10 Must-Have Travel Apps for Your Next Trip Abroad

Don’t leave home without downloading these great on-the-go smartphone apps.

Image courtesy Shutterstock.

Image courtesy Shutterstock.

With phones following us where ever our travels take us, it’s only natural there are plenty of apps out there to help — whether that’s before or during a trip. We’ve selected 10 must-have travel apps that you’ll definitely want to download before your next trip outside of the country.

1. Everplaces

What it is: An online community for wanderlusters and travel lovers, Everplaces is like Pinterest for travel planning. Follow friends and repin their favourite places, or create your own travel collections of places you’ve been or are dying to go.

Why we love it: It’s seamless interface makes it easy to use. You can easily spend an hour browsing through beautiful photos. Plus you’ll feel like an insider with the one-one-one tips provided by other users.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone

2. Google Translate

What it is: An instant language translation app that allows you to break through language barriers abroad. With a database of 70 languages you’ll never be lost in translation again.

Why we love it: It can translate using both text and speech, for those terms that are hard to spell. You can also save your favourite terms and phrases and access them when roaming means your data is unavailable.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone and Android, versions with limited functionality also available for Blackberry and Nokia

3. WhatsApp

What it is: Instant messaging without the SMS charges, WhatsApp keeps you connected with loved ones all over the world without breaking the bank.

Why we love it: It’s interactive group chats make it easy to talk to multiple friends at once. Plus you can send photos, videos and voice notes, meaning you can share more of your experience with loved ones back home.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, Android, Windows, Blackberry and Nokia

4. TripIt

What it is: An itinerary builder, TripIt organizes streamlines all of your travel details into a stylish and easy to read travel plan.

Why we love it: It’s “automagical” meaning all you have to do is forward your travel information from your email account and TripIt transforms into an easy to read display that can be accessed on multiple devices.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, Android, Windows and Blackberry

5. Uber

What it is: Your own on-demand private car service, Uber uses your GPS to detect your location and connect you with the nearest available driver meaning you never have to stand in a taxi line again.

Why we love it: It’s sleek and convenient. You don’t need to worry about cash, Uber charges the credit card stored on the app. Plus, you’ll know exactly when your driver will arrive. Uber texts you their curbside ETA.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone and Android

6. Postagram

What it is: Capture a moment and instantly send a stylish postcard and personalize message to loved ones back home.

Why we love it: It’s quick — postcards normally arrive in Canada, U.S and Europe two days after they’re sent. Plus, the photo on the postcard pops out, making it the perfect keepsake for friends.

Cost: Free; postcards start at $0.99

Compatible with: iPhone and Android

7. Foodspotting

What it is: Craving Italian? Can’t stop thinking about sushi? Find what local restaurants serve up the best versions of your favourite dishes with Foodspotting.

Why we love it: Having trouble deciding what to order a new restaurant? The app shows you reviews of the restaurant’s best dishes so you know exactly what to expect when you order.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, Android

8. SkyScanner

What it is: An easy-to-use flight search and comparison app, that makes it easy to find the cheapest, most convenient flight.

Why we love it: Skyscanner allows you to compare multiple airlines, flight dates and airports using an easy to understand calendar display, so you know you’re getting the best deal. Plus the app directs you to the airline’s website to book, so you don’t get dinged paying third party booking fees.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, Windows, Android, Blackberry

9. Skype

What it is: Just like its computer counterpart, the Skype app allows you to connect with loved ones through voice and video.

Why we love it: The app’s interface makes calling friends simple. The display looks just like a phone, making it easy to dial number and access contacts.Plus you can seriously cut down on long distance. Skype can even be used as a phone abroad if wifi or data is available. Unlimited calling to Canada is only about $6.00 a month.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, Android

10. Travel App Box

What it is: Dubbed the Swiss Army knife of travel, you could download 12 apps and still not match the functionality of Travel App Box. It offers information on everything from tipping and transportation to currency and flight tracking, all customized to your destination.

Why we love it: It’s a one stop shop for everything you need to know on the go. It’s clothing size converter is especially handy when shopping abroad. Plus it offers offline maps — so you can get around easily from cellular service or Wi-Fi aren’t available.

Cost: $1.99

Compatible with: iPhone, Android

Alex Weber