The Savvy Traveller: Our Favorite Travel Apps

It’s March, and that means that Spring Break is just around the corner, and then before you know it, it’s going to be summer! Although travelling can be an awesome vacation, more often than not I find myself needing a vacation from my vacation once it’s all over.

Travelling is a lot of work and can take a lot of planning. So we’ve put together a list of helpful apps that you can take advantage of during this upcoming travel season.

As You Stay (Free for Android and iOS)

Finding a good and reliable place to lay your head after a long day of sightseeing is always the first thing I try to figure out when planning a trip. However, some people are much more spontaneous than I am. If you’re working with a flexible travel schedule and don’t want to be tied down to a reservation you made three months ago, As You Stay is for you.

Hostelworld (Free for Android and iOS)

Hostelworld allows users to search through over 35,000 hostel, hotel and B&B options in over 170 countries worldwide — need I say more? Probably not, but I will! With many flexible and last-minute booking options, this app makes it easy for you to find a place to stay even with ever-changing travel plans.

Airbnb (Free for Android and iOS)

Airbnb is my personal go-to service when booking affordable lodging. They make it easy to filter your preferences and help you find the best options in the city you’re visiting. Not only can you live like a local, with various private apartment rentals available for fractions of the cost of a centrally-located hotel room.

They also recently introduced Experience and Restaurant suggestions so, depending on where you’re visiting, Airbnb can provide you with a selection of fun activities to try and places to eat.

PackPoint (Android and iOS)

To be honest, this app is one of the coolest things I’ve ever come across! I don’t know about you, but packing is always one of the hardest parts of a vacation for me. PackPoint will generate a packing list for you based on where you’re going, the upcoming weather forecasts and what types of activities you’re planning. Once a list in generated you can customize the list a bit more by adding or removing items, but overall PackPoint gives you a great starting point and will help you remember the necessities.

Grab (Android and iOS)

Speaking of eating, there is nothing worse than having to transfer from one flight to another and not having time to pick up a quick bite to eat before being stuck in a tiny seat for another who-knows-how-many hours. Grab is an airport mobile ordering service which allows you to order from various menus at select airports, so all you have to do it go pick up your food once you land before rushing off to your connecting flight.

The app will even provide you a map of the airport so you don’t get lost on your way to your meal — don’t want that Wolfgang Puck’s pizza to get cold because you took one moving sidewalk too many!

SideKix (Free for Android and iOS)

Most cities have so many well-known attractions that you can miss out on some awesome things just because they’re not top of your Google search. SideKix provides you access to details about local spots that you might otherwise miss.

Allow Sidekix to access your location, or simply add your location manually, and instantly you’ll be able to see suggestions for places to visit, whether it be a museum or a theatre; places to eat, like restaurants, cafes or bars; or even activities, like concerts or a sporting event. This app will help you discover new places all within walking distance so you can explore like a local.

Uber (Free for Android and iOS)

There are so many transportation apps available these days, but Uber still remains at the top (in my humble opinion). Uber offers safe and secure ride options, and is available in over 80 countries. When requesting a ride you enter your desired destination, and a price will be quoted for you. Your driver will be informed of your destination, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. And payment is automatic, so no need to worry about digging through your wallet for cash and trying to decipher that foreign currency.

AirHelp (Free for Android and iOS)

Last on our list for today, but certainly not least, is AirHelp. This app is the definition of a silver lining when it comes to flight issues. Whether your flight was delayed, cancelled or overbooked AirHelp can help you get compensated for the inconvenience. Simply submit the details of your flight and AirHelp will be able to check if you’re eligible to be reimbursed in minutes.

Oh, and one more thing — if you’re reading this and thinking, “Shoot, I wish I’d known about this app last year when my flight was cancelled,” it’s not too late. You can submit an inquiry for any flight within the past 3 years, so don’t miss out on a potential return!

I hope you’re able to take advantage of some of these apps during your next trip, and don’t forget that TextNow can also be used internationally once downloaded on your phone. Connecting to WiFi will allow you to stay in contact with your loved ones in the US or Canada for no charge, and calls/texts between TextNow numbers are also completely free no matter where you are.

If you have a favorite app for travelling that wasn’t mentioned about, please comment below to share your go-to travel apps!

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