Essential Holiday Apps To Make Your Adventure Hassle-Free

When it comes to packing for a trip, many of us will have our smartphones near the top of the list. Not only do they allow us to keep in contact with friends and family, but you can also load them with useful travel apps to help get the most out of your holiday.

To help you get started, I've put together a list of the essential holiday apps, and the best travel apps that will make your adventure hassle-free.  Let me know if you have any favourites I've not mentioned and I'll add them to the list!

1. Flightradar24 - Best flight tracking app

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Keep an eye on the sky and stay one step ahead of the crowds. With the Flightradar24 app you'll be able to keep an eye on delays, cancellations, gate changes and diversions, so you're always aware of what's going on.

2. Google Maps - Best navigation app and itinerary planner

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

The days of the fold-out map are well and truly over! With the Google Maps app, you can search for directions to and from anywhere in the world, and you can even tailor them to different transportation methods. If you're not sure about your internet connection while you're abroad you can download maps ahead of time for the areas you are travelling to access offline. 

You can also create your own 'saved lists', where you can pin your favourite attractions, restaurants and bars, and view them all on a custom map. They're a straightforward, visual way to organise all your must-visit places and can be easily shared with friends or kept private.

3. PackPoint - Best travel app for fuss-free packing

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

We could all use a little help packing our suitcases, and PackPoint can provide exactly that. Answer a few simple questions about your trip and PackPoint will create a customisable packing list for you, including recommendations based on weather forecasts, activities and whether or not you'll have access to laundry facilities. It's easy to cross things off as they're packed or add more as you go along. The standard version of the Packpoint app is free but does include ads and in-app purchases. You can upgrade to the premium version to remove these.

4. Tripadvisor - Best travel planning app for recommendations and reviews

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Not sure where to go first? Or if that restaurant is worth a visit? Tripadvisor will give you the answer to these questions and more. Save all the details of the places you're interested in, check out reviews and find out all the important information such as opening times and prices. The Tripadvisor app will even show you local attractions on a map so you can find last-minute gems.

5. XE Currency Converter - Best travel app for currency conversion

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Transfer rates playing on your mind? With XE Currency Converter you can keep on top of the changing rates, including the option to track up to 20 currencies with alerts and notifications.

You can also use it to check prices. It can sometimes be tricky to work out if you're getting a good deal when you're working in an unfamiliar currency, but XE will help you convert that into something more familiar on the spot.  You can then head over to our Travel Currency Hub to place your order

6. Google Translate - Best translation app (text, speech and images)

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Concerned you might come up against a language barrier while you're abroad? Although the Google Translate app isn't quite the same as learning a second language, it can definitely help in a pinch. One of the most useful features is the instant camera translation - just point your camera at a sign, or menu and the app will translate it for you in 38 different languages.

7. Culture Trip