Everyone has a smartphone and we love our apps! It’s literally an app for everything. The Globetrotting team came together to create a quick list of some of our favorite travel apps. All apps available on both IOS & Android Devices.
Let’s get straight to the Money!
The app is basically a calculator that allows you to quickly convert any currency. Imagine shopping at the local market, trying to negotiate a fair price but you’re stuck trying to convert between the local currency. That’s never a good feeling. Its biggest strength is the fact that it can work offline and it supports multiple currencies. Exchange rates are updated multiple times of day except when you are offline. XE Currency app utilizes the last exchange rate when you had internet access.
Highlights
- Check live XE Currency rates for 180+ Countries
- You can see current exchange rates online (if you have access to the Internet)
- Send money securely online with the XE International Money Transfer
- Set up rate alerts (with premium)
Check rates with the Currency Convertor now!
Google It!
Need to order a meal? Ask for directions? Simply say hello? Google Translate is the perfect app when it comes to on the go translating. It uses your phone camera to translate text instantly, which is a neat feature of the app. It’s like having a personal interpreter right next to you.
Highlights
- Continuously translate speech in near real-time
- The ability to translate over 100 languages
- Works offline
- Use your phone’s camera to see instant translations
Google maps literally covers every single portion of the globe. As a Globetrotter, this app is a must have. It’s easy to navigate and adjusts to your location around the globe. The magic with google maps is the offline GPS. Simply download the map while on wifi and it will work turn for turn when offline. Forget worrying about maintaining wifi, reading a paper map or attempting to ask for directions in a different language. You can even pinpoint points of interest, including attractions, restaurants, etc., on your maps when you connect them to your Google account.
Highlights
- Find points of interest on the map
- Get directions by car, on foot, by bike, or by bus
- Maps can be downloaded offline
- Map modes include traffic, satellite, terrain, etc.
Top rated from the entire Globetrotting team. TripAdvisor is a fantastic service that provides reviews on restaurants, hotels, and attractions in various locations. This service is incredibly trustworthy, given that it has so many reviews. Additionally, you can book flights and hotels as well as read reviews.
These are the key features
- Check out millions of hotel, restaurant, and service reviews
- Hotels and flights can be found and compared
- Research numerous destinations around the world. This can cause information overload OR you can purchase a roadmap right here at Globetrotting Society.com
Start dreaming about your next adventure and save up to 30% on hotels with Tripadvisor
Where to Stay? A very important decision…..
Hotel.com is an incredible website when researching your trip. It’s way more than just accommodations, you can rent cars, book flights, travel packages and airport transfers! They not only have hotels, but also vacation rentals from apartments to Outdoor escapes. It’s truly an all in one booking site.
Highlights
- You can search accommodations worldwide – Hotels or Vacations Rentals
- Book Flights, rental cars or tour packages
- Free Cancellation on most hotels*
- Offers a Reward Program
Book Now and Save at Hotels.com
If hotels aren’t your favorite or you desire to live like the locals, AirBnb is perfect for you. You can rent a room, apartment or house directly from the owner. This provides more of a personable experience wherever you are in the world.
Highlights
- Located in over 200 countries
- Accommodations booked directly online
- Communicate with the host before booking
- Good for families or groups
Staying in a hostel is definitely an experience for the right traveler. Hostel World is a global hostel-focused online booking platform. This app enables travellers to experience new places and meet new people in a fun and safe way by connecting a community of like-minded travellers and hosts
Highlights
- Located in nearly 180 countries
- The app offers 13 languages which expands to 19 languages online
- Over 36,000 properties to choose from
- 24/7 Customer Service
How to get around Apps?
If you want flight deals at a great price, Skyscanner is the perfect resource. Skyscanner created a simple way to compare and book flights at a great price. Searching for flights with Skyscanner on the app is quick, easy and convenient. Skyscanner also offers hotels and car rentals. Don’t miss these deals!
Highlights
- Easily search and compare flights
- Receive price alerts on flight deals
- You can also search for hotels and rent a car
Start searching for the Best Deals NOW!
FlixBus is the international leader in City-to-City Bus Travel. Flixbus connects 2,500+ destinations in 37 countries and is growing. It’s perfect for those who want an affordable alternative to flying across the country. You can make seat reservations which is perfect for families or those who must have a window seat. They started in Europe and recently expanded into the US. Having the right connections at a great price and providing outstanding service are critical factors in Flixbus success. Unbeatable prices as rates start at $4.99
Highlights
- “Where’s My Bus” GPS live tracking
- Easily manage your bookings online
- Free wi-fi, comfortable seats and
- Seat Reservations with certain routes
- You can only get ticket offers through the app
With the help of Uber, the era of expensive taxis is slowly coming to an end. You’ll often be able to get “Rides” for much lower prices through the app than traditional taxis. It is still not as cheap as public transportation, like buses and trains, but it is often very close if you are willing to “share a ride”
Highlights
- Located in over 80 countries – Perfect for international travel
- Schedule rides in advance or last minute directly through the app
- Before you book, be sure to check fare estimates
- Always check and verify the driver’s details and the vehicle’s description
- You can rate your driver
Communication is Key!
This is another all the entire Globetrotting Team agrees on. WhatsApp is the universal way to communicate with the world. In the US we utilize standard cellular data while the rest of the world is talking, texting and video calls ( facetime for the IOS crew) all on WhatsApp. Be prepared to communicate with any tour company, your driver or house host via WhatsApp. The app also has a great feature of group chats, which helps organize events such as parties and get-togethers. In addition, you can easily share multiple photos or videos right in the chat.
Highlights
- The app is free! All you need is wifi connection
- It can be used anywhere around the globe
- You can make free calls over voice and video
- Easily syncs with the contacts in your phone
Everyone is on social media and it’s an easy way to share your trip as you explore the world. You can easily text or video chat directly in messenger.
Highlights
- Readily available – Over 1 billion users worldwide
- Through the app, you can call, message, and video chat for free
- Group chats can be created
Video and voice calls over Skype are great ways to stay in touch with friends and family. VoIP allows you to have free and low-cost calls directly to other Skype users over WiFi, as well as landlines and mobiles.
Highlights
- Skype can call landlines which is what sets it apart from WhatsApp
- Skype users can make video or voice calls but only with other Skype accounts
- It can be used with or without a data plan on a device
- Group chats can be created
There are numerous apps to download including audiobooks, podcasts, music and streaming service before your trip. If you wait to download once you are in destination, you may have a few issues. It may take longer to download or utilize a lot of your cellular data. Lastly, there are a few countries that may not carry your favorite streaming service, which means you can’t access the service. Best to be safe than sorry.
Grab one of our detailed Road Maps to help you plan your trip. Happy Travels!
Signed – The Globetrotting Team
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