Looking for some European travel tips and tricks to make your life easier on your next trip? Well, stop looking! I have the very best travel tips for Europe regarding apps that you should download to change your life on your next vacation!
Whether you are planning your first trip to Europe or are just looking for how to travel smart in Europe, you are in the right place!
After years of traveling around the continent, I am more than happy to share with you my best travel tips for Europe, focusing on apps that will make your life much easier while traveling! So keep reading and discover the very best European travel apps!
Believe me, some of them will be totally new to you, but once you start using them, you will wonder how you didn’t think of them sooner. So, are you ready to discover the best travel tips for Europe and download these free European travel apps?
This blog post is all about sharing the best travel tips for Europe, highlighting apps that you should download to make your travel much easier!
Best Travel Tips For Europe: The Ultimate EUROPEAN TRAVEL APPS!
You’ll be happy to know that all the applications from this “Best Travel Tips For Europe: The Ultimate European Travel Apps” guide are totally free, or at least have a free version that you can use! I’ve also tried my best to find the best travel apps that can be used offline, but unfortunately, not all of them can be… Anyway, getting Wi-Fi during your trip to Europe shouldn’t be too hard, and, I promise, it shouldn’t be a bother to you!
Now let’s dive into my European travel tips and tricks that will make your life much easier on your next trip!
1. Essential Travel Apps TO TRAVEL SMART IN EUROPE
Let’s start with the essential travel apps to travel smart in Europe that will make your life much easier!
Navigation, language translation, and currency exchange are definitely three types of European travel apps that you need to be well-prepared for your next trip.
Make sure to get ready before your next vacation and start reading these Europe travel tips!
Navigation Apps
Here are the three best navigation apps if you are wondering how to travel smart in Europe, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
GOOGLE MAPS
Travelers or not, I believe we all know Google Maps and even use it daily, which is why I couldn’t possibly make a “Best Travel Tips For Europe: The Ultimate European Travel Apps” guide without mentioning it!
Advantages of Google Maps:
- Totally free.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Easy to use.
- Possibility to download maps for offline use.
- Itineraries available for traveling by foot, car, public transportation, and bike.
- Live information about traffic jams and bus and train timetables.
- Shows the nearest shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions along with general information related to them.
Disadvantages of Google Maps:
- Some features, like live information, are not available offline.
- Using the application can consume a lot of internet data.
CITYMAPPER
Another of my favorite European travel apps when it comes to navigating around a country or city is Citymapper. Keep reading for these travel tips to discover the advantages and disadvantages of this app.
Advantages of Citymapper:
- Basic features can be used without paying for a subscription.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Provides detailed and customizable itineraries depending on your mode of transportation (walking, cycling, and public transportation).
- Real-time updates.
- Shows transportation options in the area and their timetables.
- Easy to use.
- Can be partially used offline by downloading city maps beforehand.
Disadvantages of Citymapper:
- Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
- Detailed information is mostly available for larger cities, which can be a limitation when traveling to smaller areas or rural regions.
- Certain features require an internet connection to be used.
MAPS.ME
Last but not least of the best travel apps for Europe when it comes to navigating around the city is Maps.me. Maps.me is definitely one of my favorites, and you will quickly understand why I added it to these best travel tips for Europe when you read about the advantages of this app!
Advantages of Maps.me:
- Completely free to use.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Detailed offline maps that can be downloaded without an internet connection.
- Provides navigation for walking, driving, and cycling.
- Includes points of interest such as restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
- Really easy to use.
Disadvantages of Maps.me:
- Maps are not updated as frequently as they are on other navigation travel apps.
- An internet connection is needed for real-time updates.
- Downloading the maps can take up a lot of storage on your phone.
Language Translation Apps
Depending on the country you are traveling to in Europe, you might not speak the local language, and even if you speak English, it’s not certain that locals will be able to. That’s why one of my best travel tips for Europe is to download a language translation app before you leave.
From the most commonly known, Google Translate, to lesser-known ones, here are my three favorites along with their advantages and disadvantages. Find the one that suits your needs best and add it to your list of essential European travel apps!
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
As for Google Maps when it comes to navigating, I believe Google Translate is the go-to app when you want to translate something. Even though you all know it and probably use it frequently, it had to get a spot in this best apps for traveling guide! Here is why we all love it so much:
Advantages of Google Translate:
- Completely free to use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Offers translations in more than 100 languages, even offline.
- Various modes available, like text, voice, and even image translation.
- Can translate conversations in real-time with its conversation mode.
Disadvantages of Google Translate:
- Not always accurate, especially with complex sentences or less common languages.
- Certain features require an internet connection.
