7 Must-Have Travel Apps for Your Next Adventure

Travel planning often becomes more stressful than enjoyable, especially when it comes to lengthy trips through new places. Disrupted flights, long traffic jams, emergency expenses, or those frustrating attempts to find last-minute accommodation – many things can go wrong when you are on the move. 

However, the right apps and websites for travel make the entire experience smoother, from planning your trip to arriving back home. In this article, we share the top 5 must-have tools that will arm you for more enjoyable, hassle-free trips across the most intriguing US spots.

Image: dreambigtravelfarblog.com

1. TripIt

Have you ever found yourself turning your handbag upside down in an attempt to reach your flight details? Then, you likely wish for a more organized itinerary, and this is where TripIt comes in.

The app keeps all your travel details within easy reach (hotel bookings, car rentals, flight confirmations, etc.), but it’s not just a storage system. The tool also notifies you about real-time gate changes, flight disruptions, availability of better seats, and other important updates to your itineraries. The functionality is simple yet effective, while TripIt has also shown itself as a convenient business travel tool for employees traveling a long distance. On top of everything else, the app synchronizes with your calendar and allows you to share your travel plans with friends, family, or colleagues. 

2. PDF Guru

Before you visit some places, you should read these documents about them. These documents are in various formats such as jpg, doc, txt, or pdf, and you need software to read them. For example, you download Tips for Booking Online.pdf from Recreation.gov but can’t open it. You can use GuruPDF to read the pdf document. After you have useful information about these places you want to travel, you can delete pdf files to save the device memory.

The tool is browser-based and can be used on any device and OS. So if you need to password-protect your file, or seek ways to edit content, PDF Guru is your faithful travel buddy to address all these and many other document-related issues. Notably, the process of format change is instant, so you will convert from PDF to Word or another file in no time. So you can use GuruPDF to work if you have an urgent job in your trip.

3. Airbnb

Airbnb is one of the most efficient travel tools for finding a short- or medium-term stay in various locations around the world. The website opens up unique accommodation possibilities, from cozy apartments to luxurious villas. You can also use it to find a room in someone’s home and immerse yourself in the local culture. There are also more unusual and non-traditional places, allowing you to stay in an earth home, treehouse, taxi cab, tower, fairytale-style castle, and more. Airbnb also provides travelers with plenty of other bookings, like workshops, classes, and tours.

4. Pitchup

Pitchup is an award-winning online service that helps you book holiday parks, glamping sites, and campsites in 67 countries, including the US. It’s a go-to option for any adventure-seeker – those going on a trip with children or pets, seeking the most picturesque locations, or willing to rest in the wild. Want to bring your own equipment, like a tent, motorhome, or touring caravan pitch? No problem! Besides, you can also get a full-service experience with onsite accommodation: a pod, lodge, hut, caravan for hire, yurt, wigwam, and many more. Pitchup even matches you with the top campsites featuring clubhouses and bars, while each booking offer contains all the information you may be interested in.

5. Hopper

Hopper will serve you well whether you are planning a family trip across the US parks or seeking business travel management solutions. The app works in 70+ countries and aims to help travelers save money by providing the best deals on hotels, flights, car rentals, and homes. Extra features are presented as well. So, you can set fare alerts and scope out the most affordable offers in advance. Additionally, Hopper delivers accurate price predictions by analyzing over 60 billion rates daily. 

Another great thing is that the app is eco-friendly and even has its own Hopper Trees program, which plants two trees on your behalf as soon as you make a booking through their website. They have already planted over 3 million trees in Mozambique, Madagascar, and Kenya, and you can make an impact too.

6. Google Translate

Google Translate can be extremely helpful when traveling, especially if you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language. Here are some ways it can enhance your travel experience:

1. Instant Text Translation: You can translate signs, menus, and other written text by simply pointing your camera at them.
2. Voice Translation: Communicate with locals by using the voice translation feature. Speak into your phone, and it will translate your words into the desired language.
3. Offline Mode: Download language packs for offline use, so you can still use the app even without an internet connection.
4. Phrasebook: Save commonly used phrases for quick access.
5. Conversation Mode: Have a bilingual conversation with someone, where each person speaks into the phone, and it translates back and forth.

Using Google Translate can make it much easier to navigate new places, interact with locals, and understand cultural nuances.

7. Google Maps

Google Maps is another invaluable tool for travelers. Here are some ways it can improve your travel experience:

1. Navigation: Get real-time GPS navigation for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation.
2. Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use to navigate without an internet connection.
3. Public Transit Information: Find routes, schedules, and real-time updates for buses, trains, and subways in many cities worldwide.
4. Local Attractions: Discover nearby restaurants, landmarks, shops, and other points of interest, along with reviews and ratings.
5. Custom Maps: Create custom maps with your favorite places, which can be shared with friends or accessed later.
6. Street View: Use Street View to virtually explore areas before you visit them, helping you get a sense of the surroundings.
7. Real-Time Traffic Updates: Get updates on traffic conditions, road closures, and accidents to avoid delays.
8. Walking Tours: Follow guided walking tours to explore new cities and learn about their history and culture.
9. Trip Planning: Use the “Explore” feature to find recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and activities tailored to your interests and location.

Google Maps can help you plan your trip, navigate unfamiliar areas, and make the most of your travels.

Final Thoughts

The mentioned travel tools will help you facilitate and optimize your trips in the best way possible. Rest assured, every moment of your next adventure will be stress-free with these apps and websites. They are safe, feature-packed, and time-tested, so keep them at hand to make things smooth when traveling across the most picturesque US spots.