Journey Joyfully: The 5 Best Travel Apps of 2024

When was the last time you savored a seashore or relished a rustic locale?

In a stressful and hectic world, traveling is one of humanity’s most sublime pleasures. Whether for leisure or culture, around 1.3 billion people traveled from one country to another in 2023.

But if you’re afraid to travel due to potential inconveniences, this article showcases innovative travel apps that enable you to better find accommodations, flights, car rentals, internet connection, and other amenities that take the hassle out of travel.

Keep reading to discover the pros, cons, pricing, and unique features of these revolutionary travel apps (click on any app below to jump straight to our reviews):

• Tripadvisor – Best for itinerary planning
• Skyscanner – Best for inexpensive flights
• TripIt – Best for organizing and transmitting travel information
• Airbnb – Best for accommodation diversity and cultural experiences
• WiFi Map – Best for wireless internet access

Explore with ease through the 5 best travel apps

Our team of innovative creators, strategists, and experts thoughtfully curated our collection of the top 5 travel applications. These experts have built mobile and web apps with extensive user bases and sustainable revenue streams. Our criteria for travel apps include their distinctiveness, functionality, performance, security, practicality, user-friendliness, industry acclaim, and overall user satisfaction.

Without further ado, here are our 5 best travel apps to make your journey as joyful as possible:

1. Tripadvisor – Best for itinerary planning

Source: Tripadvisor Official Website

If you don’t know where to go or how to book key establishments in your dream destination, Tripadvisor might be the right travel app for you.

Tripadvisor is a one-stop destination for itinerary or trip planning. The app offers insights and recommendations on hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours, and experiences. The best part is that other travelers write these reviews, curated by the people who own and manage the app.

The result? Minimized review biases that could lead to unpleasant experiences.

Once you’ve learned which establishments and activities are worth trying, you can book hotels, tours, activities, and restaurants within the app itself. In a way, Tripadvisor does for the everyday explorer what TravelPerk does for business travelers, which is to provide multiple travel booking options in one place.

And as part of the app’s innovations, it is currently testing out its AI-powered Itinerary Builder. This cutting-edge feature aims to tailor trip plans according to traveler reviews and recommendations. This personalization ensures that your itinerary aligns with your interests and preferences, enhancing your overall travel experience.

In addition to all these great features, the Tripadvisor app is accessible offline. Whether you’re exploring remote locations or facing connectivity issues, the travel app ensures uninterrupted access to saved places and reviews even when offline. This feature is invaluable for travelers who rely on their smartphones for guidance during their adventures.

While Tripadvisor offers an array of benefits, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks.

For instance, despite laudable efforts at curation and crowdsourced content from travelers, some fake reviews still reach the platform. You can mitigate this by confirming information from multiple sources before making travel decisions. And despite quality checks, a few slightly biased reviews do get through, given that Tripadvisor’s app monetization model relies more on booking-based commissions than in-app purchases.

Despite its disadvantages, Tripadvisor is a useful free app for trip planning. It offers a wealth of user-generated and curated content, convenient booking options, and cutting-edge AI for customized trip planning.

PRICING:

• Free

PROS:

• Curated reviews of destinations, establishments, and activities from other travelers
• Option for booking establishments and activities
• AI-powered itinerary builder that produces tailor-fit itineraries
• Accessibility even without internet connection

CON:

• Some fake or biased reviews might still slip through the platform

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY:

🖥️ 💻 Desktop, laptop (website)

📲 Android, iOS (mobile app)

RELEVANT APP LINKS:

💡⚙️ Access the Web Version and Learn More Via Official Website

👉 Download Mobile App Via Google Play

👉 Download Mobile App Via App Store

2. Skyscanner – Best for inexpensive flights

Source: Skyscanner Official Website

Think of Skyscanner as the Google Flights for cheap fares.

Though some would argue that Google Flights has a better interface than Skyscanner, the latter excels in discovering hard-to-find and inexpensive flight deals. The travel app has access to a wider variety of online travel agencies (some of which are niche or regional in nature), while Google Flights tends to highlight big players.

And don’t worry if you don’t quickly find the flight that matches your budget. Skyscanner keeps you in the loop with its Price Alerts feature, ensuring you never miss out on a great deal. By setting up alerts for your desired flights, you’ll be notified of any price fluctuations, enabling you to snag the best fares before they’re gone.

But hold on. Skyscanner is not just about flights. The app also lets you book accommodations and car rentals. And with its global reach, it scours through various travel providers worldwide to offer you the best rates possible.

