25 Best Travel Apps
iPhone and Apple Users Rejoice!
Whether you're a frequent flyer, a road trip enthusiast, or a globetrotter exploring new destinations, having the right travel apps on your iPhone or Apple device can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free. With thousands of apps to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I’ve curated a list of the 25 best travel apps for iPhone and Apple devices that will elevate your travel experience, covering everything from booking flights to navigation and local experiences.
1. Google Maps
Arguably the most reliable navigation app available, Google Maps offers detailed driving, walking, and public transit directions. It also provides real-time traffic updates, street view, and offline maps to keep you on track no matter where you are.
Why it’s great: It’s free, accurate, and works globally with offline capabilities.
2. Airbnb
Airbnb lets you find unique places to stay in nearly every corner of the world. You can book entire homes, apartments, or even treehouses and castles, with ratings and reviews to help you make the best choice. The platform also offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets, from affordable private rooms to luxurious villas. Airbnb’s flexibility allows you to choose properties that fit your travel style, whether you’re looking for a cozy getaway, a family-friendly space, or a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, you can connect with local hosts for personalized recommendations and insider tips on what to do in the area.
Why it’s great: Find unique accommodations, read honest reviews, and even book experiences like tours and classes.
3. TripIt
TripIt is your personal travel assistant, organizing all your travel plans in one place. Whether it's flights, hotels, car rentals, or restaurant reservations, TripIt automatically adds your travel details to your itinerary. If you prefer, you can also try your hand at creating your own custom itinerary, adding your own destinations and activities for a personalized travel experience. (Or you can reach out to me, and I can help connect all the dreamy dots!)
Why it’s great: It syncs with your email and creates a comprehensive, easily accessible travel plan.
4. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a popular flight search engine, allowing you to compare flights, hotels, and car rentals across multiple providers. You can also set price alerts to get the best deals on flights.
Why it’s great: It offers a flexible search, helping you find the best prices on flights with easy comparison tools.
5. Hopper
Hopper predicts future flight prices and helps you decide when to book. It shows you whether the price is expected to rise or drop, making it easier to score the best deal on your flights.
Why it’s great: It uses data-driven predictions to help you book flights at the best prices, saving you money.
6. Waze
Waze is a crowd-sourced navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates and alternate route suggestions based on input from other drivers. It helps you avoid traffic jams and road hazards. Additionally, Waze can alert you to speed traps, accidents, and road closures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient drive. With its community-driven data, Waze is constantly updated, giving you the most accurate travel information as you go. And its fun too with the cute icon!
Why it’s great: Offers real-time alerts on traffic conditions, accidents, and police presence, making it a great driving companion.
7. PackPoint
PackPoint helps you create personalized packing lists based on your destination, travel dates, and activities. It’s a lifesaver for organizing what to bring on your trip, ensuring you never forget anything essential. Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or adventure, PackPoint tailors its recommendations to your specific plans, so you can pack efficiently and smartly.
For those who prefer a more minimalist approach, PackPoint can also help you create a capsule wardrobe by suggesting versatile, multi-use clothing that maximizes outfit options with fewer pieces. If you're a fan of decluttering, you can also incorporate KonMari folding methods to maximize space and keep your luggage organized. This app makes packing simpler, more intentional, and easier than ever, no matter your packing philosophy.
Why it’s great: It tailors your packing list to your specific travel details, ensuring you never forget an essential item.
8. Uber/Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft offer convenient and reliable ridesharing services that make getting around cities easier. These apps are available in most countries and can save you time and money compared to traditional taxis. I find using Uber or Lyft a better option than taxi’s in some places like Las Vegas, sometimes the lines for taxi’s is just ridiculously long.
Why it’s great: Simple booking process, price transparency, and the ability to choose your ride type.
9. Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers is the perfect app for planning road trips. It helps you find interesting stops, attractions, restaurants, and accommodations along your route, making your journey much more enjoyable. I loved using this app when planning an epic road trip with my mum and cousin spring of 2024. We drove from Arizona through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah and Nevada (we even flew to Sacramento to visit family from Las Vegas before driving home to Arizona!)
Why it’s great: It highlights hidden gems along your trip, ensuring you never miss something fun and unique. The app and desktop version made this journey easy to plan, offered advise from other travelers and had an easy to share map for family and friends to follow along with.
10. Google Translate
Language barriers can be a hassle when traveling, but Google Translate helps bridge the gap. With over 100 languages supported, you can instantly translate text, voice, or even images of text in real-time. This a must-have app! I think when you put in the effort to speak some of the native language when visiting a new place the local appreciate it, even if its only “please” and “thank you”!
Why it’s great: It works offline and offers instant translations for signs, menus, and conversations.
11. Expedia
Expedia offers everything from booking flights and hotels to car rentals and activities. It’s a one-stop shop for managing all aspects of your travel itinerary in a single app. With features like customizable vacation packages, the ability to track your booking details, and customer reviews to guide your choices, Expedia makes travel planning easier than ever. Plus, its rewards program allows you to earn points on every booking, giving you discounts or perks for future trips. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, Expedia streamlines the entire process.
Why it’s great: Great for booking comprehensive travel packages, with easy access to all your reservation details.
12. Priority Pass
Priority Pass offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, even if you're not flying first class. With the app, you can quickly locate lounges in airports and view real-time availability. Whether you're a frequent flyer or someone looking for a more comfortable airport experience, Priority Pass provides an easy way to relax before your flight.
