The 8 Free Phone Apps That Every Traveller Should Have
There’s no doubt that smartphones have made travelling easier.
These days, there are apps that I probably couldn’t be without on my adventures now–they’re just so useful.
I’ve listed below the 8 phone apps I’d advise any traveller to have for their next journey, to help make your life easier, and enrich your experience!
What3Words
What3Words is a unique location-based app that divides the world into trillions of 3m x 3m grid squares, each identified by a unique three-word address. For example, in the image above, the highlighted square in Machu Picchu is identified by the words midseason.playoffs.tackiness.
Emergency services in certain areas have even begun recommending the app for situations where people get lost outdoors. Hikers can be rescued using What3Words in remote places. It’s an incredibly helpful app, especially if you’re venturing off the beaten track, although it’s always wise to carry a physical map and compass as a backup.
What’s brilliant about What3Words is that it works offline, so even without a mobile signal, you can pinpoint your location using the app.
Google Translate
This one might be an obvious choice, but it’s incredibly useful if you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language.
What sets Google Translate apart is the ability to download entire language dictionaries, enabling offline access. So, if you’re heading to Germany, for example, you can download German, and have a full dictionary at your fingertips without needing to use mobile data.
This can come in handy for translating signs, menus, and even for chatting with locals, making communication easier while helping you learn a few phrases along the way.
MyRadar
MyRadar has been my preferred weather app for years, and I rely on it to track everything from rain and snow to storms. What makes it particularly handy is that it works globally, not just within the UK or Europe.
I’ve used it to check weather conditions from Peru to Jordan, and it’s never let me down.
The app includes a range of extra features, such as wind speed, temperature, and even active wildfire locations, making it a great tool for outdoor adventurers. Best of all, it’s free and updates automatically based on your location.
Splitwise
Let’s be honest, managing finances can sometimes create tension during trips, especially when it comes to splitting costs. Splitwise eliminates any potential conflicts by making it simple to track shared expenses.
While travelling, you can easily record who’s paid for what and how much is owed. For instance, if you foot the bill for dinner, simply enter it into your trip’s Splitwise group. You can either split the cost equally or assign specific amounts to each person.
The app also supports various currencies, allowing you to enter expenses in the local currency and later convert them back to your preferred currency.
By the end of the trip, it’ll calculate and provide a clear overview of who owes what, so you can settle everything without the hassle of keeping manual track.
Booking.com
Booking.com is my go-to app for finding accommodation, particularly when travelling last-minute.
The platform is user-friendly, offers competitive rates, and their customer service/cancellation policies are superior to most other booking sites out there.
You’ll start receiving discounts after booking with them as well, so it makes trips more affordable.
Stasher
Stasher is a lifesaver when you need a place to store your bags for a day while you explore.
Just enter your location into the app, and it’ll display businesses or hotels that offer secure luggage storage.
If you’ve got an early checkout but a late flight, Stasher can help you find a nearby spot to stash your luggage for a small fee – typically around £5 for the day. It’s perfect for those times when you want to explore unencumbered.
Park4night
For those who prefer road trips, I’d recommend Park4night as an essential app!
I regularly use it to find campsites or parking spots for the night, but it’s also useful to quickly locate other useful services, such as water points, picnic areas, gas stations.
One of the best features is the reviews and photos left by other travellers. They provide useful insights into campsites and other stops, and it’s always helpful to know whether there’s mobile signal in the area, or see photos of the site before deciding to stay, for example.
Maps.Me
Maps.Me is a mapping app that doesn’t require an internet connection–Perfect! I’ve used the app in some remote locations, and have been impressed with how detailed and reliable the maps are.
It’s perfect when in a location with limited connectivity and want to check your whereabouts or progress towards your destination. The app’s offline functionality is invaluable for adventure travellers.
