Prepare your phone ahead of a trip away and it will quickly become a treasured travel companion, keeping you in touch with loved ones and simplifying complicated public transport networks. However, remember the benefits of taking a break from your screen, too.
Keep scrolling for a selection of apps that we think deserve a spot on your phone's home screen. Plus, you'll find tips on using offline maps and keeping an eye on your data allowance.
News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you.Smartphone apps for travelling
1. Duolingo – for learning a new language
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If you're travelling abroad, you might fancy learning a couple of key phrases beforehand. Duolingo is one of the most popular education apps around and offers support for over 40 different languages.
As you work through themed chapters, you'll be presented with bite-sized lessons in speaking, reading, listening and writing. The app rewards you for checking in regularly, too, so you'll benefit from making a quick language lesson part of your daily routine.
Completing new lessons will earn you points, which affect your ranking on a weekly leaderboard. Adding friends and family to the app means you can compare results and compete for bragging rights.
Make sure your phone doesn't run out of juice at a crucial time – see the2. AllTrails – for scenic walks
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As you complete trails, they'll get added to your profile page. You can also leave some notes for other walkers if you think there's anything they should be aware of – a section of path that's overgrown or a nice stop-off point, for example.
For a device that reliably tracks your exercise sessions (not all do), check in with our expert and3. Citymapper – for help with public transport
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If you're visiting a major city, mastering the complex public transport system can be crucial. This is where Citymapper is excellent: tell it where you want to go and it'll show you how to get there via train, bus, bike, taxi, or even combinations of all four.
The brainy app is backed by live data, so if a train line is experiencing delays, it will suggest a quicker route to take instead. Citymapper will even show you where to stand on the platform if you want a super-speedy exit at your destination.
4. Calm – for de-stressing
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Calm is a meditation app that can help you block out headache-inducing noise on a plane or while you're lying on the beach.
The app is home to an expansive series of guided meditations that you're able to filter by category. Some of those meditations are designed to help you sleep, while others are used to combat anxiety.
If you simply want to listen to soothing sounds, Calm has a crammed music library made up of ambient nature sounds and classical music. The premium version of the app is paid-for, but you can activate a seven-day free trial and then cancel before it expires so you don't get charged.
5. Netflix (and other TV apps) – for passing the time
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Thanks to the 'download for offline' feature on the Netflix app, you don't need to have an active internet connection to binge your favourite TV show. In other words, you can load up your mobile with episodes ahead of time if you're about to tackle a long flight or bus journey.
Download My NetflixDownloadspencil iconbin iconThis feature isn't exclusive to Netflix, either – BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 offer the same service. If you're using ITVX, you need a premium subscription at £5.99 a month to enable offline viewing.
Download content through your home wi-fi network so you don't use your mobile data. Plus, remember that some streaming apps won't work outside of the UK if you're aiming to watch live content.
6. PackPoint – for packing your bags
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With the PackPoint app, you can generate a packing list based on your destination and planned activities. If you've ever felt the pain of opening up your suitcase abroad and realising you forgot a charger, give it a try.
As you're creating a list, the app will ask you for the dates that you're away – this is so it can scan the weather conditions and adjust your packing list accordingly. Once the list is saved, you can share it with friends and family heading off on the same trip.
7. Google Translate – for making sense of your surroundings
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8. TheFork – for restaurant bookings
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This food-finding app, which is designed to simplify the restaurant booking process, is worth a closer look if you're exploring European destinations.
To get started, you scan a list of open restaurants near your current location and sort by user reviews from real customers. Then, you can go ahead and reserve your spot – the app will automatically apply any available discounts.
As you use the app, you'll earn Yums. Those points can be redeemed at partner restaurants for further savings.
For inspiration on where to visit next, see our guide to the9. what3words – for sharing your location
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When you're in a remote location and need to share your whereabouts, or simply want to confirm a spot to meet with friends, what3words can be invaluable.
The idea is simple: the entire map of the world is divided into tiny squares, and each square has a unique name made up of three ordinary words. So instead of having to laboriously give your location as '10 Downing Street', for example, you could simply say that you're at 'easy.fans.blast'.
10. Pocket – for reading articles offline
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You can use Pocket to save online articles so you can read them in full without an internet connection. The process of downloading a page only takes a couple of seconds and it'll stay on your device until you manually delete it.
copy the URLopen Pocketplus iconpaste the URLSave to PocketSaves star iconMore travel apps: your suggestions
Currency Converter PlusVivino Playground BuddyUberFind my phoneDisney+How to check how much data you're using
Apps can be undeniably useful, but you need to stay on top of your data usage while you're away. If you don't, you risk being hit with a nasty bill on your return.
On an iPhone, follow these steps:Settings Mobile DataSettings CellularCellular datasource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/10-smartphone-apps-you-really-need-to-download-before-you-go-on-holiday-awgPZ9e4ClZS