Travel Apps That Get You, Without the Sighs and Eye-Rolls

suebraybon
Oct 2
3 min read

Essential Top Travel Apps

Hello and welcome back to Travel Hints for Women Over 60!

Today we’re diving into some of the handiest travel apps out there.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Do I really need all these apps, or can I just wing it with a paper map and a guidebook like the good old days?” Sure, you can—but why make life harder than it needs to be? These apps are like having a personal assistant in your pocket (without needing to feed them, listen to their complaints or put up with their impatient sighs and eye-rolls).

Let’s jump in!

ChatGPT

Think of ChatGPT as your endlessly patient, 24/7 travel buddy.

Packing list? Done.

Directions? Sorted.

Rainy-day activities in Paris? Easy.

And unlike your partner, best friend or more than likely kids, it won’t complain when you ask the same question three times.

Citymapper

For anyone who has ever stood in a subway station wondering, “Which way is uptown?”—Citymapper is your lifesaver. It gives you real-time directions, costs, and even walking routes. Basically, it keeps you from ending up in the wrong part of town (again).

Duolingo

Learning a new language? Duolingo makes it fun—like a video game where you win points instead of embarrassing yourself at a Paris café. Locals will appreciate your effort, even if you only master “please,” “thank you,” and “two wines, please.”

GetYourGuide

Want to skip the endless queues at museums? GetYourGuide has your back. Book tours, skip-the-line tickets, or unique experiences at the tap of a button. It’s like having a personal travel agent, minus the hefty fees and awkward small talk.

Your tickets are stored in the app (no printing needed), and most bookings are cancellable up to 24 hours before. I’ve used it for everything from food tours to early-entry museum access—it’s brilliant.

Google Maps

Yes it's true classic. Google Maps provides directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transport almost anywhere in the world.

Tips I swear by:

Download offline maps before your trip
Save favorite restaurants and attractions
Use reviews and photos to decide where to eat

It’s reliable, accurate, and a must-have for every traveler.

Google Translate

One of the most practical apps you’ll ever download.

Point your camera at a menu or sign → see instant translations
Translate live conversations → great for hotel check-ins
Download languages in advance → works offline

It’s free, easy to use, and makes navigating non-English-speaking countries far less stressful.

Splitwise

Traveling with friends or family? Splitwise makes expense-sharing painless.

Instead of keeping messy receipts, each person logs what they paid for, and the app calculates who owes what. It supports multiple currencies and gives a neat “settle up” balance at the end of the trip. No more awkward money conversations!

Stasher

Need somewhere to leave your luggage before check-in or after checkout? Stasher connects you with local hotels and shops that offer secure storage.

It’s cheap, insured, and perfect for enjoying those extra hours in a city without dragging your suitcase around.

TripAdvisor

The old classic. User photos, reviews, and rankings that tell you whether a place is a must-see… or a must-avoid. (Tip: always check the photos uploaded by fellow travellers. They tell the real story.)

I use it to check hotel ratings, compare prices, and save inspiration lists like “Top Paris Cafés.”

TripIt

This is the ultimate trip organizer. Forward your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, and tours, and TripIt creates a master itinerary that works offline.

No more digging through emails—your whole trip is in one place.

The international favourite. Free calls and messages over Wi-Fi—plus everyone from your tour guide in Rome to your family in Australia is probably already on it.

XE Currency Converter

Quick, accurate exchange rates at your fingertips.

I use it constantly when shopping or dining abroad—no more guessing “how much is that in Aussie dollars?” You can also store rates for offline use.

Wrap-Up

So there you have it—my go-to apps that keep travel smooth, fun, and occasionally save me from myself.

💡 A little bonus tip: create a dedicated folder on your phone’s home screen and store all your travel apps in one place.

👉 You’ll find a full list with links on my website: https://www.travelhints60.com/app-recommendations

👉 Extra tips and destination highlights are on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelhints60/

If you found this helpful, please like, share, or drop a comment with your favorite travel apps. I’d love to hear them!

Disclaimer

Travel Hints 60 is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the companies or apps mentioned in this episode. All recommendations are based on my personal experience and the fact that these apps have saved my sanity more than once.