8 FREE TRAVEL APPS THAT YOU MUST HAVE

General Travel 2 Comments

Hand holding a phone up and taking a photo of a whale breaching in the water just a few metres away

Everyone knows that we’re well and truly in the digital age…

So much so, that we can now go on a trip and translate languages, convert currency and plan an entire holiday to the other side of the world directly from our mobile phones. Crazy right?

Technology is incredibly clever, and there’s no doubt that it can help you in amazing ways – In terms of travel, it can definitely save you from a lot of stress and concern when on the road. So today, I’m here to share my top 8 travel apps that you really must have.

And the best part is… They’re totally free!

XE Currency

XE Currency App Logo

You really can’t travel the world without a currency converter! It’s very easy to overspend your budget when the currency is completely different to the one you’re used to. XE Currency is perfect as it allows you to convert currencies when on the go so that you know exactly how much you’re spending around the world. No internet is needed, as the app updates whenever you’re on wifi so that the rate is always accurate.

There’s no way of knowing whether 10,000 is actually 10,000 or more like $1 without an app like this – XE Currency definitely makes things so much easier!

Been

What’s better than being able to follow your travel progress around the world?

‘Been‘ allows you to enter all of the places you’ve visited, and marks them off on the map once they’re reached. It gives you a list of all of the countries and US states that you’ve visited, as well as a total percentage of the entire globe that you’ve managed to reach.

If there’s one app that’s bound to give you motivation… It’s this one!

WUnderground

Weather Underground App Logo

There have been many times where the weather app on my phone has told me the complete opposite forecast of what actually occurs. Eg. when it says there will be torrential rain, and it turns out to be a perfectly sunny day.

But with WUnderground, that certainly won’t happen. This is by far the most accurate weather app you’ll ever encounter; it gives you an extensive report of all cities around the world – the wind, the rain, the sunsets and all. If you want to know the real weather forecast without having to worry about its accuracy, WUnderground is definitely for you!

Skyscanner

Skyscanner App Logo

Find flights all in one place, and straight from your mobile phone!

The best feature on this Skyscanner app is the ‘Everywhere’ option. If you’re wanting to go on a quick getaway for an affordable price, Skyscanner allows you to enter your current destination and it will show you all of the cheapest options for a spontaneous trip. You’ll be able to find cheap airfares in a short matter of minutes!

Google Maps

Google Maps App

Have you ever been stuck in a new city, with no wifi and a complete lack of direction? I have – and I really wish that I had this app! Most iPhones are equipped with a simple Maps app, but let me tell you… It’s nothing like Google Maps!

I’m sure you’re probably all laughing at me right now – saying “Kate, Google Maps is the most obvious travel app of all time…” – I know, I know; I’m very late to the game.

But my favourite thing about Google Maps is that you can download a designated map of a selected city whilst on wifi, allowing you to access directions when you’re stuck in the middle of a foreign city without an internet connection. Genius right?

No getting lost ever again!

Booking.com

Booking.com App Logo

Hotels galore! For those who like to stay in hotels rather than hostels or Air BnB’s, the Booking.com app is a literal lifesaver. It has thousands of different hotels from all around the world, with a huge variety of price points to accommodate your budget.

And if you feel like helping a fellow traveller out, I have a Booking.com affiliate link that will help me fund this blog at no extra cost to you. You will get a great deal on booking.com and I will keep a steady income! I can assure you that your kindness won’t go unnoticed.

PackPoint Packing List

Packpoint Packing List App Logo

Packing can often be a very stressful process; especially if you struggle to remember essential items such as underwear and toothpaste. Of course, most destinations have places to buy the things that you forgot, but why not avoid the situation altogether by downloading a handy app?

PackPoint Packing List asks you to input your holiday destination, your length of stay and a rough outline of the types of activities you’ll be participating in. From there, the app checks the weather for the duration of your trip and gives you a list of all of the things you’ll need for your time away. You can customise where desired and you’ll be sure not to forget a single thing!

Google Translate

Google Translate App Logo

Okay now, I’m positive that you’ve all been in a foreign country and found yourself completely confused by a sign or menu in a different language. Well, look no more! A new feature on the Google Translate app allows you to scan text through the camera on your phone and instantly translates the text for you. You can also type text and translate it to any foreign language of your choice.

There’s no more worrying about whether you’re heading to the right place or eating the right food! Google Translate is your one-stop shop for all of your translation needs.

love kate X

Do you have any other must-have travel apps to add to the list?

Like it? PIN IT!

Someone taking a picture of a whale with iPhone with text overlay - 8 Free Travel Apps that you MUST Have!

