Planning a trip has changed dramatically over the years. Gone are the days of lugging around printed maps, guidebooks and wads of currency. These days, your smartphone does it all, from translating street signs in Tokyo to finding the best laksa in Penang. I’ve been travelling with apps for years now, and they’ve genuinely transformed the way I explore. Here are the best travel apps for 2026 that every Australian traveller should have downloaded before they leave home.
Navigation and Maps
Google Maps
Let’s start with the obvious one. Google Maps remains essential for getting around almost anywhere in the world. The offline maps feature is brilliant when you’re wandering through areas with patchy mobile coverage. Download the maps for your destination before you leave your accommodation, and you’ll have access to navigation, public transport routes, and even business hours without using any data. The app also shows you real-time public transport information in most major cities, which saves a lot of time waiting at bus stops wondering if you’ve missed your connection.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Maps.me
For hiking or exploring more remote areas, Maps.me is outstanding. The entire app works offline, and it’s particularly good for trails, walking paths, and places where Google Maps doesn’t have detailed coverage. I’ve used it countless times in national parks and rural areas where phone signal is unreliable. The interface is clean, the maps are detailed, and it doesn’t drain your battery the way some navigation apps can.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Citymapper
If you’re spending time in major cities, Citymapper is worth downloading. Available in over 100 cities worldwide, it combines all forms of public transport into one app. What makes it stand out is how it tells you exactly which carriage to board for the quickest exit at your destination, real-time departure information, and alternative routes if there are delays. I’ve found it invaluable in London, Paris, New York and other cities with complex transport networks.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Accommodation and Planning
Booking.com
For accommodation, Booking.com continues to be one of the most reliable options. The app’s filters are comprehensive, letting you narrow down choices by price, location, amenities, and guest ratings. The “Genius” loyalty programme offers discounts at participating properties, and the app often has exclusive mobile-only deals. One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to book now and pay later at many properties, which gives you flexibility if your plans change.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Airbnb
Airbnb remains popular for finding apartments, houses, and unique stays. The app is straightforward to use, with clear photos, detailed descriptions, and verified reviews. The messaging system makes it easy to communicate with hosts, and you can save your favourite properties to compare later. Just be mindful of cleaning fees and service charges, which can add up quickly.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Hostelworld
Travelling solo or on a budget? Hostelworld is still the go-to app for finding hostels worldwide. You can filter by dorm size, private rooms, facilities, and social atmosphere. The reviews are generally honest, and the app often shows which hostels have the best social scenes if you’re keen to meet other travellers.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Money and Budgeting
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise has become essential for managing money while travelling. The multi-currency account lets you hold and convert money in over 50 currencies, and the exchange rates are significantly better than what you’ll get at airport kiosks or through traditional banks. The app also comes with a debit card that you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars over the years by using Wise instead of my regular bank card overseas.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Revolut
Similar to Wise, Revolut offers multi-currency accounts and excellent exchange rates. The app includes additional features like budgeting tools, cryptocurrency trading, and travel insurance options. One useful feature is the ability to freeze and unfreeze your card instantly through the app if you misplace it, giving you time to find it before cancelling completely.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Trail Wallet
If you like to track your spending while travelling, Trail Wallet is simple and effective. You can set daily budgets for different categories such as accommodation, food, and activities, and the app will show you whether you’re on track. It works offline and converts multiple currencies automatically, making it easy to see exactly where your money is going.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Language and Communication
Google Translate
Google Translate has improved enormously in recent years. The camera translation feature lets you point your phone at signs, menus, or documents, and it translates them in real-time. The conversation mode is also handy for basic exchanges when you don’t speak the local language. You can download language packs for offline use, which is particularly useful in places with limited internet access.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Duolingo
If you want to learn some basics before or during your trip, Duolingo makes language learning feel like a game. Short daily lessons are easy to fit in while waiting at airports or during train journeys. It won’t make you fluent, but it’s excellent for picking up essential phrases and building confidence.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Transport and Getting Around
Rome2rio
Rome2rio is brilliant for working out how to get from one place to another. Type in your starting point and destination, and it’ll show you every possible way to travel between them including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and driving routes. It also estimates costs and travel times for each option, making it easy to compare and plan your journey.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Uber and Lyft
Ride-sharing apps have made getting around cities so much easier. Uber operates in most major destinations worldwide, while Lyft is primarily available in North America. The upfront pricing means no surprises, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers or carrying cash. In some cities, you’ll also find local alternatives like Grab in Southeast Asia or Didi in China.
Uber: Download for Apple | Download for Android
Lyft: Download for Apple | Download for Android
Trainline
For train travel across Europe, Trainline consolidates schedules and tickets from different rail operators into one app. You can compare prices, book tickets, and store them digitally. The app works across 45 countries and is particularly useful for booking cross-border journeys where you’d otherwise need to deal with multiple railway websites.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Food and Dining
Google Maps (yes, again)
While Google Maps is primarily for navigation, it’s also become my most-used app for finding restaurants. The reviews are generally reliable, photos show you what to expect, and you can filter by cuisine type, price range, and opening hours. The “Popular Times” feature tells you when places are busiest, helping you avoid peak crowds.
