Chances are that when you travel you take a smartphone, tablet or some form of modern gadget. We now live in a time where the world is at your fingertips! There’s an app available for almost anything and more often than not, apps make our lives so much easier; from talking to someone over 1000 miles away or translating an entire conversation bringing you closer to the locals. In this list we have tried and tested a range of apps, categorised into the following:

• Travel Apps
• Accommodation apps
• Itinerary apps
• VPNs

Travel Apps

Geosure 

Geosure is a great app aimed at providing safety information to fellow travellers. It provides a safety score of cities and towns all over the world where you can save locations to check on evolving safety conditions. The overall safety score covers categories such as women’s safety, theft, LGBTO safety and allows you to personalise the scores based on your gender, nationality and whether you’re travelling solo or in a group. iPhone | Android

Rome2Rio 

This is a great app for finding your way from A to B, regardless of where you are in the world. It has been known to cover places that Google Maps doesn’t and gives up to date information. The app offers step by step directions and gives the schedules of public transport, making it super easy to get around. iPhone | Android

FLIO

An airport app designed in informing you all you need to know about the facilities and resources inside the airport you’re in. It also allows you to see a schedule of arriving and departing flights in real-time, keeping you up to date with any last-minute changes. You can also add your boarding pass, see restaurant options, weather, track any lost luggage and even book VIP lounges to keep your trip stress free. iPhone | Android

Trip Whistle 

The app you need but never want to use. This app uses your location to let you know the contact information for the local police, fire and ambulance services. You can call the emergency services directly through the app, which notes your current location and gives your address ready to give the emergency services. How neat is that!?. Only available on iPhone

XE Currency

The free version of this app is all that’s needed. This app allows you to compare the conversion rates up to 10 different counties. You can also use this app offline, so it’s always at the ready to find whether or not you’re being scammed at the currency exchange booth or market. Happy shopping! iPhone | Android

AccuWeather

Ever heard the phrase, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”? Or something like that? Well, you can be saying it yourself with this app as you’ll never get caught out again with the unpredictable weather around the world. Not only does this app work on your smartphone but also on your smart wearables. Access daily, weekly and monthly weather predictions, along with live map data so you can always plan ahead. iPhone | Android

WIFI Map

Of course, you are going to need WiFi or mobile data to use this app, but it’s a great way to see all the free public WiFi hotspots should you need, when your data runs out or if you leave the range of the WiFi you are currently using to view the app’s map. You can, however, download the map in your location for offline use, which is the right way to go before leaving the comfort of your current WiFi connection. The app will also show you passwords for some of the public password-protected networks. iPhone | Android

Google Translate

Google translate has come a long way in today’s technology of translation. It’s as close to accurate only if you pronounce or spell any words correctly. It has extremely useful features, such as using the camera to translate signs, labels and other key information. You can even translate someone’s handwriting! It can be a lifesaver if you’re not fluent and neither is the person you are talking to when faced with situations that require a good understanding of each other. iPhone | Android

Accommodation Apps

Airbnb

There aren’t many who have not heard of Airbnb. Chances are you’ve heard of it yourself, whether you’ve used the service or not. And for those of you that are not familiar, Airbnb is a great service in which ordinary people can advertise their spare rooms, second homes, glamping cabins, tepees, treehouses or virtually anything that is good enough to stay overnight in, for weary travellers. You can also book experiences with hosts for wherever you find yourself in almost anything, such as falconry, ghost tours, archery, wine tasting and much more! Why not take it further and become a host yourself, if you’ve got a place or experience to offer fellow travellers! iPhone | Android

Booking.com

If you’ve booked a place to stay with Booking.com then you should definitely consider having the app on your phone. Having the app will make checking in easier and faster as you’ll have all the details of your stay to hand when asked. If you’ve yet to book somewhere to stay, you can read reviews, browse upgradable options and see breakfast or dinner options. You can also book flights, taxis or even your entire trip in this one app should you choose, making your travel experience much smoother and hassle-free. iPhone | Android

Itinerary Apps

Roadtrippers

This app allows travellers to plan epic road trips with ease discovering millions of places along your route. You can share any trips with friends and family should you wish and it’s a great way to give them peace of mind while you are on the road. If you don’t fancy adding your own points of interest and creating your own trip then you’ll find plenty of pre-made trips that you can simply follow. iPhone | Android

Google Maps

You can’t go wrong with Google Maps and more often than not, it is relatively reliable. Even today my Sat Nav is near enough redundant due to just using Google Maps. One of the most truly awesome things about Google Maps is the offline maps, where you can download an area using WiFi or mobile data and then when you’re out exploring without an Internet connection, you can still access and navigate the area you’ve downloaded. This feature has been a lifesaver for us when we went to Nepal, which is a country with very little Internet coverage. Google maps can also allow you to save points of interest, contact businesses and see reviews. So what’s not to like! iPhone | Android

SkyScanner

As the title of the app says, scan hundreds of flight options all in one app. You can also search for the cheapest rates without spending a great deal of time browsing all the airlines individually on the internet. Furthermore, you can book places to stay and arrange car hires all in the convenience in one app. iPhone | Android

Wanderlog 

Wanderlog is an all-in-one app for creating itineraries. There are plans already made by fellow travellers if you’re not in the area for very long and just wish to see all the highlights and touristy spots. Otherwise, you can create your own itinerary and keep a record of your flight details, hotel booking and what activities and sights you will be doing day by day. One of the nicest features is that you can share your custom itinerary with anyone. This is great if you’re in a group or just simply wish to share your travel plans with your friends and family. iPhone | Android

Maps.Me

Some countries such as China, won’t allow Google Maps to work, so this app is the second-best alternative. One difference with this app is that you must download the map you want, rather than being able to view it via WiFi or data. Just be sure to download your maps when you’ve got a good Internet connection. Once downloaded, you’re free to explore referring to your map when needed. iPhone | Android

VPNs

Virtual Private Networks are an excellent way to protect yourself when browsing the internet, especially when you personally don’t know the network. With a VPN you can access certain websites where they may be blocked in the country you are visiting. I personally use Nord VPN which has worked for me without any major faults, however, some countries do block certain VPNs so it may be a question of finding one that’s right for you. If you’re interested in Nord VPN, click the link. iPhone | Android

In short, these are our recommendations that we believe will be super beneficial to fellow travellers, wherever your adventures take you. Tell us in the comments what apps you use and what other recommendations you have for travellers. Happy travels!