Travel Smart: 12 Best Free Travel Apps for iPhone/iPad Users on the Go

From booking to budgeting, these top iOS travel planning apps are a must-have.

Free Travel Apps For iPhone and iPad

Traveling is an incredible and life-enriching adventure that can also prove to be an intimidating and taxing journey. Planning and organizing a trip can take up a lot of time and energy. Fortunately, there are now numerous travel apps available that can help make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

These apps help with everything from securing flights and accommodation to discovering the finest restaurants and must-visit attractions. This article will showcase the best free travel apps for iPhone and iPad users, providing you with the tools necessary for a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Get ready to travel smart and bask in the full glory of your trip!

Tripadvisor: Plan & Book Trips

Price: Free
screenshots of Tripadvisor- Plan & Book Trips app
Screenshots of Tripadvisor- Plan & Book Trips app

Tripadvisor: Plan & Book Trips is a comprehensive travel app that helps users plan and book their trips with ease. It features a vast database of over 8 million accommodations, flight and rental car options, and traveler reviews, allowing users to quickly compare prices and book directly through the app. One of its standout features is its ability to personalize recommendations based on your travel history and preferences, as well as the ability to book excursions and activities directly through the app.

Another plus is the app’s integration with Tripadvisor’s extensive network of traveler reviews, which can help users make informed decisions about where to stay and what to do. However, one drawback is that the app relies heavily on internet connectivity, making it difficult to use when traveling in areas with spotty internet coverage. Some users have also reported issues with the app’s booking process, including hidden fees and incorrect information. Overall, Tripadvisor: Plan & Book Trips is a solid choice for travelers looking for an all-in-one app that simplifies the trip planning process, with its personalized recommendations, vast database, and easy booking process.

Xe Currency & Money Transfers

Price: Free
screenshot of Xe Currency & Money Transfers app
Screenshot of Xe Currency & Money Transfers app

The Xe Currency & Money Transfers app is designed specifically to help travelers manage their finances while on the go. One of the standout features of the Xe Currency app is its ability to access real-time exchange rates for over 160 currencies, allowing travelers to make informed decisions when exchanging currency or making international transactions. This can help travelers avoid overspending and budget their money more effectively. The app also has a built-in calculator that makes it easy to calculate the cost of purchases in foreign currency.

One standout feature of the Xe app is its rate alerts, which notify users of significant changes in currency exchange rates. Users also have the ability to send money to friends, family, or business partners anywhere in the world directly from their smartphones. The app also provides a secure and reliable platform for managing finances while traveling.

However, the app may charge fees for certain transactions, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully. Overall, the Xe Currency & Money Transfers app is a valuable tool for travelers looking for an easy and convenient way to manage their finances while on the road.

WeatherBug – Weather Forecast

Price: Free
screenshots of WeatherBug – Weather Forecast app for travellers
Screenshots of WeatherBug – Weather Forecast app for travellers

When traveling, it’s always wise to stay prepared for any weather conditions that might arise. WeatherBug – Weather Forecast is an excellent app for travelers who need to stay informed about the weather during their trips. The app provides accurate and up-to-date weather information for locations around the world, including current conditions, hour-by-hour forecasts, and extended forecasts for the next 10 days. This information can be incredibly valuable for travelers who need to make decisions about what to wear, what activities to plan, and how to prepare for any inclement weather that may be on the horizon.

The real-time weather updates are extremely helpful, which include current conditions, temperature, and wind speed, as well as future weather forecasts for up to 10 days. This information is critical for travelers who are planning their trips or are already on the go. WeatherBug is one of the essential travel apps on iOS devices with up-to-date weather information, a live weather camera network, and a user-friendly interface that helps travelers to make informed decisions about their activities.

Skyscanner – travel deals

Price: Free
screenshot of Skyscanner – travel deals app
Screenshot of Skyscanner – travel deals app

Skyscanner – Travel Deals app is a must-have for all frequent travelers and budget-conscious individuals. It’s my go-to app to compare prices on flights, hotels with an interactive map, and car rentals as not only it saves time, but also money, making it the ultimate travel companion app for me.

Skyscanner’s price comparison feature is the best thing which allows you to see the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals at a glance. Users can set price alerts for specific destinations, so you’ll never miss out on a good deal. Search for flights, hotels, and car rentals by specific dates, or choosing to search for the cheapest options over a given period of time is quick and effortless. In addition, the level of customization makes it easy to plan trips to fit your budget and schedule.

On the downside, the app does not include information on baggage fees, seat upgrades, or in-flight amenities. Overall, with its vast database of travel options, easy-to-use interface, and customizable features, Skyscanner is a must-have app for travelers everywhere.

PackPoint Travel Packing List

Price: Free
Screenshots of PackPoint Travel Packing List app
Screenshots of PackPoint Travel Packing List app

PackPoint Travel Packing List is a must-have app for all travelers, as it provides a unique solution to the common packing headache. With its personalized packing list feature, you’ll never forget an essential item for your trip. The app creates a list tailored to your destination, trip length, and planned activities, eliminating the need for guesswork. In addition, PackPoint also integrates with your calendar to remind you of items you need to pack for specific events.

This app is a great option for frequent travelers, as you can save multiple packing lists for business or leisure trips. However, some users have reported difficulty in integrating the app with their calendars, which can be a downside. Overall, PackPoint Travel Packing List is a highly recommended app that simplifies the packing process and makes trip planning a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, this app is a must-have for hassle-free packing.

TripIt: Travel Planner

Price: Free
Screenshots of TripIt- Travel Planner app
Screenshots of TripIt- Travel Planner app

TripIt: Travel Planner is another better travel app that helps streamline the trip planning process. With its ability to organize flight and hotel itineraries, rental car reservations, and other travel details, you can keep all your important information in one place. The app integrates with your email, making it effortless to import travel details and keep everything organized.

