There are so many apps available that offer travel advice and services, but which ones are the most useful? Check out this list of apps that are must-haves for any student studying abroad!
1. Ride-Sharing App
Having a ride-sharing app downloaded and set up before flying to your destination country will make your arrival less stressful. In most cases, the easiest way to get around a city is to use a ride-sharing service. Booking ahead via an app can save time and eliminate communication issues if language barriers exist. Costs for the service vary based on location, time of day, and traffic conditions, so always compare rates to ensure that you are getting the best deal. Also, research what ride-sharing services are offered in your destination because some services are only available in certain regions and cities. Some examples of ride-sharing apps include Uber, Lyft, BlaBlaCar, Beat, Didi, and Bolt.
2. Mobile Payment Method
Without flexible payment methods, travelling is difficult. Some countries do not accept certain brands of credit cards and ATM’s are not always easy to find. Cash is the preferred method of payment in many countries, but it is not recommended to carry large amounts of cash with you. Therefore, having access to mobile payment methods is essential when traveling in a new place. Downloading banking and credit card apps prior to departure will ensure that you can access your money safely and securely wherever you are. Also, apps such as Venmo and Paypal can be useful to reimburse people you are travelling with. While in Spain, my friends and I learned that restaurants would not split up our bill, and we always had to pay each other back with Venmo or cash.
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a necessary communication tool that allows you to text, call, and facetime your contacts via Wifi or cellular data, from wherever you are in the world. Before leaving, have your friends and family download WhatsApp to stay connected with you throughout your travels. You can also use WhatsApp to keep in touch with any new friends or people you meet during your trip.
4. Mobile Passport
The Mobile Passport app allows you to speed up security processes in major airports across the US, as well as have your passport information easily accessible at any time. Use the Mobile Passport Express Line at select airports to expedite your travel experience.
5. TripLingo
If you want to live like a local when visiting another country, TripLingo is a must have. This app provides tools such as a conversion and tip calculator, as well as a list of essential phrases, an image translator, and a voice translator. It also has a culture guide that includes country-specific information about etiquette, dining, money and shopping, things to do, history, climate, and so much more. There is also a safety section that includes emergency contact information to use within the country and Iowa State University phone numbers for any situation. Having this information readily available on my phone made me feel safer and more prepared for studying abroad.
6. Air BnB
An easy way to save money while traveling, is to stay at an Air BnB instead of a hotel. I utilized Air BnBs as well as hostels while traveling around Europe, but these options are available everywhere. Another advantage of using the Air BnB app is that it is easy to book places to stay in advance or with short notice. To confirm your reservation, contact the owner in advance of your arrival and ask questions about check-in and check-out times. Also, be sure to double check the location of the Air BnB in proximity to the areas you are wanting to visit. You can save time and money on transportation if you are within walking distance of these locations. If you are comfortable staying in a hostel, I recommend using the Hostel World app. This app allows you to compare prices and review ratings of different hostels.
One thing to keep in mind is that hostels and Air BnB’s are often the cheapest way to travel but are less secure and offer less amenities than a hotel would. Although I have yet to have a bad experience staying in any of these locations, it does not mean that all housing options are good options. Always do your research, read reviews, and use common sense to make sure that the option you are considering is safe and legit. Using an app can be convenient, but if something seems too good to be true, it very well could be.
7. Skyscanner
This is a great app to find cheap flights and plan weekend trips. You have probably heard that flights in other countries are much cheaper than in the United States, and in most cases that is true! However, that also means that airlines do not have to offer the same amenities that we are used to in the US, and baggage restrictions and fees can be different as well.
One of my favorite tools within the Skyscanner app is the Explore option. This is a search engine that shows the cheapest destinations to visit from any starting location or time of the year, as well as recommended trips based on your previous search history. So, if you know you want to travel but don’t have a specific destination in mind, you can compare multiple trips at once and might find a deal that surprises you!
8. Omio
Omio was the app that I used the most during my semester abroad. This app allows you to compare the prices and times of bus, train, and plane travel to various destinations. Once you create an account, you can purchase and store your tickets within the app to use while traveling. I often used Omio in conjunction with Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights and then plan transportation to and from the airport. By comparing several options, I was able to save money and plan efficient trips with little layover time.
Apps and services are always improving, so be sure to ask fellow travelers what apps they are currently using. This is just a short list of apps to get you started, so be sure to do more research to find what apps will work best for your travels!