The Best Mobile Apps for Travel
- Martha Pillin
- Dec 23, 2024
- 6 min read
Backpacking through Southeast Asia is an incredible adventure. But as much as we all love the freedom of the open road, navigating through the chaos of it all can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why having a few solid mobile apps can make your journey a whole lot smoother and stress-free.
Here’s a rundown of my must-have apps for backpacking Southeast Asia:
1. Maps.me – Offline Maps for Getting Lost (and Found!)
When you’re out exploring hidden temples, trekking through jungles, and stumbling upon secret beaches, internet signals can be spotty, and Google Maps doesn’t always do the trick. That’s where Maps.me comes in. I have used it a lot, especially in more remote places like the northern Vietnam and Cambodia. You can download entire maps for offline use, so no Wi-Fi? No problem. Plus, it’s got hiking routes, points of interest, and bus stops, so you won’t miss a thing!
Download Maps.me here
2. Google Translate – Your Language Lifesaver
One of the most exciting things about backpacking in Southeast Asia is the variety of languages spoken. But let’s be real, sometimes ordering food or asking for directions can get tricky! I’ve had my fair share of hilarious (and sometimes frustrating) miscommunications, so Google Translate is my go-to. I love that it works offline once you’ve downloaded the languages. The voice translation feature is especially useful when trying to communicate quickly. There is also the option to use your camera and scan text to translate words on signs or menus!
3. Grab – The Southeast Asia Uber
When I first arrived in Southeast Asia, I was a bit overwhelmed by the idea of taking a tuk-tuk or haggling with taxi drivers. That’s when I discovered Grab, which quickly became my favourite way to get around. It’s like Uber, but it works in most Southeast Asian cities and even includes food delivery. Whether I’m heading to a hostel in Ho Chi Minh City or grabbing a late-night snack in Bangkok, Grab is my ride-hailing app of choice.
4. Skyscanner – Finding Cheap Flights
One of the best parts of backpacking through Southeast Asia is how easy and cheap it is to hop between countries. But with so many budget airlines and flight options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s when Skyscanner comes in. I use it to compare flights and set price alerts. If you’re flexible with dates, you can score some amazing deals.
5. Hostelworld – For Finding the Best Hostels
If you’re a backpacker, Hostelworld is your best friend. It’s the easiest way to find hostels with great reviews (so you don’t end up somewhere sketchy) and often offers the best prices. I use it whenever I’m planning a stay in a new city, especially if I’m looking for a good party hostel or one that’s quiet and laid-back. The reviews are key, and I love how you can filter for things like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and location. This app is a must!
6. Airbnb – When You Want Something Different
Don’t get me wrong—I love a good hostel. But sometimes I want a change of pace, especially when I’m tired from all the sightseeing or want a bit more privacy. Airbnb is great for that. I’ve stayed in treehouses in Laos, beach bungalows in the Philippines, and cozy apartments in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a great option if hostels are fully booked or if you just want a different experience for a night or two.
7. Surfshark – Secure Your Wi-Fi Connection
Alright, let’s be real - public Wi-Fi isn’t always the most secure, especially in Southeast Asia where I’ve found some pretty dodgy internet connections. Surfshark is my VPN app of choice because it keeps my data secure when I’m using hotel Wi-Fi or random coffee shop connections. It’s so easy to use, and it is reassuring to know that my personal info is safe when I’m booking my next adventure or checking my bank account. Plus, being able to watch favourite shows on Netflix during a long bus journey is such a win.
8. XE Currency – No More Currency Confusion
Southeast Asia uses a lot of different currencies - Thai Baht, Indonesian Rupiah, Vietnamese Dong, to name a few. I used to get so confused about how much I was spending until I downloaded XE Currency. This app keeps track of real-time exchange rates and even lets me store rates offline, which has been a lifesaver in remote areas with no internet. It helps me quickly check if I’m overpaying for something or if that £6 meal is actually a good deal.
9. Airalo – Data Without the Roaming Fees
If you’re like me and love staying connected whilst travelling, but hate paying insane roaming fees, Airalo is a must. It allows you to buy local eSIM data plans for Southeast Asia (and other parts of the world) without needing a local SIM card. I’ve used it in every country I have travelled to. It is so easy to download and activate each SIM before even landing in the country and it allowed me to stay connected without worrying about huge data bills. It’s a game-changer for backpackers.
10. GetYourGuide – Booking Tours and Experiences
If you are like me and love to get involved with different activities when travelling, GetYourGuide is an app to download. It makes it easy to book everything from cooking classes to guided tours. Whether I’m exploring Angkor Wat in Cambodia or going on a boat tour in Halong Bay, this app helps me find great tours with good reviews. The best part? I can often skip the lines and avoid crowds, saving me tons of time.
11. Find My – Keep Track of Your Gear
When you’re constantly on the move, it’s easy to lose track of your stuff (especially when you’re in crowded markets or on long bus rides). Find My is a lifesaver for tracking your devices if you misplace them. I’ve used it a couple of times to locate my phone when I’ve accidentally left it in a taxi or on a café table. Super helpful when you’re juggling multiple bags and gadgets.
12. Online Banking – Managing Money on the Go
Whether I’m transferring money or checking my balance, having access to my online banking app is essential when travelling. Most banks have apps that let you keep track of your spending and easily transfer cash between accounts, which is super useful when you’re constantly on the move. It also helps me avoid using ATMs with high withdrawal fees! I use both Revolut and Monzo as my preferred travel bank cards.
13. ATM Fee Saver – Save on Withdrawal Fees
ATM withdrawal fees in Southeast Asia can quickly add up, especially if you’re travelling across multiple countries. ATM Fee Saver is an app that shows you the nearest ATMs that don’t charge withdrawal fees (or have lower fees) based on your location. I’ve saved so much money using this app, particularly in places like Thailand and the Philippines, where ATM fees can be hefty. It’s a game-changer for budget-conscious backpackers.
14. Splitwise - Simplifying Travel Expenses with Friends
Travelling with friends is amazing, but keeping track of who paid for what can get messy fast. From splitting tuk-tuk rides to sharing the cost of a boat trip, Splitwise is total lifesaver.
The app allows you to create groups and add expenses as you go, tracking who owes what. It even handles currency conversions, which is a game-changer in Southeast Asia where you’re constantly switching between different ones. At the end of the trip, you can settle up with one payment instead of dozens of small transactions.
15. Rome2rio – Your Travel Planning Sidekick
Figuring out how to get from one place to another can feel like a full-time job. That’s where Rome2rio comes in. It’s like having a personal travel assistant that shows you all the options for getting from Point A to Point B. The app lies out every option - bus, train, boat, plane and even private transfers - with estimated prices and travel times.
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