8 Travel apps every traveler should use!

Travel Apps

The number of apps out there is staggering. Google’s app store and Apple’s app store have more than 2,000,000 apps available for download. There is seemingly an app for everything. I wanted to create a list of travel apps every traveler should be using. These apps will make traveling, tracking your elite status, and getting around in your destination so much easier!

1. Airline Apps

AA app shows your status towards Elite qualification

Every airline has an app. I love using the airline apps because I can check-in, change my seat, check my status – and progress towards re-qualifying all in one place. Having your ticket digitally will also save paper and save you from waiting in the sometimes ridiculously long check-in lines. Download the app for your airline(s) of choice and start saving time next time you travel!

2. Hotel Apps

SPG app gives you a snapshot of your stays

Just like the airlines, all of the major hotel chains have easy to use apps. I find the SPG and Hilton apps particularly useful when it come to tracking your status towards that next level of elite status. SPG also allows you to use your phone to unlock your room at certain hotels. It will be interesting to see how the Marriott/Starwood merger affects the loyalty programs and apps.

3. Uber

During Oktoberfest in Munich the uber cars are pretzels!

Uber is simply the best. If you download any of these travel apps, have it be Uber! I have used Uber in Hong Kong, Munich, Nice, Paris, London and all over the US. It is great because it is usually less expensive than a taxi, and you don’t have to worry about having the local currency to pay for it! Be sure if you are using Uber abroad that you use a credit card like Chase Sapphire Preferred that has no foreign transaction fees! American Express will now offer $200 credit towards Uber rides when you have their Platinum card.

4. Tripcase

The Tripcase interface

Tripcase is a unique travel app that will store all of your trip details in one place. Flight itineraries, hotel bookings, rental cars, restaurant reservations and more. Another great part of trip case is that you can share your trip details with friends and family, so they can keep up with where you are. Tripcase also has weather updates and allows you to book ground transportation through the app.

5. Google Translate

Stop sign in French before google translate

after google translate

I have to admit that I have never used the google translate app, but it has some really great features that would make traveling much easier in foreign countries. I haven’t yet been anywhere that either doesn’t have signs in English, or people don’t have a general understanding of English. The coolest feature of google translate in my opinion is that it will translate signs through your camera. I think it would be really helpful if you are still learning a language, but are trying to immerse yourself in it to learn faster!

6. FlightAware

This morning’s air traffic around my home airport TPA

FlightAware is great for tracking your flights, or the plane that you will be flying on. It is almost always updated with new estimated departure times before the monitors at the gate or your airline app is. It also lets you search for an airport so you can see all of the air traffic in the area. FlightAware is one of the must have apps for any AvGeek.

7. Duolingo

Duolingo shows you what words you will be learning

Duolingo is a great way to begin to learn a new language. It turns learning into a game and is a pretty quick way to pick up basic words and phrases. There are currently 19 languages available to learn on the app including Spanish, French, and even Turkish! This app is great to learn some phrases before you travel, or to reinforce what you are learning if you are taking language courses.

8. Yelp

Lunch options nearby

You get to a new city and you’re hungry, what do you do? I’d be lost without the yelp app. I use it everywhere I go since it lets you search and filter your searches for whats open now, in a certain price range, within a certain distance. Yelp is great to see what some of the best restaurants in the area are if you’re a foodie, or just find a good place for sushi that you can walk to.

These are my eight travel apps everyone should be using. What apps do you use most often while traveling? Let me know on twitter @passports2life or in the comments below! Please follow and share if you enjoyed!