In addition to Skyscanner and the other airline apps, see my other app recommendations below.
EveryPlace
If any of you have looked at my social media recently, you’ll recognise this app (or should I say mapp).
The below image shows everywhere I’ve been (and have booked to go). With green representing places I’ve lived – blue representing places I’ve visited and pink representing places I’m traveling to over the coming months.
Sadly this app is only currently available on iOS, and although there are many versions of map plotting apps I find this the best. It’s worth the small fee to purchase the full app (allows unlimited plotting pins and in as many colours/groups as desired.)
Culture Trip
Culture Trip is fantastic for finding out what to do if you’ve just booked somewhere on the whim because it was cheap. It is written by keen travelers and locals who have recommended things to do for tourists.
Articles can range from ‘X things to do in [desination]’ to ‘The top craft bars in [destination]’. Great to find something quick to do if you’ve a few hours to kill somewhere too.
Maps
I have personally found the maps app built in on your phone to be great for finding your way around whilst walking – but it has been somewhat problematic when it comes to using public transport (see Moovit below)
Moovit
Moovit is fantastic for getting you from A to B whilst using public transport.
I find the ‘maps’ userface better suited for walking, whilst Moovit is suited for public transport and will log into local bus/underground and guide you through the number of stops you need to ride, and any connecting buses/transport modes you may need to take.
Google Translate
Translate’s camera mode is super for getting a good understanding of what’s in front of you – whether it be a menu, or instructions on the train station wall. It’s not perfect but it allows you to get an understanding of what’s being conveyed, and worst case you can type the sentence/words into the app for a better translation.
A real life saver when you don’t speak the local lingo!
Duolingo
On from the last point about language – before you travel away you should take a few Duolingo lessons – even to just get a rough understanding of basic phrases like ‘hello’, ‘thank you’, ‘please’ and ‘excuse me’.
Whilst Duolingo will pester you to keep up lessons, it does throw up some amusing ‘everyday’ phrases every so often such as ‘the donkey ordered a large pasta’ to be translated. It is nonetheless better than knowing none of the local language.
Kiwi.com
Kiwi.com offers similar uses to Skyscanner, though I find the app a lot more friendly to use. Just type in your location, number of passengers, dates and destination and the app takes care of the rest.
Hostelworld
A friend of mine recommended Hostelworld when I recently traveled away; it has a great review system for the likes of backpackers, offering insight into safety of possessions, cleanliness and value for money whilst crashing at hostels.
Airbnb
The last one isn’t really a tip, as you’ve probably used Airbnb before – but it’s great for pricing accommodation prior to booking your trip. I would however always consult multiple sites prior to booking for the best price (hostelworld above, booking.com, hotel.com etc)
