One of many things travel has taught me is to always have mobile data while traveling, many will argue that they prefer to detox from all forms of technology, and being accessible around the clock while on holidays, which I 100 percent agree with, however I’d say once you land your feet in a foreign country, get rid of your sim card, get yourself a new local one with a decent data plan, turn off notifications from all mobile apps except those that will help you before, during, and even after your trip.

Besides Google Maps you need..

PackPoint

One of the things I wouldn’t say I hate, but irritate me about travel is packing, the biggest challenge is to; pack light, carry the right clothes and gadgets, and not too many of them, while being practical yet still looking good, dressed well, and keeping yourself warm. In this app all you need to do is to submit where you are going? when? and what type of activities will you be doing..In a matter of seconds you will find your ready made packing list designed just for you, how cool is that?

Link: packpnt.com

Rome2Rio

Whenever you want to figure out how to get from city A to B Rome2Rio has always got the answer, it will give you options that you never thought about which will save you time, money, and effort. Although it can be inaccurate sometimes, you just need to make sure that the option given is doable.

Link: rome2rio.com

Seat 61

The one and only place to find the most accurate information in regards to trains and ferries in Europe & worldwide.

Link: seat61.com

Couchsurfing

The best way to meet with locals, and hangout with them is through this brilliant website! You could ask people to host you, or just ask questions and wait for locals to give you advice, or to show you around. The newest feature on couchsurfing app is that now you can see who’s currently available to hang out with, and you could send them a request, and voila you have just made a friend.

Link: couchsurfing.com

Sleeping In Airports

We all have been there, we got stuck in airports, had suffered from long layovers, without having the possibility of getting out, wanted to lay down for a bit but didn’t know how hard/easy it is to do so while at the airport, or if there was an airport hotel or one should seek alternatives. This website is brilliant, it has all the info you need in regards to all airports, well at least you would know in advance if this airport is laying-down friendly or you need to find yourself a plan B.

Link: sleepinginairports.net

Foursquare

If you are out of ideas, not knowing what to do, and where to go, Foursquare have got your back covered. You can look for things to do, places to eat, to hang-out, to party, or to listen to good music. You can just let the app detect your location, and it will give you a set of options to choose from.

Link: foursquare.com

Gogobot (newly updated to trip.com)

Slightly similar to Foursquare, however this one is more personalized. You get to choose your type of preferences, and it shows you activities accordingly.

Link: gogobot.com

Blablacar

With the rise of foreign exchange rates here in Egypt, and prices in Europe becoming insane for us; Blablacar is your ultimate way to get around Europe. Blablacar is a site where car owners offer a ride from point A to B -between European cities-, on a certain day and time to whoever is interested in joining for a determined fee, allowing those who are seeking a ride to search & book one. Not only it’s cheaper to ride, but is an opportunity to meet with new people, and have an entertaining ride.

Link: blablacar.com

Award Wallet

Have you subscribed to many mileage programs yet you lost count of how many miles you heave on each program? Award Wallet tracks all your miles under the same roof, in addition to notifying you by email whenever your miles are about to expire.

Link: awardwallet.com

Google Trips

The optimum travel planner that combines everything in one app, all you need is to download the app; where your reservations; things to do categorized in top spots, indoors, outdoors, kids friendly, farther away and places A-Z; once you find your kind of places you can select it, then add it to the saved places section; suggested day plans with detailed itineraries so you’d never run out of ideas or waste too much time trying hard to figure out what to do and when, this feature even provides a map so you’d tell how close places are to one another; another feature is a list of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs. Brilliant..huh?!

Link: google.com/trips

Viator

Even if you do not join one of their tours, Viator gives enough inspiration to wisely plan your own trips.

Link: viator.com

And the best had to be saved for last…

Hopper

I was just introduced to this GENIUS app yesterday THANKS to a friend, and I know it’s going to be a life -travel- changer, it’s pure genius as it price predicts flight ticket prices after you enter your route and dates, the app will give you price options, and tells you whether you should buy it now or wait for the app to notify you whenever the price drops, and it gets better as the app will give you tips anyway, along with other suggestions that will drop the price! That’s a life saviour…

Link: hopper.com

What are your favourite travel sites & apps that you use and interested in helping fellow travelers to know about?! Share them with us in the comments below, we would love to hear from you…

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About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.