Last Updated on: 5th December 2023, 03:43 pm

Planning a trip to Europe? With countless countries to explore and an abundance of sights to see, it can feel overwhelming to organize your itinerary.

Fortunately, numerous apps are available to simplify and enhance your travel experience. Let’s immediately make a reservation that there will be no Booking or Google Maps here. Yes, they are needed, but you know that.

Let’s focus on lesser-known applications.

essential apps European travelers need

Best Travel Apps for Europe

#1 Omio

If you’re planning to explore Europe with ease, look no further than Omio (formerly known as GoEuro). Using the Omio website and app, you can effortlessly compare and book train, bus, or flight tickets to any European destination. Whether you’re traveling on a backpacker’s budget or simply seeking convenient transportation options, Omio is your go-to app. Plus, once you’ve purchased your tickets, you can easily access your travel route on the web, mobile, or app. I recently saved €21 by booking my train ticket through Omio, instead of purchasing it from the city train station’s ticket office.

#2 VeePN

You probably didn’t think about this before starting your trip, but in another region, there are completely different Internet realities. When accessing a bank account, it may be frozen. The content may be radically different from home, as well as the results in the search engine. VeePN solves the problem because it allows you to change countries with VPN servers. How to use a VPN to change location? All you need to do to change Android location is install VeePN, log into the application, select your subscription type, and connect to a server in one of the countries. There are a total of 60 countries available, meaning you can find what you need among them. VeePN also secures your connection, fights ads, encrypts data and hides your online activities.

#3 Cabify

Cabify, a ridesharing app available in only two European countries – Portugal and Spain, operates on a model akin to Lyft and Uber. You have the freedom to share your journey details with friends, ensuring punctuality and the personalization of your ride by specifying your musical and climate control preferences.

#4 Eurail/Interrail Rail Planner

This is an app for trains in Europe, through which you can plan your rail travel itinerary by searching train schedules throughout Europe. You’ll be able to filter and view only the trains that match your pass. Plus, the app allows you to easily book any additional reservations you may need on top of your existing pass. Say goodbye to ticketing hassles and enjoy the convenience of the Eurail Pass.

#5 Citymapper

CityMapper is a comprehensive app that lets you compare public transport options in major European cities. It includes walking, cycling, buses, trains, trams, and taxis. The app also collects information on duration and precise timing. Save your route itinerary for later access, even without internet connectivity.

#6 Wise

TransferWise, a money transfer service based in the UK, allows you to securely send and receive money from abroad. It offers multi-currency accounts supporting over 750 currency routes, such as GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, and CAD. With TransferWise, you can save money compared to traditional bank transfers. Additionally, they’ve recently introduced a debit Mastercard that enables you to spend globally at the real exchange rate.

Although Wise implements data security practices, you shouldn’t rely on that alone. It is better to strengthen your protection and use payment services only through a VPN. You should check here for an excellent VPN extension. It will protect you during any financial transactions, even on unsecured public networks.

essential apps european travelers could use

#7 TimeOut

You can explore the world’s greatest cities with Time Out, a global media and entertainment company. Discover the finest art and entertainment, food and drink, attractions, hotels, and things to do. Search for activities based on your preferred time frame – whether it’s a day, week, weekend, or month. Best of all, there are plenty of free and budget options available. Time Out also publishes magazines and travel guides in select cities!

#8 AZair

You can explore AZair, a website with a user-friendly design, that offers numerous affordable flight routes from low-cost carriers. AZair selects the cheapest flight options from a wide range of connections, making it an excellent tool for finding the best airfare prices in Europe. Discover discounted rates for over 94 airlines that operate low-cost flights across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia.

#9 Itinerary

When planning your trip, creating an itinerary becomes a pivotal aspect. The TripIt app allows you to conveniently organize all your travel plans in one spot. Simply forward your confirmation emails to the app, and it will generate a comprehensive itinerary for you. Additionally, you can easily include notes and photos, ensuring effortless tracking of every detail.

