10 Must-install Apps for International Travel

Traveling abroad can be exciting but also challenging. The right apps can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ve listed 10 must-install apps for international travel. These apps cover everything from navigation and booking to food, safety, and the best way to stay connected. Get ready to travel smarter and stress-free!

I. Table of Essential Apps For International Travel

I will start this article with a magic table that stores all the secrets when traveling abroad. You don’t need to search anywhere. With the apps below, I promise to help you survive comfortably without fear of risk.

App Category	App Name	Key Features
Navigation & Transportation	Google Maps	Offline maps, real-time traffic, transit info
	Rome2rio	Multimodal travel planner, price comparisons
Hotels & Flights	Booking.com	Wide accommodation choices, user reviews
	Flight price alerts, multi-city searches	Flight price alerts, multi-city searches
Food	Yelp	User reviews, photos, business info
	OpenTable	Restaurant reservations, user reviews
Safety	bSafe	SOS alerts, live GPS tracking, emergency contacts
	RedZone	Crime data, safety alerts, risk mapping
Translation	Google Translate	Text/speech translation, offline mode, image translation
	TripLingo	Phrasebooks, voice translation, cultural tips

So, this is the time to get more insights about each apps for international travel. 

II. Travel Apps for Navigation & Transportation

Google Maps

The most popular app for navigation today is undoubtedly Google Maps. The main advantage of Google Maps is that it provides detailed navigation options for cars, on foot, bicycles, and even public transport. It can also provide current traffic information and even recommend a different and better route in case of a jam.

To make the most of Google Maps, consider these tips:

• Use “Offline Maps” to download areas for offline use. 
• Check the “Explore” tab to find new places, restaurants, and attractions nearby. 
• Use “Share Location” to let friends or family know where you are during a trip.

However, as with any service, Google Maps has its disadvantages as well. It can often be battery-consuming, more so when in use via carrying out turn-by-turn navigation, and can sometimes produce inaccurate results where the GPS signals are weak or there is fewer map data to rely on.

Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is an app that provides wide directions for getting from one point to another. It does not limit itself to car or airplane options. Although it has not reached the popularity of Google Maps, it has received stardom among foreign trippers for its ability to calculate diverse means of navigation. 

It even gives you estimated costs and travel times! This makes it handy for planning complicated trips or checking out different travel options.

Some weak points include not having as detailed local navigation as Google Maps and occasionally getting pricing or scheduling info wrong. It’s more useful as a trip-planning tool than for real-time navigation while you’re on the go.

III. Travel Apps for Hotels & Flights

Booking.com

Booking.com is among the leading travel applications in the world, with ~580M visits and over 100 million users.

This website provides many possibilities, including hotels, apartments, villas, and other options; therefore, finding a place to stay comfortably without spending too much money will not be a problem.

How to make the most of it?

• Use the “Best Price Guarantee” for the best deals 
• Book early to get the best prices 
• Check reviews from other travelers for honest feedback 
• Use the “Filter” option to narrow your search by price, location, and more

However, there are some downsides: booking fees can occasionally exceed expectations, and some properties may impose additional fees or charges. Additionally, customer service can be hit or miss.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is another widely used travel app used by 100+ million people monthly. The simple search engine plus the AI suggestions that Skyscanner has made it convenient for you to get the cheapest flights, affordable hotels, or car rentals.

Skyscanner submits the indexes from many airlines, online travel agencies, and meta-search engines’ price lists so that you can select from many choices.

You can apply these ways to take advantage of it:

• Use the “Everywhere” feature to find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world 
• Set up price alerts to notify you when prices drop 
• Use the “Cheapest Month” feature to find the cheapest time to travel 
• Explore the “Explore” feature for inspiration and recommendations

Though, there are complaints especially in their booking system and sometimes the prices are not the cheapest. Also, some features can be accessed only when the user pays or becomes a subscriber to the service, which can be a weakness.

IV. Travel Apps for Food

Yelp

Yelp is prominently linked to restaurant reviews, as 178 million unique monthly visitors use it. Yelp’s biggest strength is the database that users post regarding business entities. The information from previous dinners can put what that restaurant offers into perspective.

To make the most of Yelp:

• Filter reviews by date to get the most recent opinions.
• Look for reviews with photos to see actual dishes and ambiance.
• Check the “Popular Dishes” section for must-try items.
• Use the map feature to find restaurants near your location.