Why it's great: If you don’t have lounge access through an airline, Priority Pass is a great way to purchase access to airport lounges, allowing you to enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks, and comfortable seating. In some cases, like flying 1st class internationally, you will have complimentary access to the airlines lounge - but they don’t always let you know, so make sure you ask the airline or your travel advisor if your trip includes the perk.
Lounges can be a great respite especially when making multiple connections. Some airport lounges offer a variety of amenities, though offerings may vary by location. Guests can enjoy locally inspired dining with seasonal dishes, barista-made coffee, and a selection of drinks. For those in a hurry, grab-and-go options like sandwiches, salads, and fruit are available, along with sparkling water and cold brew.
Wellness areas include rest pods, relaxation rooms, and even cycling or yoga studios. Some lounges have shower suites for post-flight refreshment, and business travelers can benefit from high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, and phone booths. Quiet zones provide a peaceful space, while family areas cater to children with play tables and nursing rooms. Luggage lockers and multi-faith rooms for prayer or meditation are also available in select lounges.
13. KAYAK
KAYAK allows you to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals all in one place. It also provides price forecasts and alerts, helping you find the best deals.
Why it’s great: It aggregates results from multiple travel websites, so you get the best deal in one search.
14. Citymapper
Citymapper provides real-time data on public transportation in major cities worldwide. It shows the fastest routes, real-time updates, and even how to get around by bike or foot.
Why it’s great: Essential for navigating public transport in big cities, especially when you're not familiar with the routes.
15. Turo
Turo is a car-sharing app that lets you rent cars directly from their owners, often at a better price than traditional rental services. You can choose from a variety of vehicles, from everyday cars to luxury models.
Why it’s great: A flexible and often cheaper alternative to traditional car rental companies.
16. Tandem
Tandem helps you practice a new language by connecting with native speakers for language exchanges. It’s an ideal app for anyone looking to learn or improve their language skills while traveling.
Why it’s great: It’s a great way to practice a language in a social setting with real native speakers.
17. Viator
Viator is the perfect app for discovering and booking local tours, activities, and experiences wherever you are. From guided city tours to unique experiences like cooking classes, helicopter rides, or wine tastings, Viator offers a wide range of options that allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and activities of your destination. Whether you're looking to explore historical landmarks, try an adventurous activity, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path, Viator has something for every traveler.
I love using this app to find new and unique things to do in new places, as it always uncovers local experiences I wouldn’t have found otherwise. With user reviews, detailed descriptions, and easy booking, it’s an invaluable tool to make the most of your travel adventures.
Why it’s great: Viator provides a convenient way to book trusted tours and experiences, helping you make the most of your trip with expert recommendations and user reviews.
18. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a great app for discovering local events, from concerts and festivals to meetups and workshops. You can buy tickets and save your events in one place.
Why it’s great: It helps you discover exciting events while traveling, making it easy to enjoy the local scene.
19. Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio shows you all the ways to get from one place to another, whether by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry. It gives you an overview of different transport options and their prices.
Why it’s great: Ideal for multi-city trips, helping you figure out the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel between destinations.
20. HotelTonight
HotelTonight specializes in last-minute hotel deals, offering discounts for booking same-day stays. It’s perfect if you’re traveling spontaneously or need an emergency room booking.
Why it’s great: It’s the go-to app for finding great last-minute hotel deals at affordable prices.
21. AllTrails
AllTrails is a top app for outdoor enthusiasts, offering detailed maps and reviews of hiking, biking, and running trails around the world. Whether you're looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, AllTrails helps you find the best trails based on your preferences and location.
Why it's great: It’s perfect for travelers who love outdoor adventures, providing detailed trail information, difficulty levels, photos, and user reviews to help you plan your next outdoor experience.
22. Pocket
Pocket lets you save articles, videos, and web pages to read later, even when you don’t have an internet connection. It’s perfect for saving travel tips or things to do at your destination. Who doesn’t love curated content based on what you love and want to know about?!
Why it’s great: Great for offline reading and curating travel ideas, blogs, or tips while on the go.
23. FlightAware
FlightAware allows you to track flights in real time, providing flight statuses, delays, and other useful information. You can check up-to-the-minute details about your flight and those of others.
Why it’s great: An excellent tool for keeping an eye on your flight’s status, especially when you’re traveling during peak times.
24. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor offers user-generated reviews for hotels, attractions, restaurants, and tours. It’s a great way to find trustworthy recommendations and plan your trip accordingly.
Why it’s great: Reliable reviews and recommendations make it easy to choose top-rated experiences during your travels.
25. WiFi Map
WiFi Map helps you find free Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, ensuring you stay connected while traveling. It provides detailed maps showing the locations of Wi-Fi networks, including passwords when available, so you can easily locate places to get online. Nothing is more frustrating than needing Wi-Fi and not being able to find a cloud anywhere, especially when you're trying to check important travel details or communicate with family and friends.
WiFi Map takes the stress out of finding reliable connections by offering a global network of free Wi-Fi spots, making it easier to stay connected and navigate your travels without interruption. Whether you're in a remote area or exploring a bustling city, WiFi Map has you covered!
Why it’s great: An essential app for staying connected when you're on the move, particularly in cities or remote areas where Wi-Fi access is limited.
Pack Your Bags: The Ultimate Travel App Toolbox Awaits!
Having the right travel apps on your iPhone or Apple device can truly transform your travel experience. Whether you're navigating a new city, booking last-minute accommodations, or discovering local events, these apps will help you make the most of your journey.
Now, I’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite travel apps? Do you think I missed any must-have apps that should be added to the list? Download your favorites, pack your bags, and get ready for your next adventure!