17 Best Travel Apps for Europe – Travel Stress-Free in 2024

As a seasoned traveler who spends over three months each year exploring various corners of the globe, I’ve discovered the incredible transformation of travel planning. Gone are the days of relying solely on a local travel agent. Now, we have the power to be our own travel experts. Thanks to a multitude of travel apps at our fingertips. In this blog, I’m excited to share my personal experiences and the best travel apps for Europe that have revolutionized my European adventures. These apps haven’t just changed how I travel; they’ve enhanced it, making every journey more seamless and enjoyable.

Why Use A Travel App?

Navigating Europe’s charming streets, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural tapestries has never been easier. Whether it’s finding that cozy B&B in a tucked-away village in Italy or catching a last-minute train across the scenic countryside of France figuring out transportation from the airport in Madrid or exploring the vibrant city life of Barcelona. These apps have been my trusted travel companions.

Join me as we dive into this treasure trove of digital tools. I’m confident that even the most seasoned travelers among you will discover new apps, tips, and tricks. These insights are not just about making travel easier; they enrich your experiences and empower you to travel through Europe with confidence and a sense of adventure. Let’s embark on this journey together and transform how you explore the world.

As I’ve journeyed through various landscapes and cities, I’ve realized that each travel app in my digital toolkit shines in its own way. They’re like a team of experts, each specializing in a different part of the trip, from planning to post-trip review. On your adventures, you’ll discover that some of these apps become your go-to guides, while others might play a supporting role, depending on where you’re headed and what you’re doing. It’s fascinating how the relevance of each app can change with the nature of your trip. One day, you might lean heavily on a navigation app as you meander through winding streets, and on another, a local dining app might become your culinary compass. Embrace this digital diversity – it’s like having a personal travel assistant for every possible scenario!

Considering Where to Go Apps

• Wanderlog
• Google Earth
• GetYourGuide

Wanderlog

I’ve found a gem in the world of travel planning: Wanderlog. This is one of the best travel apps for Europe, and is not just a tool; it’s like a personal travel assistant that’s both free and incredibly user-friendly. Whether I’m dreaming up a scenic road trip or coordinating a group adventure, Wanderlog steps up to the challenge. Creating detailed itineraries is a breeze, and keeping track of flights, hotels, and car rentals is simpler than ever.

There’s the real game-changer: Wanderlog transforms a map into a canvas of possibilities, showing me all the exciting places to explore. When I’m traveling with friends, we all use the app to plan and fine-tune our journey together.

The cherry on top? Once I’m back, full of memories and stories, Wanderlog lets me share my travel guide with other wanderers. It’s my way of passing on the inspiration and helping others embark on unforgettable journeys. Wanderlog isn’t just an app; it’s a travel companion that keeps the spirit of adventure alive, trip after trip.

Price: Free

Google Earth – Best Travel App for Europe

You can view your destination from space or street level. This app gives you a virtual tour of your European destinations before you even set foot there. Familiarize yourself with the size, landscapes, and city layouts. In the past, I tried a hop-on hop-off bus to get a feel for a new location; now, I look at it from Google Earth. I also spent half a day walking with no final destination in mind.

Price: Free

Get Your Guide

GetYourGuide from Lonely Planet offers comprehensive travel guides, providing detailed information on must-visit spots, cultural insights, and practical tips. This one of the best travel apps for Europe because it covers so many European countries and cities.

Price: Free

Language Learning

Diving into the language of a new country, even at a high level, is a gateway to a richer, more authentic travel experiences. When you learn key phrases, you’re not just equipping yourself with tools for basic communication; you’re showing respect and appreciation for the local culture. This effort often opens doors to warmer interactions with locals, who typically appreciate the gesture and are more inclined to offer help, insider tips, or even friendships. Moreover, understanding common phrases enhances your independence and confidence in navigating new surroundings, from reading signs to ordering food. It transforms your journey from a mere visit into a deeper, more connected exploration of a new world.

