Top Apps for Vacation Planning (and Thriving!)

Top Apps for Vacation Planning (and Thriving!)

Tara Roskell Published on 4/19/2024

Should you be in the process of planning your forthcoming holiday, a multitude of applications are at your disposal. These range from accommodations and packing advice to pet care and security measures, ensuring there is something for every traveler.

Vacation Preparation

Google Trips

(Available for iPhone/Android)

Google Trips serves as an all-encompassing travel companion, consolidating all your travel plans in a single location by syncing with Gmail, and is also usable without an internet connection. It assists you in organizing your itinerary, discovering activities, and locating dining options upon arrival.

TripIt: Travel Planner

(Available for iPhone/Android)
By sending your booking confirmations to plans@tripit.com, TripIt compiles all your travel arrangements into a cohesive itinerary accessible online.

Booking.com

(Available for iPhone/Android)
This platform simplifies the search for hotels and apartments, featuring user reviews and facilitating reservation modifications and cancellations.

AirBnB

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Airbnb allows you to book private accommodations, offering the added benefit of local hosts’ insights.

KAYAK Flights, Hotels & Cars

(Available for iPhone/Android)
KAYAK compares prices across numerous travel sites for flights, hotels, and car hires, ensuring you find the best deals.

TripAdvisor

(Available for iPhone/Android)
TripAdvisor is ideal for checking reviews on accommodations, eateries, tours, and attractions, including recommendations from friends.

Hostelworld: Hostels & Hotels

(Available for iPhone/Android)
For those traveling on a budget, Hostelworld lists affordable hostels, hotels, and B&Bs across 170 countries.

TransportTL EU

(Trainline EU) (Available for iPhone/Android)
This app enables direct purchases of train and bus tickets in Europe from your smartphone.

Rome2rio

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Rome2rio displays various travel options between two points, including booking information and local accommodation.

Navigation and Guides

CityMapper

(Available for iPhone/Android)
For navigation in major global cities, CityMapper offers real-time transit updates, maps, and service disruption alerts.

Google Maps

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Google Maps aids in navigation and discovering local attractions and dining options.

Maps.me

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Maps.me provides offline maps for navigation without the need for mobile data.

Packing Assistance

Packing Pro

(iPhone)
Packing Pro alleviates packing stress with customizable lists based on different travel scenarios.

PackPoint

(Available for iPhone/Android)
PackPoint suggests a packing list based on your travel details and activities.

Destination Events

Eventbrite

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Discover local events, from concerts to classes, and purchase tickets directly through the app.

Meetup

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Meetup connects you with local groups sharing your interests, from wellness to technology.

Travltalk

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Travltalk connects travelers for shared adventures and cost-sharing opportunities.

Foursquare City Guide

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Find nearby dining and entertainment options with user reviews.

Festival Tools

Tent Finder (Android) / BC Tent Finder (iPhone)

These apps save your tent’s location at festivals, making it easy to return.

Find My Friends

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Locate friends easily at crowded events with real-time location sharing.

Family and Pet Apps

Hoop

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Hoop lists child-friendly activities, including many free options, for children up to age 11.

Kidadl

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Kidadl offers family events and activities in London.

BringFido

(Available for iPhone/Android)
BringFido helps find pet-friendly accommodations and locations.

Pawshake

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Pawshake connects you with local pet sitters as an alternative to kennels.

Weather and Communication

BBC Weather

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Get weather forecasts for your destination with the BBC Weather app.

My Tide Times

(Available for iPhone/Android)
My Tide Times informs surfers and beachgoers about tide times.

Skype

(Available for multiple platforms)
Make free or low-cost calls over Wi-Fi with Skype.

Facetime

(iPhone)
Use Facetime for free video calls among Apple devices over Wi-Fi.

WhatsApp

(Available for multiple platforms)
WhatsApp offers free calls and messages over Wi-Fi.

Financial Tools

eCurrency

(iPhone)
Quickly convert prices to your local currency with or without an Internet connection.

XE Currency

(Available for multiple platforms)
Real-time currency conversion and rate tracking.

Splitwise

(Available for multiple platforms)
Easily split travel expenses with friends using Splitwise.

Language and Health

Google Translator

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Translate text and speech, with offline capabilities.

Duolingo

(Available for multiple platforms)
Learn languages through quizzes and activities with Duolingo.

Security Measures

Arlo

(Available for iPhone/Android)
Monitor your home with wireless security cameras accessible via the Arlo app.

Trusted Housesitters

(Available for multiple platforms)
Find house sitters to care for your home and pets while away.

Prey Project

(Available for multiple platforms)
Secure and track your devices in case of loss or theft with Prey.

We trust these applications will enhance your travel experience, ensuring a memorable vacation.