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Banking: Managing Your Money on the Go
When you’re saving up, budgeting or traveling, managing your finances can be a challenge. Exchange rates, ATM fees, and the need to access your money securely are common concerns. Fortunately, these banking apps are designed for travelers, offering flexibility and peace of mind.
N26: Spaces
N26 is a mobile bank that has revolutionized how we manage our money, especially for those who would like to organize their finances better and not overspend. One of its most outstanding features is Spaces. You can have sub-accounts for each of your goals: one for traveling, another for budgeting to buy new camera gear, and perhaps one for emergency expenses. You can create up to 10 additional sub-accounts (from Smart plan onwards) alongside your main account. It’s like having multiple digital piggy banks. For travelers I recommend Go or Metal Plans.
Revolut: RevPoints
Revolut is a online banking app that offers a range of features that make it indispensable for travelers. Its main advantage is the ability to collect RecPoints. It’s their own miles point system where you earn points on daily spend, then use them to book your travel for less. They also have “Pockets” which is similar to N26 Spaces. For travelers I would recommend checking out the Metal and Ultra Plans.
Wise (formerly TransferWise): Multi Currency Holder
Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is another powerhouse in the world of finance for travelers. Its multi-currency account and associated debit card are a game-changer. You can hold money in over 40 currencies and convert between them at the real exchange rate. This eliminates the unfavorable exchange rates that traditional banks charge. Plus, you can get local account details in various currencies up to 160 countries, which is incredibly useful for receiving payments like a local. It’s great if you need to pay a tour or agency that charges in another currency. I already have used it for my Africa and Marocco Trip.
Services and Insurance: Protection and Peace of Mind
Traveling is exciting, but unforeseen events happen. Having the right insurance and access to essential services can turn a stressful situation into a mere inconvenience. These apps offer the protection and support you need.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is travel and medical insurance designed specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Unlike traditional travel insurance, SafetyWing offers global coverage that can be purchased and managed on the go, even after you’ve already started your trip. It covers unexpected medical expenses, injuries, and illnesses, as well as travel benefits like trip interruption, travel delay, and lost luggage. What makes it unique is its flexibility – you can subscribe monthly, which is ideal for those without a fixed travel plan. It’s an affordable and comprehensive solution for anyone seeking peace of mind while exploring the world, knowing they’re covered for health and travel mishaps.
iVisa
Dealing with visas can be one of the most confusing and time-consuming parts of travel planning. This is where iVisa comes in. This app simplifies the process of obtaining visas, health declarations, and other necessary travel documents. With iVisa, you can check visa requirements for your destination and apply online in just a few steps. They handle the bureaucracy, ensuring your documents are correct and submitted on time. Whether you need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or assistance with a traditional embassy visa, iVisa can help. It’s an invaluable tool for avoiding last-minute surprises at the border and ensuring a smooth entry into your destination country.
AirHelp: Your Flight Safety Net
Ever had a delayed or canceled flight? It’s frustrating, to say the least. But did you know you might be entitled to compensation? AirHelp is your advocate in this scenario. This app helps air passengers claim compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights. They handle the entire claim process for you. You can receive up to €600 refund for a canceled flight. Simply enter your flight details, and AirHelp checks if you’re eligible for compensation and handles the paperwork and communication with the airline. It’s an app you hope you never have to use, but you’ll be grateful to have it if your flight is disrupted. They operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis – you only pay if your claim is successful, making it a risk-free option for passengers.
Tech Must-Haves: Stay Connected and Secure
In today’s digital world, technology is your best friend on the road. From staying connected to protecting your data, these apps are crucial for a smooth and secure travel experience.
