11 Essential Travel Apps to Save Money & Travel Smarter
I've been fortunate to do some global traveling this year...
You may feel that you can't afford the time, energy or money to give yourself a vacation? I'm going to challenge that belief. Rethink what's possible!
I hope these resources make it possible for you to travel, too!
1. Research locations with NomadList
NomadList helps digital nomads and travelers discover the best places to live and work remotely. Search thousands of cities by cost of living, internet speed, weather, safety, and quality of life. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a multi-month adventure, NomadList gives you real data from real travelers.
2. Swap lives and locations with Home Exchange
Just like The Holiday, HomeExchange connects people from around the world. This makes your only new expenses transportation and food. You can easily search and vet home owners, and insure yourself for a nominal fee. Especially when I lived in a NYC studio, I would get messages daily from around the world. Three incredible home swaps made it easier for me to jet off to Paris, Barcelona, and New Zealand.
3. Rent a home with Airbnb
If you're not comfortable swapping homes, you might be more comfortable renting someone's actual home or guest room—as opposed to a corporate hotel. What I like about AirBnB is that they're now offering experiences. Think of these as little groupons and guides for getaways and excursions in whatever city you visit.
4. Get a great hotel with Hotel Tonight
The ads in the NYC subways got me to try this app out... and I love it! Think of Hotel Tonight like seat fillers for Broadway shows... only this is for really nice hotels! I got an incredible deal in Miami and you can use this for guests or getaways yourself. Often, there are 5-star hotels going for a fraction of the price!
Explore today’s deals at Hotel Tonight.
5. Find a great flight with KAYAK
When looking for flights, I always use Kayak so that I can search all of the discounted flight websites at once. I typically use the flexible dates option and save a bit by flying on less popular dates.
6. Enjoy pre-check, lounge access, and FREE Apple entertainment with Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card gives you TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, Priority Pass lounge access at airports worldwide, and complimentary Apple entertainment subscriptions. Plus, you earn travel points on every purchase that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more.
Learn more about Chase Sapphire Reserve.
7. Protect yourself with insurance through SafetyWing
Travel insurance is essential for international trips. SafetyWing offers affordable coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more—specifically designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Coverage starts at just a few dollars a day and can be purchased even after you've already left home.
I broke a toe this year and getting SafetyWing to reimburse my medical visits was pretty simple, straightforward, and easy.
8. Create a Color-coded Map & get directions with Google Maps
What did we do before Google Maps? Remember MapQuest and the printouts?! Thank god for that little blue dot! She helps me get to the grocery, gym, and gay bar in every city. If you haven't added Google Maps to your phone, do so right now!
What I’ve learned to love about Google Maps is creating little city guides for yourself — save all the places (local attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc.) you want to visit. Once you arrive, it’s then easier to get directions from place to place!
Open Google Maps and start saving locations.
9. Stay connected with T-Mobile
If you're traveling internationally, switch to T-Mobile. You'll get unlimited data at up to 2G speeds plus texting in 140+ countries—all at no extra cost. Unless you're comfortable relying on wi-fi only, it's the best plan for frequent global travelers.
10. Keep in touch via WhatsApp
More than a billion people in 180+ countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family—anytime and anywhere. You can text, call and video chat... and it works much better than an international phone plan.
11. Speak to the locals with Google Translate
Confession: My French is "très mauvais" and my Spanish is "muy basico". However, when I'm traveling and have difficulty communicating in English or my rudimentary understanding of their language, I use Google Translate to type my thoughts and share the translation. Problem solved!
With good WiFi or cell phone signal, you can even live translate photos or converations.
