Best Travel Apps for Budget Travellers

When we’re out on the road, it can be difficult not to get carried away when it comes to budgeting. We might have been super careful to save and scrimp before we set off on our adventures, but we can often forget to keep an eye on our spending once we’re at our final destination. Honestly there is nothing wrong with that.

There’s plenty of places to save money before we leave. Saving on flights beforehand, on accommodation with discounts from the Hostel Card, and with the seasonal dates we’ve chosen, leaving us with more of our hard earned cash to spend on fun things like excursions, trying new things and going out with all the new friends we’ve met at the hostel. 

This being said, if we’re travelling for a while, it’s important to keep an eye on the budget. Otherwise we’re going to be left high and dry in a few weeks, barely being able to afford anything.

That’s why it’s always useful to have some tools in your back pocket to help you stay on track. All these apps are completely free to download so make sure you take advantage and get saving!

5 Best Travel Apps For Budget Travellers

1. Skyscanner

Okay so some people like using Google Flights, Kayak or Priceline, and they’re all pretty much the same, but I prefer to use Skyscanner. The app is super easy to use and you can find flights, accommodation and car hire with real time prices from tons of providers who all have real customer ratings. 

What makes Skyscanner great are the flexibility tools that give you the best price and trip possible. If you’re not sure where you want to go next but roughly know when then you can type in your closest airport, select everywhere as the destination and it’ll show you all the cheapest places you can go and explore. 

Similarly, if you’re not picky about when you want to fly but know where you want to go, you can select whole months to see when the cheapest flights are. Definitely a must-have when you’re planning a trip.

2. Revolut

If you’re looking for a way to properly keep an eye on your money while you’re abroad then Revolut is my go to for tracking my spending and for currency conversions. Although there are paid versions of this bank card that give you higher limits, the basic package is free. This package allows you to top up your card, spend it abroad with no fees and also withdraw cash at local ATMs (for a small fee).

They calculate the exchange rate in real time and have all the currency calculators so you can check the prices of things in new countries if you’re unsure. Something I always have to do when I’m on a layover in a new place. Revolut also categorises your spending into sections like eating out, transport, clothing and more, so you can see where the bulk of your money is going and where you can maybe ease up on.

3. Culture Trip

Chances are if you’re planning a trip, you’ve heard of Culture Trip’s website. They’re almost like a modern Lonely Planet. They’ve got dozens of guides to different countries, cities and regions, with niche specialisms from food tours, quirky off the beaten track itineraries, to whistlestop 48 hour trips. So, they’re a great place to start off if you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration, or if you’re looking for a more specific spot to grab some food or culture.

Their app is filled with useful maps, reviews and tips to help you navigate your destination, as well as some insider knowledge when it comes to the best value restaurants, bars, cafes and more. A lot of their writers are local to the area so there’s some really cool and unique spots that you probably won’t get anywhere else. 

4. Google Maps

It’s a classic and it’s probably already on your phone. Google Maps will always be one of the best apps to have on your phone when you’re travelling. Separate from just finding out where you’re going on foot, it’s super useful to help you navigate foreign public transport systems that can often be pretty overwhelming. 

Also the added share location feature is great from both a logistics standpoint if you’re meeting up with friends, or a safety standpoint if you’re not sure about where you’re going or the area that you’re in. As much as we all love travelling and exploring new places, it’s always worth remembering to stay safe and check in with people as much as you can. It’s as much for their peace of mind as your own. 

5. iTranslate

Finally, we have iTranslate. Although it’s always best to try and learn at least the basics of a language before you travel to a place out of courtesy and general ease of getting around your destination, it’s not always possible to learn everything you’re going to need pre-trip.

Especially if you have fast talking locals or menus that you need to decrypt, translation apps like iTranslate can be a real life saver. Even if it just helps you work out what different signs are saying, it can really help you to feel more independent on your trip and like you’re getting a grip on the place you’re in. It’s especially worth having if you’re going to a place with a completely different alphabet or script to what you’re used to.

Best Travel Apps Roundup

So, when we’re always attached to our phones, whether we’re at home or out on our travels, it’s always worth using them for good, and what better way than using them to save you money! Travel is all about being present and experiencing culture, so travel apps might seem counterintuitive. That being said, with these particular apps, they’re designed to help you solve a quick problem and be put away again, leaving you with plenty of phone-free time to explore and experience your chosen destination. We hope that these best travel apps tips have helped you!