Tried and tested apps to save money, get organised, connect, communicate, and locate.
Every time I'm about to go on a holiday, I inevitably type "best travel apps" into google, download 10 of them, delete 9, then download 10 more, rinse repeat etc. Over many years and many trips, there are only a handful that I keep coming back to again and again. So as we come into winter (and flee the country in search of warmer air and longer days in Italy, Greece or Bali) I thought I'd share my ultimate list of go-to travel apps.
The app, not the search engine in your browser. Google lens is a must-have. Point it at any menu, street sign or train map for instant translation, or landmarks for facts and information so you can be your own tour guide! You can also use the new AI Gemini feature to ask for directions, restaurant recommendations or nearby bars.
Cost: FREE
Papago
A really, really good translator app. With the voice mode, you can record a sentence and it will translate what you said into the selected language in seconds. In conversation mode, you can have a conversation with someone in another language in almost real time!
The only drawback is that Papago currently only supports 14 languages: Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, German, Italian and Arabic. Google Translate supports 133 languages, so if you need a language not listed above, that’s a better option. is available for iOSand Android
Cost: FREE
Booking.com
An oldie but a goodie, that has saved me more than once when I needed to book accommodation in a pinch. Bohemoth app that has every option from the 12-bed mixed dorm to the most palatial hotels you can imagine. Booking is done in minutes,with hotels listed all over the world. Like an old friend, it’s reliable andfamiliar, and one that has your back. booking.com is available for iOS and Android.
Cost: FREE
Airalo
An eSIM app available in over 200 countries. Install the app, purchase an eSIM plan for your region and install the eSIM (which only takes a few minutes). Connect to the local network, turn on your eSIM and you’re now connected to the internet. Instead of purchasing physical SIMs, this app allows you to get connected within minutes of landing at your destination. No more huge roaming fees. The prices are very affordable and will definitely save you money. Airalo is available for iOS and Android.
Cost: FREE
Wanderlog
A travel itinerary planning app. If you like to organise everything, you’re going to love this app. Build, organise and map out your travel plans. Add flights, hotel bookings, restaurants, places to see, checklists and invite your travel buddies. If you’re still at the research stage of a trip, Wanderlog (web, iOS and Android) can provide tips and recommendations on where to go and what to see. Everything is added to a map which then shows you directions and distances to all the places you add to your trip. You’ll either become the most valued and loved member of your organised trip or the most reviled.
Cost: FREE (Wanderlog Pro costs $79 AUD per year and includes extra features such as unlimited attachments, offline access and more)
ATM Fee Saver
It pretty much says what it does on the tin: a mobile app that locates fee-free ATMs. The range covers over 35 countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa. After installation, it shows the nearest fee-free or lowest-fee ATM, the ATM fees, withdrawal limits, and a map view to guide you there. Did you know there are 4 fees when using an ATM abroad?
- The ATM usage fee
- The ATM conversion exchange rate charge
- Your bank fees for using your card abroad
- Your bank conversion exchange rate charge
This has the potential to save you lots of money as I can attest to huge charges in the past for withdrawing cash. Even when using Revolut, some ATMs still charge a usage fee regardless of the card you are using. ATM Fee Saver is available for iOS and Android as well as an online version.
Cost: FREE
iOverlander
A database app that lists places for people travelling overland. Information such as campsites, parking spots, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, mechanics, launderettes, and showers. There’s so much information and it often includes pictures and reviews of the places listed. It is all user-generated and provides GPS coordinates, amenities and comments. iOverlander (web, iOS and Android) is a lifesaver for people who drive abroad a lot.
Cost: FREE
Xe.com
Currency converter app. I have had this app for many years and use it a lot! It’s had over 70 million worldwide downloads so that speaks volumes. You can monitor rates, set up rate alerts, transfer money and access live exchange rates. Xe (web, iOS and Android) is the perfect way to keep an eye on ever-changing rates when withdrawing or transferring money when travelling.
Cost: FREE
