Congratulations!! You’ve decided you’re taking your first solo trip ever and are now in full planning mode. From finding the best destination to the perfect hotel room you are researching it all. And that’s great. And by now you’ve properly realized that your best planning tool fits into the palm of your hand — that’s right your smartphone.
Whether your first solo trip or your 100th, traveling alone can be daunting be but having your smartphone in hand with all the right apps can make traveling so much easier. Travel apps that can help research, plan, connect, send reminders and get around. That’s why I’ve found some of the best (free) websites and apps for solo travelers to make your solo trip a little more stress-free.
Best Apps for Solo Travelers
Safety
First on our list of apps for solo travelers is about safety of course. Traveling safe, especially as a solo traveler, is always at the forefront of our minds while planning and for good reason. Ease your mind with downloading a safety app or two.
TripWhistle Global SOS – Don’t know the emergency number for the country you’re in? No worries, this app helps you have all the right emergency numbers right at your fingertips. Plus it provides your exact location when needed. (Noonlight)
Maps
Maps go hand in hand with safety. You never know when your service may cut out or wifi not be available at all. Having access to maps so you don’t get lost is important and can be a true lifesaver.
Google Maps is my go-to app for online maps on my list of apps for solo travelers. Along with MAPS.ME with Sygic GPS Navigation as a third option.
Planning
Research, Plan, Research, Plan, Book, Research is basically the order of things, right? Finding the right apps for solo travelers to plan a trip can cut planning and worry time in half.
Skyscanner – travel can get pricey especially when you’re traveling solo. This app lets you set up alerts and scans fare deals everywhere. Not only that, you can find hotel and car deals for your pending trip.
Omio – One of the best apps to plan and book train, bus & flights! (Rome2rio)
HostelWorld – When it comes to lodging we really do have a lot of options. If you’re new to solo travel I always recommend trying a hostel for a few reasons. Hostels are little communities in themselves meaning you’re able to meet new people from all around the world in a more intimate situation. Many hostels have events during the week that encourage the social aspect while saving money. If Hostels just aren’t your thing, the next app is for you.
Airbnb is an app to try. Using Airbnb connects you directly with a local host who can share personal recommendations for your travels.
Yelp can be your best friend when looking for the best food options, bars, or entertainment in town. I personally like to try things for myself but sometimes you just want advice on the best things in town and yelp has you covered. (Google Maps & Tripadvisor also are handy alternatives)
App in the Air – One of my fave apps since its release. Track all your trips, upcoming and past, along with all your miles flown. This up also keeps you up to date with travel restrictions, gate information, delays, and flight status in real-time.
Tripit – Is your travel manager. Organizing all your reservations, tickets, and even parking all in one place. Formats trip itinerary in a day-by-day, hour-by-hour format. Provides trip updates and tracks your miles flown over time. (Traveler Buddy & Kayak)
Packing List Checklist – Get and stay organized with this packing app, you’ll never forget anything again. Create your own lists, organize my carry-on or checked back, or even seasonal checklist. Reuse and update your list as frequently as you like.
Money
Don’t let traveling get your finances out of control. Use these apps to keep on track.
TravelSpend – Traveling alone means not being able to share costs with others and that can get pricey. I always recommend a travel budget if you need one and an app to track your day-to-day expenses. If the note isn’t doing it for you this is the app for you. (Tripcoin)
Xe Currency – simply put this app provides real-time currency exchange rates globally and helps you understand how to convert your currency. Know how much money you have and how much items cost in your home currency and your travel currency.
Get Social
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you can’t connect with people while you travel. From language barriers to meeting new people, I have you covered.
Google Translate – Traveling abroad and don’t know the language? Don’t have a translator device? Well, Google translate helps with that so language doesn’t have to be a complete barrier. Use this app to help communicate with drivers, waiters, or new friends you meet along the way. (Microsoft Translator)
Travello – Connect with other travelers around the world. Share photos, messages, interests, or book experiences near you. (Bumble, WeWorld)
EatWith – Not yet comfortable with eating alone? No worries, there are apps for that too. EatWith, and similar apps or services, connects you with locals that have amazing food & wine experiences around the world. (BonAppetour & ChefsFeed)
Meetup – So many apps to keep you connected to others. I like Meetup because it gets you to blend in like a local. If you’re looking for day-to-day activities in the area you’re in this app is for you. You’ll find groups for anything from book clubs to morning yoga groups or wine clubs.
Facebook – I know I know you’re probably asking “who still uses Facebook?” The answer… a lot of people! And it’s a great place to meet people. Facebook groups help connect you with like-minded people all over the world. I’m in some fantastic groups that help me plan, research, get first-hand recommendations, and meet other solo travelers. I’m in groups for solo travelers, find a travel buddy, female-only travel groups, black travel groups, and so much more. Find a group that meets your needs and explore.
Activities
Finding tours and activities to do while you’re in town doesn’t have to be hard or costly you just need to right app.
Airbnb Experiences – Not really solo travel focus but Airbnb has an “Experience” section that can make solo travel better. Looking for activities, tours, or personal guides you can find them here and you may meet a person or two during a tour. Want to great some great photos? Airbnb also has photo tours or private express shoots to help you capture yourself during your trip. (Check out: Peek, Viator, Tripadvisor, Trip Scout, Musement, Withlocals Tours & Travel)
AnyTour – not into the group thing and want to be on your own? AnyTour provides pre-recorded self-guided city tours that go at your personal pace. (VidiGuides)
Getting Around
Lyft – You may not need a driver for every trip and in those cases, you just need access to a cab or something similar. If available where I’m going I prefer to use rideshare for ease especially if I’m out late. And if rideshare isn’t available I make sure to find the best app for getting around in that country. (Uber)
Additional
More apps for solo travelers to check out –
Waze – renting a car where you’re going be sure to download this navigational app.
GeoSure – learn the neighbor you’re staying in.
DayCount – Countdown to all your trips (Countdown, Days, Vacation Countdown)
Flush – Find restrooms near you while you’re out and about (SitorSquat)
Even with a list of 40+ apps for solo travelers, I know there are new ones popping up almost every day. What apps do you use to make your solo trips better? Road trip apps or solo female traveler apps? Post your favorite apps in the comments below or tag me online to share.
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