Pimsleur

Is my top pick to learn a new language as it focuses on conversational skills. Some other langauge learning apps focus on grammer, sentences that I never use when traveling (e.g. the cow is black), and even spelling. So I go for the app that gives me what I need.

Price: Free

Best Mapping Apps for Europe

maps.google.com

This app allows you to add comments and pins to your Google Maps on your smartphone. Making it easy to plan a trip, and then using it while on vacation. Saving a point of interest and adding comments in Google Maps is a straightforward process and does not require you to create an itinerary first. 

Steps for Adding Pins and Comments to Your Map

• Open Google Maps – Go to maps.google.com on your web browser, or open the Google Maps app on your smartphone.
• Sign In – Make sure you are signed in to your Google account. You’ll need to be logged in to save places and add comments.
• Search for the Destination – Use the search bar to find the location you want to save. Type in the address, name of the place, or general area, and press Enter or click the search icon.
• Select the Location – Once you find the destination, click on it to select it. This will bring up a small box or sidebar with details about the place.
• Save the Location – Look for a button or icon that says “Save” (often represented by a star icon). Click on it. You might be prompted to choose a list to save it to (like “Favorites,” “Want to Go,” etc.). You can select an existing list or create a new one.
• Add a Comment (Optional) – To add a personal note or comment:
  •    On Desktop: Click on the saved location in your list. You should see an option to “Add a label” or “Add note”. Click on it and type your comment.
  •    On Mobile App: Go to “Your Places” in the Google Maps menu, select the list where you saved the location, and tap on the place. You should see an option to “Add a label” or “Edit”. Tap on it and add your comment.
• Save the Comment – After typing your comment or note, make sure to save it by clicking the save or checkmark button.

TIP 👀: Download Google Maps, this will allow you to look at the map while traveling without using a data plan.

Reminders When Adding Pins and Comments to Your Map

• Remember, notes and saved places are private to your Google account and won’t be visible to others unless you choose to share your list. 
• Creating an itinerary is a separate process and involves more steps, like adding multiple destinations and planning routes. The above steps are sufficient for simply saving a location and adding personal notes.
• Pins of favorite places maps.google.com

CityMapper

This app is one of the best travel apps for Europe, providing timetables and personalized routes. A new feature shows the fewest number of transfers between two locations. Unfortunately, this functionality needs to be built out as it only had 71 cities available when publishing this blog. 

This App is Fee

Best Accommodation Booking Apps for Europe

Each of these apps has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs, such as the type of accommodation, location, price range, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Below are my favorite booking apps.

• Agoda
• Booking.com
• VRB)
• Hoemstay
• 9Flats
• HostelWorld
• House Trip

Agoda

Agoda is a great platform for finding a wide range of European accommodations, and it is on my list of best travel apps for Europe. It provides information about hotels, apartments, and even homes as vacation rentals. One of the best things about Agoda is that they offer “short fuse” specials, which means that if you do your research in advance, you can often find amazing discounts on your accommodation if you book it within an hour.

Price: Free

Booking.com

Booking.com is a website that offers a wide variety of hotel options along with user reviews. It is well-known for its vast selection of hotels and also provides a range of homes, apartments, and unique places to stay. The website is widely used in Europe and offers flexible booking options.

VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner)

Similar to Airbnb, VRBO specializes in vacation rentals and offers a variety of homes, condos, and villas across Europe. HomeAway is now part of the VRBO family, HomeAway has been popular in Europe and offers a similar range of vacation rental properties.

Hostelworld – budget-friendly private rooms

Hostelworld is known for its hostels but also offers budget-friendly private rooms and unique accommodations for travelers seeking affordable options.

Best Flight Booking App – Travel Apps for Europe

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a popular app used for searching flights. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to compare flights from different airlines and booking agencies. The app presents a comprehensive view of the best available options. Skyscanner also has a powerful search engine that allows users to search for flights based on flexible dates and price, which makes it ideal for both those with fixed schedules and spontaneous travelers. Its features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a seamless and efficient travel planning experience.

