If you are planning a trip right now, don’t start planning without these handy apps! These apps have made our lives so much easier, some during the planning phase and some while traveling.
In this blog post, I’ll share a list of apps we always have or use while planning our trips or during travel. These apps guide us on every step of our journey, from helping us navigate the city like a pro to finding the best route and deals. So take your phone out of your pocket and get ready to download them!
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Travel Apps I use for Travel Planning
✈️ Google Flights: for finding the perfect flight at the lowest price
Google Flights is where I begin my trip planning. You heard that right! I don’t pick a destination and search for flight tickets. I head to Google Flights and open the Explore tab instead. The Explore feature lets me skim through destinations without committing to anyone. Moreover, it also helps control the ever-fluctuating pricing (because you haven’t picked a destination yet!).
It also lets me compare prices across various airlines and dates to snag the best deal possible. Plus, the price trend feature helps us determine whether to book the flights instantly or wait for a potential price drop.
Hopper or Dollar Flight Club: for flight tracking
🏩 Booking.com: for finding the best accommodation
Booking.com is a treasure trove of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious five-star hotels. Moreover, their loyalty program and flexible cancellation policy make our planning hassle-free.
I always check prices at Booking.com first before heading to any other website. It helps me to compare the features and find the best deal. They offer incredible deals on all kinds of properties, even beating Airbnb prices. Plus, with pay-at-the-property and zero booking fees, Booking.com makes the booking process smooth and stress-free.
🗽 Viator: for finding the best deals on tours & experiences
Viator is my go-to website for finding any tours or experiences. Two of my National Park tours were booked by Viator, and I was super happy with the whole experience. Moreover, they offer deals for group bookings and facilities like hotel pick-up & drop that are super convenient.
I always make sure to check this website to get ideas and find the best tours to experience any city I’m visiting to the fullest. Here are some tours that I took from Viator:
- Yosemite National Park from San Francisco
- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour from Las Vegas
- Bayous Tour in Louisiana
🤿 Groupon: for finding deals on restaurants & activities
I always stop by Groupon to find deals on restaurants and activities. We saved about $50 on our Cirque du Soleil show tickets during our previous trip to Las Vegas. Although not many restaurants offer discounts these days, I love to take my chances by checking the app before leaving for any trip.
Pro Tip: You can also check any restaurant’s official websites for deals and happy hour info if you have a specific place in your mind.
If you’re a vegan, check out our latest blog post, where we share tips and a list of vegan food delivery/ restaurant apps to help you find the best eateries for your dietary preference.
Travel Apps I use during a trip
🗺️ Google Maps: the perfect All-in-One route planner
Google Maps is our one-stop shop for planning our trips. This app does it all. We use this app to find the most efficient routes and create day-wise route maps.
We also get recommendations on top spots and restaurants based on our real-time location, reviews, and ratings. And we also use it to make reservations on the go – talk about convenience!
🚌 Rome2Rio: the Transportation Maestro
We use Rome2Rio to find the best public transit to travel from one city to another. This website/ app always comes to our rescue and helps us optimize our itinerary.
The app provides quick and comprehensive information on all transportation, from flights and trains to buses and ferries. Moreover, it shows you the different routes available along with an estimate of the travel costs.
🚕 Uber or Lyft: For Easy Commutes
Whenever we need a quick ride, we opt for Uber or Lyft depending on which city we’re in, or check out the local ride-sharing app if we’re exploring a new country. These apps are perfect for zipping around the city or when public transport isn’t convenient. I personally love how they give fare estimates and arrival times, helping us plan our day more efficiently. Plus, with the option for shared rides at lower prices, they’re a budget traveler’s dream come true!
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🚗 Avis: For Long-Term Car Rentals
When it comes to long-term car rentals, Avis is a solid choice. We usually pre-book our car through their website, and they even offer a special discount if you sign up with your Amazon account. The booking process is super straightforward, and they frequently run online promotions, which is always a win in my book! With a vast fleet of vehicles, we’ve never had trouble finding a car that fits our needs, whether it’s for a road trip or extended travel.
🚙 Zipcar: For Short-Term Rentals
For shorter trips, we opt for Zipcar. It lets us rent cars by the hour, offering the flexibility we need for quick day trips or spontaneous drives. One of the best parts is that fuel is included, and it typically costs around $120 for a full day, covering up to 200 miles—perfect for a day trip. All we have to do is book through the app and unlock the car with my phone—easy and hassle-free! Zipcar is ideal for urban explorers or when you don’t need a car for the whole trip but want the freedom to explore on your own terms.
🍔 Food Delivery Apps: For the Best Meal Deals
Dining out can quickly become one of the biggest expenses while traveling, especially in popular destinations. That’s where food delivery apps come to the rescue! Apps like UberEats, DoorDash, Fantuan, and Grubhub not only make it easy to find nearby restaurants but often feature exclusive discounts and deals. They’re a lifesaver, especially after a long day of exploring when all you want is a cozy meal in your accommodation.
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When planning your trip, look into local food delivery apps for even better deals. For instance, during our trip to Mexico, we discovered DiDi, a food and grocery app that offered discounts at restaurants and popular stores like La Comer. Similarly, Foodpanda in Singapore and Zomato in India and Dubai helped us save while enjoying local cuisine.
Another pro tip: Check if the restaurant—especially larger chains—has its own app. Often, these apps offer better deals than third-party platforms. For example, McDonald’s frequently provides app-exclusive discounts, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Leveraging food delivery apps isn’t just about convenience; it’s also a smart way to save money while sampling the best eats in any destination!
💡 Bonus Tip: Apps I Use in India
Planning a trip to India? Be sure to check out my blog post, where I share the top apps you need for a hassle-free journey. These apps are widely used across the country and will make your travels super convenient! Whether it’s for booking rides, finding the best restaurants, or handling digital payments, I’ve got you covered. Don’t miss it!
I hope this blog post helps you optimize your future trips and make travel more fun and on budget. If you’re planning a trip to India, here are some app recommendations that are a must-have in India.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