And even if you don’t know where to go, the world is still your oyster. Skyscanner’s “Explore everywhere” feature recommends popular destinations based on your budget and preferred travel month, opening up a world of possibilities at your fingertips. Relevant links to book cars, planes, and hotels are close by in case you fall in love with a random recommendation.

But perhaps the best part about this travel app is that it’s completely free, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to using it. The platform does not have booking fees or hidden charges.

Though a high-performing app for its niche, Skyscanner does have some disadvantages that drag it down a bit.

For example, it’s worth noting that the app doesn’t handle bookings directly. Instead, you will be redirected to the relevant airline or travel agency’s website to complete your bookings. This may require you to create accounts on different platforms, which adds friction to the booking process.

But whatever fault Skyscanner has, it’s still one of the best travel apps due to its capability to make booking cheap flights and finding travel recommendations convenient and highly enjoyable.

PRICING:

• Free

PROS:

• Hard-to-find and cheap flights
• “Price Alerts” feature keeps users in the loop for good flight deals
• Car rentals and accommodations booking
• Global reach
• No hidden charges

CON:

• App doesn’t handle bookings directly

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY:

🖥️ 💻 Desktop, laptop (website)

📲 Android, iOS (mobile app)

RELEVANT APP LINKS:

💡⚙️ Access the Web Version and Learn More Via Official Website

👉 Download Mobile App Via Google Play

👉 Download Mobile App Via App Store

3. TripIt – Best for organizing and transmitting travel information

Source: TripIt Official Website

Ever wished your flight details and other travel information were accessible in one tap? Want your friends to know where you’re going?

The TripIt travel app satisfies both demands.

With TripIt, you won’t need to worry about your plane ticket getting blown away or itinerary sheet sinking into the sea. TripIt processes all your travel information into one nifty electronic document you can view using your phone or smartwatch (particularly Apple Watch and Android Wear). And you can access the app even without an internet connection!

This is how TripIt organizes your details. First, you email the TripIt company your tickets or confirmations for flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, and other reservations. It doesn’t matter if your tickets come from different companies or providers. TripIt then collates all these separate documents into one organized body of information showing the time, place, and other details of your various itinerary spots.

What’s more, you can keep all this data for posterity. TripIt records all your past travel information so on your next trip, you will have the data to help you land better deals or make your itinerary more efficient without sacrificing excitement.

But beyond mere data organization and recording, TripIt also boasts impressive safety features.

For one, the app allows you to share your itinerary with any other person who needs it. With this shareability feature, your loved ones or colleagues can breathe a little easier knowing roughly where you are at any given time during your adventure.

TripIt also provides relevant maps of your itinerary and shows neighborhood safety scores. So, if you’re curious whether your restaurant reservations are in a dangerous area, the app empowers you to make the right judgment call. In a way, TripIt’s mapping and safety functionalities somewhat resemble Geavi, a public safety app we at Appetiser helped create.

The TripIt travel app is not without its limitations. For instance, some of its juiciest features are reserved for paying users. TripIt Pro subscribers enjoy perks like more extensive airport conveniences and tracking of reward programs.

But for a high quality travel app, TripIt offers even free users a reasonably extensive toolkit to help make their travels smarter, safer, easier, and more enjoyable than if they did not install or access the app.

PRICING:

• Free
• TripIt Pro: $49 annually

PROS:

• One glance digital storage of extensive travel details
• Offline access
• Multi-platform compatibility (including smartwatches and laptops)
• Extensive and high-quality set of free features
• Safety insights

CON:

• Only paying subscribers get extra convenience and cash-saving features

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY:

🖥️ 💻 Desktop, laptop (web version)

📲 Android, iOS

⌚ Apple Watch, Android Wear

RELEVANT APP LINKS:

💡⚙️ Access the Web Version and Learn More Via Official Website

👉 Download Mobile App Via Google Play

👉 Download Mobile App Via App Store

4. Airbnb – Best for accommodation diversity and cultural experiences

Source: Airbnb Official Website

Rarely does a travel app become a gateway to a wide array of vacation rentals and authentic local experiences.

But the Airbnb travel app fits the bill.

Airbnb offers a vast selection of residential rentals beyond hotels. The app showcases lodgings like apartments, houses, villas, boats, and even large rustic tents called yurts. Aside from that, Airbnb rentals often have amenities not commonly found in hotels, like private pools, laundry machines, workspaces, or even cutting-edge entertainment systems. This diversity of options enables you to have better choices that fit your budget and needs.

In addition, Airbnb hosts who own the accommodations are often locals who can provide valuable insights and recommendations on hidden gems and local favorites, giving you a more authentic experience.

