The 26 Best Travel Apps in 2026: Worldwide Travel, Vanlife, and More

It’s been over a decade that I’ve lived and travelled around the world. Since my undergrad days, I’ve been down countless travel rabbit holes scouring the Internet for the best travel tools. I read every blog and I tried everything they suggested. I did the same thing when researching campervans. This list of best travel apps are the ones I keep returning to time and again. They’re the ones I suggest to friends and family (kicking myself each time that I hadn’t written this blog post to send them – until now!). Funnily enough, I didn’t set out to choose 26 to match the year, but that’s the number I ended up with as I whittled down the list.

This post is being written as 2025 comes to a close. It will get updated each year as needed so that you have the most current information. I’d love to hear if there are any apps that you swear by that you’d add to this list as well. Leave me your suggestions in the comments below or send me an email.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, these links provide a small commission to allow this website to continue building helpful and interesting content. Thank you for supporting Travel with TMc, whether through sharing the content you enjoy or using the affiliate links. It is much appreciated!

Money

XE Currency Converter

App Cost = FREE

XE Currency Converter is my go-to when figuring out my trip budget in a location with a different currency. It’s reliable, free, up-to-date, and easy to use.

Wise

App Cost = FREE

Travelling on a budget for over a decade, I’ve become a bit of an expert on saving money while abroad. It’s why I started using Wise, originally “TransferWise”, when I was living on a Korean island. Now Wise has products and services that are perfect for travellers like the Wise Debit Card. It’s a cheaper alternative to traditional bank cards and can be used like a Visa or Mastercard debit card. Travellers can spend money in over 40 currencies with the mid-market rate conversion and can withdraw cash from ATMs 2x a month without paying fees. You can also easily freeze and unfreeze the card through the Wise app.

Another awesome feature is the Wise Account which is a free multi-currency account for 40+ currencies. It’s an ideal option for digital nomads like myself, international students, retirees living and travelling abroad, or others bouncing around the world. Everything can be handled in the app, which is super handy and convenient.

Splitwise

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

Splitwise is hands down the best travel app to use when you’re travelling with a group and splitting costs. It’s the easiest way to track and split expenses, with the option to use different categories, or create different groups or individuals you’re splitting with, plus they send monthly balance update emails. You can manually settle up with your group or there’s option to use PayPal.

I’ve always used the free version, even when using different currencies. Splitwise provides a balance for each currency separately instead of converting everything into one currency, unless you pay for the Pro version and then it will convert everything.

Planning & Logistics

TripIt

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

TripIt is my favourite travel app for keeping my itinerary information in one place. This amazing travel app organizes reservations for accommodation, flights, tours, etc… so that you don’t have to sift through emails. Its interface is clean, easy to read, and even easier to use. There’s also the option to upload documents (think boarding pass or hotel confirmation). I really like being able to send my itinerary to family members when I’m travelling solo or sharing it with travel partners so we both have access to the itinerary.

Speaking of emails, you may be wondering how this app functions. As you’ll see below, there is the option to turn on Inbox Sync. Originally I used this feature. It worked pretty well for the most part, however I turned it off because I didn’t want it to have access to my inbox anymore. Now I forward booking emails to plans@tripit.com and the app sorts them into my profile. The extra step takes no time and I’d prefer to have some semblance of privacy.

The Pro version has a lot of really neat perks, such as: a seat tracker, a fare tracker, a (reward) points tracker, check-in reminders 24-hours before your flight, country specific travel info, automatic itinerary sharing with select people, passport renewal reminder, your flight status, alternate flight options, risk notifications, alerts to leave for the airport, attaching unlimited documents, interactive airport maps, terminal and gate info, how to find connecting gates, and baggage claim info. A lot of this you can find out simply by reading airport signs or talking to humans too.

Waze

App Cost = FREE

Waze is the app I use around the world when navigating in a vehicle. I find it’s more accurate than Google Maps and saves me more time in traffic jams with rerouting options. There’s nothing more to add other than it’s a slick, efficient, and helpful tool.

WhatsApp

App Cost = FREE

I think WhatsApp was the first “travel app” I downloaded when I moved abroad for the first time. Everyone in Ireland and all of the travellers I met were using this to chat, so I hopped on board. It also allowed me the opportunity to text and call home (Canada) for free back in 2012, which was a game changer. The number of phone calls and messages my mom got while I would grocery shop, trying to decipher what the Canadian equivalent of different food products were…oof! Nowadays many travel companies use it for booking and confirming their services. I found this to be the case when I was in both Guatemala and Morocco. Call me old-fashioned, but I still prefer email for the official stuff. I know there are security concerns now with Meta and the ol’ boys club running tech these days, however it’s still a top messaging app around the world.

