When you’re travelling on your gap year there are so many useful apps to make your trip run more smoothly. Here we’ve rounded up 10 of the best travel apps, which we hope will help you on your journey.
These gap year apps are available for iOS and Android users and are all free.
1. TripIt
When you head off on your gap year you will quickly amass a lot of documentation for your travels. TripIt is a clever gap year app that organises all of your itinerary details in one place, making it easy to access them at any time.
Once you’ve created a free account you then forward all of your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and TripIt will instantly create a master itinerary for you. It also has a host of handy extras, and can send you reminders of when to leave for the airport, or help you find a decent place to eat near your hostel.
2. Citymapper
Citymapper’s tagline is “Making Cities Usable”, and that’s exactly what this nifty app does. It works in more than 100 cities around the world, including every major city in Europe, and shows you how to easily get to your desired destination. It’s the perfect gap year technology.
The app will give you options for walking as well as using public transport. It also shows all the local private transportation options, such as scooters, e-bikes and mopeds.
As well as showing you a map it can also provide audio directions, so you can listen on your headphones as you walk, cycle or use public transport. It can even tell you when the next bus is coming.
3. Google Translate
Fancy having your own personal translator? Google Translate will help you have a conversation wherever you are in the world, in any language.
It can translate 108 languages by typing, which is helpful if you want to ask a question. If you point your camera at text in images – such as a menu or sign – it will instantly translate it for you. It can even translate bilingual conversations as you talk, using 71 languages.
You can save translated words and phrases to use again in the future, and it also has an offline mode, allowing you to translate even if you don’t have an internet connection. Travel technology is amazing!
4. Duolingo
If you want to actually learn the local language, Duolingo is a travel app that will help you master it using bite-sized lessons. It’s designed to be fun and easy, using game-like features, fun challenges, and reminders from Duolingo’s mascot, Duo the owl.
Lessons are quick to complete, so you can easily slot them in and try out your new language skills as you travel.
5. XE Currency
There’s a good reason why this is one of the most popular travel apps, having been downloaded more than 70 millions times. It’s the perfect solution when you’re travelling and need to work out if that must-have item at the local market really is a bargain, or when you can’t remember what an Australian Dollar is worth. Just whip out your phone and the app will instantly do a currency conversion for you.
You can also create your own currency list and monitor up to 10 currencies of your choice. The app includes historical charts of currency conversions and you can transfer money in 65 currencies to more than 170 countries.
6. Hostelworld
The Hostelworld is a gem among gap year apps, allowing you to search 36,000 properties in more than 170 countries, so you can easily secure your next stay. It’s easy to browse hotels and simple to book, and you can check out maps, photos and reviews.
There’s also the option to look at last-minute availability, which will be helpful if your plans change. It’s always sensible to have your first few nights’ accommodation booked before arriving in a new destination, and this app will make securing a bed a breeze.
7. Skyscanner
Skyscanner makes its way onto most gap year travellers’ devices as it’s so incredibly helpful. The clever travel technology allows you to find the best value flights by comparing hundreds of options, and you can set up a price alert to find out when prices change.
You can also find deals on hotels, apartments and hostels around the world, including last-minute deals. If you need wheels, the app allows you to find the best car hire deal. It even helps you check you’re not paying too much for fuel. Reviews from other travellers are also available.
It’s a really useful tool, and there are no booking fees or hidden charges when booking any product.
8. Packpoint
If you’re always worried you’ll leave out something crucial when packing, then Packpoint has you covered. It shows you what you need to bring based on the length of your trip, where you are going, what you are doing and the weather. It makes packing for your gap year much less stressful as it tailors your list to your exact trip.
You can easily share your packing list if you are travelling with a friend. Plus, Packpoint can connect to TripIt (mentioned above), to automatically create your packing lists. Gap year technology at its finest!
9. TheFork
TheFork allows you to find and book restaurants in Europe, Latin America and Australia. You can search for a dining spot by area, cuisine or restaurant type, or even sort by average price. You can then check out ratings and reviews from fellow diners. Whether you want fine dining, a quick and cheap bite to eat or a hidden local gem, TheFork will help you find it.
You can make a reservation through the travel app, and it often includes discounts of up to 50%, which are applied when you pay in the restaurant. Owned by TripAdvisor, the brand acquired Bookatable in 2021.
10. Flush Toilet Finder
When nature calls and you need to find a public toilet pronto, Flush will flag up the nearest loo. It lists 200,000 public toilets around the world, and you can easily see which WCs have disabled access, charge a fee or require a key.
The app will give you directions on how to find the toilet, ensuring you aren’t caught short when travelling, and you can rate it after use.