Travel today is easier than ever before. You don’t need a physical map if you have maps on your phone, you don’t need a language dictionary if you have a translation app, you don’t need to keep phone numbers and addresses on your notebook, you just need to add them on social media. It a changing world for better or the worse, but there’s no denying how modern technology helps the majority of travellers.

    Of all the apps out there, I’ve found these to be by far the most useful. They’ve become near essential parts of my day to day life and while I could do it manually, these apps make it so much easier and faster.

    Accommodation

    Agoda

    Agoda has a smaller range than booking.com in most of the world, though it has a better range in some parts of Asia. Agoda’s prices are usually on par with booking.com, though if anything maybe ever the slightest bit cheaper.

     

    Airbnb

    Airbnb has everything from homestays to bungalows. In short there many unique places to stay and usually at prices cheaper than hotels.

    Booking

    Booking has the largest range over every other accommodation provider. If you are a Genius Member (free) you get discounts and perks.

    Couchsurfing

    Couchsurfing is a community where you can sleep on the couch of other members the world over. The app has a feature called “Hangouts” where you can connect with nearby locals/travellers.

    Hostelworld

    Hostelworld is the easiest way to find quality hostels. They usually have the best range of hostels, and they have a really good filtering system allowing you to find exactly what you’re looking for.

    Transportation

    Blablacar

    BlaBlaCar is a carpooling service with rides often costing less than half of that of public transportation. You can even filter drivers by how talkative they are!

    Flixbus

    Flixbus have the most comfortable, efficient, and extensive bus network in Europe. All buses have aircon and wifi. You’re able to get a refund effortlessly if you cancel. And sometimes they offer rides for extremely cheap prices.

    GoEuro

    GoEuro is similar to Rome2Rio but with a couple of different partners, so your results here are going to be slightly different. This app has strength in buses.

    Momondo

    Momondo is one of the best apps and websites for finding and booking cheap flights. You’ll be impressed with what you’ll find! Quite comparable to Skyscanner.

    Rome2Rio

    Rome2Rio is the best possible tool for telling you how to get from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’. Whether you want to travel by bus, train, plane, or taxi, Rome2Rio will show you how to get there.

    Skyscanner

    Skyscanner is the best website I have come across for finding and booking the cheapest flights the world over.

    Resources

    Google Translate

    The best app for translation. This app can be a life saver with offline languages. When online, you can hear how to pronounce words, and you can even get realtime translations through your camera!

    Maps.me

    Map.me is perhaps THE most useful app for backpackers. Basically its an offline map, it has a lot of detail, and lists all sorts of business. With this app you’ll never be lost again!

    Wikivoyage

    The extremely useful website is now an app. It’s pretty much an offline copy of the entire Wikivoyage website (without pictures). No more on relying on wifi!

    XE Currency

    The best currency app I’ve come across. Realtime exchange rates. Lets you have 10 currencies at once.