My 15 Best Travel Apps
The best travel apps are the ones that genuinely make a trip easier, not the ones that sit on your phone taking up memory space until you eventually delete them.
I travel without a car, so I rely on travel apps a lot. Over the years I’ve used them to navigate hiking trails in the Lake District, book ferries between Greek islands, compare public transport in Europe and sort mobile data in places where my usual roaming didn’t apply.
In this guide I’m sharing the travel apps I find useful, including navigation apps, transport apps, eSIMs, luggage storage, accommodation, activities and money tools.
If you’re in a hurry, start with the quick summary below. Then scroll on for the full list, including what each app is best for and how I’ve used it, so you can decide which ones are worth downloading before your next trip.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
Quick summary of my favourite travel apps
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Name of app |
What it’s useful for |
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Detailed UK hiking routes and footpath navigation |
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Offline maps for walking when signal is unreliable |
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Hiking route inspiration and reviews |
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Comparing and booking ferries for island hopping |
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Comparing trains, buses and other public transport |
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Booking stress-free airport transfers in advance |
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Protecting your data on public WiFi while travelling |
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Getting mobile data abroad without expensive roaming |
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Downloading audiobooks for long journeys and offline listening |
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Storing luggage so you can make the most of travel days |
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Comparing and booking accommodation quickly |
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Booking tours, activities and skip-the-line tickets |
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Avoiding foreign transaction fees |
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Quick currency conversions |
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Finding nearby cash machines with lower withdrawal fees |
How I chose these travel apps
I’ve included apps I’ve personally used on real trips, plus one extra app I’m currently testing because it solves a common travel problem of avoiding high ATM fees abroad.
My focus is on practical travel apps that help with navigation, transport, money, mobile data, accommodation and trip planning, especially for travellers who don’t want to hire a car.
Best travel apps for navigation
Ordnance Survey Maps: best app for navigating UK without a car
The Ordnance Survey app is one of the most useful tools you can have on your phone if you’re exploring the UK without a car,
I used it recently while hiking in the Lake District on my Ullswater itinerary, including planning routes around the fells and up Helvellyn. It helped me get out of a tricky situation after losing the trail in a hailstorm. Being able to see my exact location on the Ordnance Survey map made it much easier to get my bearings and confidently find my way back onto the path.
What makes this app so good is the level of detail. You can zoom right in to see footpaths and landmarks like footbridges. It’s far more useful than something like Google Maps for walking, as it shows a much higher level of detail when it comes to foot routes and trails.
If you’re used to traditional map navigation, using the Ordnance Survey map app can feel slightly like cheating at first. I still like having a paper Ordnance Survey map, there’s something very satisfying about it. But in practice, the app is hard to beat for convenience and peace of mind, especially if you’re walking solo or in unfamiliar terrain.
The app itself is free to download, but you’ll need to pay a fee to access specific maps offline. Another way to do this is by buying the paper version of the map for your area, which includes access to the same map in the app.
For car-free travellers, the Ordnance Survey map app is incredibly useful. It highlights footpaths and important details that help you navigate. If you’re planning walks, hikes or rural routes in the UK, you need this app.
Maps.me: travel app for offline maps
The Maps.me app is one I use on almost every trip, particularly in places where signal is unreliable.
You can download maps in advance, which means you can navigate without internet access. I’ve used it in places like Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, where it helped me find my way when I got list in a remote, mountainous area, as well as in Mallorca and Greece.
With the Maps.me app you can focus on walking routes. You can plot a route from A to B and see how long it will take on foot, with much better detail on footpaths than something like Google Maps. It also makes it easier to navigate quieter paths and routes that you might otherwise miss.
It’s not perfect, and I have had the occasional route that wasn’t accessible, but that’s typical of most map apps.
The free version is enough for most trips. You can download maps in advance, although there’s a limit on how many you can store at once.
For walkers and car-free travellers, it’s Maps.me is a useful way to navigate and plan routes without relying on being connected to the internet.
AllTrails: a useful extra app for finding walking inspiration
If you’re looking for ideas rather than navigation, AllTrails is a helpful app to have alongside your main maps.
I mainly use it for finding inspiration and reading reviews, for example on a recent last minute quick trip to Brighton. The app was great for discovering realistic routes.
AllTrails is useful when you know you want to go for a walk in a certain area but aren’t sure what the options are. You can browse different walks, see photos from other users, and get a feel for what to expect before you go.
This app is best for people looking for walking inspiration rather than detailed navigation, but it’s a great way to find new routes you might not have considered otherwise.
Best travel apps for transport
Ferryhopper: for island hopping
Planning ferry travel across Europe can get surprisingly complicated, which is where Ferryhopper comes into its own.
I use it regularly for island hopping in Greece, including for trips to places like Folegandros, Santorini and Andros, as well as in Italy for journeys like Naples to Ischia. It saves a huge amount of time by bringing different ferry companies together in one place.
Being able to compare ferry prices and routes easily saves a lot of planning time. When there are several operators running the same journey, it can quickly get confusing. Ferryhopper simplifies this by showing your options clearly so you can choose whether you want to prioritise speed or price.
