
Traveling the world is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also be incredibly expensive.
Between flights, accommodations, food, and activities, the costs can quickly add up and put a serious dent in your savings.
Fortunately, there’s a new generation of money-saving travel apps that are revolutionizing the way we explore the globe.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the top apps that can help you slash your travel expenses without sacrificing the experiences you crave.
Omio is like your personal travel assistant in Europe, making it super easy to find and book train, bus, and flight tickets all in one spot.
Imagine planning a trip involving different types of transport; instead of hopping between multiple websites, Omio lets you compare everything right there. It’s a huge time-saver!
- Plus, once you’ve snagged your tickets, you can check out your travel route on the web, mobile, or app—whichever’s handiest for you.
- You can explore different routes and find a variety of affordable options, often cheaper than what you’d pay at traditional station ticket offices.
- This is especially handy for those last-minute trips when you’re looking for the best deal quickly. The app offers plenty of choices.
So if you are not sure between choosing bus, train, and flight, Omio will help you with that by showing you the difference between these options.
FlixBus is your perfect travel companion for budget-friendly adventures across Europe.
One of the standout advantages of choosing FlixBus is the significant cost savings.
- You can often find significant discounts on last-minute deals or by grabbing the last available seat. In my last trip in Germany from Milan to Munich, which usually costs around $50-60, cost me only $20.
- Onboard, you’ll enjoy comfortable seating and amenities such as Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and entertained during your trip.
BlaBlaCar is a leading carpooling platform that bridges the gap between drivers with empty seats and passengers seeking a ride.
By connecting these travelers, BlaBlaCar offers a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional modes of transportation like buses, trains, and flights.
One of the standout features of BlaBlaCar is its ability to connect you with fellow travelers, turning each trip into a chance to meet new people and share unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a last-minute adventurer or a meticulous planner, BlaBlaCar offers the convenience and flexibility to make every trip feel personal and memorable.
One of the standout features of Maps.me is its ability to offer routes for cars, public transport, biking, and walking—including scenic trails—all without an internet connection. This makes it the perfect companion for both city explorers and nature enthusiasts.
- Beyond navigation, Maps.me enriches your travel experience by showcasing hotels, attractions, and nearby dining options, all accessible offline.
- Tip: download the map before traveling because you might not find wifi in airport
5. BikeShare Buddy
BikeShare Buddy is the ultimate mobile app for enhancing your bike-sharing experience, making it easier than ever to find and rent bikes from a variety of services in your area.
Bike Share Buddy is already available in ten countries in Europe, and the app is very simple to use.
You simply select your location and instantly get access to all the nearby bike-sharing stations, plus you’re able to see how many bikes are available at each station!
6. Moovit
Imagine having a local transit expert in your pocket, one who knows every bus route, train schedule, and the quickest way to get from A to B. That’s exactly what Moovit offers.
The app combines official transit data with real-time user updates to create the most accurate picture of public transportation in over 3,400 cities worldwide.
What sets Moovit apart is its understanding that public transport isn’t just about getting from point A to B. The app includes helpful features like:
• Offline route planning
• Service alerts
• Station accessibility information
• Favorite routes saving
• Multiple language support
7. Just Eat
Just Eat is your go-to app for satisfying cravings with just a few taps. This popular food delivery platform connects you with an extensive array of local restaurants and diverse cuisines, making it easy to explore new dishes or enjoy your favorite meals from the comfort of home.
Not only does Just Eat offer convenience, but it also enhances your dining decisions with user reviews and personalized recommendations tailored to your taste preferences.
So if you feel tired of going out and searching for local restaurants, use Just Eat.
8. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of my best apps that I use it always when I plan my trip.
- Skyscanner can organize for the whole trip plan by showing you the cheapest options to your destination.
- I like the option in Skyscanner because by adding my destination and adding, for example, the whole year it can show you the best choice and the cheapest.
- With Skyscanner, you can set up price alerts to stay informed of any fare changes.
Booking.com
Gone are the days of calling hotels directly or working with traditional travel agents. Booking.com has transformed how we plan and book accommodations worldwide, making it easier than ever to find the perfect place to stay—whether that’s a luxury resort in Bali or a cozy apartment in Paris.
The platform’s Genius loyalty program is a game-changer for frequent travelers. The more you book, the better the perks get—from room upgrades to early check-in options.
What many travelers don’t realize is that Booking.com isn’t just about hotels anymore. You’ll find unique stays like treehouses, houseboats, and even igloos. Want to live like a local? Their apartment listings often offer better value than hotels, especially for longer stays or group trips.
10. Hostelworld
Hostelworld offers a diverse selection of hostels and budget hotels worldwide, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay within your budget.
The thing I love about Hostelworld is its community-driven experience, allowing you to connect with like-minded travelers and explore unique accommodation options. Once you pay for the accommodation, they will add you to a group where you can chat with other travelers staying in the same hostel.
Hostelworld is a great choice for solo travelers, backpackers, and those who want to meet people on a budget.
11. Worldpackers
Want to extend your travels while learning new skills? Worldpackers has reimagined the traditional work exchange concept for the digital age. It’s perfect for those looking to dive deep into local cultures while keeping their travel funds healthy.
From helping at hostels in bustling cities to joining eco-projects in remote villages, Worldpackers opens doors to experiences you simply can’t buy. It’s slow travel at its finest, where every day brings new skills, friendships, and perspectives.
So if you’re a long-term traveler who wants to learn new skills, make friends around the world, and stay for free, Worldpackers is the perfect app for you.
12. Couchsurfing
Did you know you can travel the world and stay for free? With Couchsurfing, it’s possible. This platform connects you with incredible people who offer a place to stay, simply to make new friends and hear about your travel adventures.
But let me tell you, Couchsurfing isn’t just about finding a free place to crash—it’s about experiencing a destination through the eyes of locals. This platform has created countless friendships across borders and completely transformed how we think about accommodation while traveling.
If you’re open to making new friends around the world and learning from locals, Couchsurfing is your way to go.
13. Tripadvisor
Unlike most travel apps that just let you book hotels, Tripadvisor serves as your all-in-one travel companion. Think of it as having a local friend in every city who knows all the best spots and money-saving tricks. The app combines hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations, activity planning, and real traveler insights into one super-handy platform.
Tripadvisor is known for its authentic reviews and popular “Best of” lists, which provide invaluable guidance on what to do, see, and eat in destinations across the globe. If you’re planning a trip and want an app with insider tips, Tripadvisor has you covered.
14. Revolut
When you’re country-hopping through Europe, Revolut lets you spend like a local everywhere you go. You’ll get the real exchange rate (yes, the actual rate you see on Google), and you can switch between currencies as easily as sending a text message.
Revolut also offers a handy credit card for travelers, and many users rely on its budgeting features to keep track of expenses while abroad. With Revolut, you’ll avoid costly foreign transaction fees, which is a huge benefit for those trying to save money while traveling.
15. Airalo
Think of Airalo as your digital passport to mobile data freedom. This innovative app lets you buy and install eSIMs right from your phone, giving you local data plans in over 200 countries. No more hunting down local SIM cards or juggling multiple physical cards during your travels.
Perfect for multi-country trips, business travelers needing reliable connectivity, digital nomads, or anyone who wants to avoid roaming charges, Airalo is a go-to for affordable, budget-friendly data options.