Accommodation

Trusted Housesitters

App Cost = Annual Membership

I love housesitting! If you’ve never tried it before, this is your sign. I’ve now housesat in Asia and Europe, with a near start in North America as well. If you’re not familiar with housesitting, think of the movie “The Holiday” without the swapping component. Basically you live in someone else’s home for (more or less) free in exchange for taking care of their place (watering plants, walking pets, etc…). It’s a phenomenal way to extend your money and thus travel time, not to mention your bandwidth for being on the road long-term. It’s no surprise that being able to unpack your suitcase, do laundry where and when you want, and cooking your own meals or watching a show from the comfort of a couch extends your mental and emotional capacity for being on the road longterm.

Trusted Housesitters is the platform that I’ve personally used for about 6 years. It’s trusted by thousands of users, with both homeowners and sitters going through a vetting process to make sure it’s a positive experience for everyone. It’s the platform I suggest to family, friends, and clients as well.

There is a very reasonable annual membership fee. I think they’ve also recently introduced a booking fee as well, which I find interesting, but even with this new cost it’s still a million times more affordable to housesit than to even stay in a hostel sometimes – and you get your privacy!

Hostelworld

App Cost = FREE

Hostelworld has been the third-party platform I’ve used almost exclusively (save for Agoda, which I’ll talk about next) for booking hostels over the past 10+ years. Hostelworld is an aggregator of data on everything from photos and prices to reviews for hostels around the world. Sometimes I will still book directly with the hostel, though mostly I book through this app or website.

Agoda

App Cost = FREE

Agoda is the app of choice for hostels in Southeast Asia. I used this each time I was in Southeast Asia. Agoda offers all the same functionality that Hostelworld does in Europe, and it offers more accommodation in this part of the world. Another very easy-to-use app.

Booking.com

App Cost = FREE

Booking.com is the place to go to search for hotels. They price match other websites, offer free cancellation*, and provide a vast array of accommodation options. You’ll find everything from hostels (yup) to luxury hotels on this app. Book instantly and book confidently with Booking.com.

Flights

Air Canada / Aeroplan

App Cost = FREE

The national airline for Canada is Air Canada, which also happens to be the partner for the rewards program I’m most loyal to: Aeroplan. You get a 2-for-1 deal with the Air Canada and Aeroplan app. Mostly I use this app to track my points and check in for any Air Canada flights I’ve booked. I still tend to go through the actual booking process on the website, though I have used the app to book in the past as well.

If you’re not familiar with points and miles or the Aeroplan program, you’ve come to the right place! I’m a points and miles consultant and I teach Canadians how to use travel reward programs, like Aeroplan, so that they can fly for super affordable prices too. In short, Aeroplan is a part of Star Alliance which means that when you earn Aeroplan points you can fly around the world with not just Air Canada, but dozens of other airlines. TL;DR – if you’re travelling on a plane at some point in your life and want to save a lot of money, you want to learn about using points and miles like Aeroplan.

Daily Drop

Cost = FREE (paid option available)

Speaking of saving money on flights, Daily Drop is an app built by travel YouTuber legends, Kara and Nate. Their platform finds flight deals from airports around North America, searches for points deals for both flights and hotels, and more. Yes, that includes Canadian airports! If you know anything about Kara and Nate, you know that they (well, Nate) loves a good deal and doesn’t love spending a lot of money, so you know this app is going to be worthwhile.

Priority Pass

App Cost = FREE (or Annual Membership)

Priority Pass is a worldwide airport lounge access program curating 1,800 airport lounges and experiences. The app lets members find and access lounges and experiences, navigate through airports, and manage their account. American Express Gold cardholders receive a complimentary Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Canadian Plaza Premium lounges each year.

Kiwi.com

App Cost = FREE

The Kiwi.com app is great for planning multi-city itineraries, or at least that was my experience when I booked my round-the-world flights. Today the app and website include many more features, like booking for flights, car rentals, accommodation, their “magazine” (aka blog and links to their social media), a marketplace (which has items to purchase like lounge access, airport parking, and more), and their (flight) deals page.

Transportation

Rome2Rio

Cost = FREE

Rome2Rio is such an awesome app. It’s the easiest way to figure out which transportation you need to get from A to B. You can search for any city, town, landmark, attraction or address worldwide and be given the accurate (potentially multi-modal) routes to make it happen. The app will compare every transportation option: from walking to bik shares, to planes, trains, buses, ferries, and driving. It’s brilliant. I’ve been a longtime user and will continue to use this app when planning my trips.

Omio: Book train, bus, flight

Cost = FREE

OMIO has been my go-to when booking buses, trains, and ferries the last few times I’ve visited Europe. In addition, you can book flights and airport transfers from the app. On OMIO you can compare transportation prices, check timetables, and easily book your tickets. The app also provides updates on your journey.

