From an e-wallet that lets you pay in over 150 currencies overseas to an app that helps you combat jet lag, these are the apps you’ll need when we’re all #goingplacesagain
1) Airalo: Say goodbye to travel SIM cards
We’ve all been there: frantic searches for a local SIM on your travels or realising that you’ve misplaced that SIM card you’ve painstakingly taped to the back of your phone upon returning home. Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, eliminates that travel SIM card nightmare we’ve all been privy to.
Through the app, travellers can purchase a local eSIM card at affordable rates in over 160 countries. It’s surprisingly easy to use: select your destination on Airalo’s app and purchase a local eSIM QR code. Scan the QR code on your device (this works only if your smartphone is eSIM-compatible), and the eSIM is immediately installed and ready to use. You can even switch between multiple eSIM cards – pretty useful if you’re hopping between countries.
Download Airalo on iOS and Android.
2) PackPoint: No more overpacking
How hot does it get during a New York summer? Do we need thermals for springtime in Japan? These are the packing conundrums that PackPoint helps you solve. This intelligent packing app helps you organise what you actually need to pack in your luggage, based on the duration of your trip, weather at your destination and the activities you’ve planned there. From this information, the app will create a list of wardrobe items, electronics and personal items you’ll need, which you can also check off as you pack. Let’s face it: we all know a chronic overpacker (or are one ourselves) who could do with this app.
Download PackPoint on iOS and Android.
3) Timeshifter: The jet lag app
Adjusting to jet lag is no fun, but this nifty app might make it easier on you. Developed by scientists from the latest in sleep and circadian neuroscience, Timeshifter helps you combat jet lag. The app personalises a jet lag plan for you based on your trip details and natural sleep cycle, and creates an itinerary that’ll tell you when to get some shuteye, when to avoid light and when to avoid or consume caffeine. To keep you in check, it’ll also send you alerts accordingly, so you can be assured that you’ll arrive at your destination (hopefully) jet lag-free. No more wasting precious holiday time making up for sleep.
Download Timeshifter on iOS and Android.
4) Roadtrippers: The secret to fuss-free road trip planning
Got an epic road trip planned? Roadtrippers not only maps your driving route and helps you navigate, it also lets you plan and save your trip itineraries for easy sharing amongst your friends or family. You can even book your accommodation and activities along the way! Need advice on the best stops to check out along your journey? The app can suggest everything from popular must-see landmarks to more off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Download Roadtrippers on iOS and Android.
5) YouTrip: A travel wallet that lets you pay in over 150 currencies
A multi-currency card that lets you transact in over 150 currencies with no overseas charge – that’s YouTrip’s biggest draw. This travel wallet is a timesaving, cost-effective alternative to traditional money changers or regular bank cards that come with hefty overseas transaction fees. The e-wallet comes with a prepaid Mastercard, designed so you can pay overseas with no fees while also allowing you to lock down competitive exchange rates prior to your trip.
Download YouTrip on iOS or Android.
6) HappyCow: The TripAdvisor for vegetarians and vegans
Something for the plant-based folks: HappyCow helps you scout over 100,000 vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, diners, coffee shops, bakeries, farmers’ markets, grocery stores and more in over 195 countries around the world. You can even filter by cuisine type and dietary restrictions.
Download HappyCow on iOS and Android.
7) GlobeTips: A global tipping guide
We’ve all been guilty of undertipping (or not tipping at all!) at some point on our travels. GlobeTips is the ultimate guide to tips around the world, sparing you any awkward travel tipping scenarios. The app can advise you on the appropriate tipping culture in more than 200 countries, and even features a handy tip calculator you can use.
Download GlobeTips on iOS.
8) TripIt: Create a master travel itinerary in seconds
Forward your flight, hotel and travel bookings to TripIt as soon as you make them, and it’ll compile a single master itinerary for you right away. No more cross-checking flight itineraries or scouring your inbox for your multiple booking receipts; you’ll have all your plans at your fingertips whenever you need them. There are also other perks, like a carbon footprint tracker, and flight updates on its pro version.
Download TripIt on iOS, Mac App Store and Android.
