A little preparation can go a long way to help make sure international travel goes smoothly. One thing you can do is make sure you have the right resources in the palm of your hand while you’re abroad.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or are heading abroad for the first time, downloading a few apps will absolutely help you make your trip the best it can be.
Here are six free must-have travel apps you should absolutely download before you go abroad:
Google Maps
Google Maps is a must for world travelers. Even if you already have it, you may not know about this cool hack: If you won’t have data roaming abroad, you can search for the city you want and download the map in advance so you can search it even without WiFi.
What’s more, if you open Google Maps when you have WiFi — like before you leave your hotel — and keep it open after you no longer have WiFi, the app will still track your location. Though this isn’t 100% reliable, it’s a major plus to be able to open the app and see exactly where you are without using data.
It’s still recommended that you carry around a paper map, just in case — remember that Google Maps drains your battery.
Google Translate
Google Translate is super helpful if you don’t speak the language — you can type in phrases to translate, speak into a microphone, or even use your camera to hover over text so your phone can translate in real-time.
Similar to Google Maps, Translate has download capabilities. Download any language and the above features will be available to you even when you don’t have WiFi.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a free app that teaches you a language through short and fun quizzes that only take a few minutes a day.
If you don’t have much time before your trip, you can start out with just a few introductory lessons to learn basics like hello and thank you. If you have more time, you can go through an entire course and arrive at your location with a beginner to intermediate knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.
To go another step further, partner up with a friend to practice what you’ve learned on the app. This will greatly improve your competence and confidence in the language before you leave.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a go-to for finding quick activities and meals on the go.
Using TripAdvisor, you can do research beforehand and save the restaurants, stores, and activities that interest you in your destination cities. You can also download whole cities so that when you’re on the go and looking for a quick bite, you can still search for good eats near your location, even without WiFi.
Packing List
Packing List is a free app to help you manage your packing lists to make sure you’re totally prepared for your trip.
You can manually enter in your packing and/or to-do list, or use the app’s list of suggested items — a great way to make sure you haven’t forgotten something essential like your passport. Check off items in the app as you’re packing. Your list is automatically saved, and then you can duplicate it for your next trip.
Other (not free) apps like PackPoint can even create a list for you based on your itinerary. Enter your destination, length of stay, type of travel, and the types of activities you’ll be doing, and it will customize a packing list for you; it will even take the weather into account.
XE Currency
XE Currency is a quick and easy way to convert currencies when you’re abroad. Since exchange rates can change quickly and often, this app is a convenient tool for when you’re shopping and you need to decide how much you’re actually spending.
Instead of doing the math in your head or using your phone’s calculator, this easy app will make sure you get the most accurate gauge of how much something costs.
WhatsApp is an essential for contacting those at home while you’re abroad, as well as contacting people or businesses within the country if you don’t have roaming. While iPhone users can text each other when they just have WiFi, if you don’t have an iPhone, you’ll need this app. When you have WiFi — most, if not all, of your hotels abroad will provide it — then you can call or text anyone, and send photos, using WhatsApp.
Are you looking for other ways to prepare for your trip? Check out our destination tips for France, Italy, England, and Costa Rica.