Menu
Travel Insights

9 Best Travel Apps & Websites You Should Know

Traveling is a lot easier nowadays because of technology. These are the best travel apps and websites which all travelers should know.

1. Maps.Me Offline Map

I have tried all the other offline apps but this one really works. All you have to do is select the location you want then download the location maps via wifi. Once downloaded, you can access it anytime anywhere without internet or wifi as long as GPS location is turned on.

2. Grab and Uber

Grab and Uber are both taxi-hailing app. This costs more than your regular commute but it is more convenient. It lessens the hassle of having to negotiate the price of the taxi fare. Especially in Asia, many taxis would overcharge you. This also saves you time looking for a taxi or any ride. In some countries in Asia, Uber may not be available.

3. Google Earth Street View Map

Searching the location by address is a challenge but with modern technology, you can area without having to go there. This App will show you exactly the image of the street and it’s surroundings. You can search for an area in advance before going there. That way, you save time and money searching for the location.

4. Google Map – Drop Pin

Another best travel app for me is this Drop Pin itinerary feature of Google Map. Plan the locations of your travel itinerary by creating your own travel map. You can create maps based on the location and dates of your travel. See my sample below. You can only create on their website but you can access or view it on your google maps app. Another option is the saved map list on Google Map but daily planning and there are fewer options to personalize. You can share these maps with your travel group so they know the places you will visit.

5. Klook

Traveling in Asia most especially can be stressful because of tourist traps and this app will save you the headache of that. This app is very useful for booking tours and buying tickets in advance. I found it cheaper to book here than in other sites. Their customer service is also great.

6. WhatsApp Messaging App

WhatsApp gives you all the tools you need to stay in touch with less the drama of social media-related messaging apps. This is widely used by billions of people from 180 countries. In my experience, my hotels, tour guides, and friends all use this app.

7. Google Translate

One of the best travel apps I have ever used is Google Translate. If you are traveling to a non-English speaking country like Japan, this is the best tool for you to communicate with the locals. All you have to do is select the language and download it. You can now communicate via voice translation or text translation. The coolest feature by far is the image text translation. I use this feature when reading restaurant menus or going to grocery stores because most of the time, the items are written in a foreign language.

8. Airbnb and Booking.com

When I book for hotels or backpacker’s lodges, I usually canvass through both Airbnb and Booking.com. There are more options for hotels in Booking.com but you cant contact the hotel directly because it has to go through Booking.com first. Airbnb may have fewer options but I find it cheaper. This is mainly because the units or houses they rent are personally owned and not entirely made for profit, unlike big hotels. You can cook and do laundry which will save you money. It is also are more secure since they will ask for a passport or an ID. You can directly communicate with the host of the place and they will guide you all throughout. I feel that this is a more customer-friendly app.

9. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a community of travelers sharing their couch or any sleeping place for free. Not all countries have active participants. Most of the members are from Europe. All the hosts and the guests were verified to ensure safety and security.

If you have other suggestions or recommendations for the best travel apps for our fellow travelers, please comment below so the world can learn! Share this with all your travel friends so you can plan your next trip better!

Also read:

Let me know your questions and suggestions in the comment section below.