- Offline translation packs can take up significant storage space on your phone or tablet.
iTranslate
Another great translation travel app for Europe that you should try is iTranslate. iTranslate is an excellent tool for breaking down language barriers and making your travel experience easier. Here are its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of iTranslate:
- Free version available.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Translations available for over 100 languages, including offline translations.
- Offers various modes of translation: text, voice, and image translation.
- Includes a dictionary with verb conjugations for many languages.
- Also includes a phrasebook for common expressions and phrases to use on the go.
Disadvantages of iTranslate:
- Some advanced features require a premium subscription.
- Not always accurate, especially for idiomatic expressions.
- Offline translation packs and voice features can quickly add up to your phone’s storage.
- Some advanced features require an internet connection.
Microsoft translator
To be 100% honest with you, I came across Microsoft Translator only a few months ago. Before that, I had no idea it even existed. That’s why I thought it would be great to add it to this “Best Travel Tips for Europe: The Ultimate European Travel Apps” guide. Who knows, maybe it will become your favorite of all the translation apps out there!
Advantages of Microsoft Translator:
- Completely free to use.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Offers various offline modes.
- Can translate conversations in real-time.
- Integrates with other Microsoft services, which can be convenient if you already use them.
- Comes with a phrasebook for common expressions and practical sentences.
Disadvantages of Microsoft Translator:
- Not always accurate.
- Might require internet access for certain features.
- Supports only 70 languages, compared to 100 for the other two apps previously mentioned.
- User interface can be less intuitive compared to other translation apps.
Currency Conversion Apps
Currency conversion apps can be quite handy when you are traveling to a country using a different currency than you are used to in your home country. Whether you want to check the price of something to compare it with the cost at home or just get a general idea of how much you are spending, I highly suggest you download a currency conversion app.
Since you’ll only use it for basic currency conversion, I don’t believe you need to get a subscription or think too much about which app to choose. Here are my three favorites, and let’s be honest, they are all quite similar, with similar advantages and disadvantages.
XE Currency — Currency Converter Plus — Easy Currency Converter
Advantages of these three currency converter apps:
- All three have a free version that you can use, which should be more than enough for your needs.
- They are all available on iOS and Android.
- Provide live exchange rates for between 170 and 200 currencies, depending on the app.
- Offline access allows you to see the latest exchange rates you viewed.
- All are really easy to use.
Disadvantages of these three currency converter apps:
- Some advanced features require a premium subscription – I strongly believe you won’t need them anyway.
- Requires an internet connection for real-time rate updates – shouldn’t bother you if you only use it as a traveling app.
- The free version includes ads, which can be distracting or annoying.
- Delays in updating the latest exchange rates in volatile markets can occur.
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2. EUROPEAN TRAVEL APPS FOR BOOKING ACCOMMODATIONS
One of the best travel tips for Europe when it comes to downloading apps—and, I believe, the most obvious one—is to get apps specialized in booking accommodations. Not only will you be able to get the best prices, but you can also compare different platforms easily.
Whether you are traveling on a budget or looking for the cutest place to stay, there is an app for every kind of traveler. Keep reading to discover my favorite European travel apps for booking the best accommodations and start planning your trip right away!
Booking Platforms
Ever since I started traveling, I’ve been the biggest fan of Booking.com and Airbnb! Honestly, I think I’ve booked at least 90% of my accommodations through these two apps in the last 10 years. Recently, I’ve also started using Hotels.com and have been pleasantly surprised by how great it is. I wonder why I haven’t looked at it before…
I’ll let you decide which one you love the most. To help you, here are the advantages and disadvantages of each!
booking.com
One of the best travel apps for Europe when it comes to booking accommodation—and also one of the most popular—is Booking.com. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re still hesitant to use it!
Advantages of Booking.com:
- Completely free to use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Offers a wide selection of accommodations worldwide, from the cheapest hostel to the most luxurious resort.
- Provides detailed property descriptions, photos, and guest reviews.
- Allows you to filter your search by price, location, reviews, distance from the center or beach, and more.
- Offers tons of special deals, discounts, and last-minute offers.
- Easy and safe to use.
Disadvantages of Booking.com:
- Some properties may have additional fees, so be cautious when booking through the app.
- Customer support can be lacking, especially during peak periods of demand.
Airbnb
I know you’re already familiar with Airbnb, so I’ll keep it brief! Just take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of one of the best apps for traveling in Europe.
Advantages of Airbnb:
- Completely free to use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Often offers unique accommodations, including apartments, houses, glampings, or even castles.
- Provides detailed property information: photos, descriptions, host details, and reviews from previous guests.
- Allows communication with hosts to ask questions and arrange details to make your experience even better.
