Whether you're island-hopping in Greece, trekking through Southeast Asia, or navigating busy airport terminals in the US, having the right digital tools in your pocket can transform the way you travel.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-enabled world, the best apps for travel do more than help with directions, they manage your bookings, track expenses, break down language barriers, and even help you sleep better through jet lag.

This guide highlights the best travel apps to travel internationally, carefully selected to solve real pain points faced by you.

From missed connections and confusing currencies to trip planning and poor connectivity, these essential travel apps are your digital lifeline abroad.

1. Google Maps (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Navigation, walking directions, offline maps

A must-have for international travelers, Google Maps helps you explore unfamiliar cities confidently. Save offline maps, mark favorite spots, and use public transport routes. all in one intuitive app. It’s especially useful for Europe travel, where walking and trains are common.

2. KnowRoaming eSIMs (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Mobile data, eSIM installation, connectivity management

Stay online without roaming charges using KnowRoaming, a leading eSIM app offering mobile data in over 200 destinations. It solves one of the biggest pain points: how to stay connected abroad affordably and reliably.

The app features eSIM Automatic Install for instant activation, plan top-ups, and 24/7 support, making it one of the best travel apps for global connectivity.

We offer both fixed and unlimited eSIM data plans.

While we offer country-specific eSIMs for over 200 destinations, we also offer regional eSIMs like:

Global eSIM - 144 Countries

Europe eSIM - 39 Countries

Asia eSIM - 17 Countries

And more! Click here to see all destinations.

3. Waze (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Driving navigation and real-time traffic updates

For road-tripping travelers or digital nomads renting cars, Waze offers real-time, crowd-sourced traffic alerts. It’s ideal for dodging traffic, police traps, and road closures, especially helpful in countries with unpredictable driving conditions.

4. Rome2Rio (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Comparing transportation options between destinations

Wondering how to get from Marseille to Milan? Rome2Rio maps out planes, trains, buses, ferries, and rideshares. Making it invaluable for Europe and Asia travel where multimodal transport is the norm.

5. Omio (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Booking trains, buses, and flights in Europe

Omio simplifies Europe travel by letting you search and book cross-country transport in one place. It supports multiple languages, currencies, and provides mobile tickets, no printing required.

6. Google Translate (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Real-time language translation

Don’t speak the local language? Just point your camera at a menu or type a phrase. Google Translate offers over 100 languages, instant camera translation, and offline support, making it one of the best travel apps for Asia and Europe travel.

7. TripAdvisor (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Reviews and traveler insights

Read real reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions. TripAdvisor lets you plan smarter and avoid tourist traps, making it one of the best apps for travel research and last-minute decisions.

8. GetYourGuide (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Booking tours and local experiences

Want to book a cooking class in Barcelona or a hike in Chiang Mai? GetYourGuide curates tours led by locals, giving you access to authentic experiences and skip-the-line passes for major sites.

9. Timeshifter (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Jet lag prevention

Created with sleep scientists, Timeshifter generates personalized schedules to help you adapt to new time zones. It’s ideal for long-haul travelers and business trippers crossing multiple zones.

10. Uber (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Safe, cashless transportation

Available in over 70 countries, Uber is a trusted app for getting around without needing local taxis or cash. It eliminates language barriers and pricing confusion, ideal for unfamiliar cities.

11. Wise (iOS | Android)

Use it for: International money transfers and debit cards

Wise offers real exchange rates and low transfer fees. Travelers can open a multi-currency account and use a debit card abroad, making it a top choice for budgeting and avoiding ATM fees.

12. Hopper (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Flight price tracking and predictions

Hopper analyzes billions of flight prices to predict the best time to book. It’s one of the best travel phone apps for budget travelers wanting cheap fares without constantly checking prices.

13. Currency Apps

Use it for: Currency conversion and quick exchange calculations

Calculator App (iOS)

iPhone users can achieve quick conversions using the native Calculator app or Spotlight Search. Simply type “100 USD to EUR” to get live rates directly from your device. While basic, it’s fast, accurate, and perfect for travelers on the go. Read more here.

XE Currency (Android)

For Android users, XE Currency is a go-to travel app offering real-time exchange rates and offline access, making it ideal for navigating unfamiliar currencies in Asia travel and beyond.

Both are among the best travel apps for managing money abroad and preventing costly conversion mistakes.

14. PackPoint (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Creating customized packing lists

PackPoint generates smart packing lists based on your destination, trip length, weather, and planned activities, solving the age-old problem of overpacking or forgetting essentials.

15. Splitwise (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Splitting expenses and managing group travel budgets

Traveling with friends or in a group? Splitwise is one of the best travel apps for organizing shared expenses. Whether you're splitting a dinner bill in Lisbon or paying for a group Airbnb in Tokyo, the app tracks who owes what and settles up effortlessly. It supports multiple currencies and is perfect for keeping things fair and transparent during international trips.

16. HotelTonight (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Last-minute hotel deals

HotelTonight offers discounted rates for same-day hotel bookings. Great for spontaneous travelers or when plans fall through unexpectedly.

17. SafetyWing (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Travel health insurance and emergency coverage

Offering affordable insurance designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers, SafetyWing helps you stay protected in case of accidents, illness, or travel disruptions.

SafetyWing Website

18. Flush (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Finding nearby restrooms

A quirky but extremely useful app, Flush helps you locate clean public bathrooms in any city. Essential for anyone with a long day of sightseeing.

19. Polarsteps (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Travel journaling and itinerary tracking

Polarsteps lets you log your journey in real time with photos, maps, and notes. It’s one of the best travel apps for creating a digital travel diary you’ll actually want to revisit.

20. Priority Pass (iOS | Android)

Use it for: Finding and accessing airport lounges

If you want comfort during layovers, Priority Pass is a must-have. It gives members access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, offering Wi-Fi, food, showers, and quiet space. You can use the app to find lounges near your gate, view entry requirements, and track your usage. It’s one of the best travel apps for frequent flyers who value rest and convenience between flights.

Travel Smarter with the Best Travel Apps

International travel can be exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of logistical challenges, from navigating new cities to staying connected, managing money, and discovering authentic local experiences. That’s why having the right travel phone apps on hand is no longer optional... it’s essential.

The 20 apps featured in this guide have earned their spot among the best apps for travel because they solve real problems. Whether you need essential travel apps for trip planning, translations, budgeting, or transportation. Or you're looking for travel apps for Europe travel or Asia travel, this toolkit equips you for smoother, smarter journeys.

From Google Maps to KnowRoaming eSIMs, TripAdvisor to Polarsteps, these are truly the best travel apps to travel internationally. They help you stay organized, connected, informed, and safe... no matter where your passport takes you.

So before your next adventure, download these top-rated tools. With this collection of best travel apps on your phone, the world becomes a little more accessible, and a lot more enjoyable.