It’s also a very straightforward platform to use. The layout is clear, and I like that it suggests routes, which is helpful when you’re planning more complex trips. As someone who prefers to book transport in advance, it gives me peace of mind knowing everything is organised.
It can sometimes be slightly cheaper to book directly with a ferry company. However, finding those companies and working out their booking process isn’t always easy. I’ve found Ferryhopper much more straightforward overall.
It’s also worth knowing that popular routes can sell out. I’ve experienced this on Greek islands, like when taking the ferry between Paxos and Corfu in summer, so booking ahead is advisable, where you can. If your itinerary depends on catching specific ferries, having everything booked in advance makes the whole trip feel much more relaxed.
Ferryhopper is free to use, with a small fee added when you book tickets.
Omio: for comparing public transport options
The Omio app is one of the easiest ways to compare transport options when you’re travelling without a car.
I’ve used it across Europe, the UK and further afield in places like Peru. It’s particularly useful for routes where there are lots of options, like travelling down the coast from Lima to places such as Huacachina and Paracas, where you can compare both tourist buses and cheaper local services.
The biggest benefit is being able to compare different transport options in one place. It saves a lot of time and often shows routes or providers you might not find just by searching individually.
It’s also very easy to use, with a clear layout that makes planning journeys straightforward. You can browse different options quickly and sign up for updates if you want to track routes or prices.
In some more remote places, local journeys might not be listed. However, the Omio app is still a brilliant option for car-free travellers who want a simple way to plan and compare journeys across different transport types.
Kiwitaxi: best travel app for stress-free airport transfers
The Kiwitaxi app is a convenient option for booking airport transfers in advance. This is especially useful when arriving late at night, travelling with luggage, or when public transport isn’t a viable option.
Instead of queueing for a taxi with everyone else who just arrived on your flight, your driver meets you and takes you straight to your accommodation. It’s a simple way to make your arrival feel a bit more relaxed.
I’ve had situations before, especially in places like Madrid, where finding the right pick-up point for a rideshare service has been confusing, so having everything arranged with a private transfer in advance makes a big difference.
In some destinations, it can be slightly more expensive than local options, but in many cases I’ve found it to be good value for the convenience.
Kiwitaxi is a great option for late arrivals, first-time visitors, or anyone travelling with luggage who wants a smooth and straightforward start to their trip.
Best travel apps for communication and technology
NordVPN: for secure internet
The NordVPN app is a really useful tool for staying safe online while travelling. I use it to protect my connection when using public WiFi. It’s been particularly helpful in places like Cuba, where internet access can be unreliable and harder to navigate.
The biggest reason why you should have this in your travel bag is the added security. Using a VPN means you don’t have to worry about using public WiFi in places like airports, hotels or cafés, and it gives you peace of mind that your personal data is protected.
It’s also useful for accessing content that might not be available in your location, which can make a difference if you want to use services from home while you’re away.
NordVPN is a paid service, and you do need to spend a little time setting it up in advance but it’s easy to do.
Airalo: for mobile data
I only started using eSIMs recently, but it made a huge difference on a trip to Montenegro, where my usual roaming didn’t apply. Without it, I would have ended up paying a high bill for mobile data.
The biggest benefit of an Airalo eSIM is being able to access mobile data as soon as you land, without worrying about expensive roaming charges. That alone can save you a significant amount over a trip.
It’s also far easier than buying a local SIM. You don’t need to spend time hunting for a phone shop, deal with queues or language barriers, or swap out your SIM card. You can set everything up online in minutes.
At first, it can feel a bit unfamiliar, and I was sceptical about whether it would actually work. In the end it was totally east and simple once I tried it.
An Airalo eSIM is a great option for anyone travelling to a country not covered by their roaming plan. It’s worth double-checking your coverage in advance, as not all European destinations are included in European roaming plans and using an Airalo eSIM can help you avoid an expensive mistake.
Audible: for audiobooks
The Audible app is one I use on every trip, especially for longer journeys. I like to download books in advance so I’ve always got something to listen to, whether I’m on a train or just want to block out noise in busy places.
Audible is a regular part of UK weekend trips for me, including train journeys to places like Margate and Sheringham, where choosing what to listen to becomes a fun part of the trip itself.
It’s so helpful being able to download books and listen offline, so you don’t need an internet connection to hear your favourite read.
What I like most is how immersive it is. Unlike music or podcasts, you can really get absorbed in a story and switch off from everything around you, which makes travel time feel much more enjoyable.
You do have to pay for Audible if you want access to more than one book a month. That said, if you already have an Amazon Music subscription, you can access one audiobook a month as part of that. I think this is a brilliant value way of getting access to audiobooks, because if you love music anyway and already have a subscription, you’re essentially getting a book for free each month, which feels like a great bonus as a book lover.
Other travel apps
Radical Storage: best travel app for luggage storage
The Radical Storage app is one of the best ways to make the most of your travel days without being weighed down by your bags. I’ve used luggage storage loads of times, often when I have a late flight and still want to do something with the day.
