These days, there are so many travel apps that it can be difficult to know which one’s you need and when and where to use them. I have assembled a list of some of my favorites, from planning unique and personalized itineraries to currency converters and knowing up to date state department travel alerts. These apps will keep your whole crew having fun and not fretting about all the details!
I have also included the top Korean specific apps (as many commonly used apps don’t work in Korea, I see you Google Maps) as well as travel apps specifically helpful in southeast Asia. I added in the desktop links as well as the download info for both Apple iOS and Android phones.
Before You Travel / Planning
Still in the planning phase? These travel apps are great for helping you prepare and organize the vacation of your dreams. Smooth transportation transitions, organized itineraries, what to do on long layovers and prepared packing lists based on your destination. Give them a try when planning your next trip!
TripIt
📌 Organizes all your travel plans in one master itinerary.
💡 Tip: Connect your email to auto-import travel confirmations and get your whole itinerary in one place.
🔗 Android | iOS
PackPoint
📌 Creates smart packing lists based on weather, activities, and trip duration.
💡 Tip: Share your list with travel buddies!
🔗 Android | iOS
Smart Traveler
📌 Official app from the U.S. Department of State providing information on travel advisories, embassies, and local laws.
💡 Tip: Enable notifications for real-time travel alerts specific to your destination.
🔗 Not Available for Android | iOS
Rome2Rio
📌 Discover all travel options between two places — bus, train, car, ferry, and flights.
💡 Tip: Use for both international and local routes.
🔗 Android | iOS
LoungeBuddy
📌 Find and access airport lounges worldwide.
💡 Tip: Some lounges are pay-per-use — no membership needed!
🔗 Not Available for Android | iOS
During Your Trip / On-The-Ground Travel Apps
These travel apps are for middle of the street market currency questions, bathroom emergencies, unique dining experiences and much more. Here are some of my favorites that make traveling in a foreign country a little or a lot smoother.
Google Translate
📌 Translate text, speech, and images in real time.
💡 Tip: Download the local language before you lose signal. Has a camera function for reading menu’s and signage!
🔗 Android | iOS
XE Currency
📌 Get real-time exchange rates and currency conversions.
💡 Tip: Use the app offline by saving your recent rates.
🔗 Android | iOS
Citymapper
📌 Public transit maps and live updates for cities worldwide.
💡 Tip: Great for subways, buses, bikes, and even scooters!
🔗 Android | iOS
Flush
📌 Find nearby public toilets — fast and discreet.
💡 Tip: Save favorites for regular routes.
🔗 Android | iOS
TravelSafe
📌 Emergency numbers and embassy contacts by country, available offline.
💡 Tip: Star frequently visited countries for quick access.
🔗 Android | iOS
GetYourGuide
📌 Discover and book local tours, skip-the-line tickets, and unforgettable experiences around the world. Whether you’re into food tours, museum passes, or day trips, it’s easy to use for curated travel activities.
💡 Tip: Book ahead for popular attractions to avoid long lines and sold-out dates.
🔗 Android | iOS
🇰🇷 Korea / Southeast Asia-Specific Travel Apps
1. Naver Maps
📌 Korea’s most accurate and comprehensive navigation app.
💡 Tip: Switch interface to English for easier use.
🔗 Android | iOS
2. KakaoTalk
📌 Must-have messaging app to connect with people in South Korea.
💡 Tip: Can chat with businesses (k-beauty clinics) and make reservations as well! It is often linked to instagram accounts for S. Korean Businesses.
🔗 Android | iOS
3. Seoul Subway
📌 Real-time subway navigation in Seoul with detailed exit info.
💡 Tip: Created for tourists/foreigners, the app is entire in English. Easy to use and follow.
🔗 Android | iOS
4. Korail Talk
📌 Book high-speed KTX and intercity train tickets across Korea.
💡 Tip: Book ahead on weekends and holidays to avoid sold-out seats. Remember no talking on the trains!
🔗 Android | iOS
5. Agoda
📌 Great for last-minute hotel bookings, budget stays, and hidden gems across Asia and worldwide. Agoda often offers special discounts and flash deals, especially in Southeast Asia.
💡 Tip: Check the “Today’s Deals” section daily for unbeatable prices on quality accommodations.
🔗 Android | iOS
6. 12Go
📌 Perfect for booking buses, trains, ferries, and transfers across Asia. 12Go makes navigating regional transport simple, transparent, and accessible—even for routes that aren’t listed elsewhere.
💡 Tip: Book intercity travel a few days in advance, especially during holidays or peak season.
🔗 Android | iOS
7. Grab
📌 Ride-hailing, food delivery, and payments across Southeast Asia.
💡 Tip: Ideal for seamless transport in places like Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
🔗 Android | iOS
7. Klook
📌 Klook is a booking platform on which travelers can book hotels, cars, tours and tickets to attractions.
💡 Tip: Great to find all those hidden gems, customer service easily available on the app as well.
🔗 Android | iOS
Too many apps can feel overwhelming, but keeping them organized for your specific trip has been a big help. I keep a travel apps folder in my phone, storing them all in one place for streamlined usage (I have my Korea folder as well). Then, I move that travel folder to the front page of my phone when we are on the go for quick and easy access. Many of these apps work offline as well in case you don’t have wifi or data at your disposal. Getting familiar with your travel apps before you need them is the best advice, then they are easy to use when you are on the go!
Any other travel apps you swear by? Share with us! Happy Travels!
**This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
