plug in your restrictions and voilà! The app will take care of the rest.

The one downside is that unlimited access comes at a cost: $4.99 for one month, $21.99 for 6 months, or $39.99 for 1 year.

Is it worth the price? Only you can decide, but it’s certainly something to consider.

As of February 2022 Guides by Lonely Planet is no longer updated. The app can still be used, but development has ceased.

6. PACKPOINT

Are you the type of person that leaves packing to the last second? Welcome to the club.

My normal strategy is to shove a random collection of clothes into a duffle bag the night before a flight and hope for the best, all the while telling myself it “adds to the adventure.”

PackPoint is changing the game, mainly because it takes all of the thinking out of the packing process.

The app works to create a custom list based on a multitude of factors including gender, destination, travel dates, duration, and even type of travel (beach, adventure, etc). It goes as far as to check the forecast ahead of time to accurately determine what needs to fill your suitcase.

From there, users can modify number of items and finalize the list on their own… it’s as simple as that!

Basic access is free, while premium costs $2.99. Take the stress out of packing and give it a whirl… or don’t. I completely understand the thrill of playing “what’s in my bag” when arriving in a new country!

Apple users get it here

Android users get it here

7. TRIPLINGO

TripLingo is built by travelers, for travelers.

While Duolingo aims to help users become fluent in foreign languages, this app works to make picking up the local dialect as easy as 1-2-3.

There are hundreds of destinations to choose from and once you’ve selected a target country, you’ll be able to download the associated audio files. Phrase categories include conversation basics, slang, dining, and more.

The app also offers direct translations in a few different ways: voice and text or, if you find yourself in a jam, pay a small fee to call a live translator (something that would be very helpful in the event of an emergency).

Other features include cultural etiquette guides (travel tips, dining, body language, etc.) as well as important safety information, including embassy contact info and medical terminology amongst other things.

If there was ever an app that borders on being the Swiss army knife of travel, it’s TripLingo!

User interface of TripLingo

BONUS: YELP

Yes, I get it. Everyone knows what Yelp is. So then why is it so often overlooked while traveling abroad?

I’ll spare you the synopsis, but let this serve as a reminder to use it the next time you find yourself traversing the globe. From hidden gems to the top local restaurants, it’s a gold mine of information for indecisive people such as myself!

Apple users get it here

Android users get it here

Do you have a different app that you swear by while traveling? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

As always, thanks for following along. Stay safe & happy travels!