Discover Cars

Cost = FREE

Discover Cars basically saved a near disaster of a trip to Ireland a year or two ago. The gigantic European aggregator is super easy to use. With partners in 145+ countries, it allows you to compare prices and book directly from the website.

Vanlife

iOverlander & iOverlander 2

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

iOverlander is every vanlifer and wild camper’s dream. The app, which is a non-profit project, is free. It’s one of the world’s most popular campsite finder apps. In addition to providing the location of safe campsites, iOverlander also provides helpful vanlife / camping information for services like water hookups, laundromats, and showers. Users leave detailed reviews that are timestamped, which helps you determine the relevance and applicability to your personal situation (ie. solo, female, family, etc…). Another plus is that cell signal isn’t needed to use the app or access the database of locations. (You do need cell service to see the location photos.)

If you’re just getting started with vanlife, this is the number 1 app to download. Period.

iOverlander 2 is similar to the original with the same database of locations. The upgrades include dark mode, offline maps, saved favourites, filter improvements, Spanish language support, and quick check-in. The database is still free, as are many of the original features, however there are some changes and paywalled features too. For example, the old app showed all locations all the time whereas with the new app you have to download a region to see the different spots. Free plans can only download 1 region at a time. If you want to see a new region, then you must delete the region download or pay to upgrade and see more than 1 at once.

Language

WordReference

App Cost = FREE

As a language teacher, it’s my opinion that WordReference is the ultimate app/website/resource for anyone learning a language. I share it with all of my students and am constantly using it in my own language practice. In short, it’s a (mono- or bilingual) dictionary. In reality it’s got a lot more to offer. From different regional pronunciation examples at different speeds, to conjugations tables, synonyms, collocations, and principle translations to compound translations and the forum, this website does it all. I absolutely love it. Love love love WordReference.

Google Translate*

App Cost = FREE

While I am loathe to send anyone to Google Translate, there are circumstances where it can come in handy. The main reason I use this app when abroad (as much for entertainment as for usefulness) is to translate labels or receipts with the camera function. I find this to be equally helpful and hilarious when in a country with a script that’s not the English alphabet. That being said, I take everything that Google Translate offers with a very big grain of salt.

Fun & Tours

Get Your Guide

App Cost = FREE

I’ve been using Get Your Guide for years as both a traveller looking for tours to go on and now an affiliate partner as well. Thus far, I’ve gone on tours booked through GYG in Europe, Central and South America, and North America. Below is a screenshot of my GYG Storefront where I’ve linked the exact tours I’ve been on, plus the shortlisted options. One of the tours I booked even ended up introducing me to a new friend and colleague, Kevin from Walking Food Tours Dublin (it’s a pretty wild story)!

Aside from my own personal success with the app, there’s a huge variety of tours to choose from in nearly every destination. Again, the reviews are invaluable. I find this is a neat place to learn about new tour companies as well, since many get their start marketing here.

Viator

App Cost = FREE

Viator is a platform I’ve been using more recently to discover and research trip activities. Using Viator to book guides and tours not only gives you access to thousands of options and detailed user reviews, it also has free cancellation or the option to reserve now and pay later at no additional cost. Viator also has a loyalty program, Viator Rewards, where you can and earn and redeem money towards your next adventure.

Geocaching

App Cost = FREE

Geocaching a free worldwide treasure hunt. The objective is to find hidden geocaches (the objects you’re seeking) using clues in the app provided by other players. There are millions of surprise treasures to discover! Once you’ve found a geocache, sign the logbook, re-hide it for the next player, and return to the app to choose your next adventure.

Want to learn more about Geocaching? Check out this blog post I wrote!

World Heritage UNESCO List

App Cost = FREE

The World Heritage UNESCO List app is an awesome app to help you plan your next trip. The app lets you search using the map or list function. Once a site is selected, the app shares stats, helpful information for visitors, and lets you add it to your wish list. With over 1248 natural and cultural sites around the globe, there is no shortage of ideas to inspire your wanderlust and inner nerd.

Entertainment & Education

Headspace

App Cost = Free (limited) or Annual Membership

I haven’t used Headspace in a while, however it is still a good resource. Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, practice meditation, or try out different breathing techniques, Headspace has several different programs to help with your health.

Educators in Canada and other countries used to be able to have free memberships, however now that only applies to the US.

Apple Podcasts

App Cost = FREE (some podcasts have subscriptions)

Podcasts are such a fantastic way to learn about the world and be entertained by others’ stories. The modern day radio, podcasts fit snug in your pocket and go wherever you go. They’re perfect for a long drive, while you’re cooking or cleaning, or when a flight’s delayed and you’ve got a few hours to wait. Apple Podcasts isn’t the only platform you can listen on. There are several others like: Podchaser, Goodpods, Pocket Casts, Podcast Index, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, Listen Notes, Player FM, and TrueFans. It’s also pretty common to find them on YouTube these days too.

