These apps will be a game changer for your next journey, from detailed plans to avoid jetlag and calming explainers for nervous fliers to apps that connect you with locals and unique experiences
Athwifa Saleem
Modern journeys are a complex blend of exhilaration and frustration, from discovering new horizons to dealing with visas and travel stress. But don’t worry, there’s an app for that. Whether you’re an experienced wanderer looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations or a novice voyager wanting hassle-free reservations and directions, we reveal the essential travel buddies of 2024, the ingenious, diligent apps that will turn your next trip into a smooth, fuss-free and memorable escapade. Here are the best travel apps to download in 2024.
Airalo
Cost: free to download
Airalo is more than just a convenient app that lets you use different eSim cards to reduce your data roaming costs when you travel across different countries. It is also an eSIM magician that offers you local data plans for over 200 countries and regions, freeing you from the hassle of physical SIM swaps or unreliable airport Wi-Fi. With Airalo, you can stay connected on the go, upload stunning travel photos, and navigate new cities with ease, all at reasonable prices and without worrying about exorbitant roaming bills. Airalo enables your digital wanderlust, allowing you to focus on exploring, not on managing SIM cards.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Soar
Cost: free to download
This app demystifies the stages of travel, from the airport to take off, turbulence, and landing, and was developed by an airline captain and certified therapist, so you can trust its authority. Its features comprise a G-Force meter which demonstrates that there is no danger to the plane in turbulence; a downloadable step-by-step companion for the flight called “Take Me Along”; and information on how aircraft maintenance operates. SOAR is free and compatible with IOS and Android.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Timeshifter
Cost: free trial available, paid for full experience
Jet lag can ruin your travel experience, but Timeshifter can help you overcome it with ease. This app creates personalized sleep schedules and tips for you based on your travel plans and sleep habits. It takes into account your departure and arrival times, time zone changes, and normal sleep patterns to design a tailor-made plan for adapting to your new destination. Timeshifter also helps you optimize your adjustment by giving you advice on light exposure, naps, and caffeine intake. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, Timeshifter can help you make the most of your trip. Simply download, input your destination and time zone, and follow the instructions – which will advise on the exact time to nap, what time to stay awake and so on – so you’ll be over your jetlag ASAP. Download it for free on iOS and Android devices, or upgrade to the premium version for more advanced features.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Withlocals
Cost: free to download, pay for experiences
Ditch tourist traps, and embrace authenticity. This innovative app connects you with passionate locals for unique experiences – home-cooked meals, insider-guided tours, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more. Craft personalized itineraries, forge genuine connections, and support local communities. Withlocals isn’t just a travel app, it’s a philosophy – a passport to the soul of your destination. Unpack your curiosity and embark on a journey that will rewrite your travel story.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Simply Being
Cost: $0.99
Meditation is a beneficial practice for everyone, however, for anxious flyers, it can be beneficial during a stressful situation. There is a plethora of meditation apps available, however Simply Being comes through as the most effective. User-friendly, you choose the duration of your meditation, the voice volume, the kind of sound you prefer (select from natural, calming sounds like ‘Moderate Surf’ or ambient music), and its volume, as well as the length of the sound playback.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Viator
Cost: free
This app is a leading platform for travel experiences, offering over 300,000 tours and activities in hundreds of destinations – from low-cost walking or foodie tours with locals right through to priceless and exclusive events like boat trips and helicopter rides. Whether you are looking for sightseeing, adventure, culture, or cuisine, Viator can help you find and book the best things to do, with flexible cancellation and payment options. You can also use Viator to read reviews from other travellers, get insider tips, and access exclusive deals and discounts. Viator is free and compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Citymapper
Cost: free
Navigating public transportation in a new city can be daunting, but Citymapper makes it easy and fun. This app is a real-time public transportation guide that works in over 40 cities worldwide, including London, Paris, New York and Dubai. It gives you live information on bus, train, metro, and tram routes, with details on stops, arrival times, and alternative routes in case of disruptions – it even tells you exactly where to stand to minimise your walking and journey time. Citymapper also helps you explore the city on foot or by bike, with directions, times, and elevation changes. The app has a user-friendly interface and accurate data, making it a reliable and convenient choice for getting around.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Splitwise
Cost: free
This app is a revolutionary solution for managing costs on group trips (often the only downside and sometimes disgruntling part about travelling with friends). All the participants sign up, and then you simply input your expenses as you incur them – with a description of what they were (flights, accommodation, food, etc) and who they need to be divided among (i.e. the entire group or just those who shared the taxi, for instance). It’s a great way to keep track of costs, from bigger expenditures to smaller outlays, like a round at the bar. After the trip, click ‘simplify debts’, and you should end up with just one transaction each to ensure everyone has contributed the same amount. You can label each trip and see who has paid up, and if someone fails to pay the app will send them friendly reminders (preserving both money and friendships).
Download now on IOS, and on Android
Wheely
Cost: free to download, cost per ride
If you prefer to travel in style and comfort, Wheely is the app for you. Wheely is a ride booking app that operates in several cities around the world, including London Dubai. It lets you book private transfers and car rides on-demand or schedule rides in advance, with options for different car types and fare estimates – popular types being the comfortable Mercedes E Class and S Class. Wheely also enhances your convenience and security by offering features like fare splitting, in-app payment, and driver tracking. Compared to traditional taxis, Wheely may offer you better fares and a more enjoyable ride experience, with even its luxury cars at an affordable and great rate.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
HappyCow – Find Vegan Food
Cost: $3.99
Finding vegan and vegetarian food can be challenging, especially when you are travelling, but HappyCow can help you with that. HappyCow is a popular app that helps you find vegan and vegetarian restaurants near you, wherever you are in the world. It has a comprehensive database of over 220,000 restaurants, cafes, and stores that offer vegan and vegetarian options. You can search for restaurants by location, cuisine type, price range, and dietary restrictions. HappyCow also helps you make informed choices by providing user reviews, photos, and menus. Download the app for $3.99 and read 1,475,000+ reviews, look at 2,000,000+ photos from the community and browse restaurants, cafes and grocery stores in 180 + countries.
Download now on IOS, and on Android
