Based on what we went through in 2020, one thing is for sure. Traveling will never be the same again. With social distancing guidelines in place worldwide, now is a good time to travel alone. You can enjoy traveling without being responsible for anyone but yourself. With increased self-confidence, you are all set to get a fresh perspective on the world. But, when considering a solo trip, factors such as logistics and safety may come into play. Other factors involved include staying safe and speaking the local language. It can be a bit overwhelming to handle all the travel details and reservations on your own, so I hope you enjoy reading about the best apps for solo travelers in this article.
If you have a good internet service provider, then you don’t have to worry about much. This is the most crucial part to ensure. Search out options for phone internet and select the one that suits you the most. You can select the one that provides you with a good internet speed. It will be even better if it is satellite internet covering the remotest areas. Enter mobile apps to your rescue! Read on for a list of the best apps for solo travelers, ensuring your trip will be hassle-free, safe, and fun.
This Guest Post was written by David Bennett
1. Maps.me
This is one of the bet apps for solo travelers out of the bunch. I have lost count of how many times this app came in handy during my travels. It has saved me many times to get out of sticky situations. Maps.me, unlike other map apps, does not need data or Wi-Fi to function on your smartphone. As long as you download your maps ahead of time, you can:
- Trace your location
- Determine how to get to and from your desired location.
- Discover nearby locations (e.g. attractions, eating places, petrol stations, hotels, police, public toilets, etc.)
- Save/Pin places you’ve been or want to go.
- Inform others about your location (e.g. For an Uber, Taxi, and friends)
- You can also get Travel/City guides (for an extra fee)
Because you appear less like a “tourist,” Maps.me reduces your chances of getting caught by pick-pockets or locals. Nothing says “I’m a tourist with NO idea what I’m doing” like someone trying to decipher a map in public. Keep yourself safe and give it a shot.
2. Trail Wallet
According to me, it is the second-best travel app for solo travelers. It’s perfect if you need to stick to a strict budget while traveling. It keeps a tight check on someone like me who tends to overspend. Trail Wallet is amazing as it allows you to create “trips” and allocate a daily or a total budget to each trip. The app allowed me to select the local currency for each trip, set up a starting and ending date for my budget, and work out a daily or total trip budget.
I could then add in my expenses as the trip progressed. Categorize them as desired (for example, food, transportation, lodging, souvenirs, and so on). I could track and see where my money was going. Trail Wallet will show you how your average daily and monthly spending stacks up against your budget. This way, you can avoid running out of money halfway through your trip. It may take some time to develop the habit of entering your expenses as they occur. Once you do, it becomes addictive.
3. Google Translate
There is nothing more frustrating than coping with the language barrier at a new place. There are many places where you cannot work your way through English. You can end up in trouble with no idea where you are. You cannot even find a decent thing to eat in a restaurant since you cannot read the menu. This communication barrier can ruin your entire trip and add extra stress.
This is where Google Translate comes to your rescue. Choose a language you need, type a sentence, and convert it to the local language. It even works when you are offline. So if your internet ditches you, you can still use this app. A phone’s microphone can also be used to record what the other person is saying and get it translated. Download the app and start using it.
4. SoloTraveller
This is a quite famous social travel app. It connects you with other travelers where you are traveling. This an amazing app to find nearby hiking spots or companions to go on trekking with. Meet new people or share a taxi, a lot can be done with SoloTraveller. It is backpackers and solo travelers. It has a large community that shares various travel stories and travel experiences.
5. Travello
Travello assists you in planning incredible travel experiences at an affordable price. When you book with Travello, you can expect excellent customer service, live availability, and quick confirmation. Travello is a social media platform (quite like Facebook) designed for travelers. Connect with those visiting your destination via the app for advice. Share photos and tips, read or leave hotel and destination reviews, and book and pay for tours and experiences. Solo travelers can also join special groups for those traveling alone to specific destinations.
6. Apps for Entertaining Yourself
As a solo traveler sometimes, all the traveling can overwhelm you. You might need a quiet night with yourself. You can get the below apps to keep yourself entertained. The only given is that you have a good internet connection.
Best apps for solo travelers – Conclusion
One of the most important lessons I learned from my travels was to set up all the needed apps on my phone before leaving. There’s nothing worse than needing to access something on your phone with bad internet. In this article, I’ve shared a few of my favorite and best solo travel apps that I use when traveling the world. Some of them did save me from grave danger. Before downloading, see if the app helps you to save yourself from getting lost, communicate with the locals, back-up charging for your electronic devices, and spend within budget.
Save this post for your next solo travel trip!
Author
David Bennett is a professional writer with a passion for exploring the intersection of travel and technology. When he’s not writing, David can often be found testing out new travel gadgets or planning his adventure.
