Your phone is the ultimate travel tool—but not if it's cluttered with dozens of apps you'll never use. Here are the essentials that actually earn their storage space.
Navigation & Maps
Google Maps
Still the best all-around navigation app.
Key features:
- Offline maps (download before trip)
- Transit directions worldwide
- Business hours and reviews
- Save lists of places to visit
Pro tip: Download offline maps for your entire destination, not just the city center.
Maps.me
Best for: Remote areas, hiking, offline-first travel
Detailed offline maps with hiking trails and POIs that Google misses. Essential for adventure travel.
Citymapper
Best for: Urban transit navigation
Covers major cities with real-time transit info, multi-modal journey planning, and disruption alerts. Better than Google for complex transit systems.
Communication
The global standard for messaging. Essential in Europe, Latin America, and much of Asia and Africa.
- Free international messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Works on WiFi without local SIM
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Not just for transfers—the Wise card offers the best exchange rates for spending abroad.
- Multi-currency account
- Debit card with real exchange rate
- No foreign transaction fees
Google Translate
Key features:
- Camera translation (point at signs)
- Conversation mode (real-time speech)
- Offline language packs (download before trip)
- Saved phrases
Pro tip: Download language packs in advance. Camera translation works offline.
Flights & Transportation
Google Flights
The best flight search for comparing prices across dates and destinations.
Key features:
- Flexible date search
- Price tracking and alerts
- Explore destinations by budget
Skyscanner
Alternative flight search with "everywhere" option for inspiration.
Rome2rio
Best for: Multi-modal journey planning
Shows all options between any two points: flights, trains, buses, ferries, drives. Excellent for trip planning.
12Go
Best for: Southeast Asia ground transport
Book trains, buses, and ferries across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.
Accommodation
Booking.com
The most comprehensive hotel booking platform globally.
Key features:
- Free cancellation options
- No account needed to book
- Genius discounts for frequent users
Hostelworld
Essential for budget travelers. Best hostel selection and reviews.
Airbnb
For apartments, unique stays, and local experiences. Best for longer stays and groups.
Money & Budgeting
Wise
The best international spending card. Period.
XE Currency
Quick currency conversion with offline mode. Simple and accurate.
Trail Wallet
Best for: Budget tracking
Log expenses by category and currency. See spending patterns and stay on budget.
Splitwise
Best for: Group travel
Track shared expenses and settle up easily. Syncs across all travelers.
Safety & Emergencies
TripIt
Consolidate all bookings in one timeline. Forward confirmation emails, and TripIt organizes everything.
Key features:
- Master itinerary
- Real-time flight alerts
- Shareable travel plans
bSafe
Personal safety app with GPS tracking, automatic check-in alerts, and emergency SOS.
What3Words
Every 3x3 meter square has a unique three-word address. Useful for precise location sharing when addresses fail.
Local Emergency Apps
Download destination-specific emergency apps when available.
Photos & Storage
Google Photos
Free backup for all travel photos. Automatic organization and sharing.
Pro tip: Enable "mobile data backup" to avoid losing photos if phone is lost.
Snapseed
Best free photo editing app. Powerful but intuitive.
VSCO
For consistent, professional-looking edits with excellent filters.
Language & Culture
Duolingo
Pre-trip language learning. Even basics improve travel experience.
Culture Trip
City guides with local recommendations and cultural context.
TripAdvisor
For reviews and ratings, especially restaurants. Take with grain of salt, but useful for avoiding disasters.
Offline Essentials
Kindle/Apple Books
E-books for long journeys. No physical weight, thousands of books.
Spotify/Apple Music
Download playlists for offline listening. Essential for long flights and transit.
Netflix/Prime Video
Download shows and movies for flights. Check regional availability.
Specialized Apps
Uber/Local Ride Apps
- Uber (global)
- Grab (Southeast Asia)
- Careem (Middle East)
- DiDi (Latin America, China)
- Bolt (Europe, Africa)
Download the local dominant app before arrival.
VPN
Essential in China and useful for privacy everywhere.
Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark
Packpoint
Generates packing lists based on destination, weather, and activities.
Flush
Public restroom finder. More useful than it sounds.
HappyCow
Essential for vegetarians/vegans finding restaurants worldwide.
Setup Checklist
Before Every Trip
- Update all apps (avoid app updates on slow WiFi)
- Download offline maps for destination
- Download language packs in Google Translate
- Download offline music/videos for flights
- Add destination to weather app
- Download local ride-share app
- Enable cloud backup for photos
- Check VPN works if going to restrictive countries
Declutter
Delete apps you won't use. Fewer apps = faster phone, less distraction.
App Organization
Suggested Phone Setup
Home Screen:
- Maps
- Camera
- Translate
Second Screen Folder - "Travel":
- Booking apps
- TripIt
- Airlines
- Transit
Remove from home screen:
- Social media (reduces distraction)
- News apps
- Work email (optional)
The Minimal Setup
If you want the absolute essentials only:
- Google Maps (navigation + reviews)
- WhatsApp (communication)
- Google Translate (language barrier)
- Wise (money)
- Booking.com (accommodation)
- Google Photos (backup)
Everything else is optional enhancement.
What You Don't Need
Skip These
- Multiple flight search apps (one is enough)
- Currency converter apps (Google does this)
- Weather apps (phone's built-in works)
- Multiple map apps (Google + one offline is enough)
- "Travel journal" apps (notes app works fine)
- Flashlight apps (built into phone)
Resist Downloading
- Every airline app (use mobile web)
- Every hotel chain app (just for frequent programs)
- Social media apps you don't normally use
- Apps for services you can use via web
Privacy Considerations
App Permissions
Review what you're granting:
- Location: Maps need it, games don't
- Contacts: Few apps legitimately need this
- Camera/microphone: Only what's necessary
Public WiFi
Use VPN when on public networks. Hotel and cafe WiFi can be compromised.
Financial Apps
Enable biometric login. Log out when not using. Avoid banking on public WiFi.
The Goal
Your phone should be a tool that enhances travel, not a distraction that diminishes it.
Download what you need. Set it up before departure. Then put the phone away and experience the world in front of you.
Let TripPlan handle the logistics while you explore. Our AI creates customized itineraries so you can spend less time planning and more time traveling.