- Offers activities and experiences in the surroundings for a more complete stay.
- Provides the opportunity to stay with locals for a more authentic experience!
Disadvantages of Airbnb:
- Some extra fees may be applied to the nightly rate.
- Hosts can have stricter rules than hotels regarding stays and cancellations.
- Limited options in rural areas.
hotels.com
As previously mentionned, my latest addition to my favorite European travel apps is Hotels.com. To be honest, it’s quite similar to Booking.com – if not exactly the same – with similar advantages and disadvantages, so I’ll keep it brief. Here’s how I use it in addition to the other two apps:
I typically start by searching for accommodations within my budget on Booking.com and Airbnb. Then, I check Hotels.com to see if I can find a better price for the same room or better value for money.
I rarely rely on just one of these accommodation apps. So, if I were to share one of my best travel tips for Europe when looking for a place to stay, it would be to compare and cross-check results across different platforms!
This way, you won’t miss any opportunities or end up paying more for a room that you could have found at a lower price.
Budget Accommodation Apps
If you’re a budget traveler, especially in Europe where expenses can add up quickly, you’ll be delighted to know that there are accommodation apps specializing in budget-friendly options! The two most popular—and my favorites too—are HostelWorld and Couchsurfing.
Let me summarize for you what they’re about, along with their advantages and disadvantages, so you can easily find your favorite one!
Hostelworld
Budget traveler looking for the best travel tips for Europe? Here’s your first one!
If you’ve been traveling for a while, you’ve likely heard of Hostelworld. If not, here are the advantages and disadvantages of this app:
Advantages of Hostelworld:
- Completely free to use.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Offers a wide selection of hostels and budget accommodations.
- Provides detailed property listings.
- Allows filtering by price, location, and more to find the perfect accommodation.
- Often includes special deals, discounts, and promotions for budget travelers.
- Allows communication with hostels to ask questions and arrange details.
Disadvantages of Hostelworld:
- Hidden fees may apply after booking.
- Can be challenging to find budget accommodation in less popular areas.
couchsurfing
Have you heard of the Couchsurfing app? If you’re looking to save money while traveling around Europe, it might be a great idea for you to check it out! Here are the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if you want to add it to your European travel apps list:
Advantages of Couchsurfing:
- Free to use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Offers free accommodations with local hosts.
- Allows travelers to connect with locals for an authentic travel experience.
- Provides opportunities to participate in local events and activities organized by hosts.
- Helps build friendships and connections with locals around the world.
Disadvantages of Couchsurfing:
- Limited availability of accommodations in smaller areas.
- Involves staying with strangers, which may raise safety concerns.
- Host profiles and reviews may not always be accurate.
- Lack of privacy.
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3. Living THE BEST Local Experience with these Apps
One of the best things about traveling, whether in Europe or any other continent, is discovering the local culture and heritage of the places we visit. Finding the best local experiences has never been easier than with today’s applications.
Traveling has truly become a kid game with apps for everything from food and dining to city explorations and excursions. This makes trip planning much more enjoyable and easy.
If you’re looking for the best travel tips for Europe and want to discover the top apps for local experiences, keep reading this blog post!
Food and Dining Apps
If you’re anything like me, trying new food is a huge part of your travel experience. But finding good restaurants with delicious local cuisine can sometimes be a challenge—especially if you don’t speak the language or have local recommendations.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are three of the best European travel apps to help you find the perfect place to eat!
YELP
One of the best travel tips for Europe, especially if you’re a foodie, is to start using Yelp! If you’re unfamiliar with Yelp, it’s one of the best apps for traveling and discovering the finest local restaurants, cafes, and shops. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages to see for yourself!
Advantages of Yelp:
- Completely free.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Allows users to review and rate restaurants, cafes, bars, and local businesses.
- Provides very detailed business information including photos, menus, and contact details.
- Allows filtering by location, cuisine type, price range, and user ratings.
- Offers user-generated content with helpful tips and recommendations.
- Often includes special deals, discounts, and offers from businesses.
Disadvantages of Yelp:
- Reviews are subjective as they are written by users.
- Some businesses may be missing from the app, especially in less popular regions.
- Requires an internet connection for the latest updates.
TRIPADVISOR
The amazing thing about TripAdvisor is that it’s not only useful for finding the best restaurants or cafes, but for anything travel-related. It’s no wonder why TripAdvisor is so popular—hotels, restaurants, attractions, and travel tips from fellow travelers… I mean, you could plan your entire trip with just this app!
Now, let’s take a look at its pros and cons.
Advantages of TripAdvisor:
- Free to download and use.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Millions of reviews and opinions from travelers worldwide.
- Detailed listings for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tours.