But some businesses have expressed concerns about the pressure to advertise on the platform, and there have been claims of fake reviews. It’s a good idea to check out different opinions and trust your judgment.

OpenTable

OpenTable, on the other hand, is primarily a reservation platform used by more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide. It processes over 1 billion diners annually, making it a go-to app for securing a table at popular spots.

The main draw of OpenTable is its smooth reservation system. You can book a table with just a few taps, often getting instant confirmation. To maximize your OpenTable experience:

• Join the rewards program to earn points for free meals 
• Read the verified diner reviews for reliable feedback 
• Use the “Hot Tables” feature to discover trending restaurants 
• Set up alerts for hard-to-get reservations

The downside of OpenTable is that it mostly shows partner restaurants, so you might miss some hidden gems or smaller places. Some users also find the points system confusing or think it doesn’t give enough value.

V. Travel Apps for Safety

bSafe 

bSafe is a personal safety app that has gained popularity among travelers and city dwellers. The standout feature of bSafe is its SOS button, which, when activated, alerts your chosen contacts and starts recording video and audio from your phone. This can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

To get the most out of bSafe:

• Set up your guardian network with trusted contacts.
• Practice using the SOS feature so you’re comfortable with it.
• Keep your phone charged and easily accessible.
• Use the Follow Me feature for added security during travel.

However, it needs cellular data or Wi-Fi to work well, which isn’t always available while traveling. Some users also say running in the background can quickly drain battery life.

RedZone

RedZone is a safety app that collects real-time crime information from users. It has over 100,000 downloads on Android, which shows that it has many users.

The main feature is a color-coded map that highlights areas of danger based on recent reports, which is helpful when visiting new places. To make the most of it:

• Check the map before heading to a new area 
• Contribute your observations to help keep the data current 
• Use the route planner to find safer paths to your destination 
• Pay attention to the types of incidents reported in each area

On the downside, RedZone depends a lot on user reports, which can be inaccurate or outdated. Info may be limited or missing in less populated areas or places where the app isn’t popular.

VI. Travel Apps for Translation

Google Translate

Google Translate is a well-known app for language translation, with over 1 billion installs on Android. This free app supports more than 100 languages and is popular among travelers and learners.

The standout feature of Google Translate is its versatility. It offers text, voice, and image translation, making it a Swiss Army knife for language barriers. To make the most of Google Translate:

• Download language packs for offline use 
• Use the camera function to translate signs and menus in real-time 
• Practice pronunciation with the speech output feature 
• Save commonly used phrases for quick access

Google Translate isn’t perfect. It’s good for basic communication but can give awkward or wrong translations for complex sentences or idioms. It’s better as a helpful tool than a replacement for learning a language.

TripLingo

TripLingo may not be as popular as Google Translate, but it has found its place with business travelers and tourists.

TripLingo’s main feature is its focus on culture along with language translation. It offers words, cultural notes, and etiquette tips. Here’s how to get the most from TripLingo:

• Use the “Culture Crash Course” feature before your trip.
• Try the “Slang Slider” to adjust formality levels.
• Utilize the voice translator for quick conversations.
• Take advantage of the built-in tip calculator and currency converter.

On the downside, TripLingo’s free version is limited, and the full features require a subscription. It also supports fewer languages than Google Translate and mainly focuses on popular tourist and business spots.

VII. eSIM – The Best Way to Connected Abroad

While those apps are super handy, they rely on your internet connection. That’s where eSIM technology steps in. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, lets you activate a local data plan without needing a physical SIM card.

For easy connectivity while traveling, I highly recommend Gigago eSIM because of the following reasons: 

1. Gigago offers eSIM plans for 200+ countries, ensuring you stay connected almost anywhere you go.
2. Simply scan a QR code, and you’re ready to use your data plan immediately.
3. Choose from various data packages to suit your trip duration and needs.
4. Use your Gigago eSIM on multiple eSIM-compatible devices.
5. Receive your eSIM details via email within minutes of purchase.

With Gigago eSIM, you can make sure all those handy apps for international travel we talked about work effortlessly during your trip, making your travel experience even better. Stay connected, informed, and ready to enjoy your international adventures with Gigago eSIM!

VIII. Conclusion

I hope this post helps make your travels easier and more enjoyable. With these 10 must-install apps for international travel;, you’re well-equipped for a smooth and stress-free journey. From finding your way around to staying safe and connected, these apps cover all your travel needs. Good luck!