Mozo guides

13 great travel apps for your next adventure

By Evlin DuBose ·
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Collage of people meditating and sitting on smartphones that have travel apps.

Our mobile phones go with us everywhere. (It’s in the name). After all, how else are we supposed to navigate, plan, spend, and capture those sweet, sweet travel memories?

So if you’re planning your next trip, here are some great travel apps to download for free.

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1. Freely - Get excellent travel insurance and safety at a touch

Snowboarder shredding powder. Art.

In an unpredictable world, travel insurance can help give certainty to your holiday. Why not make it easy and on the go by running it all through an app like Freely? This flexible travel insurance option allows you to tailor your coverage while abroad in simple terms. 

But no matter which policy you choose, read the product disclosure statement (PDS).

2. Mamakoo, FindMeGlutenFree, and HappyCow - Meal recommendations for everyone

Hand with chopstick picking up digital sushi on smartphone screen.

Avoid those awkward dinner debates – opt for a meal app! Mamakoo’s creator travelled the world for custom restaurant recommendations, while specific diet apps like HappyCow (vegan) and Find Me Gluten Free help take some guesswork out of safe eateries.

Best countries to travel to if you have dietary restrictions

3. Hopper - Great savings for your travel budget

Collage of woman jumping trailed by rainbows.

Creating a travel budget ain’t easy, so here’s where comparing all your options for flights, hotels, car hires, and more comes in handy. Apps like Hopper look for deals for you, adding crucial money-savings to your trip planning. Less spent on accommodation means more for souvenirs!

4. The Points Guy (TPG) - Supercharge your frequent flyer points

Flight attendant walking across the world, collage.

Another money-saving tip is to maximise your frequent flyer points. Apps like The Points Guy (TPG) track your points and suggest great ways to use them, including charting your progress towards saving goals.

5. Roadtrippers - Map out your road trip route

Collage of two travellers planning their trip on a map.

Driving across the country? Apps like Roadtrippers have got you sorted. Pin your destinations across the map and find the best route to get there – it’ll even throw in a suggestion or two, whether it’s historic sites, a cheeky pub, or your next favourite hotel.

6. PackPnt - De-stress the luggage packing process

Collage of a suitcase in a smartphone screen.

Packing your bags is more art than science, so having an app in your pocket, such as PackPnt, can help sort the chaos, itemise your must-haves, and effectively use limited luggage capacities. Don’t forget your toothbrush!

What travel documents do I need? Pre-trip checklist

7. Timeshifter - Get rid of jet lag and adjust to different timezones

Dog with rainbows shooting out of its eyes.

Your body’s internal clock sometimes feels like the last thing to arrive. Timeshifter helps you adapt and beat jet lag by leaning into your natural circadian rhythm. Kid you not: it’s astronaut approved.

8. FlightAware - Track your flight in real-time

Person smiling at phone while a plane leaves a contrail in the blue sky.

We want to lose track of time – not the plane. But thankfully, flight tracker apps like FlightAware let you watch your ride take off, soar, and land anywhere in the globe. It’ll even clue you into delays or gate changes so you can make your layovers count.

9. Xe - Convert your currency

Hands in space with a phone and a credit card.

Unless you can rattle conversion rates off the top of your head, it’s probably best to get an AI to do it for you. XE’s currency converter app lets you check rates live and (when the time is right for you) send money overseas.

Best international money transfer platforms

10. Google Translate - Learn the local language

Collage of two people sharing a speech bubble.

Until we develop telepathy, Google Translate can be the next best thing for breaking down communication barriers. Scan text and translate in real-time to read a menu, dictate your order and show it to the waiter, then learn how to say “thank you” when the meal comes. Applications are endless!

11. TripAdvisor - Find things to do at your destination

Collage of a person beckoning you into a city with exciting things to do.

Planning your itinerary? Browse apps like TripAdvisor for some bonafide travel inspiration – as voted by locals! You can get price estimates, customised recommendations, and even save your favourites to come back to later.

12. TripWhistle - Call for emergency assistance wherever you are

Collage of a smartphone emitting a speech bubble that says

Safety first! Female and solo travellers especially will benefit from apps like iOS’s TripWhistle, which lets you call for help even if you don’t know who to call. Share your location with the authorities and friends, and phone the correct emergency number directly through the app. Compatible with your Apple iPhone, iPad, or smartwatch.

13. Uber, Didi, and Ola - Rideshare like a pro

Hand holding up phone with rideshare app. Bokeh city light background.

Rideshare apps like Uber, Didi, and Ola can cut through some of the transport uncertainty, especially if you’re in major metropolitan cities. Just be sure to follow common sense safety.

Bonus! Apps to help you cope on the long flight

Hand holding phone with playlist.

Whether aerophobic or just bored, these apps can help you while away those long hours in the sky. 

  • Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Stan. Your favourite streaming app can be a lifesaver in the tedium of air travel. Download your favourite movies and shows ahead of time, so you don’t need to rely on dodgy plane WiFi.
  • Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Sometimes all you want to do is plug in headphones and vibe. Stock up on downloads from your favourite music app – maybe make a playlist or ten. 
  • Kindle. Books take up precious space in your luggage. Download some titles that intrigue you on Kindle instead and have a cheeky read. 
  • Calm and Headspace. Look, travel can be stressful. Plan self-care into your itinerary with the help of meditation and mental well-being apps that can help bring you down to earth.

Compare international travel insurance policies - last updated 28 April 2024

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Been a while since you travelled? Here’s our resource roundup of back-to-travel basics. Compare international travel insurance policies below, or head to our best travel page for award-winning picks.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

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Evlin DuBose
Evlin DuBose
RG146
Senior Money Writer

Evlin, RG146 Generic Knowledge certified and a UTS Communications graduate, is a leading voice in finance news. As Mozo's go-to writer for RBA and interest rates, her work regularly features in Google's Top Stories and major publications like News.com.au.