The Best Travel Apps :: For the Savvy Traveller
Ah. I love reflecting on how technology has changed the way we travel (for the better). Over the years, I’ve experimented with using a number of different travel apps and websites. There’s always something new coming out to make our traveling lives so much easier! But, I do have a couple of favorites … and I want to share in hopes of helping ease your future travels.
Hopper
Hopper is the #1 flight and travel app on Apple’s app list. You can search flights in a calendar mode and it color codes dates which are affordable / expensive (especially helpful if you have flex dates). Then you can ask Hopper to track the flights you’re looking for and send a notification for when the price drops. Hopper is the way I was able to afford a last minute plane ticket to Hawaii! They sent me a notification that the place ticket price had dropped (from ~$900 to $550). I booked within 20 minutes of receiving the alert. IT WORKS!
Kayak
I use Kayak’s website quite a bit. When I have a bit of free time, I’ll specifically use Kayak’s explore feature to search for new (and affordable) destinations. And then I proceed to fall down a rabbit hole of planning a fake trip. Plus, it’s an easy spot to search multiple airline tickets at once. And, when you choose to buy, they direct you immediately to the airline’s website. This helps when trying to save money or if you’re trying to book a specific travel time. They’ll pair two separate airline tickets with your ideal prices + time!
Skiplagged
Sometimes your final destination might be someone else’s layover. This app helps you find CHEAPER flights - one where you can just hop off during your “layover.” You’re only allowed to book one-way flights (otherwise the rest of your travel would be automatically canceled), so you’re good to go!
Flight Aware
I’ve been burned a couple of times by a couple of different airlines, SO I like to keep a close watch on my incoming and outgoing flights. Yes, I’m a paranoid flyer. However, this app also helps when you’re trying to track flights for friends + family. It’s incredibly accurate and mind-blowing to see exactly how many flights take-off and land each day.
VSCO
Technically, VSCO is a photo editor app; however, it’s where I upload, edit and house many of my travel photos. Sometimes the photo you snap just doesn’t quite have the vivid blue or berry red you see in real life. VSCO helps you edit your photos to reflect the real vibrancy of the experience.
The Delta App
Or the American Airlines app. Or the Southwest app. Honestly, if you buy their ticket - download the app. I love getting a text that alerts me when my luggage has been loaded. And, having the Delta app saved me a WORLD of anxiety last Thanksgiving. My 7:00 PM flight out of Houston had been delayed until 11:30 PM. When they announced the delay, there was a RUSH of people to the check in desk. We were promptly advised to re-book via app or via the Delta help line. I re-booked my flight out the next morning within 3 minutes of the announcement. I also called the Delta helpline to confirm the app change … and the wait time to speak with a representative was TWO AND A HALF HOURS LONG. Save yourself the stress ... get the app.
Google Maps
I love Google maps - I’d be forever lost without it. When planning my trips, I use Google to star / flag / pin points of interest. For example, I scoured Google maps to find the best restaurant close to our AirBnb in Lisbon so we wouldn’t have to trek across town on a slower night. It’s also great for planning public transportation routes while abroad (i.e. subway, trains, buses, etc). AND, you can download a specific geographic area from Google Maps, so you don’t have to use data while in the map! Save. Those. Data Dollars.
HAPPY TRAVELS!