All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.
Martin Buber, Austrian-Israeli Philosopher
There’s something exhilarating about stepping off a plane into a new city or navigating a winding mountain road in a far-off country.
Yet, as much as we love the thrill of the unknown, being unprepared can turn a dream trip into a bore at best — or a logistical nightmare at worst. And that’s where travel apps save the day.
From finding hidden local spots to staying entertained on a long road trip, travel apps can do it all. These little tech treasures take the guesswork out of the journey, leaving more time for what really matters: soaking up the scenery, tasting your way through new cuisines, and connecting with locals and fellow travelers.
So, which travel apps should you download before your next trip? Let’s explore the best unique travel apps for navigation, entertainment, and more.
Pro Traveler Tip: Equip Yourself with Travel Apps
Experienced travelers know that staying prepared is key to a smooth trip. It’s not just about knowing where to go and what to see. Being prepared means having back-up plans for when things don’t go as expected and having the tools to turn potential roadblocks into unexpected delights.
Think of travel apps as your travel advisor’s assistant in your pocket. They can guide you through crowded cities, help you navigate language barriers, and even keep you entertained during those inevitable layovers. For those who like to wander off the beaten path, certain apps can unlock experiences you may have missed if you took to the streets on your own.
Beyond the convenience, having the right apps means traveling with confidence. There’s less stress when you know you can rely on real-time information, get recommendations from locals, or find that one highly rated cafe’ in an unfamiliar neighborhood. By equipping yourself with the best travel tools, you’ll be free to stay curious and enjoy the journey — even when things get a little unpredictable.
Safety & Navigation Travel Apps
Traveling without a solid sense of direction can feel like being a small boat adrift at sea. And let’s be honest: relying solely on intuition can be fun . . . until it isn’t. That’s where safety and navigation apps come in; they provide a map when you’re lost, a safety net when you’re in a pinch and a local guide when you need to find your way.
Maps.me: This is a must-have for those exploring areas with spotty Wi-Fi or cell service. Maps.me allows you to download detailed maps of cities and entire countries to your phone so you can navigate offline without missing a beat. it’s a lifesaver when you’re trekking through a national park or wandering through backstreets in a sleepy village. Plus, each city’s map comes with a clear guide to local activities, entertainment, shopping, services, and more.
GeoSure: The app, for safety-focused travelers, delivers real-time safety scores for neighborhoods and cities around the world. It factors in everything from physical safety to health, theft, and even LGBTQ+ safety, so you’ll know what to expect before you set foot in a new area. Not sure which part of town is best for a midnight stroll? Check GeoSure first.
SmartTraveler: Developed by the U.S. State Department, this app is designed to keep you in the loop with travel advisories, local laws, and emergency contact information. It’s especially useful for frequent international travelers who want to stay informed about visa requirements, medical care options, or potential disruptions abroad. Having SmartTraveler on your phone means you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you have access to crucial info at your fingertips.
Komoot: For travelers who like to venture off the grid or enjoy hiking and cycling, try Komoot. Komoot specializes in route planning for outdoor enthusiasts, providing curated paths for hiking, biking, and running based on user experience and local insights. What makes Komoot stand out is its seamless integration of terrain data and difficult levels, making it easy to match your fitness and comfort levels. It offers turn-by-turn navigation and offline maps so you can feel confident exploring the great outdoors — whether your cycling through villages in Tuscany or hiking the hills in Ireland.
Entertainment & Leisure Travel Apps
Whether you’re on a 14-hour flight, stuck in a sleepy train station, or relaxing in your hotel room after a long day of sightseeing, having something to keep you entertained is always a plus. These apps have the power to turn idle moments into intriguing experiences.
Libby: Want to escape to a fictional world or catch-up on some non-fiction during your downtime? Libby’s got you covered without taking up any luggage space. Libby is a library in your pocket. The app lets you borrow audiobooks and e-books from your local library, all for free. Just download a few before your trip and you’ll have endless hours of reading or listening material.
SkyView: Ever wondered what bright star or constellation overhead is called? SkyView lets you point your phone’s camera to the sky and get instant information about stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. It’s a unique way to spend an evening while traveling — especially if you’re in a remote area with minimal light pollution. From the deserts of Arizona to the remote regions of Patagonia, SkyView turns the night sky into an interactive map.
