Jet set: the seven best travel apps

Visiting new countries and experiencing different cultures has never been easier, but the amount of planning needed to go travelling can be very daunting. Transport, hotels and activities often need to be booked in advance but you may find that your plans change after starting your trip.

Thankfully, there are a host of apps designed to make foreign travel a simpler, less stressful experience. These will allow you to book hotels and find transport services while you’re out and about.

So, in no particular order, here are seven of the best apps that can ease the stress of travelling abroad:

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1. Zeamo

If you get tired of sunbathing and feel a need to get the blood pumping, Zeamo will scan the area you’re visiting in order to find the nearest gym.

Users can filter gyms by price and amenities on offer, as well as find fitness classes and reserve a spot. The app is free and doesn’t require a subscription.

You can download it for iPhones here and Android phones here.

2. App in the Air

One of the most stressful aspects of travelling is navigating a new airport for the first time. Thankfully, App in the Air aims to make this as simple as possible.

The tool allows you to see constant updates on your upcoming flight, log your previous flights and view airport maps so you don’t get lost on the way to the gate. It’s also an Editor’s Choice on Apple’s App Store.

App in the Air can be downloaded for free on the App Store and the Google Play store.

3. GoEuro

GoEuro helps you compare the cost of transport operators in European countries, saving you the trouble of phoning travel agencies and sifting through price comparison websites. It covers bus, plane and train services.

Users can book e-tickets for these services through the app, so there’s no need for paper tickets.

GoEuro is a free app available on the App Store and the Google Play store.

4. Headout

Finding something to do in a new city can be a challenge, particularly if you don’t speak the local language. This is where Headout comes in as it helps travellers find things to do when they arrive at their destination.

These activities will vary depending on the place you’ve travelled to. The app offers all kinds of experiences, including helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon and snorkelling expeditions in Hawaii. According to Popular Science, Headout can save you money if you book an event through it.

The app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones.

5. Hotel Tonight

However much you plan things ahead, there are times when you’ll need a bed at short notice. Last-minute bookings can be expensive, which is where Hotel Tonight comes in. The booking app will search for places to stay near your location up to seven days in advance.

The app also offers some of the best last-minute deals for hotels. This could save you money over regular online booking agencies.

You can download Hotel Tonight from the App Store and the Google Play store.

6. Heha!

There’s always a last minute rush before going on holiday. Did you remember to book parking at the airport? Have you booked a restaurant for dinner? This is where the Heha! comes in. The app aims to help you keep all your holiday plans and paperwork in one place.

HeHa! allows you to build your own itinerary for your upcoming holiday and works in a similar fashion to Facebook group. You can store links to places you want to visit on your trip, for example, and share them with your friends and family. You can also store PDFs, such as your visa, in one place, and receive handy travel tips.

The app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play store.

7. Hitlist

Many of us want to travel the world, but air fares can be a stumbling block for holidaymakers. The Hitlist app saves you money on flights by scanning the internet for the cheapest fares.

The app will recommend different destinations to you, allowing you to swipe right or left to accept or dismiss offers. There’s also the option to connect the app to your Facebook account and see where your friends have travelled.

Hitlist can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play store.