Travel Web Design Mobile App

12 Travel Apps that Are Useful and Beautiful

I have been traveling extensively for the last three years. I'm currently planning a much larger trip of at least six months where I will combine backpacking with living abroad. Over the years, I've picked up a bunch of tricks for making travel easier and having the right set of apps definitely helps. Because I'm a designer by trade, I have picked my own list of amazing apps.

If you're a traveler you will appreciate these apps for their utility. If you're a designer you will appreciate them for their good design, either UI or UX. The apps vary from helping you save money to helping you spend it. Let's get started with some eye-pleasing designs!

01. Hopper (iOS / Android)

hopper

Hopper is one of the few travel apps I use for finding a good flight deal. Out of them all, this is the most visually appealing. Hopper's visual style is pleasant and friendly. It's not too professional and cold. Their use of color as an accent is well-coordinated.

I enjoy how they use green, yellow, and blue to indicate flight prices on various dates. It makes the comprehension so much easier than having to look at numbers. I like how clutter-free the application is. It definitely comes in handy when I'm flexible with my flight times.

02. Steller (iOS / Android)

steller

I really got into Steller two years ago during my first long trip. I found it a nice way to create a short photo story about my adventure.

I also enjoyed that it helped me get inspired by other people's adventures. I also like that Steller is not limited to travel; I found plenty of DIYs and cooking recipes, too. It's a really fun app to help you kill some time. The quality of photography in the app is top notch as well 👌🏿! I have a harder time looking away from Steller than Instagram.

03. Qapital (iOS / Android)

qapital

I recently fell in love with this savings app. I love that you can set financial goals such as saving 100 bucks for new shoes. I'm using it to save $400 to dine at a Michelin Star restaurant in France and $350 to stay a night at the Marina Bay in Singapore.

I'm also a big fan of the various ways you can save. You can set it up to save the change from each transaction, or a certain amount or even $1+ each day. It's very helpful in achieving my various traveling goals.

04. Duolingo (iOS / Android)

duo

Not only this app is adorable, it's effective, too. I've been improving my Italian with this app for years. I highly recommend Duolingo to anyone interested in languages or going to a new country.

Spending some time learning a few words in Dutch or Spanish can definitely help when you're spending some time in the country. Locals appreciate when you can say a thing or two in their own language and it doesn't hurt to know more.

In addition to Italian, I've been making my way through Spanish and Portuguese. It makes the time go much smoother on my commutes.

05. Lonely Planet Guides (iOS / Android)

lonely-planet

Lonely Planet has so many different resources. They have recently published a mobile app with free city guides. They don't have too many cities on there, yet but they are growing. It's similar to their website but in an app. This way you can use it offline, too.

It gives you a glimpse into a city on the go and it's beautiful, too. Lonely Planet has been improving the quality of its brand design. Actually, I'm a big fan of their branding. Their new app is another lovely example of their amazing design and content.

06. GetYourGuide (iOS / Android)

getyourguide

I only recently found GetYourGuide and I've already been on so many tours and activities with them. They have an amazing collection of things you can do when you travel. Most of them offer really good prices, too. For instance, I've booked a bunch of activities I'm going to do during my next travel to Marrakesh and Nice. I strongly suggest checking them out.

At the very least it will give you an idea of what you can do while traveling. How knows, maybe it will inspire you to do a particular activity such as camel trekking in Morocco. If you end up buying a tour get the app; it's much easier to manage your reservations this way.

07. BucketListly (iOS)

bucketlistly

If you're like me you enjoy completing various adventures. BucketLisly lets you keep a list, update it, and check things off. There is a lovely community of people on there who do all sorts of things.

This includes things from traveling for the first time through riding a camel to spending two weeks backpacking in Sri Lanka. Whatever you're up to, you'll find someone who did it or wants to do it, too.

This is a great way to document your travels. Both the mobile and web app are great for looking through all the things everyone has done to get inspired.

08. Lola (iOS)

lola

I haven't used this app yet but I'd love to (there is a waiting list). It's a beautiful personal travel agent. I mostly want to give it a try because of its UI. Okay fine, I'm curious about its artificial intelligence.

I have been skeptical of smart apps as they don't always find the most budget-friendly of efficient routes. I want to play with it and see if it can help me find better routes, maybe cheaper ones than I can by myself.

Trying to score a good layout can be very tedious at times. But, it is also a nicely designed mobile app. So, it has that going for it, too.

09. HostelWorld (iOS / Android)

If you're looking for affordable accommodation this is the app for you. As the name suggests, HostelWorld has a lot of hostel listings around the world. I've been using them for a very long time to find accommodations from Paris to Bangkok. The good thing is that they have so many options!

They don't only have hostels but also bungalows, B&Bs, and hotels. I've only booked hostels with them, like a $4 a night hostel in Phuket. What a deal! And, it wasn't even falling apart 😉 I like their mobile app, too. That's why it is on the list. Navigation around is pretty easy and it's handy to have your reservations ready when checking in.

10. HotelTonight (iOS / Android)

hoteltonight

This app doesn't work all over the world. They have most global cities covered but their main market is in the US. So, for those of you looking for a last minute hotel reservation, this is an app for you. They provide discounted rates for a night or two.

I've used it once when I was in Vegas. I got a lovely deal at the Caesar's Palace. We even had a view of the trip. It was fantastic. I love the app because of their great deals but also because of their UI design.

I like that it's dark and the fact it has good photos of their listed hotels. If you aren't too budget-conscious there is a good variety of hip and luxurious hotels on there, too. Because the hotels come with a discount, it might be a nice chance for you to treat yourself for a night. That's what I ended up doing in Vegas and we didn't break the bank either.

11. PackPoint (iOS / Android)

packpoint

Before traveling somewhere, it's good to know what to bring with yourself. It's especially tricky when you're going to a new location or multiple different locations. I like this app for their friendly look and feel.

I think the use of the light teal color is a nice touch. PackPoint provides you with a packing list depending on your destination. I like how versatile this app is. It asks you what types of activities you're into, when you're traveling, and how long you're going to be there.

12. Google Translate (iOS / Android)

google-translate

I do speak English, Polish, and some Italian. I can comprehend Spanish to a decent extent, too. But, let's face it, I don't know everything. Google Translate is the most useful tool of these all. Being stuck in a foreign country can be stressful without knowing their language.

Having to deal with an emergency or not even being able to read many things can be unpleasant. I personally love the "photo to translation" feature. Download Google Translate and love its ability to make life oh so smoother. I'm also a fan of the simple material design UI used in the app.

Do you travel?

If you travel I'm sure you have come across an app or two that you love, too. Do you mind sharing it? Bonus points if it's a beautiful app or one with an amazing UX.