Parking, Transfer & Lounge Apps

LoungeBuddy

This app simplifies airport lounge access for travelers. LoungeBuddy is an app that provides travelers with detailed information on airport lounges, including their amenities, opening hours, and access requirements. It’s especially helpful for those who don’t have frequent flyer status or memberships that typically grant access to lounges. Through the app, users can purchase one-time access to lounges, making it a convenient option for those who want a comfortable and quiet airport space. LoungeBuddy is known for its user-friendly interface, and it’s particularly useful for travelers who want to add a bit of luxury and relaxation to their journey.

HolidayExtras and HEHA

This app is currently not available for download in the USA. Wait until you get to Europe to download it, or use a VPN like Surfshark. Set your location to UK, and download it. This is a brilliant app for your holiday’s planning and preparation stages. With one search , HEHA will compare all the best travel extras, like airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers. It’ll tailor these to your trip based on your flight, destination, and other travel details. Enjoy exclusive app discounts, receive notifications if any products fall in price, create a shortlist to compare items of interest, browse helpful, related travel content, and even check the weather forecast for your destination. HEHA! is like having your very own personal trip advisor, travel expert, and holiday assistant rolled into one

Planning and Organization Apps – Best Travel Apps for Europe

TripIt

TripIt is a popular travel organization app that helps you consolidate all your travel plans into one easy-to-follow itinerary. You can forward your travel confirmation emails to the app, and it will automatically create a detailed itinerary that covers flights, hotels, car rentals, and even restaurant reservations. The app can sync with your calendar and allows you to share your travel plans with others, making it ideal for solo trips or group journeys. The best part of TripIt is that it provides real-time updates on your flight status, gate changes, and weather conditions, keeping you informed and prepared throughout your travels. For frequent travelers who crave order and simplicity in the often chaotic world of travel planning, TripIt is a game-changer that offers efficiency, peace of mind, and convenience.

For our upcoming 65 day trip to Spain I took a lot of care when booking my hotels, but it was only when I forwarded all the bookings to TripIt that I was that I made a mistake. Doing this early enough allowed me to contact the hotel and VRBO owner to move the dates. Saving a couple hundred dollars. WELL WORTH IT! Especially since the app is free.

WithLocals

Withlocals is a travel app that connects travelers with local hosts for a more authentic and personalized travel experience. The app offers private and customizable tours and activities that are led by locals. This means that users can get a unique insight into the destination’s culture, cuisine, and hidden gems. Withlocals provides a variety of experiences to choose from, such as home-cooked meals, walking tours, and workshops, all tailored to the user’s interests and preferences. Withlocals is focused on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism by directly benefiting local communities. The app is ideal for those who seek a more immersive, off-the-beaten-path travel experience.

Conclusion of Best Travel Apps for Europe

As we wrap up this journey through the best travel apps for Europe, it’s clear that the world of travel has been transformed forever. These digital companions have immeasurably enhanced my travels across Europe, turning every trip into a more seamless, enriching experience. From the cobblestone alleys of Rome to the majestic fjords of Norway, these apps have been invaluable in navigating the diverse tapestry of Europe. They’ve simplified logistics and deepened my connection with each destination, allowing me to uncover hidden gems and local favorites.

The beauty of these travel apps lies in their versatility and personalization. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a family on vacation, a food lover, or a history enthusiast, there’s an app tailored to your travel style. As I continue to explore the world, I’m constantly amazed by the evolving technology that makes travel more accessible and enjoyable.

I encourage you to embrace this new era of travel. Let these apps guide you as you embark on your own European adventures. Travel is about the places you visit, the experiences you create, and the memories you cherish. So, pack your digital toolkit and set off on your journey. Happy travels! Remember, you could have lived a life before all these great apps.