Ubigi: stay connected with eSIM
Staying connected abroad can be expensive and complicated with physical SIM cards. This is where Ubigi comes in with its eSIM solution. Ubigi offers instant prepaid data plans for over 200 destinations worldwide. With an eSIM, you don’t need to swap physical SIM cards – just activate the plan in the app, and you’re ready to use the internet. This means you can keep your main SIM card for calls and texts while using Ubigi for affordable data. It’s incredibly convenient and eliminates exorbitant roaming charges. Whether you need data for navigation, social media, or remote work, Ubigi offers a simple and economical way to stay online wherever you go. It’s a true game-changer for travelers who rely on a constant connection. I’ve used it in South Africa and will definitely used it on my next destination.
AirTags: Don’t Lose Your Bag
While not an app itself, Apple AirTags (and similar tracking devices from other brands) are an essential travel accessory that works in conjunction with your smartphone. These small tags can be placed in your luggage, backpack, or even your wallet, allowing you to track their location through the Find My app on your iPhone. Imagine the peace of mind knowing exactly where your bag is, even if the airline loses it. You no longer have to worry about your luggage disappearing into limbo. It’s a small addition to your travel tech arsenal that can prevent a lot of headaches and stress, especially on multi-stop trips or in busy airports. It’s a small investment for great peace of mind.
Polarsteps: Track Your Trip
To be honest I only discovered this app this year. Polarsteps is your automatic travel journal. This app automatically tracks your travel route and the places you visit, turning your journey into a beautiful travel diary. Just have your phone with you, and Polarsteps does the rest, recording your steps, the countries you visit, and even the photos you take. Just make sure you turn on “Travel Tracker” and you are good to go. You can add notes, photos, and videos to your diary, and share it with friends and family (or keep it private). One of the most exciting features is the ability to order a physical photo book of your travel diary after your adventure is over. It’s a fantastic way to relive your memories and share your travel stories without the effort of a traditional journal. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who likes to document their travels easily ike me.
Tours and Activities: Discover and Enjoy
A fundamental part of any trip is experiencing the local culture and participating in exciting activities. These apps help you discover and book the best tours and activities, ensuring you make the most of your destination.
GetYourGuide: Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is a leading platform for discovering and booking tours, activities, and tickets for attractions worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a historical walking tour, a local cooking class, a ticket to a famous museum, or a skydiving adventure, GetYourGuide has something for everyone. The app offers over 150,000 experiences in 12,000 cities, with detailed descriptions, reviews from other travelers, and the option to book instantly. It’s an excellent way to find unique and authentic activities you might not discover otherwise. The interface is user-friendly and allows you to filter by activity type, price, and availability, making planning your travel experiences simple and fun. It’s your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Komoot: For Adventure Travel – Hiking & Cycling
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Komoot is an essential app. It’s a route planner and navigator for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor adventures. Komoot allows you to discover and plan detailed routes, with information on terrain type, elevation, and points of interest. You can download offline maps, which is crucial when you’re in areas without network coverage. The voice navigation feature is a bonus, allowing you to keep your eyes on the trail. Additionally, the Komoot community shares their own routes and highlights, which is a great way to discover hidden gems and lesser-known trails. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual cyclist, Komoot helps you explore the outdoors with confidence and safety. It’s like having a local guide in your pocket, ready to take you on the most incredible adventures.
Fever: Local Events in the Cities You Visit
If you’re looking for unique experiences and local events in the cities you visit, Fever is the ideal app. Fever is a platform that helps you discover and book the best events, exhibitions, concerts, gastronomic experiences, and cultural activities in your destination city. The app offers personalized recommendations based on your interests and location, ensuring you find something you truly enjoy. Many of the experiences available on Fever are exclusive to the platform, meaning you’ll have access to events and activities you won’t find anywhere else. From immersive dinners to secret art exhibitions and intimate concerts, Fever is your gateway to a city’s cultural and entertainment life. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in local culture and create unforgettable memories, away from the usual tourist routes.
Final Consideration
Apps make our travel experience easier and more fun! It also facilitates to find better deals and activities. I hope I could help you choose the ones that make more sence to you and your travel style. You can explore more Travel Resources how to Plan Your Trip as well as Essentials and Gear exploring this site.