#10 Hotel Tonight

You can find great last-minute hotel deals using the Hotel Tonight app. Whether you’re looking for a spontaneous getaway or need accommodations on short notice, Hotel Tonight offers exclusive discounts on handpicked hotels.

#11 Bike Share Buddy

If you’re a bike enthusiast, Bike Share Buddy is a must-have app. It showcases prime local bike rental spots in cities worldwide. Having already reached ten European countries, this user-friendly app lets you effortlessly find nearby bike-sharing stations, complete with real-time bike availability updates.

#12 Free Now

If you like the conventional way of traveling with a private driver, go with Free Now. You can book a cab online without the inconvenience of waiting for a taxi on the street. If you prefer a more old-fashioned approach, this is the ideal travel app for you to enjoy in Europe. You can even ‘favorite’ your driver at the end of your car journey, ensuring that your future requests will be made to them.

#13 TripLingo

The TripLingo app caters to your basic translation needs while you travel. You can type on the keyboard, speak into the microphone, or use the phone’s camera to translate. Additionally, it offers educational tools like a phrasebook, audio language lessons, etiquette tips, safety guidelines, and cultural insights to ensure your comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. Moreover, you’ll find a built-in currency converter and tip calculator for your convenience.

#14 SANDEMANs New Europe

SANDEMAN has provided complimentary tours in a continuously expanding range of cities for over ten years, currently encompassing 17 European cities. The fundamental city tour is free, with the intention that each traveler rewards the guide based on their perception of the experience’s usefulness, entertainment, and educational value. Moreover, every location offers multiple paid tour alternatives. Therefore, if you relish the complimentary tour, you can promptly reserve another one through the app.

#15 Couchsurfing

If you’re on a tight budget, Couchsurfing can be a fantastic option to save money. It’s an online platform where people offer rooms, couches, or even mattresses for you to sleep on, without expecting anything in return. However, it’s important to note that Couchsurfing shouldn’t be solely used for free accommodation. Its essence lies in sharing moments with your host. If you’re unable to dedicate time and effort to connect with your host, it might be best to consider staying at a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb.

Best Apps for European Travelers

#16 Just Eat

If you’re trapped indoors due to inclement weather or fighting a wicked hangover from a wild night out, this app can be your savior. Similar to Uber Eats, Just Eat has gained widespread popularity as an online food delivery service in Europe. While it’s not a must-have, this app offers convenient, speedy, and affordable food purchasing options.

#17 Hostelworld

If you’re looking for a remarkable hostel, Hostelworld is an excellent platform. Use it to easily compare prices and general information (such as distance from the city center and cleanliness) all in one place. You can also check the ratings and reviews of each hostel, with the most recent ones displayed first. By booking your hostel through Hostelworld, you’ll also get the benefit of free cancellation up to seven days before your stay!

#18 Viator

If you’re planning any travel destination or activity, Viator is likely to offer a variety of tours to meet your needs. With the convenience of Viator’s app, you can easily explore and book tours on the go. The app brings the tour catalog directly to your phone, allowing you to find nearby options based on your location. Additionally, you can even secure same-day tours, skip long entrance lines, and keep your tickets accessible on your mobile device.

#19 TRVL

You can earn a commission every time you make a reservation on TRVL, whether it’s for yourself or others. Additionally, you’ll have access to exclusive offers and discounts on millions of hotels worldwide. TRVL focuses on empowering travel enthusiasts like you. As a member of the TRVL community, you have the opportunity to create a personalized page featuring your favorite accommodations and detailed articles about each destination. When people book through your profile, you’ll receive a commission.

#20 Kayak

If you’re stuck in the never-ending planning phase, this cost-effective travel app can assist you in creating an affordable dream vacation. Kayak demonstrates that travel doesn’t always have to break the bank by comparing flights, hotels, and car rentals across Europe to bring you the best deals available.

Conclusion

During your trip to Europe, you will have to take care of many things: transport, communication, regional features, accommodation, currency, etc. You can alleviate these worries by simply installing applications. With them you can quickly convert currency, learn about the best regional establishments, buy tickets and book hotels at a profit, unlock your favorite TV series, translate words and much more.

Violeta Matei
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