Radical Storage app is so convenient, you can explore properly without dragging bags around with you. It’s one of the best small investments of money you can make on a trip, as it gives you the freedom to enjoy your time rather than being weighed down by heavy bags limiting what you can do on travel days.
The biggest advantage of the Radical Storage app is how many locations there are. I also like that there aren’t strict size limits like you get with some lockers, which makes it much more flexible.
Another thing I really value is the human element. I once had my luggage stuck in an automatic locker in Girona and couldn’t get it open whilst I needed to catch a bus to the airport. That was so stressful. Having a real person to speak to when you drop off your bag makes the experience feel much more reliable.
The only real limitation is that you need to check in advance that there’s a location where you need it.
The Radical Storage app is ideal for car-free travellers, especially if you’re staying in an Airbnb or anywhere without luggage storage and want to make the most of your time.
Booking.com: best travel app for booking accommodation
The Booking.com app is one of the travel tools I use most often when planning trips. I’ve used it all over the world, from Greek islands to Peru. It’s been particularly helpful in situations where I’ve needed to find somewhere quickly.
On one trip, my Airbnb didn’t work out due to damp issues, and I needed somewhere immediately while I was feeling unwell. I was able to book a place straight away on Booking.com, which really got me out of a difficult situation.
I’ve consistently found competitive rates on Booking.com. It’s also very easy to use. The filtering and comparison tools make it simple to narrow down your options based on what you need, whether that’s location, budget or specific facilities.
One limitation is that popular places can sell out, which can be disappointing. That said, there are usually plenty of alternatives, so it’s rare that you can’t find something suitable.
The Booking.com app is a great option if you want to compare accommodation options easily and find something that fits your budget without spending hours searching.
GetYourGuide: for booking activities in advance
The GetYourGuide app is a great way to find and book tours and experiences when you’re travelling. I’ve used it all over the world, and it’s particularly useful for booking popular attractions in advance.
For example, I used it to get skip-the-line tickets for the Acropolis in Athens, which meant I could go in at the very first entry time and get photos without the crowds.
What I love most about it is the range of activities available. It’s a great place to get inspiration for things to do that you might not have thought of, for example a kayaking tour from Malta to the Blue Lagoon.
It’s very easy to use with clear information that makes booking straightforward. Remember to look out for skip-the-line tickets, as they can be a real bonus if you’re visiting somewhere popular.
The GetYourGuide app is a great option for travellers who like to plan ahead and have activities booked in advance, so you don’t have to worry about things selling out or trying to organise everything while you’re there.
Apps for travel finances
Monzo
My go to app for managing money abroad is the Monzo app. I use it on pretty much every trip, from short breaks in Europe to longer trips further afield. I rely on the Monzo card the most because it’s simple and it works.
The biggest plus for me is not paying foreign transaction fees. That can save a surprising amount over a trip.
The app itself is clear and easy to use. You can see what you’ve spent instantly, which makes it easier to stay on top of your budget. I also find the ‘pots’ feature really helpful for setting aside specific money for things like accommodation, food or activities.
The main downside I’ve found is that not everywhere accepts cards, so you’ll still need some cash on your trips. That said, often places are more card-friendly than expected. On a recent trip to Lake Skadar, Montenegro, even in more remote areas, most places accepted card payments.
The Monzo app and card are free with a standard account, which is what I use. If it sounds right for you, use my link to receive a mystery reward of £10, £20 or £50 from Monzo when you make your first card payment (in the first 30 days).
For budget-conscious travellers, it’s particularly useful. Being able to avoid foreign transaction fees and track spending instantly makes a real difference when you’re trying to keep costs under control.
XE Currency: for quick currency conversions
For quick currency checks, XE Currency app is one of the simplest tools to have on your phone.
I use it both while travelling and when planning trips at home. It’s particularly useful when prices are listed in euros or another currency and you want to quickly understand what you’re actually paying in pounds (or another currency).
The biggest benefit is how fast the XE Currency app is. You can check a price in seconds and get a clear idea of what something really costs in your own currency. You can also compare multiple currencies at the same time.
It does exactly what it’s designed to do, and it does it well. One small thing I sometimes wish it had is a simple reference table showing common amounts, like what £1, £5 or £20 converts to, as I often end up jotting those down myself before a trip.
For budget-conscious travellers, or anyone visiting multiple countries, XE is a handy way to keep track of spending and avoid any surprises when you’re paying in a different currency.
ATM fee saver: a useful extra travel app
While I haven’t used the ATM fee saver app extensively myself yet, it’s one I keep seeing recommended, and it makes a lot of sense, especially if you travel to places where cash is still widely used.
Apps like ATM Fee Saver use your location to show nearby cash machines and highlight which ones have lower withdrawal fees. That’s useful when you’re abroad, as ATM charges can vary quite a bit depending on the provider and location.
Even if you’re mainly using a card like Monzo, there are always situations where you’ll need cash. Having a quick way to find a cheaper ATM nearby could save you a bit of money and avoid frustrating ‘surprise’ fees.