2 Comments

2 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • Becca
    · Reply

    Hi Kate,
    found your list of travel apps. I love traveling and apps make it a lot easier, if you don’t want to carry around your laptop everywhere.
    I think there are some great travel apps out there! I personally love couchsurfing and always install it when getting a new phone. I although like to have a couple of “internet free” games to play while waiting at the airport or driving around by bus or train. I was actually writing about that in my own travel blog recently. Maybe you like to have a look.

    I never heard about “Been” before. Does it only mark the country or certain cities and places as well? I always used google maps to track where I’ve been so far. The best places, hotels and restaurants I am marking with stars or other markers to remember them when having a look at a certain area again.

    • Kate Newman
      · Reply

      Author

      Hi Becca,
      I total agree, I love having internet free games too – They’re a great time waster. I’ll definitely check out your blog!
      ‘Been’ only keeps a tally of countries as a whole, but also the states of America are counted individually – It’s great. Using google maps is such a great idea too! Thanks for some great advice X

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Girl in red beanie looking at camera with mountains in the distance

Welcome to Travel for Difference!
Inside the mind of a compassionate, holistic, eco-conscious Australian! Standing up for things that matter and inspiring you along the way. Come and join me ♡

SaveSave

Follow me on Bloglovin’!

Follow

Where have I been?

