Words by Britton Grossman, who studied abroad with ASA in Mastricht during the spring semester of 2020, and is now an avid traveler.
With technology now at the center of everyday life, having the right apps on your phone can completely change your travel experience. Before studying abroad, I was given a short list of apps to download ahead of time, but once I was actually living and traveling overseas, I quickly discovered many more tools that made daily life easier. From booking transportation to managing money and staying connected, these apps helped me travel smarter, cheaper, and with far less stress.
Whether you are studying abroad and/or traveling internationally for the first time, these are the essential apps to navigate travel with confidence.
1. OMIO. Omio is one of the most useful apps for traveling abroad, especially in Europe. It allows you to compare trains, buses, and flights all in one place, so you can choose the cheapest or fastest option between cities. Instead of checking multiple websites, Omio simplifies transportation planning and keeps all of your tickets stored in one app.
2. GETYOURGUIDE. GetYourGuide is a great app for finding tours, excursions, and activities in new destinations. Whether you are looking for walking tours, food experiences, or day trips, this app shows popular options with reviews from other travelers. It is especially helpful when you are short on time or traveling with friends and want to make the most of a trip.
3. SKYSCANNER. Skyscanner is a go-to app for finding cheap flights. It compares airlines and routes to help you find the best price, including flexible date options if your travel plans are open. This app is ideal for budget travelers and students looking to take advantage of affordable flights while abroad.
4. SAFEY. Safey is focused on traveler and student safety while abroad. The app connects you with emergency resources and program coordinators if something goes wrong. Having this app installed provides peace of mind, especially when traveling to new places or navigating unfamiliar environments.
5. MY CURRENCY CONVERTER & RATES. My Currency Converter is a simple and reliable app for converting money while traveling abroad. It allows you to quickly check exchange rates so you know exactly what you are spending in your home currency. This app is especially helpful when prices are listed in unfamiliar currencies, and you want a quick answer without doing mental math. It works offline as well, which makes it convenient when you do not have consistent service while traveling.
6. WHATSAPP. WhatsApp is essential for communication while traveling. Many international contacts, hostels, tour guides, and even restaurants use WhatsApp as their primary form of communication. It allows you to message and call over WiFi, making it far more reliable than international texting plans.
7. HOSTELWORLD. Hostelworld is a popular app for booking hostels and budget accommodations around the world. It includes reviews, photos, and social features that make it easier to meet other travelers. Even if you do not stay in hostels often, this app is useful for finding affordable and social places to stay.
8. BOOKING.COM. Booking.com is a go-to app for booking hotels, hostels, and short-term stays while traveling abroad. It is especially helpful for last-minute accommodations and flexible travel plans since many listings offer free cancellation. The app allows you to compare prices, read reviews, and manage reservations all in one place, making it a reliable option for students and travelers moving between cities.
Thanks, Britton!