If you’re thinking about booking your next vacation, we have plenty of apps to suit you. From finding lodging and packing tips to pet sitting and security, there’s an app for everyone.
Planning your vacation
Google Trips
(iPhone/Android)
The Google Trips app is a complete travel organizer. Not only does it allow you to have your entire travel itinerary at your fingertips in one place (it collects emails directly from Gmail), but it is also accessible offline. Once you reach your destination, you can organize your days, find activities to do and places to eat.
TripIt: Travel Planner
(iPhone/Android)
When you book a flight, hotel or car, you can forward the e-mail to plans@tripit.com. The TripIt app will organize all your reservations to create a single itinerary that you can also access online.
Booking.com
(iPhone/Android)
Booking.com is an easy way to find hotels and apartments in your chosen destination. Accommodations are rated by users. Through the app, it is also easy to edit and cancel reservations.
AirBnB
(iPhone/Android)
Find private rooms or apartments for your vacation. Renting smaller vacation rentals you can also take advantage of the local host’s advice and knowledge.
KAYAK Flights, Hotels & Cars
(iPhone/Android)
The KAYAK app searches hundreds of travel sites to find the best deals on flights, hotels and car rentals.
TripAdvisor
(iPhone/Android)
The TripAdvisor app is great for searching for reviews on vacation accommodations, places to eat, tours, and attractions. You can also view your friends’ reviews of places they recommend.
Hostelworld: Hostels & Hotels
(iPhone/Android)
If you are on a tight budget and looking for accommodation, Hostelworld may be the app for you. You can search through thousands of hostels, hotels and bed & breakfasts in 170 countries.
TransportTL EU (Trainline EU)
(iPhone/Android)
Find and buy train and bus tickets in Europe directly from your cell phone.
Rome2rio
(iPhone/Android)
By entering two locations, this app will show you possible travel options (flight, train, ferry, ride sharing, and car rental) along with information on local reservations and accommodations.
Navigation and guides
CityMapper
(iPhone/Android)
If you need help finding your way around the world’s most famous cities, check out CityMapper. This app includes real-time departures, transportation maps and service disruption alerts.
Google Maps
(iPhone/Android)
Google maps provide an easy way to get around and get to your destination, either on foot or by car. You can also unearth local attractions, places to visit and where to eat.
Maps.me
(iPhone/Android)
If you find yourself without an Internet or mobile connection on vacation, that’s no problem with Maps.me. This app offers offline maps that can help you navigate without using mobile data.
What to
Packing Pro
(iPhone)
Does packing make you anxious? This app can make your life a lot easier. You can create your own personal lists of things to pack or start with a sample list, including “couples,” “camping,” “business trip,” and tailor it to your needs. From there, find other things you want to take with you and add them to the list.
PackPoint
(iPhone/Android)
Packpoint works slightly differently from Packing Pro. You can select your gender, where you are going, the length of your trip, and the activities you will be doing. Based on your choices, PackPoint will suggest a list of things to choose from as a starting point.
Events in the destination location
Eventbrite
(iPhone/Android)
Use the Eventbrite app to find out about events taking place near your vacation destination. You’ll find everything from concerts, festivals, lectures, classes, and even some free events. You can also see the events your friends will be attending and buy tickets for paid events right from your phone.
Meetup
(iPhone/Android)
Meetup is great for finding small groups of people who share similar interests to yours in your area. Here, too, you’ll find everything from health and wellness events to tech gatherings to groups of people walking their dogs.
Travltalk
(iPhone/Android)
Travltalk connects you with other travelers near your location. Ideal for hikers and enterprising people who want to explore the area, meet different people, share adventures, and split the cost of accommodations and activities.
Foursquare City Guide
(iPhone/Android)
Easily find restaurants, bars and things to do near your location along with user reviews.
Festival lovers
Tent Finder (Android) or BC Tent Finder (iPhone)
With these apps you never have to wander around looking for your tent again, as they can save its location via GPS. This means you can go wherever you want and enjoy the festival knowing exactly how to find your way around in a sea of tents just like yours.
Find My Friends
(iPhone/Android)
When you’re at a festival, it’s easy to get separated from friends in the crowd. This app shows you the location of your friends so you can easily find them again.
App for kids on vacation
Hoop
(iPhone/Android)
If you’re looking for some activities to keep kids up to age 11 entertained on vacation, then Hoop might be the app for you. Discover thousands of kid-friendly activities near you. Lots of free activities are also included. All events/activities have an age recommendation, so you can see if they are suitable for your children.
