Travelling to Europe and the British Isles can be a wonderful experience, but planning the trip can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to finding deals, restaurants, rides, activities, or even where you are on the ground in a faraway city where you don’t speak the language.
Fortunately, there are numerous travel apps available that can take away some of the stress and help you to make the most out of your trip.
These days, tourists can be seen everywhere clutching their smartphones as they attempt to navigate the myriad choices available to them. Apps can be extremely useful when it comes to travel, but there are so many out there that it can be a bit difficult to know which ones to choose.
However, at Ancient World Travel, we’ve done some of the research for you and come up with a short list of helpful apps!
Here are some of the best travel apps that you can use when travelling in Europe and the British Isles:
1. TripAdvisor: This app is a must-have for any traveller, and it is definitely one of our favourites. It provides reviews and ratings of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, as well as forums where you can ask for advice from other travellers. You can also use the app to make restaurant reservations, or to book hotels, flights, and activities. CLICK HERE to check it out!
2. Expedia: This app is another great tool for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. It also offers discounts and deals for travellers. You can use the app to browse and book various activities, such as tours, shows, and theme parks. This is our second go-to app for travel! You can use the web interface with your account and then log into the app so all your travel plans are transferred and available at your fingertips. Check out Expedia HERE.
3. Google Maps: This app is a lifesaver when it comes to navigating new cities. It provides detailed maps, directions, and real-time traffic updates. You can also use the app to discover nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops. Whether we’ve been lost on foot in a little hilltop town in the Tuscan countryside, or need driving directions from point A to point B, this app has definitely come in useful and helped us to get back on track. It’s a free download, so always a good idea to use the app of the company that has pretty much mapped the world!
4. Get Transfer: This app is an excellent option when it comes to airport transfers to and from your hotel, or for longer journeys when you don’t want to drive yourself or take public transportation. It is a bid-based interface where drivers and companies make bids for your business based on the details of your transfer (distance, # of passengers, type of car desired etc.). We have a lot of good luck with this service in countries like Italy and Greece and the rates have always been very competitive, the cars clean, and the drivers friendly and reliable. And because this is rating-based, you have the option of only picking drivers or companies who already have good reviews from other passengers. CLICK HERE to check out Get Transfer!
5. Airbnb: Airbnb has received some negative press lately because so much accommodation is being rented out through it, but that does not take away from the fact that it is an excellent service for the budget-savvy traveller. We use this app all the time in our travels, and have never been disappointed with the accommodation we’ve found on it, whether it is a rural sojourn at an Italian agriturismo, or an apartment with a view in a historic centre near all the action. It rarely disappoints. This app offers a great alternative to hotels and allows you to stay in unique accommodations, such as apartments, villas, and even castles. You can use the app to search for listings, book a stay, and communicate with the host. Be sure to look at the reviews of previous guests and try to book with a ‘Superhost’ if you can for the very best service.
6. Citymapper: This app is perfect for navigating public transportation in cities across Europe and the British Isles. It provides real-time information on buses, trains, and subways, as well as walking and cycling directions. There is even a star rating system that will show you what the best options are. If you are one for public transportation, this app is a great option for you.
7. Duolingo: If you're travelling to a country where you don't speak the language, Duolingo can help you learn some basic phrases and vocabulary in a fun way before you go. This free app offers interactive lessons in many languages that are fun and easy to use. Remember that it is a sign of respect (and part of the fun!) to make an effort to speak the language of the country you are visiting. This app makes that easier, and is our go-to app for language learning!
8. Skyscanner: This app allows you to compare flight prices from different airlines and book the cheapest flight anytime and anywhere. You can set up price alerts to receive notifications when prices drop, and you can also browse flexible dates to find the best deals.
9. Kayak: Similar to Skyscanner, Kayak lets you compare flights, hotels, and car rentals, and you can book directly through the app. You can also set up price alerts and explore different destinations to find the best deals. This is a highly-rated app that has helped countless travellers. Definitely worth checking out!
10. Economy Bookings: This app is a great resource for finding the best deals on rental cars in Europe and the British Isles. You can search for cars by location, date, and type, and compare prices from different rental car companies. You can also book directly through the app and manage your reservations. CLICK HERE to check it out!
11. Hopper: This app uses AI to predict future flight prices and tells you whether to book now or wait. You can set up price alerts and watch flights to get the best deals on travel, car rentals, or accommodation. The app also provides information on flight delays and cancellations.
12. Booking.com: This app offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. You can search for accommodations by location, date, and price, and read reviews from other travellers. You can also book directly through the app, manage your reservations, and leave important reviews.
13. Hostelworld: If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation options, Hostelworld is a great app to use. It offers a wide selection of hostels across Europe and the British Isles, and you can book directly through the app. You can also read reviews from other travellers and browse photos of the hostels. If you’re considering a European backpacking adventure, solo or with friends, this app is a must!
14. Rome2Rio: This app helps you plan your travel itinerary by showing you different transportation options, including flights, trains, buses, and car rentals. You can also compare prices and travel times for different routes, and book your tickets directly through the app. Just enter your destination and check out the options!
15. Uber: This app is widely used in Europe and the British Isles, and it's a convenient way to get around without having to worry about language barriers or negotiating prices. You can use the app to book a ride, track your driver, and pay using your phone just like you would back home. If you are an Uber user, you won’t need any convincing to use it abroad. Uber is not available everywhere, however, so be sure to check before you travel.
In addition the apps mentioned above, you may also wish to consider downloading the app for the specific airline(s) you are travelling on, if they provide one, as these will often give you updates and reminders about your flights and departure times.
Overall, these travel apps can help make your trip to Europe and the British Isles more enjoyable, efficient, and stress-free. They offer a wide range of features, including price comparison, booking and reservation management, travel planning, and more.
With these apps at your fingertips, you can travel with confidence and make the most out of your trip. Whether you're a seasoned traveller, or embarking on your first trip, these apps are sure to be invaluable tools to help you navigate your way through Europe and the British Isles.
Have fun planning, and enjoy your adventures!
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