While you’re looking for travel podcasts to subscribe to, why not check out mine! It’s called Travelling Through Life: A Podcast on the Go. The goal with starting my podcast was to highlight the many different ways that we travel throughout our life stages and to remind people that the concept of travel is so much more than the curated squares and rectangles on social media. I interview people from all walks of life – from kids to retirees, vanlifers to weekend travellers, those travelling with pets and those who have disabilities, to those who work in the industry or have moved abroad. My hope is that you’ll hear yourself and your style of travel represented in at least 1 episode and also be inspired by the other ways that people travel throughout their lives. You can also find TTLAPOG on YouTube.

Travel Apps I’ve Got My Eye On

Adventure Lab

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

Adventure Lab is an app and concept by the Geocaching HQ geniuses. It lets users create, play, and share “unique outdoor scavenger hunts, experiences, and games” around the world. Participants use clues, solve puzzles, and complete adventures both indoors and outdoors that fall under themes like food. Games can’t be solved simply for searching for the answer online – they must be discovered in-person. Current Geocaching members earn points towards their account’s stats and “total finds”. I love a good puzzle and a good adventure, so this app sounds amazing!

AirVisual

App Cost = FREE

AirVisual provides information on air quality using government agency sources. This is a great tool for those with asthma or other health concerns, those travelling with young children or seniors, or those who are simply health conscious.

CardPointers

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

CardPointers offers free and paid versions of the app. It helps you organize and manage your Canadian and American cards, with notifications for annual fees, card benefits, and more. This is great for the person who juggles multiple cards and cannot remember which card to use when for the biggest benefit at the checkout. Using my link above will give you 30% off either the annual or lifetime plan!

Flighty

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

Flighty is quite the popular app on Instagram around December when everyone is sharing their yearly listicles. The annual Flighty Passport round-up shares stats like how many flights you took, the distance you flew, how many hours you were in the air or flights were delayed, etc… Some see it as a flex and others as a stark reminder of their negative ecological impact. Av(iation) geeks love this app because it also shares plane details. Flighty offers a few paid versions as well as limited free access.

GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities

App Cost = FREE with in-App Purchases

GPSmyCity provides self-guided walking tours in over 1,500 cities around the world. The free version includes thousands of walking tours, travel articles, and offline city maps, as well as a “FindMe” map feature. The 3 different paid versions provide a mix of voice-guided travel directions, walking tour maps, the option to create your own walks, and no ads.

Hoopla

App Cost = FREE

Using your North American public library membership, Hoopla let’s you access travel guides, eBooks, and audiobooks for free. There is also a desktop version. Public libraries are one of society’s shining lights for so many reasons, and the fact that Hoopla lets people access their services online is just fantastic.

Hoppa

App Cost = FREE

Hoppa is a booking platform that helps travellers search, compare, and book airport transfers, taxis, private holiday transfers, hotel pickups, and shuttle transportation in more than 180 countries. With more than 70,000 on-the-ground partners at over 2,600 airports and resorts, their reach is extensive. Pre-book transportation or hail a ride once you land.

Point.Me

App Cost = FREE (paid option available)

point.me is a booking platform that boasts a 6-12x increase in value for your points. There are 3 versions to the app: a free version, a paid version where members book flights easier with transferable points, and a concierge service.

Too Good to Go

App Cost = FREE

Less of a travel app and more of a food ordering app, Too Good to Go was something I came across while in Copenhagen. An excellent option whether you’re a budget traveller or at home trying to save money and good food from going to waste, Too Good to Go let’s you see which cafés, restaurants, bakeries and/or stores have perfectly good food left over for you to enjoy at half of the price or less.

Trablog.com

(Web) App Cost = FREE

Okay this is technically a website-based planning tool, but the developer (and world traveller) Jae let me know that mobile apps are in the works. Trablog came onto the scene in June this year and I think it’s going to make a lot of people happy. It is a free map-based web app that allows you to organize your trips with places, times, budgets, checklists, etc… in one screen. On first use I really liked 2 things about this web app: 1) you don’t need to create an account to try it out, and 2) as a forever laptop planner, I much prefer having this service available on the big screen instead of my phone. Call me a Millennial, but it I’m a fan! You can also invite friends to view the itinerary. While its design is simple, it gets the job done – and for a tool that’s only a month old, that’s pretty great.

What Are the Best Travel Apps in Your Opinion?

There are, of course, so many more travel apps out there than the ones listed here. I have found these to be the best travel apps, or at least my personal favourites. I’m curious to know which ones above that you’ve tried and which ones you would add on your own list.