Best Travel Apps I've Used This Year

I've traveled quite a bit this year and compiled a list of the best apps I've used, which helped make my travel experience easier.

AIRBNB

AIRBNB in Joshua Tree, CA close to Joshua Tree National Park

AIRBNB is a great option if you're traveling with multiple family members and want an actual home with a front yard and backyard. I've always rented homes with a hot tub or pool. There have been recent complaints about the cleaning fees but I've found homes that aren't extremely outrageous with their fees. I'm also okay with stripping the beds, throwing the trash out, placing towels on the floor, and starting the dishwasher. As a homeowner, I'd want someone to take care of my home too, if I ever decided to rent it out.


Pro-tip: Always make sure to read the comments before booking to see if there are any red flags to worry about. I've found helpful comments about the neighborhood, the water pressure, and any weird neighbors, etc.


Before booking, I always look for "Superhosts," and I make sure I'm able to check-in via code or lockbox at the property.

AllTrails

Mt. Pinos

AllTrails has saved me on a few hikes where I wasn't sure if the trail was a loop or if it was "out and back."

I appreciate the reviews from other hikers, the photos, and the detailed trail maps. I like using the app to log my hikes as well as rate them and sort hikes based on difficulty.

American Airlines (or any airline app)

Having flown with American Airlines the majority of the past year, I've found the app to be helpful with my boarding pass, airport maps, and watching free entertainment while in the air.


Pro-Tip: If you have a trip credit that you're unable to redeem online or through the app, place your trip on "hold" and go on X.com (formerly Twitter), and message American Airlines. Let them know you have a flight credit you're trying to use. Provide them with your trip credit # as well as your hold confirmation information. (This is a faster method than sitting on a call with customer service for 2 hours). Shout out to Reddit for providing me with this tip, and I'm glad to confirm it actually works and it saved me time!

Booking.com

I've used Booking.com for rental cars and tours while traveling. I should disclose that my site has Booking.com affiliate links. 

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Seattle, WA

Using my American Express Platinum points, I booked a free stay at the Four Seasons in Seattle, and I used their app to chat with the concierge, to make special requests before my arrival, and I've also used it to order room service. It was nice sightseeing in Seattle, WA, and then using the app to order dinner. By the time I got to the hotel, my food was delivered shortly after. It was so convenient! 

TooSim - eSIM App

When it comes to traveling internationally, it's important to remember that data plans can get expensive if you don't leverage an eSIM or alert your phone carrier that you're traveling. TooSim offers an easy to use eSIM app (both iOS and Android) that offers instant delivery, consolidated coverage so you don't have to get multiple SIMs for different countries, and you get to avoid roaming fees. Check them out on the App Store or on Google Play. 

Pro Tip - Plans start at just $3.99 for 1GB, with regional bundles available too — like one eSIM that works across both the US and Canada. I used them when I traveled to Victoria B.C., Canada and it worked great as I took photos/videos and uploaded them to Instagram.

Google Maps

This app is a given but I appreciate being able to download offline maps, especially when I'm visiting national parks where cell service is often spotty. I appreciate that hikes are now integrated into Google Maps. We used Google Maps to navigate our way through Olympic National Park back in July. Watch my video below:

Airport Transfer

If you're looking for a one-stop-shop for pre-booked transportation upon arrival at your destination, AirportTransfer.com offers a wide range of vehicles, from affordable sedans and premium VIP cars like limousines and First-Class service, to shuttles for small groups and buses for larger groups. Pre-booking is convenient in just a few easy steps when you need to get to your hotel, popular tourist destination, venue, or event after your flight. The advantage of AT is that you don't have to worry about tipping your driver, as all of this is handled in advance during your reservation, eliminating any surprise charges.

How AirportTransfer.com Works?
Your driver will meet you directly at your specified address or at the airport at the time you specify upon arrival. From there, you'll depart in a comfortable, private vehicle with all your luggage safely loaded and traveling with you. Airport transfer services offer a seamless, end-to-end solution that ensures a safe and punctual journey to your destination. Booking your private airport transfer is easy through the AirportTransfer.com website or mobile application, available on both Android and iOS devices: Google Play Store for Airport Transfers and AirportTransfer App Store. The service offers flexible cancellation policies, including free cancellation up to 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up, providing peace of mind for all travelers.

Uber and Lyft

I use Uber or Lyft to get to and from the airport. Upon arrival at LAX, I'm not going to lie, it's a bit annoying having to take an LAX-it green shuttle to get to the rideshare area but I tolerate it. 

Youtube

I always use YouTube to prep for my trips and I watch video guides, travel vlogs, and tips for destinations worldwide. One of my favorite YouTube accounts is Through My Lens. Josh the main guy running the channel is the reason I started to document my travels, start my own channel, and create this blog. If you're up for it, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Overall, these apps have helped enhance my travel experience. I'm not much of a camper but I know there are apps that help you find campsites.

Are there travel apps that you use that aren't on my list? Let me know in the comments.

Don't forget to PIN this post! 

Trip Resources

If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!

Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals. 

Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals. 

GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food. 

VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities. 

TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site. 

Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.