TripIt also provides real-time updates on flight status, including gate changes and delays, allowing you to stay informed about your travel plans. Additionally, the app’s mapping feature offers directions to your hotel, rental car pick-up location, and other destinations, making it a valuable tool for travel.

However, the occasional glitches and slow updates can cause discrepancies between the app’s itinerary and the actual itinerary. Additionally, while the mapping feature is convenient, it may not always be reliable, so it’s best to use a dedicated navigation app like Google Maps.

Airbnb

Price: Free
Screenshots of Airbnb iOS app
Screenshots of Airbnb iOS app

Airbnb is the single most popular travel app for finding unique and affordable accommodation options by letting you search for properties all over the world, including apartments, homes, and even treehouses. One of the biggest advantages of Airbnb is the ability to book a stay with a local host, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the culture and community of their destination in a more immersive way. Find the perfect place to stay based on location, price, available amenities, and verified reviews from past guests.

As everything happens through the app, there might be issues with property cleanliness and communication with hosts, which can lead to disappointing stays in some cases. Overall, Airbnb is a great app for travelers looking for unique and affordable accommodation.

Citymapper: All Your Transport

Price: Free
Screenshots of Citymapper- All Your Transport app
Screenshots of Citymapper- All Your Transport app

Finding your way around an unfamiliar city is always painful even with the help of familiar navigation apps. Worry no more as you will get to know Citymapper – the ultimate transportation app for travelers. It covers all modes of transportation, including public transit, bike-share, and ride-hail services. With real-time updates and step-by-step directions, travelers can easily navigate their way through a new city.

Citymapper integrates and analyzes data from various services such as Google Maps to provide users with the best route options, estimated arrival times, and detailed directions to help them get from point A to point B with ease. It is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to compare different transit options and choose the quickest or most affordable one. The app also works pretty well in the offline mode allowing users to access maps, directions, and transit information without a data connection. Which resulted in saving a lot of international roaming charges for travelers.

Splid – Split group bills

Price: Free/ IAP from $2.99 – $3.99
Screenshots of Splid – Split group bills app
Screenshots of Splid – Split group bills app

Splid is a no-brainer app for travelers who are frequently traveling in groups. The app’s primary purpose is to keep track of expenses and split the bills among the group members in an easy and hassle-free manner solving a common problem that travelers face while traveling with a group.

Anyone can add expenses, assign them to a specific person, and see the total amount each member owes at a glance. The app even allows splitting expenses fairly by equal amounts or by percentages, which is especially useful when traveling with friends and family. Additionally, the app supports multiple currencies and also has a built-in currency converter, making it easy to keep track of expenses while traveling internationally. It can even export the report in pdf or excel format for keeping a physical record.

Yelp: Food, Delivery & Reviews

Price: Free
Screenshots of Yelp- Food, Delivery & Reviews app
Screenshots of Yelp- Food, Delivery & Reviews app

Yelp is an all-in-one app for travelers looking to discover the best local restaurants, cafes, bars, and food delivery services. With a vast collection of user reviews and ratings, Yelp makes it easy for travelers to find the perfect food options in unfamiliar locations. The app’s filtering options, which include cuisine, price, and location, help travelers find exactly what they’re looking for. Furthermore, Yelp’s integration with food delivery services like GrubHub, Seamless, and Uber Eats allows travelers to order their meals and have them delivered right to their door. The app’s mapping feature provides clear, step-by-step directions, making it simple to navigate to your desired destination

While Yelp’s user-generated review system provides valuable insights into the quality of food, service, and atmosphere of a restaurant, it can also be inconsistent, with some reviews being unreliable or fake. Nonetheless, for any food-loving traveler, Yelp is an indispensable tool for discovering the best local dining options and ensuring the best value for your money.

GetYourGuide: Tours & Tickets

Price: Free
Screenshots of GetYourGuide- Tours & Tickets app on iOS
Screenshots of GetYourGuide- Tours & Tickets app on iOS

GetYourGuide is a newer app I highly recommend for those who are looking for unique and immersive experiences on their trips. Its user-friendly interface lets you book a vast selection of tours and tickets to a variety of activities, ranging from scenic city tours to outdoor adventure activities. Users can browse through detailed information about the activities, including photos, reviews, and information about the provider.

The convenience of being able to manage your entire tour itinerary, including modifying or canceling bookings and accessing digital tickets, is a major advantage of GetYourGuide. However, it should be noted that the availability of tours and activities in some locations may be limited, and users may not always find the best prices through the app, which can be disappointing.

Flush – Toilet Finder & Map

Price: Free
Screenshots of Flush - Toilet Finder & Map app
Screenshots of Flush – Toilet Finder & Map app

Flush is an incredibly useful app for holidaymakers, especially backpackers, as it provides a comprehensive database of public restrooms and user-generated information. With the ability to find clean and convenient restrooms in any location, and offline support, users can rest assured that they will never be caught without a place to go. Additionally, users can filter results by amenities, such as handicap accessibility and baby changing stations, making it an ideal app for all types of travelers.

However, as the app relies on user-generated data, the database of restrooms may not always be up-to-date and can be inconsistent in some regions. Despite this, Flush remains a valuable tool for travelers as a reliable toilet finder app.

These are some of the best travel apps for iOS, however, depending on your travel style and destinations, other apps may be more useful. If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, let us know in the comments which travel apps you use and find most helpful.

Danica Simic
Danica Simic
Danica Simic is an aspiring data scientist and software engineer who enjoys writing technical articles and informational content using her academic knowledge. She also loves reviewing different products, especially gadgets and gizmos, as well as writing concise guides and tutorials.

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