5 Essential Apps for Frequent Travelers
Whether you're a seasoned globe-trotter or just starting to rack up those frequent flyer miles, traveling comes with its own set of challenges. From figuring out where to stay, how to get around, and keeping all your important documents organized, it can feel like you need a personal assistant just for your bucket list. Lucky for us, there’s an app for just about everything these days. Here’s a list of essential apps that every frequent traveler should have on their phone. They’ll make your life so much easier so you can focus on enjoying the beautiful scenery in front of you.
5 Essential Apps for Frequent Travelers
1. Google Maps – For Navigating Anywhere Like a Pro
This one’s a no-brainer. Google Maps is the queen of navigation apps. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, this app will get you where you need to go. And it’s not just for directions. You can use Google Maps to find nearby restaurants, ATMs, pharmacies, or even check how busy a spot is in real-time. You can also download maps offline so that even when you’re deep in a Wi-Fi desert, you’ll still be able to find your way to that hidden gem of a restaurant.
Pro tip: I use Google Maps not just to figure out how to get back to my hotel after getting lost, but also to save my favorite places. You can create lists on your account and save places directly on your map. One of my favorite things to do is wander around a city and save spots I encounter along my walk. Maybe that cute wine bar isn’t the best fit for breakfast, but you can come back to it for pre-dinner (if you save it to remember where it was). Some of my lists include “coffee shops,” “Christmas markets,” wellness spots,” and “art & culture.”
2. Skyscanner – For Finding the Best Flights at the Best Prices
Looking for budget-friendly flights? Skyscanner is your go-to app. It’s perfect for comparing airlines, flight times, and prices. This is the app I used exclusively to find the best flights back in my nomadic days. You can set alerts to track price drops, and if your dates are flexible, it’ll show you the cheapest times to fly. Skyscanner also offers options for hotels and car rentals, making it a great all-in-one travel tool for budget-conscious adventurers.
Pro tip: If you’re up for an adventure or have an extensive bucket list, try setting your search to “Anytime, Everywhere.” When you search this way, you can see flights to all areas of the world from your airport of choice, and the best dates to travel to said destinations. Through this feature, I was able to snag deals like a 5 euro direct flight from Paris to Venice and a 20 euro round trip flight from Barcelona to Marrakech.
3. PackPoint – For Packing Like a Pro
You’re heading out on a trip and staring at your suitcase, wondering if you’re forgetting something important. Enter PackPoint, the app that builds custom packing lists based on where you're going, how long you’re staying, and what activities you’ll be doing. It even takes the weather into account, so you won’t accidentally pack shorts for your winter trip to Iceland. PackPoint also helps you pack light and avoid the dreaded "I’ve brought too much stuff" feeling.
Bonus: Taking it a step further and actually moving abroad? Check out our blog post “How To Pack For a Move Abroad (Without Losing The Things You Love)” where we give you our best moving packing tips, carefully curated by an expert expat.
4. Joona – For All Your Healthcare Needs on the Go
Now, let’s talk about health. Because even when you’re off on a grand adventure, keeping track of your healthcare needs is essential. Joona is a must-have app for frequent travelers who want to keep all their medical information at their fingertips. With Joona, you can digitize your healthcare records, including blood tests, prescriptions, vaccinations, and doctor’s reports. If you’re traveling to a country with different healthcare systems or languages, Joona has you covered. No more lugging around a folder full of papers or scrambling to remember which vaccines you’ve had. With Joona, your health info is always secure and accessible—making it one less thing to worry about while you’re exploring the world.
Pro Tip: Forgot your antihistamine medication at home? Keep a copy of your go to medication on the Joona so you can show a pharmacist anywhere. Nothing is worse than having allergies while trying to enjoy blooming spring days.
5. Google Translate – Because Not Everyone Speaks Your Language
Google Translate is a lifesaver when you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language (which is probably most countries). It’s got a cool camera function where you can point your phone at signs, menus, or even a street poster, and it’ll translate it for you instantly. Plus, you can download language packs to use offline, so even if you’re out of range, you can still ask where’s the bathroom or could I order some water?
Pro tip: Use Google translate for proper pronunciation. This is essential when you’re ordering food - the line between beverage and fish in French is thin. Not a happy mix up.
Final Thoughts
From organizing your trip details to keeping your health records up to date with Joona, these essential apps for frequent travelers cover just about everything you need when you’re on the go. So, next time you're planning an adventure, make sure your phone is stocked with these handy tools. Safe travels and may your never-ending bucket list fill you with more exciting adventures!
