My 14 favorite iPhone apps for long-term RTW travel

I admit it, I love technology.  I might be able to leave the electronics behind for a short while, but sooner or later I come back; and in the interconnected networked shared linked posted and updated 21st century, I think I always will.

I often ponder how RTW travelers could have made it without a smartphone to search for directions, book a hostel or meet up with friends.  Of course they did it, and quite effectively.  They would bring a map, look through the yellow pages, ask questions and make plans.

Yet, here we are. The age of information is upon us.  Why not use today’s plethora of tools to their full advantage.  And today’s tool box has shrunk down in size to fit in our pocket and holds the applications that allow us to create and enhance our travel experience.  So, with all these digital tools out there, which ones are best for long-term round-the-world travel?

Below, I have listed my favorite and most used apps, so far, on my own RTW trip.  These apps have been extremely helpful and easy to use.  Some have been just fun and informative.  Most importantly, many of them have saved me time, money and headache, which is essential when traveling on a tight budget to places you have never been.  Hopefully, some of these apps can help you on your own RTW adventure!

 

WhatsApp – The essential international messaging standard. They look at you funny if you don’t have this one. Use your own number, text and make phone calls for free through wifi.  A must-have app for RTW travel. (Free)

 

 

Google Translate – Unless you are fluent in the local dialect, having a translator tool is essential. Having the ability to download any language to use offline is an added benefit. This app also has an advanced (and really cool) handwriting functionality as an alternative to the keypad.  (Free)

 

 

Money Wiz – Face it, you’re not rich, you have a budget, know where your money is going and plan accordingly. Create your own personal budget and use the reports function to see trends, balances and forecasts. Also, link to all your accounts for a monthly subscription. ($4.99 + $4.99/month)

 

 

Currency Converter – There are a ton of currency converter  and exchange apps out there. I’ve tried a bunch of them and I’ve found this one to have a very simple easy-to-use interface and a sleek design. (Free)

 

 

Sky scanner – This is the best app I’ve found to include small local airports and provide the lowest ticket prices available. It is also easy to use and allows for flexible searches, which is a benefit when long-term traveling. (Free)

 

 

Maps.me – Get current map data and save offline for when you really need it. If you have data, use the navigation feature. Also, consider downloading the compass app as well. Best part is the ability to pin drop where you’ve been, where you’re going and where you wish to go someday soon. (Free)

 

 

Hostelworld – The world traveler standard for hostel reservations. Essential benefits to this app are the extensive hostel reviews, photos and accurate availability lists.  A feature I use often is the booking insurance for $1, because you never know when plans change, which they will. (Free)

 

 

Uber – Usually better rates than a taxi and the ability to use your credit card to gain more travel points. Use the split fare feature to share the cost with other riders. (Free)

 

 

Notes – Travelers love to share information and recommendations of the awesome places they’ve been.  Taking notes is a must, because most likely you won’t remember the name of that small town, boutique hostel or hidden restaurant.  (Comes with iPhone)

 

 

Evernote – Probably a better app to use for notes and storing travel plans and information than the Notes app, but I tend to use notes more as a matter of habit.  I plan to transition to Evernote soon.  I’ll keep you posted. (Free)

 

 

Reminder – If you have goals, which I hope you do while you are traveling, make some lists, prioritize and knock them off one at a time. Then repeat and make your all dreams come true. (Comes with iPhone)

 

 

Calm – With all the free time that you now have, meditation can offer huge benefits that help to lower stress, get in-tune with yourself and become more present. Try the 7 days of calm to get a feel for the guided meditation. If you want more, an upgrade is available. (Free with upgrade option)

 

 

iBooks – Sometimes you just don’t have a book or tablet with you. Storing a few books on your iPhone can be a nice backup for those moments when you really just want to read something. Download for free, Walden, The Jungle Book or Meditations to excite your travel spirit. (Comes with iPhone)

 

 

Ultimate Guitar Tabs – So, I’m a guitar player and this app is a guitar player’s essential tool if you forget chords, or like me, most of the lyrics. An included feature saves all your favorite songs offline, for those times you’re around a campfire without wifi. Also great for those non-guitar players that love to sing along! (Free with upgrade option)

 

So, obviously I am not including the really big apps I also use daily and you most likely do as well: Facebook, Instagram, Skype, FaceTime, Messenger, Spotify, etc.  I figured that you probably have those and don’t need me to list the obvious.

Thanks for reading and let me know which apps you love to use when traveling!