The Apps I Swear By for Travel

You’ve just landed in a new country. You’re jet-lagged, hangry, and trying to figure out where the hell your Airbnb is because you forgot to save the address offline. Now you’re stuck scrambling to find Wi-Fi and Googling local currency conversions like your life depends on it.

Sound familiar? Been there, done that, and let me tell you—never again. The secret to avoiding this chaos? Having the right apps downloaded before you even step on the plane. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Here are my ride-or-die apps that keep me sane and on top of my baddie-travel game.

1. Revolut

This app is basically Venmo’s cooler, more international cousin. Revolut lets you upload money, pay friends, and—most importantly—avoid those sneaky foreign transaction fees when you’re in places like the UK. Think of it like a digital debit card. Pro tip: pre-load some cash onto it before your trip so you’re ready to roll the second you land. No fumbling with ATMs, no drama.

2. Solitaire

Let’s be real, not every flight has those fancy seatback screens, and sometimes TikTok just doesn’t cut it. Enter: Solitaire. This app works in airplane mode, which is perfect for those endless hours in the air or when you’re chilling at the gate with zero service. It’s low-key addicting and the perfect mix of brain-dead and strategic.

3. Currency

Money math is not my thing, especially when I’m jet-lagged and trying to figure out if I just got scammed on a cab ride. Currency is a lifesaver for quick conversions so you know exactly how much you’re spending in real time. It keeps you from accidentally blowing your budget or, worse, getting ripped off.

4. Find Me Gluten Free

If you’re a GF girlie like me, you know the struggle of trying to find safe eats in a new city. Enter Find Me GF: it’s basically your gluten-free treasure map. Whether you’re hunting for bakeries or restaurants, this app takes the guesswork out of dining abroad. Because let’s face it, nobody wants a side of gluten with their food-induced bliss.

5. WhatsApp

Staying in touch with people back home doesn’t have to mean a phone bill that looks like you’ve been running a call center. WhatsApp lets you text, call, and even send voice notes without racking up international charges. Bonus: it’s super popular abroad, so you can use it to chat with locals, too.

6. Netflix

Yes, Netflix makes the list because flights are long, and layovers can be brutal. Download your favorite shows or movies before you leave, and you’ve got endless entertainment even on airplane mode. Plus, Netflix works internationally, unlike Hulu or HBO Max, so it’s a win-win for downtime abroad.

Bonus Travel App Tips

Local Taxi Apps: Research before you go! Not every country allows Uber, so knowing the local taxi app can save you a ton of hassle. (Looking at you, Germany with your MyTaxi app.)

Phone Plan Upgrade: If you’re with Verizon like me, upgrade to their international plan before you travel. For just $10 extra per month, you’ll avoid the $10-per-day fees. A little planning goes a long way to avoid those crazy charges.

Whether you’re flying solo or traveling with friends, these apps are my secret weapon for stress-free trips. Download them before you go, and you’ll spend less time panicking and more time exploring. Because let’s be real—the world is calling, and we’ve got no time for Wi-Fi meltdowns or conversion-rate confusion. Go forth and roam boldly!