Kidadl
(iPhone/Android)
This app is especially useful if you visit London as a vacation destination. It offers lots of events and activities for you and your children in the city.Holiday pet app
BringFido
(iPhone/Android)
If you plan to take your dog on vacation, BringFido is a very useful app. It helps you find hotels, beaches and dog-friendly places where you can take your four-legged friend. It also shows reviews from other pet owners like you.
Pawshake
(iPhone/Android)
If you need someone to take care of your pet while you’re on vacation and the idea of a kennel doesn’t appeal to you, you might take a look at Pawshake. Pawshake helps you find local pet sitters, who are reviewed by other users who have already used their services.
Checking the weather/weather forecast
BBC Weather
(iPhone/Android)
The BBC Weather app covers not only the UK, but many other destinations around the world. You can quickly view the weather forecast for the current day and up to 14 days in advance.
My Tide Times
(iPhone/Android)
Whether you are an avid surfer, fisherman, or just want to spend some time at the beach, My Tide Times can help you know when the tide will be high or low.
Calling from abroad/Phones and technologyIf you have access to Wi-Fi while on vacation abroad, why not take advantage of it to make cheap or free phone calls?
Skype
(iPhone/Android/Windows)
If you have Wi-Fi, you can use Skype to call other Skype users. You can also call people on landline or mobile numbers, but this is a paid service that requires a subscription or credit. However, depending on your location and how many calls you plan to make, this could still be an economical option. For example, to call unlimited landlines and mobiles in the United States, the cost is £2.40 for 1 month.
Facetime
(iPhone)
If you have an iPhone, the Facetime app will already be built into the phone. You can use Facetime either to call or video call (via Wi-Fi) another iPhone/iPad or Mac user.
(iPhone/Android/Windows)
WhatsApp allows you to call and video call other WhatsApp users using your cell phone’s Internet connection. Therefore, if you have Wi-Fi available, calls will be free.
Vacation money
eCurrency
(iPhone)
If you need a quick way to check prices in your local currency while on vacation, eCurrency may be for you. It lets you quickly convert currencies and works with or without an Internet connection.
XE Currency
(iPhone/Android/Windows/Blackberry)
This app is available on multiple platforms. It allows you to convert currencies and track exchange rates in real time.
Splitwise
(iPhone/Android/Windows)
If you’re going on vacation with friends and need to split the cost of meals or lodging, Splitwise makes life easier. You can add people using their e-mails, add the amounts, and let the software process the split. Splitwise also has another useful app for splitting a restaurant bill called Plates by Splitwise.
Translation/Language Learning
Google Translator
(iPhone/Android)
A quick and easy way to translate words and phrases when abroad. The app can be used with or without an Internet connection. You can even take a picture of a text, such as a street sign, and wait for the app to translate it for you.
Duolingo
(iPhone/Android/Windows)
If you want to learn or perfect your language skills before you leave, try Duolingo. It is a free language learning app that gives you quizzes and activities to complete. You can both hear and see the words.
Health
TripWhistle Global SOS
(iPhone)
A simple but useful app that shows international emergency phone numbers for travelers abroad. You can also dial the numbers directly from the app.
Flashlight Apps
Have you ever returned to a hotel without being able to see where you were going? These apps turn your phone into a flashlight and help you find your way back.
Ruddy Rooster’s Flashlight (Android) & Flashlight (iPhone)
UVLens
(iPhone/Android/Windows)
This app can tell you when it is safest to be in the sun and when it is best to cover up. It also offers a skin type assessment test so you can figure out how long your skin can stay exposed to the sun.
First Aid by British Red Cross
(iPhone/Android)
You never know what might happen on vacation! This app teaches you first aid techniques that could prove very useful.
Security
Arlo security cameras and app
(iPhone/Android)
If you want a little extra security while on vacation, you might consider investing in a wireless camera security system. You can choose the amount of cameras you need and then set them up inside or outside your home. Using Arlo apps you can monitor your home in real time or be alerted if the cameras detect movement.
Trusted Housesitters
(iPhone/Android/Windows)
An inexpensive way to ensure that your home is not neglected while you are on vacation is to trust it to “house sitters.” Some of them will even look after your pets.
Prey Project
(iPhone/Android/Desktop)
Keep cell phones, tablets and PCs safe while you’re on vacation by installing Prey. If you lose your cell phone or it is stolen, you can use another device to access it and mark it as “lost.” Prey will try to track your cell phone by collecting images and locations. You can also remotely lock the cell phone, retrieve or delete data, or sound an alarm.
We hope you find these apps useful and have a wonderful vacation.