Expert reveals the best apps to have when travelling this summer
Wonder what apps to download before your head out on your summer travels? An expert reveals which ones are sure to enhance your experience…
With the summer travel season just around the corner, apps are your ultimate travel companions, unlocking hidden gems, providing valuable tools, and helping you capture unforgettable moments.
Ethan Bennet from, app developer Sonin shares his list of essential apps for summer travel that will take your adventures to new heights.
Offline navigation
Navigating through the winding streets of a new city can be an adventure, but getting lost when you’re in a rush isn’t fun. Don’t rely solely on your phone service while travelling, as it may not work everywhere, even with roaming data.
Luckily, many apps like Maps.me and Citymapper offer offline features, allowing you to access directions and search for locations without an internet connection.
“Download the map of the city you’re visiting before you leave home or while you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, such as at a hotel,” Bennet advises.
“These maps are downloaded city by city, so you can easily free up storage space by deleting maps of cities you’ve already explored once you move on to your next destination.” he adds.
Camera translators
Translation apps that allow you to snap a photo for instant translation can be a real time-saver, especially when travelling to destinations with different writing systems. Unlike traditional digital translation methods, where you have to type out words to get a translation, photo translation apps let you quickly understand signs, menus, and other text by simply taking a picture. Similar to maps apps, some translation apps also offer offline capabilities, allowing you to download entire languages for use without an internet connection.
“Before your trip, consider researching if there’s a translation app specifically tailored to the language you’ll encounter at your destination. These language-specific apps often provide more accurate and reliable translations, enhancing your overall travel experience.” Bennet says.
Currency conversions
When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to spend all your time doing mental math to figure out prices in different currencies, especially when exchange rates change often. Currency converter apps like XE Currency and Currency Converter are super handy because they give you live rates while you’re connected to the internet. Plus, they can even make predictions based on the most recent rates, making it easier to budget and make informed spending decisions while exploring new places.
Your own (digital) film camera
To capture memorable moments while travelling without getting too caught up in taking countless photos, consider downloading a film camera app like Huji, Gudak, and Calla. These apps simulate the nostalgic feel of disposable film cameras, offering a unique and authentic way to document your experiences. With film camera apps, you’ll focus more on being present in the moment, rather than obsessing over capturing the perfect shot. Plus, you’ll end up with distinctive photos that reflect the atmosphere of your travels.
“By opting for film camera apps, you’ll not only streamline your photo collection but also create lasting memories that stand out from the typical digital snapshots,” Bennet says.