Could you imagine travelling without your phone!? I mean obviously there was a day in age where people travelled without phones. But we are luckily in a time where our phones are typically always in your hand. Don’t get me wrong, I love turning my phone off and just enjoying the moments while travelling but I feel a lot more safe having my phone with me incase of any emergencies. There are millions of apps out there and honestly you probably have a lot of these apps already downloaded. I have a folder on my phone called “Travel” and just keep all apps in one place so they are easily accessible. So let’s jump into my favourite must have travel apps!
2. Google Maps
THE NUMBER ONE TRAVEL APP I NEED IN MY LIFE, and the app I use the most! Not only for my awful sense of direction, but I use google maps to plan out our trips. When I find locations I want to visit, I star them in on my google maps, that way when we plan a trip to that city half of my work is already done because I have starred places that I want to go (whether that’s restaurants, hikes, waterfalls etc.). The app also has an offline mode where you can download offline maps and routes, which will save you a lot of data and also really be at help if you are in remote locations where service may not be the best!
3. Uber/Lyft
When we travel we typically like to have our own car so we can get to destinations on our own time without all the extra fees. If you are doing a bunch of hikes or site seeing while you are travelling, where these locations are more out of town, you may end up spending more in ubers/lyft’s then you would with just renting a car! I suggest always weighing out your options with pricing etc.
But if you are planning on staying in town, it may be the best option for you. I feel way more safe in an uber or lyft then just standard taxis especially because you know you won’t be ripped off because you prepay with your credit card and not after the ride is done with cash. Downfall of uber or lyft is it is not available in all cities!
4. Google Translate
I am a huge iphone fan, but let me tell you how much I love all the google apps. Everything is so seamless and easy to use – there is not one app made from them that I don’t use. Google translate is perfect if you are in a country where they speak a different language. See a sign that you can’t understand? Take a picture and google will translate the sign for you!
5. Instagram
Instagram is an amazing place to find inspiration and not only to share my own experiences. It is one of the main places I find locations that I want to travel to while I am planning my trip. This is also a great way to find those one off more hidden gem locations that are not so public!
6. AllTrails
This app is where I typically find all the hikes that we do, or I research a hike that I know of to see the full details. It gives you access to the length, elevation gain, routing type, reviews/photos of past hikers and also rates the hikes as easy, moderate or hard. The hikes are mapped out so if you ever feel like you are off trail you can open the app and it will show you where the routing is to get back on path! Wherever you might be, quickly find the perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run by length, rating, and difficulty level.
7. Tripit
Is a very popular app for planning/keeping track of your entire itinerary for your trip. It helps keep track of all reservations and creates an itinerary off you plans. All you do is forward them your reservations via email and they create an itinerary for you.
You can add flights, hotels, activities, directions. You can also add other travellers so they can access the same information.
8. Pinterest
Another great app that I am constantly using for inspiration. You can find hundreds of different blogs written of ultimate guides or must see locations. I also share my travels and blogs on my pinterest to hopefully inspire people with their next travel!
9. XE Currency Exchange
You should honestly never travel without having this downloaded. One of the most reliable and accurate currency converter apps out there. When I am in a different country, I always like to convert what the pricing is to ensure that I am not overspending my budgeted cost for the trip!
11. Weather App
I think this is an obvious one. But while you are travelling it is important to plan clothing accordingly to the weather.; you do not want to pack shorts and tank tops if you are hiking to the top of a mountain if there’s chances of snow. I made this mistake when we were hiking at Lake Louise, I wore a tank top and leggings and it was FREEZING, I had to go to the Fairmont clothing shop to buy a sweater for our hike (read about this trip here). It is also great to check weather in order to see if you have to make any changes to your daily activities if it is showing raining one day.
I use the standard iphone weather app but I use to also use the Weather Network App
12. Flightaware
This is in my opinion the best app for tracking flights! I use this religiously for my job and find it the best tracking system out there! You can get real-time updates on the location of your flight. You can see where the flight is coming in from, if it is delayed, on time or even if there is any weather that might affect its arrival. This will give you plenty more insight then what you will see at the gate.
13. ArriveCAN
A must have requirement now when arriving into Canada. Canada Border Service is now requiring all passport and flight information to be submitted electronically prior to boarding your flight to your Canadian destination. It is super easy to use! And no more hassle of filling out those darn pieces of paper!
Well there we have it! My must have travel apps! There is not better feeling then being fully prepared for your travels! What are some apps that you swear by for travelling!? I would love to check them out so please leave a comment below.
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