International Travel Apps for a Seamless Trip

Unless you’re joining a private tour for your next international trip, you’ll be doing most of the legwork. That means booking transportation and lodging, scheduling day trips and activities, and figuring out where to eat. It might even involve downloading a few international travel apps.

But even the most diligent planners and note-takers are prone to run into a few roadblocks while on vacation. Unexpected surprises like stomach bugs and missed connections happen to even the most prepared travelers.

And nothing ruins a vacation like a series of messy problems.

I can’t promise your next international trip will be seamless. But I do have suggestions about which international travel apps will simplify your trip. Let’s dive in.

For transportation: Rome2Rio & TripIt

• Rome2Rio is a transportation planner that takes into account every possible option. That includes buses, trains, ferries, planes, and more. Not only does Rome2Rio make it easy to find an efficient path from Point A is to wherever Point B is, but it also takes cost into consideration. This app will help you save time, money, and sanity.
• TripIt is a transportation and trip planner app that helps you keep your bookings organized. Simply upload your information and start forwarding your confirmation emails, from car rentals to connecting flights. From there, TripIt will create a functional and seamless itinerary.

For communication: Signal & Google Translate

• Signal lets you stay in contact with your friends and family without opting for a pricey international service plan. Using encrypted channels, you can call, text, and send voice messages using Wi-Fi or standard data.
• Google Translate is one of the most robust solutions for communicating across language boundaries. Plus, it has a photo function that lets you take pictures and then translate them in real time.

For health: The Jet Lag App & HealthTap

• The Jet Lag App (aka Timeshifter) focuses on maintaining your sleep schedule when you travel to different time zones. This is particularly useful for anyone leaving the country for business or a major event, like a wedding. Simply enter your location information, along with your destination, then wait for tailored advice on how to sleep well.
• HealthTap is a virtual healthcare app that can help when you’re in a bind. Getting sick while traveling internationally is never easy—especially when you start wondering if that tummy ache might signal something more severe. Using HealthTap, you can meet virtually with a US doctor who can help you decide if a medical intervention is necessary.

For spending: Oanda Currency Converter & ATM Fee Saver

• Oanda Currency Converter is a financial planning tool that helps you budget when abroad. All you need to do is enter your budgetary data and where you’ll be heading. From there, Oanda Currency Converter suggests how much to take out in certain currencies.
• ATM Fee Saver finds the ATM with the lowest withdrawal fees in your immediate area. This is especially useful when you’re heading to tourist-heavy zones. ATM fees are usually exorbitant, which means this app can help you save hundreds for longer trips.

For day-to-day usage: Google Maps & HappyCow

• Google Maps is probably already downloaded to your phone—and you should keep it handy for international trips. I regularly use Google Maps to get around European cities when I travel. While it might not work quite as well beyond Europe and North America, it’s becoming more common worldwide.
• HappyCow locates restaurants with vegan menus and options. Even if you’re not a vegan, this app might prove helpful. I know that when my tummy is a little woozy, the last thing I want is a slab of meat and cheese. In other words, you can use it to find healthy and simple meal options if you get the Bubble Guts while abroad.

For emergencies: International SOS Assistance App

• International SOS Assistance App is able to patch you through to emergency services in case of emergency. Before you head out on your trip, make sure to upload where you’ll be heading and where you’re from. From there, the app will do the heavy lifting. The International SOS Assistance App also works as a resource for those who might need mental health services or advice on security measures while traveling internationally.