But the genuine experience doesn’t stop there. Airbnb adds an extra spice to its travel app through a feature called Experiences. With this feature, you can book unique and enriching activities with vetted locals. You may attend cooking classes, learn to dance, practice yoga, participate in guided tours, etc. Filters help narrow down countless listings based on your specific preferences, such as price, amenities, or neighborhood.

Despite all these exciting features, Airbnb also has its downsides. Accommodations-wise, the quality may fluctuate more severely compared to more standardized options like known hotel brands.

But overall, Airbnb is still one of the best travel apps because it offers a highly enriching and potentially budget-friendly way to travel. But to ensure you get the best out of your residential and cultural adventure, do your research and carefully read reviews of Airbnb listings and Experiences.

PRICING:

• Free

PROS:

• Diverse accommodation options
• Unique residential amenities
• Authentic cultural experiences through local hosts
• Highly customizable filters for both accommodations and cultural experiences

CON:

• Quality of culture and accommodations may vary

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY:

🖥️ 💻 Desktop, laptop (web version)

📲 Android, iOS

RELEVANT APP LINKS:

💡⚙️ Access the Web Version and Learn More Via Official Website

👉 Download Mobile App Via Google Play

👉 Download Mobile App Via App Store

5. WiFi Map – Best for wireless internet access

Source: WiFi Map Official Website

Imagine if Google Maps showed where there are WiFi hotspots available.

That pretty much sums up the WiFi Map app.

Though you might enjoy exploring off-grid and roughing it, there will be times when you need vital information from the internet. This is where the app comes in handy.

Boasting a global WiFi hotspot database, WiFi Map is a powerhouse for those on the move. A vibrant community of app users is behind its extensive maps and data, which help you find a wireless internet connection in as easy as a few taps on your smartphone.

The app also allows you to test the speed of a WiFi hotspot before connecting to it, making optimal browsing experiences possible in many locations.

And given that you can download the maps, you can access vital information about internet connectivity even if you’re offline. With this capability, you can locate a WiFi hotspot with just a few taps, wherever you may be.

Great access should come with great security. WiFi Map does not fall short in this respect. The app rises to cybersecurity challenges with its built-in VPN. This feature offers an optional layer of protection for your personal data on public networks, adding peace of mind to every connection.

Another great thing about the app is that it’s not limited to internet communications. Even calling your friends or family back home becomes easier with the app’s eSIM functionality. Available in over 70 countries, you can purchase data packages seamlessly, bypassing the need for a local SIM card. But the company behind WiFi Map recommends making calls using messenger apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to save on call expenses.

Despite this overwhelming number of positives, the app has its drawbacks.

WiFi Map’s reliance on user-contributed data means that the accuracy of hotspot information may vary.

And while the built-in VPN increases user security over wireless connections, the feature requires a subscription.

Aside from this, no security system is 100% bulletproof. But a good way to augment the app’s VPN feature is to avoid transactions or activities where you need to type passwords (other than the password for the WiFi network), bank details, and other personal data. This measure ensures that your information is as secure as possible over public wireless networks.

Despite its shortcomings, WiFi Map still holds a respectable place in the realm of travel apps. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply seeking to avoid data roaming charges, WiFi Map is your ticket to hassle-free connectivity on the go.

PRICING:

• Free
• Pro Version (Weekly): $6.99
• Pro Version (Monthly): $12.99
• Pro Version (Annual): $35.99
• VPN (Monthly): $12.99

PROS:

• Offline access to WiFi maps
• Connection speed testing feature
• Browsing protection through built-in VPN
• eSIM for facilitating international calls and data package purchases

CON:

• User-contributed WiFi hotspot data may sometimes be inaccurate

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY:

🖥️ 💻 Desktop, laptop (web version, limited features)

📲 Android, iOS

RELEVANT APP LINKS:

💡 Access Basic App Features and Learn More Via Official Website

👉 Download Mobile App Via Google Play

👉 Download Mobile App Via App Store

Your next big journey awaits

An African proverb states that companions make long-distance travel possible. Hopefully, the 5 best travel apps in this article will become your digital friends as you journey far and joyfully.

What’s true for traveling is also true for the journey of life. In both, the aim is to go the distance and have fun doing it. One of the best ways to make life a great journey is by making a difference and finding the tools to make that happen.

One of the best tools you can use to save the world or help those you love is app design and development.

And if you’re not into tech, you’re not alone. The founders of MUCUDU had no programming background but were able to help bar patrons have fun through an app built with our help. The founder of Good Empire also sought our assistance in creating an app to help both people and planet.

Any amazing journey begins with the first step.

Journeying with us begins with the first call. Book a free consultation with us and let’s talk about how far you can go through technology and close collaboration.

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