HappyCow
For vegetarians and vegans, HappyCow is invaluable. It lists plant-based restaurants, cafés, and health food shops worldwide, with filters for fully vegan, vegetarian, or vegan-friendly establishments. The reviews are written by people who understand what you’re looking for, and it’s saved me from wandering around hungry in unfamiliar cities more times than I can count.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
TheFork (formerly La Fourchette)
Popular across Europe, TheFork lets you book restaurants and often offers discounts of up to 50% on meals. The app shows available time slots, menus, and user reviews. You’ll earn loyalty points with each booking, which can be redeemed for future discounts.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Travel Planning and Inspiration
TripIt
TripIt organises all your travel plans in one place. Forward your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities to the app, and it automatically creates a detailed itinerary. The pro version adds real-time flight alerts, seat tracking, and alternative flight options if there are cancellations or delays.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Skyscanner
For comparing flight prices, Skyscanner remains one of the best. The “Everywhere” search feature is particularly useful if you’re flexible on destination and want to see the cheapest places to fly from your departure city. You can set price alerts for specific routes and dates, and the app will notify you when fares drop.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Pack Point
Packing lists might seem unnecessary, but Pack Point is surprisingly helpful. Enter your destination, trip length, and planned activities, and it generates a customised packing list. You can add or remove items, and it remembers your preferences for future trips. It’s a simple tool, but it’s stopped me from forgetting essentials more than once.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Safety and Emergencies
Smart Traveller
Every Australian traveller should have the Smart Traveller app installed. Run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it provides up-to-date travel advice, safety warnings, and contact details for Australian embassies and consulates worldwide. You can register your travel plans through the app, which makes it easier for authorities to contact you in an emergency.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
TripWhistle Global SOS
This free app provides emergency contact numbers for police, ambulance, and fire services in every country. It also works offline, which is crucial in emergencies when you might not have internet access. The app shows your GPS coordinates, which can be shared with emergency services if you need assistance.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Messaging and Staying Connected
WhatsApp is the default messaging app in most countries outside Australia. You’ll need it for communicating with accommodation hosts, tour operators, and local contacts. It works over WiFi or mobile data, making it free for international messaging, and you can also make voice and video calls.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Airalo
eSIMs have revolutionised how Australians stay connected while travelling. Airalo offers affordable data plans for over 200 countries, and you can purchase and install an eSIM directly through the app without needing a physical SIM card. Plans start from around $5 USD, and you can top up data as needed. It’s particularly useful for short trips where you don’t want to commit to a full month of international roaming through your Australian carrier.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Photography and Memories
Google Photos
Google Photos automatically backs up your travel photos to the cloud, freeing up space on your phone. The search function is remarkably good, letting you find photos by location, date, or even by what’s in the photo. The built-in editing tools are also decent for quick adjustments, and you can easily create albums to share with travel companions.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Adobe Lightroom Mobile
For more serious photo editing, Adobe Lightroom Mobile is excellent. The free version offers a comprehensive set of tools for adjusting exposure, colour, and composition. The interface takes a bit of getting used to, but the results are professional, and you can sync your edits across devices.
Download for Apple | Download for Android
Setting Up Before You Leave
The key to making these apps work seamlessly is preparation. Here’s what I recommend doing before you depart:
Download offline maps for your destinations in Google Maps and Maps.me. This single step will save you enormous amounts of data and stress when you’re trying to navigate without reliable internet.
Pre-install language packs in Google Translate for the countries you’re visiting. You’ll be able to translate signs and menus even when you’re offline.
Set up Wise or Revolut before you leave Australia. Load some money into your account and order the debit card, which usually takes a week or two to arrive. Having this sorted before you travel means you’re not dealing with financial setup when you could be exploring.
Register your trip with Smart Traveller. It takes five minutes and gives the Australian government a way to contact you in case of emergency.
Check which apps work in your destination. Some countries restrict certain apps and services, particularly in China where you’ll need a VPN to access Google services, WhatsApp, and many Western apps.
Battery Management
Using multiple apps throughout the day can drain your battery quickly. Invest in a decent portable charger before you leave. I carry a 20,000mAh power bank that can fully charge my phone four or five times, which is enough for several days of heavy use. Just make sure you pack it in your carry-on luggage, as powerbanks are banned from checked baggage on flights due to safety regulations.
Enable battery-saving modes on apps that run in the background. Google Maps, in particular, can be a battery hog if left running continuously. Close apps when you’re not actively using them, and consider enabling Low Power Mode on your phone when you’re out exploring all day.
The Apps Worth Skipping
Not every popular travel app is worth the storage space. In my experience, airline-specific apps are often clunky and unnecessary unless you’re a frequent flyer with that carrier. Hotel chain apps are similarly hit-and-miss. I’ve also found that many destination-specific tourism apps are poorly maintained and offer information you could easily find through Google.
Currency converter apps have become largely redundant now that Google does instant conversions through search. Just type “50 euros to AUD” in your browser, and you’ll get the current exchange rate.
Final Thoughts
The right combination of travel apps genuinely improves the travel experience. They save time, money, and stress while helping you discover places you might otherwise miss. That said, don’t let your phone completely dominate your trip. Some of the best travel moments happen when you put your device away, get a bit lost, and just see where the day takes you.
These apps are tools to enhance your travels, not replace the experience of being somewhere new. Download what’s useful, ignore what isn’t, and remember that sometimes the best navigation is asking a local for directions and seeing where the conversation leads.
