Tools & Apps I Actually Use for planning.
Travel planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Over the years — whether for a solo train journey through Europe or a photography expedition along remote coastlines — I’ve refined my approach using reliable digital tools. In this post, I’m sharing the travel apps and platforms I actually use, chosen for their practicality, accuracy, and ease of use.
If you’re looking for a smarter, less stressful way to plan your next trip, these are the tools worth having at your fingertips.
- Google Maps – For Navigation, Research & Offline Use
Google Maps is more than just a way to find your hotel. I use it to:
- Save and label points of interest
- Check business hours and reviews
- Plan walking or public transport routes
- Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity
📍Tip: Create custom lists for each trip – “shooting locations,” “cafés,” or “viewpoints.”
The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water.
- Rome2Rio – For Route Planning Across Borders
Whether by train, bus, ferry, or flight, Rome2Rio helps me map out realistic routes between destinations. It shows approximate travel times and compares different transport methods.
🚆 Particularly useful when planning multi-country itineraries in regions like Europe or South America.
- Skyscanner – For Flexible Flight Searches
When I’m still deciding where or when to go, Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” and “Whole Month” search options are ideal. It helps me find:
- Cheapest destinations from a given city
- Budget-friendly flight dates
- Direct vs. layover options
✈️ I often use it for initial research, then book directly via airlines.
- Booking.com + Airbnb – For Accommodation
I alternate between Booking.com (especially for short city stays) and Airbnb (when I want more space, kitchen access, or longer stays).
✅ I filter by price, rating, and location — always checking Wi-Fi strength if I plan to work or upload content.
- TripIt – For Itinerary Management
TripIt automatically compiles all your travel details — flights, hotels, car rentals — into one tidy, shareable itinerary. It pulls data straight from confirmation emails.
📅 Great for multi-leg journeys or collaborative trips with others.
- Google Translate – For Language Support
Google Translate is a must when traveling off the beaten path. I use it to:
- Translate signs and menus via camera
- Communicate with locals
- Preload offline language packs
🗣 Tip: The real-time voice translator can be surprisingly helpful.
- XE Currency – For Quick Exchange Rate Checks
Simple, accurate, and offline-capable — XE is my go-to for checking prices on the go. It’s essential in markets, taxis, or any situation where conversion isn’t second nature.
💱 Especially useful in countries where cash is still king.
- Weather App (Windy / Yr.no) – For Location-Specific Forecasts
While basic weather apps work, I rely on Windy or Yr.no for accurate, visual forecasts, especially in rural or coastal areas. It helps me time outdoor shoots, hikes, or travel days better.
🌦 Tip: Look for hourly forecasts and wind/sunlight data if you photograph landscapes.
- VPN App (ProtonVPN or NordVPN) – For Safe Browsing Abroad
Public Wi-Fi is convenient — and risky. A VPN protects your data and allows access to sites that may be restricted abroad (like streaming or banking services).
🔐 I activate it whenever I log into public networks, from hotels to airports.
Final Thoughts
The best travel planning isn’t about obsessing over every detail — it’s about using the right tools to stay flexible, prepared, and inspired. These apps help me spend less time organizing and more time experiencing.
Let your phone serve your journey, not distract from it.
