My Favorite Travel Apps to Save Money and Time

Useful Travel Apps and Money-Saving Tools

Traveling can be expensive, but the right apps and tools can help you save money and make your trip easier.

Here are some of the travel apps and money-saving tools I like to use or recommend checking before a trip.

Flight Booking

• Google Flights: One of my favorite tools for finding and comparing domestic and international flights. You can compare prices, dates, and different flight options.

Navigation and Maps

• Google Maps: A helpful tool for directions, restaurants, public transportation, and more.

Tip: Download an offline map before you travel. This can help you get around if you do not have internet access.

Local Navigation Apps

Google Maps does not work equally well everywhere. Some countries have their own popular map apps.

For example:

• South Korea: Naver Map and KakaoMap
• China: Baidu Maps

Before visiting a new country, check which map app is most useful there.

Hotels and Accommodation

• Agoda: A popular option for finding hotels, hostels, and other places to stay.
• Book Direct: After finding a hotel you like, check the hotel's own website. Sometimes the hotel may offer a better price or extra benefits when you book directly.
• Airbnb: Compare short-term rentals with hotels to see which option works best for your trip.
• Long-Term Stays: If you plan to stay for several weeks or months, look for local housing advice. Reddit and local expat communities can be useful places to start.

Banking and Money

Charles Schwab Debit Card

A Schwab debit card may be useful for travelers. Some Schwab checking accounts offer ATM fee rebates and no monthly service fee.

Check the current account terms before opening an account because fees, benefits, and requirements can change.

Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

A credit card with no foreign transaction fee can help you avoid an additional charge when spending money in another country.

Some cards that may be worth researching include:

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature: Check the current benefits, annual fee, travel credits, lounge benefits, and other terms before applying.
• Fidelity Visa: This card may offer cash back and no foreign transaction fees. Check the current terms and rewards before applying.
• Samsung Visa: Some Samsung credit cards offer rewards for eligible purchases made through Samsung Wallet. Check the current card terms before applying.

Credit card offers can change, so always check the card issuer's website for the latest information.

Communication and Local Apps

• Google Voice: Can provide a U.S. phone number for calls and texts over the internet. This can be useful when traveling, but check your current phone plan and Google Voice features before relying on it.
• Regional Messaging Apps: Some countries have messaging apps that are more popular than others.

Examples include:

• Europe: WhatsApp
• Japan: LINE
• South Korea: KakaoTalk
• Vietnam: Zalo

Downloading important apps before you arrive can save you time.

Ground Transportation and Ride-Hailing

• Uber: A convenient option for rides, airport trips, and other transportation in many countries.
• Grab: A popular ride-hailing and delivery app in parts of Southeast Asia.
• Local Ride-Hailing Apps: Check for local options before your trip. Examples include Bolt in some countries, Kakao T in South Korea, and Gojek in Indonesia.

Prices, coverage, and available services can vary by location.

Tours, Activities, and Travel Advice

• Klook: Useful for finding tours, attractions, tickets, and activities, especially in Asia.
• Tripadvisor: Helpful for reading reviews, researching neighborhoods, and finding things to do.
• Social Media: Facebook groups, Facebook Events, and Instagram can help you find local events, markets, and meetups.
• General Web Searches: Before visiting a new country, search for something like "best travel apps in [destination]." You may find useful local apps for transportation, food delivery, maps, and more.

More Travel Tips

These are some of the main tools I use and recommend checking before a trip.

There are many experienced travelers who share useful tips online. I always recommend doing a little research before traveling because the best apps, deals, and services can be different from one country to another.

Also, check current prices, fees, coverage, and terms before using a financial product, booking service, or travel app.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Financial products, fees, rewards, and benefits can change. Check the provider's website for current terms before applying for a financial product or opening an account.