10 free travel apps to make your holiday even more fun

Apps can make your tour easier and even more fun.

But which travel apps should you download for your holiday?

We’ve put together a guide to 9 free travel apps that will help make your holiday even more fun.

NB: all of the apps mentioned are free to download (some with upgrade and purchase options) but may require Wi-Fi access to use them.

1) Packpoint

Before you go anywhere, you’ve got packing to do! Perhaps you already have a list of what to pack ready, long before the holiday starts?

But if you’re like most people, packing is the worst part of travelling…

And this is where PackPoint comes to your rescue.

PackPoint is like having a personal assistant who helps you get the job done. Enter your destination, date of departure, number of days you are away and if you have any special activities planned. PackPoint will then come up with a proposed packing list and a checklist, making it easy to see what you’ve already packed.

If you purchase the pro version, it’s also possible to customise your own packing lists.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

2) TripAdvisor

The modern travel media, TripAdvisor, is a great help in working out what you want to spend your precious travel time on.

In the app, previous visitors have written reviews of a host of landmarks and restaurants. You can either search for a specific place or do a general search of eateries in the area, for example, if you’re looking for a good spot to lunch in Beijing or for fine dining in Cape Town.

This ensures that you are in with the best chance of making choices that contribute to a tour packed full of great experiences.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

2) Timeshifter

Jet lag can feel inevitable if you’re travelling to a destination where there is a big time difference – and thus take the edge off the first few days of your tour.

But it needn’t be like that.

With Timeshifter, you can avoid (the worst of the) jet lag.

The app is based on research into people’s circadian rhythms and sleep. You enter your departure date, flight departure, destination, as well as a few details about yourself and your circadian rhythm, then Timeshifter creates a plan for how to experience the least possible jet lag, e.g. when you should stay awake/sleep in the period leading up to your tour.

Read also our top tips on avoiding jet lag when travelling east or west.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

4) Maps.me

When making your way around an unknown city on your own, a little help can be nice.

With Maps.me, you can download city and country maps offline, so you can always find your way to or back from one of your selected destinations – even when you don’t have Wi-Fi.

What’s more, anyone can add local attractions or recommended restaurants. That way, you can also use the app as a source of inspiration to choose exciting attractions you simply have to explore.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

5) Google Translate

Google Translate is indispensable when travelling abroad.

At several of our destinations, the locals speak English, but there will be a language barrier in many places. This is particularly the case when you’re outside major cities or if you find yourself in a restaurant without an English menu.

With Google Translate, you can download your selected languages offline, so you always have a digital interpreter in your pocket.

Google Translate can even translate signs, menus or other texts if you hold your camera up to them. However, the app must be online to do this, so you’ll need Wi-Fi.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

6) Duolingo

Is there a more motivating time to learn phrases from other languages than when you are in the country where the language is spoken?

In many countries, it is appreciated if you can say hello, goodbye and thank you in the local language. It shows an interest and respect for the culture you are in.

Duolingo makes learning fun, and the app is built up around a points system and different levels, motivating you to learn more to progress.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

7) XE Currency

When travelling abroad, you always need to watch your step when converting your own currency into the currency of the country you’re in.

This is especially true when you’re in countries where you either have to divide or multiply by high numbers to convert to your own currency.

XE Currency is a currency converter that quickly converts prices to your desired currency. The app is very user-friendly, making it easy for you to keep track of exchange rates. The app updates the different exchange rates when you are online and saves the latest updated results offline.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

8) Pocket

The waiting time or time it takes to be transported from one place to another can feel infinitely long.

That’s where the Pocket app comes in.

In the app, you can easily save whatever you want, so you can use it later offline. This might be articles about Australia’s sights, what to eat in Japan or even this text about which apps are useful for your tour. That way, you are always guaranteed entertainment, whether you’re on a long bus ride, at an airport, on a boat trip or something else entirely.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

9) WhatsApp

With WhatsApp, you can send messages and photos, call and video chat.

The app is great for when you want to update your loved ones at home while you’re away. The app is also free to use when you have Wi-Fi.

WhatsApp is an ideal way to stay in touch with your fellow travellers – if, for example, you choose to go off on your own excursions or explore areas of the city separately.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

10) WeatherPro

WeatherPro is the app for those who want to know everything about the wind, water and weather conditions.

WeatherPro provides detailed information about the weather conditions. It informs you, among other things, about the UV index and water temperatures. The latter is particularly relevant if you’re going on a beach holiday or like snorkelling or diving.

The app also provides you with a lot of information on the wind conditions that are worth knowing about if you love water activities or other sports where wind is a factor.

Download the Android app here.

Download the iOS app here.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller