the best travel apps ... that you'll actually use
Waze: for traffic
Loved by taxi drivers, who know a thing or two about traffic avoidance, Waze is a GPS navigation app that draws from its active community of drivers to create the most up-to-date and accurate road data. It functions in the same way as Google Maps (Google actually bought it a few years ago) but users can easily share information about hazards, traffic or accidents. If you’re navigating an unfamiliar city and aren’t sure where the traffic hotspots are, this app is the best you can get.
Google Trips: for itineraries
Tunnel Bear: for security
If you want to stream things such as iPlayer or 4oD, as well as keep your internet connection secure while abroad - which is worth it if you connect to lots of random wifi spots - then you’ll need to use a VPN (virtual private network).
Hopper: for flight booking
What sets Hopper apart from other flight-booking apps such as Skyscanner and Cheapflights is that it not only lets you book flights on your phone, it tells you when to do it, and how to get the best price and the biggest savings.
Packpoint: for packing
Packpoint automatically generates a bespoke packing list for your trip: you just enter the destination, date of travel and length of stay along with some details about the activities you are planning.
Rome2Rio: for transit connections
When travelling globally, route planning can get a bit more complicated than which bus to take and where to change on the subway.
Tinder: for meeting people
You’ve probably heard of this one, but if you want to date/hook up/be swept off your feet by a wine-drenched local poet who can “show you the real Paris”, then Tinder is a winner.
Circa: for time zones
Circa is for those moments when you’ve travelled so much you no longer know what time it is.