The Best Free Travel Apps and Websites Online

Smartphones make planning a trip so much easier than the days of big plastic maps. Thanks to the internet, you can do almost all the planning you need from your coach on a phone or laptop. There are so many websites and apps designed to make it easier to plan and take your next trip that it becomes overwhelming. Some apps help you during the planning stage, while others are designed to be used to navigate while you’re on a trip. We’ve curated a list of the best free travel apps and websites that are available for planning, navigating, and enjoying a trip.

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Apps and websites that help you choose where to go

Travelzoo Travel Entertainment Deals 

Travelzoo is an app that can help you decide where to go based off of the deals you find on the app. Each week Travelzoo puts out a top 20 list of the best deals. You can peruse the deals and let that help you decide where to go. If you are flexible on location and date you may be able to find an excellent deal and go somewhere you did not consider previously. This can be a fun way to choose where to go on your next trip if you do not already have a location in mind.

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Apps and websites to help you book you travels 

Hostelworld

Hostelworld is a website and app that helps you book your travels. A hostel is typically a place you can stay that has some type of communal accommodation. For example, you may share a room with one or more people or have a shared bathroom. Staying in a hostel is typically less expensive than staying in a hotel. And, if you are traveling solo, staying in hostels can provide you with the opportunity to meet other travelers. You can find hostels, read reviews, and find inspiration for your travels through Hostelworld. 

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is the go-to booking site and app for many people who travel regularly. You can find quality hotels at great prices by searching the selection at Hotels.com. To make the process even easier you can create an account and have all of your information saved – including payment information – so booking your next hotel only requires a few clicks. And, when you have an account with Hotels.com, you can earn free nights to use for future travels. 

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Apps and websites to help you save money when traveling

Hopper

Hopper is an app that helps you save money by telling you the best time to book airline tickets and hotel stays. It predicts timing based on historical data and lets you know the optimal time to make your reservations. Since the costs of flights and hotels can fluctuate so much based on timing, the Hopper app can save you up to 40% on your reservations. 

Groupon

Groupon is a deal website and app that can help you find deals on everything from physical items to unique travel packages. If you are planning a trip, Groupon can be a great resource for saving money. You can look into the Groupon Getaways listed on the site for ideas if you do not already know where you want to go. If you do already have your location chosen, Groupon can provide you with discounts on things to do when you get to your destination. 

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Apps and websites for language translation

Google Translate

Google Translate is a language translation app that you can use to help you navigate when you are traveling in a different country. Google is well-known for providing quality free resources for users. The Google Translate app is another resource that you should keep at your disposal. Below is the list of features from the Google Translate app listing. 

• Text translation: Translate between 108 languages by typing
• Offline: Translate with no internet connection (59 languages)
• Instant camera translation: Translate text in images instantly by just pointing your camera (94 languages)
• Photos: Take or import photos for higher quality translations (90 languages)
• Conversations: Translate bilingual conversations on the fly (70 languages)
• Handwriting: Draw text characters instead of typing (96 languages)
• Phrasebook: Star and save translated words and phrases for future reference (all languages)

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Apps and websites that make traveling easier

Citymapper

Citymapper is a transport app that provides you with information about transportation near you. If you go to a city like New York, for example, you can use Citymapper to find your way around. It will provide you with information about the subway, taxis, city buses, and other modes of transportation you may be interested in taking. 

Waze

Waze is an app designed to help you get where you are going as quickly as possible. It provides you with information about traffic, gives you driving directions, and can even help you find people with whom you can carpool. 

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Apps and websites best for planning a trip

TripIt

TripIt is an app that can organize all of your travel plans in one simple to understand itinerary. You forward your confirmation emails for hotels, flights, events, etc. and TripIt compiles all of that information into one master itinerary. This can save you a lot of time and frustration that often comes when you have to look through email after email to find the information you need. 

PackPoint

PackPoint is an app that helps you determine what you need to pack for your upcoming trip. It considers the weather, your planned activities, length of stay, and a number of other factors to create the ultimate packing list for your trip. 

There is an app or website that can help you during each stage of the travel process. All of the apps outlined above provide real value without costing you a dime. Taking some time to explore the travel apps that are available can save you money as you plan your trip and while you are on your trip. You can also eliminate many common frustrations related to travel – such as figuring out what to pack – by using apps designed to make the process easier. Explore these and other travel apps to find the ones that you need to help you with your upcoming trip.