- Allows filtering by location, price range, traveler rating, and more.
- Includes photos, videos, and traveler tips to help plan your trip.
- Often includes special deals, discounts, and offers from businesses.
Disadvantages of TripAdvisor:
- Not always reliable.
- Some businesses might not be listed.
- Information is not always up to date.
- Requires internet access to get the latest updates and reviews.
THEFORK
Less popular than the two previously mentioned apps, I still believe TheFork deserves to be among the best European travel apps for finding the ultimate place to eat. Keep reading to form your own opinion after learning all the facts!
Advantages of TheFork:
- Free to use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Offers a wide selection of restaurants with reviews and ratings.
- Provides detailed restaurant information including menus, photos, and special offers.
- Allows searches to be filtered by cuisine type, location, price range, and availability.
- Makes online reservations and booking management easier than ever.
- Often includes special deals, discounts, and promotions for diners.
Disadvantages of TheFork:
- Some restaurants may be missing from the list as the app is not widely popular yet.
- Availability for online reservations can be limited.
- Requires an internet connection for making reservations.
- Reviews are subjective as they are written by users.
- Interface can vary depending on the country.
City Exploration Apps
Here we go now for the best European travel apps for city exploration. I’m pretty sure that if you’ve been traveling for a while now, you know everything about GetYourGuide and Viator. They are quite similar, so to keep things simple and concise, I’ll give you the advantages and disadvantages of both of them at the same time… But there is one great app for exploring cities while traveling in Europe that you might not know. So stay tuned and keep reading for the best travel tips for Europe!
GETYOURGUIDE and VIATOR
Two of the best travel apps for Europe when it comes to booking tours, activities, and experiences are GetYourGuide and Viator. Both platforms offer a variety of options for travelers to explore attractions and book activities. Here are their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of GetYourGuide and Viator:
- Free to download and use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Offer a wide selection of tours, activities, and experiences in various destinations.
- Provide detailed descriptions, photos, and reviews from previous participants.
- Allow filtering by location, type of activity, duration, and price range.
- Provide great and responsive customer support for booking inquiries.
Disadvantages of GetYourGuide and Viator:
- Prices can vary depending on the activity, location, and season.
- Some activities may have limited availability or require advance booking.
- Cancellation policies vary between activities and providers.
- Requires an internet connection to browse and book activities.
VOICEMAP
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves having explanations about everything you see, this app might be a great fit for you! It’s like having a guide with you throughout your entire trip without having to pay for it. Obviously, it has its limits, but there are a lot of advantages too. Just keep reading!
Advantages of VoiceMap:
- Free to download and use.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Wide range of audio guides covering popular European destinations.
- Detailed descriptions and historical context for attractions and landmarks.
- Offline access to downloaded audio guides.
- Easy to navigate.
Disadvantages of VoiceMap:
- Limited destinations and content.
- Internet connection is needed to download new guides.
- Some users may prefer more personalized content.
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4. Europe trip tips: the best Safety and Emergency Apps
Last but not least in the best travel tips for Europe when it comes to downloading apps: Safety and emergency apps.
Europe has the reputation of being relatively safe compared to other parts of the world, but as we say, better safe than sorry. And, if you’re wondering how to travel smart in Europe, getting safety and emergency apps is definitely a good way to do it!
RED CROSS FIRST AID
Traveling or not, I believe getting the Red Cross First Aid app is always a good idea. You never know what can happen, and knowing the first care to give in a few unexpected situations could really save the day! Even if the app presents a few disadvantages, the advantages it offers are priceless. Just see for yourself!
Advantages of Red Cross First Aid:
- Free app.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
- Step-by-step instructions for common first aid emergencies.
- Videos and animations to help users understand procedures.
- Preloaded content for offline access.
- Includes emergency services and a hospital locator.
- Easy to use and navigate.
Disadvantages of Red Cross First Aid:
- Focuses primarily on first aid.
- Limited to the content provided by the American Red Cross.
- Some features require an internet connection.
TRAVELSMART
One of the best apps for traveling and travel assistance, TravelSmart aims to help travelers with essential information and support to ensure they are safe and well-prepared. From health to safety and even travel convenience, TravelSmart is the app you have to add to your European travel apps list.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages to help you make the right choice and download it!
Advantages of TravelSmart:
- Completely free.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Comprehensive database of emergency services and hospitals.
- Features travel advisories, local emergency numbers, and first aid information.
- Includes a medication and vaccination database for health-related travel advice.
- Allows you to store and access important travel documents.
- Easy and clear to use.
Disadvantages of TravelSmart:
- Certain features require an internet connection.
- Coverage and accuracy of information can vary depending on the area.