8 must have travel apps
Technology is changing the way we travel.
From automated receptionists to facial recognition scans, it ranges from the clever to the creepy.
In light of this, sometimes it’s nice to sit back and look at the smaller advances in technology that are helping travel and travellers.
We’re talking about apps.
Those wonderful little icons on your phone that can get you from A to B without opening your wallet, and deliver burgers in a matter of minutes.
So what are the latest apps shaking up the travel industry?
Well, there’s quite a few actually.
Thanks to a new listicle of travel apps, we’ve found the ones you need to download ASAP.
Gas Buddy
This app helps you find the cheapest petrol in your area.
Using GPS location tagging, Gas Buddy searches by address or postcode and orders the findings by the lowest-price station, as well as using filters like food, bathrooms, and popular choices.
Perfect for: Road trips
Download it here.
Waze
This app helps you wave goodbye to gridlock traffic.
Waze has real-time traffic and road information, providing users with alerts about construction, speed bumps, accidents and other hazards.
It can also estimate arrival times and last but not least, allows you to choose from a variety of voices to guide your trip.
Perfect for: Driving in an unfamiliar city
Download it here.
Citymapper
This is the ultimate transit app
Citymapper offers real-time departures, transit maps, line status and real-time disruption alerts as well as Uber integration. It also includes bike routing and live bike share info.
It’s everything you need — and may not even realize you need — to manage your life in the city.
Perfect for: Getting public transport in a new city
Download it here.
PackPoint
Never forget to pack your toothbrush again.
PackPoint is an intelligent packing app and packing list builder for serious travelers. PackPoint will tell you what you need to pack based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip.
Punch in the city you’re traveling to, the departure date, and the number of nights you’ll be staying there.
Perfect for: Getting rid of the feeling you’ve forgotten something
Download it here.
TripAdvisor
Everything you need while travelling, in one app.
TripAdvisor uses your location to send you personalised hotel, restaurant, attraction and holiday rental recommendations as well as remember the places you visited via our Travel Timeline feature.
These locations are collected even if the app is in the background.
Perfect for: Well, just about everything
Download it here.
Roomer
The app to save you from life’s uplanned events.
Roomer is the place where people can book hotel rooms at incredible discounts from other people who had to cancel their trips.
If you’re stuck with a hotel reservation that you can’t use, you can sell it on Roomer instead of losing all your money to cancellation fees and nonrefundable booking rates.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a great deal on a hotel room, book one of our exclusive listings and save up to 80% on your next vacation.
Perfect for: Last-minute hotel reservations
Download it here.
TripIt
TripIt from Concur instantly organises all your travel plans in one place. Users can forward travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and TripIt will create a master itinerary for each of your trips.
Perfect for: Organising all your travel plans in one place
Download it here.
Hopper
Hopper predicts the future of airfare & hotel prices. Watch your next flight & hotel stay in the app and get a notification as soon as the prices drop to their lowest point.
Users save on average $50 per flight by following the bunny’s advice. Know if you should book now or wait for a better price using the price prediction feature.
Perfect for: Knowing when to fly and buy
Download it here.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!