Top Travel Apps To Help Plan Your Next Getaway
Planning a trip or vacation is always stressful at some point, no matter what. You've got a multitude of reservations, a chance of your flight getting delayed (or canceled!), plus the thought of breaking the bank. Well it's time to say see ya to those worries! From travel inspo, to travel booking to apps to use during your stay, here are top travel apps to help you plan your next getaway.
Travel Apps for Booking and Transportation
This is my go-to choice when booking travel bundles. I'm able to book my flights, hotel and rental car (if needed) all in one itinerary. I've saved myself so much coin by booking though Expedia and using their bundle deals. I've also booked trips by choosing to do one-way flights and saved that way, too.
Flight Aware
I've signed up for so many airline app notifications only to receive those notifications after I'm at the airport, or I'm sitting on the plane that has been delayed. Flight Aware gives me real-time updates on the weather at the airport I'm departing and arriving, let's me know where my plane is coming from, and if there are any major airport delays at either the departure or arrival airport. This is super helpful if you have friends visiting and you're on airport pickup duty.
This is my comparative app with Expedia. I always back check my hotel choice on Expedia with Hotels *just in case* I was able to score a few hotel deals here when traveling to London last May. It never hurts to double check!
I'm an Uber queen. I uber everywhere (if I can't walk or have my car/parking is going to be a situation). It's so easy to use and I find that my Ubers have been arriving faster as there are more users and drivers. Plus I feel really safe using their services if I need to catch a super early flight or I'm out late and need to get home.
Lime Bikes are big in Seattle and San Diego and the app is so easy to use. You open up the app, Lime tells you where near bikes are and once you locate one, you scan the code and it unlocks. Then you're on your way! This is a super handy app if you're hopping around different breweries or want to sight-see and exercise at the same time.
Travel Apps for During Your Stay/Organization
Google Trips
I love Google's tools and apps. I find them to all be super helpful, easy-to-use, and organized, which is why I love Google Trips. It pulls any trip information, or itinerary from your Gmail account and compile's everything in one file. I recently piece-mealed a trip to Hawaii together and my flight reservations and multiple hotel reservations are all under one file.
I use this app almost every day. It's really valuable to read reviews, both the good and the bad. I use Yelp for everything! Restaurants, delivery, hotels, finding a dentist, you get it. I also thought everyone used Yelp until I realized my little sister doesn't even have an account with Yelp, so this is on here for good measure.
What's App
I used What's App all the time when I lived in London. It's a messaging app and allows you to connect with all of your friends. It's a great app to use especially when you meet new friends abroad and want to meet up.
So long Apple Maps, you've left me in the dust one too many times. Hello Waze, you're my new favorite directions app and for good reason. Waze finds the fastest route and alerts you of any additional traffic that you may run into, let's you know if there is a car stopped on the side of the road, or even if there is an accident ahead. Make note though, this app drains your battery, so make sure your phone is fully charged or plugged in while using!
Similar to Yelp, TripAdvisor offers insight on where to stay, which tours to take, where to eat, and which hidden gems to check out. The reviews from travelers are great; there are even forums open that discuss topics, trips, and input from those who've been there done that and questions from those looking for some guidance.
*A little tip - if you're traveling to a major city, check the app store before you go! There's a good chance the city will have it's own app for sightseeing or a guide or even an app for public transportation.*
Travel Apps for Inspiration
Want to find local spots and insight on your next destination? Localeur has all of the best local spots in one place. Technically this should fall under the above category, but I like searching through the app and sparking my sense of wanderlust before I plan a trip.
This might be a given, but it was necessary to include. Tweak your search to match what kind of trip you're looking for and create boards surrounding this criteria. The more you pin, the more you'll be hit with the travel bug, trust me!
Lonely Planet
The app is chalk-full of city guides for so many destinations. You can download city guides and explore what are must see spots, buy tickets for attractions, and learn all about where to eat, sleep, tour and repeat.
Always swing by the 'gram for new inspiring trip ideas. Use hashtags to guide your wanderlust as you search through all of those travel pictures! Check out the explore page for gorgeous pics and new destination ideas.
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