When it comes to travel, I’m all about my travel apps, but what about travel apps that saves me money?
Are you going on a vacation soon? It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo around the U.S., relaxing on white sandy beaches in Cancun, or going on an epic family vacation to Europe. If you’re looking to get away from it all, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to see.
But there are also so many travel apps to choose from. So much so that sometimes it can get really overwhelming to not know which ones are worth downloading and which ones are a total mess. While I’ve shared travel apps in the past, I’m always updating my selection because there’s always something new, and maybe even better, on the horizon.
Now there are a few that will always be constants, so you may see them repeated here, because you should never leave home without them. But how can an app improve your trip or help you save cash? Let me show you!
1. AIR HELP: GET COMPENSATION FOR DELAYS AND OTHER WOES
The AirHelp app allows travelers to get compensated for any delayed or canceled flights. All you have to do is enter your flight information and provide a little bit of context explaining what happened, and voila! AirHelp handles the rest! And on the off chance that the claim is approved, Air Help will take just 25% of the payout and provide you with the rest. It’s currently available on iOS and Android. I have yet to use this one, but it’s there just in case I ever need it.
2. HOPPER AND SKYSCANNER: SAVE A TON OF MONEY ON FLIGHTS AND HOTELS
A standout amongst other travel apps, Hopper is an app that can predict with 95% proven accuracy when hotel and airfare prices will go down. This amazing app sends you a notification to let you know if now is the perfect time to purchase a ticket or book a hotel room, or if you’re better off waiting for a few more months.
All you need to do is type in your destination, and you will see the least expensive and most expensive dates to fly. At that point, Hopper will suggest whether you should hurry up and get them now, or hold off until the rates improve.
Another great app for travelers looking for a good deal is Skyscanner. This versatile app looks through a large number of flights from thousands of different sources. Once it’s done comparing prices, it gives you the best fares available.
Both Hopper and Skyscanner are available on iOS and Android.
3. HOTEL TONIGHT
Need to find a place to sleep fast? The HotelTonight app finds some epic deals on basic and luxurious hotels near your area and even allows users to filter for amenities like a gym, a pool, WIFI, pet-friendly accommodations, and so much more! This app is particularly helpful when you’ve got a long layover and you’re in desperate need of a bed. It’s available on iOS and Android.
4. WI-FI FINDER
Traveling abroad and looking for ways to avoid those unbelievably high roaming fees cellphone providers charge? Use the Wi-Fi Finder app to provide you with a map of locations that offer Wi-Fi for free or for a modest price. It’s available for iOS and Android users. My mobile company generally caps my data usage, and once I’ve reached my limit, it slows down tremendously, so this really does help.
5. GASBUDDY
Looking for the cheapest place to refuel? Download the super helpful GasBuddy. This app is guaranteed to find the nearest gas station with the cheapest fuel. All you need to do is add the location you’re in before heading out and let the app do the rest. It’s available on iOS and Android, and it’ll easily become your favorite road trip BFF. Even if you don’t road trip, this is great for local driving as well. With the price of gas, this is a lifesaver.
6. URBANSPOON
Keep your food travel budget in check with the Urbanspoon app. This handy online tool provides users with insight on all the restaurants located nearby, along with reviews, menus, and price ranges. That way, you can choose whether you want to save money on a super cheap breakfast or splurge on a luxurious dinner or cafe. It’s available here on iOS and Android.
7. DAYUSE
Do you have a long layover but don’t feel like staying stuck at the airport? Then download the Dayuse app. All you have to do is provide the app with information on what you need from certain accommodations, such as a pool, sauna, or gym, and it will provide you with a listing from one of 5,000 accommodations. In some instances, you may even find rooms that have had a significant 75 percent markdown, depending on the check-in time. The app is available on iOS and Android.
In Conclusion
Travel apps are more than just helpful tools. They can even save you money and give you peace of mind while you’re abroad. With all the different options available, there is bound to be something out there that suits your needs perfectly! So download a few and start planning your next trip. Bon voyage!