Geocaching:Geocaching is the ultimate way to add a little treasure hunting to your travels. The app guides you to hidden “caches” around the world, ranging from small trinkets to logbooks where you can leave your mark. It’s a fun way to discover off-the-beaten-path locations and connect with a global community of explorers. Who knew that finding a tiny capsule hidden under a park bench could be so thrilling?
Dining & Foodie Apps
Indulging in local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling. But when you’re in an unfamiliar place, knowing where to eat — or what to avoid — can be tricky. These foodie apps help you find the best dishes, book a table, or even join a local for a home-cooked meal.
The Infatuation: Looking for restaurant recommendations? The Infatuation is the perfect guide. This app offers in-depth reviews of restaurants in major cities worldwide. No stuffy critiques here — just honest opinions about where to find the best bites from hidden taco stands in Mexico City to iconic pizza joints in New York City.
EatWith: Want to really immerse yourself in your travels? Break bread with the locals. EatWith is an app that offers a chance to book meals hosted by locals. Imagine enjoying a Bengali feast in London, a mochi-making workshop in Tokyo or making paella on a rooftop in Barcelona. You’ll not only get to savor authentic home-cooked meals; you’ll also get to connect with locals and fellow travelers. You simply can’t get the same experience in a restaurant.
Happy Cow: If plant-based dining is your thing, HappyCow will be your best friend. While vegan food is becoming more accessible and popular, finding a decent plant-based meal can still be a challenge. HappyCow is a huge help, especially when you’re in countries where veggie options aren’t always obvious. With user reviews, photos and ratings, HappyCow helps you pick spots that align with your dietary preferences and values.
Activity & Experience Apps
One of the joys of travel is discovering new things to do. Yet, sometimes finding unique activities or experiences can feel overwhelming. Activity and experience apps help you get a feel for what’s available, allowing you to book outings and events with ease.
Viator: This is a comprehensive app for discovering and booking tours, activities and experiences. Want to try ziplining in Costa Rica or take a street art tours in Berlin? Viator’s got options for every interest. The app makes it easy to filter by location, activity type, and even ratings, so you can find exactly what suits your style.
Spotted by Locals: Another gem is Spotted by Locals, which provides city guides written by locals who know their towns like the back of their hands. You won’t find generic lists of tourist spots here — only authentic recommendations from those who call the city home. Think quirky cafes, hidden art galleries and lesser-known viewpoints for the perfect sunset.
Atlas Obscura: Want to seek out the weird and wonderful wherever you roam? Download the Atlas Obscura app to find a treasure trove of unusual activities in any destination. It’s ideal for anyone looking to step beyond the typical tourist experience and uncover the world’s hidden gems. (And if you join their membership, you can experience many amazing adventures from the comfort of your own home virtually.)
International Travel Apps
Heading abroad can feel intimidating, especially when language barriers and unfamiliar customs come into play. Luckily, there are apps designed specifically to make international travel easier (and more rewarding).
Google Translate: This app is a classic for a reason: it works offline, supports instant camera translation (perfect for menus and signs), and even has a conversation mode for real-time speaking translations. Stuck at a cafe’ in a small French village and don’t know how to order? Just open Google Translate, speak your request, and let the app do the rest. It’s not just for emergencies, either. It’s a fantastic way to pass time on a plane or train learning new phrases to feel comfortable in new places.
XE Currency: Need a quick way to convert currency? XE Currency is the gold standard. It’s straightforward and reliable, offering real-time exchange rates and the ability to calculate costs offline. Just add the currencies you need before you go, and XE will ensure you know exactly how much you’re spending wherever your shopping adventure takes you.
Culture Trip: It’s always a good idea to brush up on a country’s culture, customs, norms and etiquette before jetting off. Culture Trip is the place to start. Perhaps you’re curious about tipping customs in Japan, or need advice on how to greet someone in Brazil? Culture Trip can help navigate different cultures with confidence and respect. When in Rome!
Level Up Your Travel with Travel Apps
Whether it’s navigating the streets of a bustling city, finding the best local eats, or keeping entertained during downtime, travel apps like these help you travel smarter and enjoy more. So, before you set off on your next adventure, take a few minutes to download these digital tools.
While these apps are fantastic trip companions, nothing beats the personalized support of a professional travel advisor. As your guide, I’m here to design a trip that not only checks all your dream trip boxes, but opens new doors to experiences never imagined.
Very informative…this would make any travel feel prepared to pack a bag and go on a adventure. Thank you Luanna for sharing your knowledge.