WHERE HAVE I BEEN Placeholder
WHERE HAVE I BEEN

LATEST ON INSTAGRAM

  • Leopards — the most adaptable of all big cats 🐆 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are 9 Leopard subspecies found in over 70 countries worldwide... Their primary threat is human activity, which is why it’s SO important that we support conservation models that work WITH humans, not against them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Humans are not the enemy, we just need to come up with sustainable solutions that benefit local communities and those who live alongside these animals. Remember, if we want our fellow Earth species to thrive, we must learn how to thrive along with them. Humans and animals, all life intersects 🧡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ FUN FACT: This leopard had just killed a wildebeest and dragged it up into a tree. They’re incredible climbers 🌳
  • Let’s talk about SELF DOUBT 🙃 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Over the last few weeks I managed to dive head first into a deep DARK hole of self doubt; questioning my abilities, comparing myself to others, and constantly criticizing my work... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Despite knowing that all of my photos up until this point have been purely just for fun, I was looking at photography from people who I deeply admire, and instead of feeling inspired (like I usually would), I was critiquing my hobbyist work against it... Baaaaad idea 😅 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It took me a long time, but I think I’ve finally moved on from that mindset and am ready to celebrate my wins instead of focusing on the losses. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What I want to remind you of today, is that the worst enemy to creativity is self doubt. No matter what you’re striving for in life, you WILL NOT get there unless you believe in yourself, and you certainly won’t enjoy the process if you let comparison steal your joy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Self doubt weighs you down like a tonne of bricks, and trust me, it’s so much nicer to let that sh*t go 💫 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I believe in YOU, and I finally believe in myself too 🧡
  • One of my favorite moments in Chitwan National Park — SWIPE 🦌🌿 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wildlife photography has always been a huge passion of mine, but I’ve recently had the urge to take it a step further... I’m upgrading my camera kit (for a much better focus and faster frames per second) and am going to work my butt off, which means you might see some more animals around here 🦍🦒🐨🦁🦘🦧 — once we’re allowed to explore again of course. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m obviously going to still be blogging and sharing a whole heap about sustainability and ethical travel, but I really want to dive deep into wildlife photography and see where it takes me 🥰 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I hope you’ll stick around for the ride 🤍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’d love to know what your passions are? Have you had the urge to change paths? Let’s chat! 🌟
  • Here’s what I learnt last week (it was a big one): ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐋 A whale’s low frequency sound can be heard up to 10,000 miles away (that’s from Australia to Canada 🤯) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💭 “The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 😷 You can make a mask out of a sock — all you need is a sock and scissors! See tutorial in my story highlights 🧡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🎶 Coco is the BEST Disney movie (Nemo is a very close second) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🦵🏼30% of muscles in your body are below the knee! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⚡️ Lightning hits the Earth around 44 times EVERY SECOND (lightning storms are my favourite thing to watch) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐴 Animals passing away is never an easy thing to experience... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌍 Waste is a racial justice issue. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ♥️ You can’t be part of the solution if you don’t recognize how you are part of the problem. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What did YOU learn last week? Post inspired by @ethicallykate 💫
  • How are you? Really really? ♥️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Although it’s so important to focus on what you’re grateful for and for all the #littlethingsinlife (as I always say), it’s also super important to acknowledge how you’re feeling in your own reality. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you’re stressed, feel it. If you’re sad, feel it. If you’re missing your family, FEEL IT. If you’re fearful of the future, feel it. If you’re upset about your injured hip, missing the outdoors, and jealous of the places that have sorted covid out and are free to adventure (🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ New Zealand, I’m very jealous of you) then feeeeeeeeel it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You can be extremely grateful for your life and still acknowledge every emotion that comes your way. Just try your very best not to unpack and live in the darkness — as difficult as that may be. Be kind to yourself, you got this ✊🏼 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So, how are you? Really really? Remember that my inbox is always open 🥰
  • The Great Wildebeest Migration... ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ An annual spectacle where over 1.5 MILLION wildebeest embark on a treacherous 1000km circular journey from Tanzania to the mighty Maasai Mara. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m calling it... I think this might be the greatest show on Earth 💛
  • When the world’s largest land mammals look like mere tiny ants 🐘 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This week I’ve been deeply missing wildlife photography, the mountains and a sense of adventure. Just as things were starting to ease and I began to make a few plans, Melbourne was hit with a second wave and now we’re back in lockdown... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I guess this is a reminder to go with the flow of life. Be flexible, expect the unexpected, be open to change, and always be grateful for the little things too ♥️
  • Mighty Sagarmatha 🏔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I first caught sight of Mount Everest in June of 2019 from high up in the sky... And no more than 5 months later I had the privilege of walking through the Himalayas to see her up close. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But my reminder to you today, is that mountains are not for us to ‘conquer’. They do not belong to us. Love them, cherish them, treat them with respect. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nature is not for us to defeat ♥️
  • How lucky we are to share this planet with such beautiful creatures... 🦓♥️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “We’re all part of this great big eco system; from the bees to the trees to the human beings” (@intersectionalenvironmentalist) 🌏 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We need to make this a space where we ALL can thrive... All life intersects, and thus our activism must intersect too 🌏🥰
  • WHITE PRIVILEGE IN THE OUTDOORS 🌱 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❝ Even though the outdoors may be interpreted as a place of wellness that people visit in order to decompress or become the best version of themselves, simply being outside has historically been a challenge for ethnically diverse communities and BIPOC ❞ — David Robles, @melaninbasecamp ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In many aspects of the outdoors; hiking, climbing, running, skiing, camping, bird watching etc. BIPOC are policed, threatened and targeted... Hiking routes have racist names, the people you predominantly see on the trails and in outdoor media are white, and in general, systemic racism creates barriers that make the outdoors less accessible to BIPOC... (etc.) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is deemed to be a peaceful, rejuvenating, relaxing place to ‘escape’, is not always a safe and accessible place for all❗️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If, like me, you encourage others to dive deep into nature, to care for the planet, to cherish the outdoors... Remember that we MUST also do the work to make it something that is an inclusive, diverse, safe space for EVERYONE. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There is no “outdoors for all” whilst racism exists, so here’s what you can do: + Reach out to outdoor brands and ask them to do better, listen to the stories of BIPOC and amplify their voices, follow Black outdoor enthusiasts (there has recently been a BlackHikersWeek and BlackBirdersWeek. Look up the hashtags and support them ♥️), donate to grassroot orgs, educate yourself, be teachable, speak up, have conversations... Diversify. The. Outdoors! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We have A LOT of work to do. Once again, I’m right here learning with you 🌿 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📍 Lairmairrener Land
  • Fluffy Stork-billed Kingfisher 🌱 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have found a deep love for birdlife over recent years. My reminder to you, today and everyday, is DO NOT forget to look up! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There’s magic gliding through the sky... ♥️
  • Yesterday was World Giraffe Day! So let’s marvel at our long limbed friends... 🦒 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Masai Giraffe (with these unique patterns) were declared endangered due to their population plummeting by 50% in the last 30 years. Out of the 8 other giraffe subspecies, 2 are critically endangered 💔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In the same 3 decades, TOTAL giraffe numbers have fallen by 40%, with only 111,000 giraffe now remaining in all of Africa. Meaning, there are fewer of these towering giants than there are elephants... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So, what can you do? - Support Acacia tree reforestation efforts and sustainable agriculture programs. - Support anti-poaching efforts that work WITH humans, not against them (killing poachers is NOT the solution!!!) - Donate to rescue and rehabilitation orgs. - Support sustainable community development programs. Finding community based solutions will assist in Giraffe conservation too. We need to look at the reasons why human-wildlife conflict/poaching/the bushmeat trade (etc.) occurs, and find beneficial alternatives and incentives for communities instead (Remember, it’s all connected ✊🏼) - Amplify Indigenous/LOCAL ecological knowledge. - Educate others on why intersectional wildlife conservation is so important (as well as climate justice and social sustainability too, once again... It’s all connected) 🌎 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To finish, I leave you with a fun fact... Giraffes hum at night! How cute is that?! 😍🦒🧡

Follow Me!

August 2020
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  

CATEGORIES

© 2020 · TRAVEL FOR DIFFERENCE - Disclaimer

Pin It on Pinterest