Discover the top 10 must-have travel apps for 2025. These free travel tools will help you save money, stay organised, and travel smarter.
The 10 Best Free Travel Apps for 2025 (That I Actually Use)
Your essential toolkit to save money, avoid stress, and travel like a pro
Planning a trip used to mean juggling guidebooks, printouts, and spreadsheets. But in 2025, it’s all about smart travel tech. Whether you’re booking your next adventure or already on the road, these top travel apps are the tools I trust to make travel easy, affordable, and fun.
I’ve tested a lot of travel apps over the years, and these are the ones I keep on my phone. They’re free, easy to use, and perfect for both short getaways and long-term travel. Most importantly, they work.
These travel apps are beneficial if you’re a frequent traveller, digital nomad, or just planning your next big adventure. With features that help you book smarter, communicate better, and save money along the way, they’re designed to support how we travel now, mobile-first, budget-conscious, and experience-driven.
1. Skyscanner – The Best App for Cheap Flights
Cheap flights 2025, best travel app for flights
Skyscanner compares airfares across hundreds of airlines and websites. Use the Everywhere option if you’re open to adventure, or set price alerts for specific routes. It’s ideal for travellers looking for international deals or domestic hops. The filters are easy to customise, so whether you prefer direct flights, specific times, or your favourite airline, you can narrow it down.
Bonus Tip: Skyscanner now includes car hire and hotel options as well, making it a one-stop platform for your full itinerary.
2. Booking.com – Flexible Hotel & Apartment Deals
Best hotel booking app, travel accommodation app
Great for everything from hotels to apartments. Booking.com offers flexible cancellation options, Genius discounts, and a wide range of filters to find exactly what you need. Their customer service is top-tier, beneficial if you need to make last-minute changes.
You can also find reviews by verified guests and use the in-app map to make sure your stay is conveniently located.
3. Google Flights – Track Prices & Predict When to Book
Google Flights, a flight price tracker app
Google Flights is a powerful tool when you want more data and control over your airfare. It shows pricing trends over time, alternative airport suggestions, and flexible date comparisons. What makes it especially useful in 2025 is the AI-powered prediction model, which gives you insights on whether to book now or wait. Visit flights.google.com and you’ll see a clean, app-like experience, tap to search, track prices, set alerts, and explore travel ideas.
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights to find a good deal, then book directly with the airline to reduce issues with third-party providers.
4. Google Maps – Not Just for Directions
Travel map app, offline maps, best navigation app for travel
Google Maps has evolved far beyond just GPS directions. Use it to explore nearby restaurants, read reviews, and even check busy times at popular attractions. When you’re in a foreign country, downloading offline maps is a lifesaver.
To download Google Maps for offline use, open the app on your phone, search for the city or region you’ll be visiting, tap the location name at the bottom of the screen, then select Download offline map (or tap the three dots to find this option), adjust the area by zooming in or out, and tap Download this way, you’ll still be able to navigate, search addresses, and access saved places even without an internet connection.
For slow travellers, the ability to save custom lists like Must-Try Cafes in Da Nang or “Hidden Beaches makes it the ideal trip planning companion.
5. TripIt – Your Travel Itinerary Organiser
Travel itinerary app 2025, trip organiser app
Forward your bookings to TripIt, and it creates a complete itinerary. You’ll be able to see everything in one place, even when you’re offline. You can also share your plans with friends or family, so they know where you are.
If you travel often, the Pro version offers flight alerts, seat tracking, and points management, but the free version does plenty.
6. Airbnb – Unique Local Accommodation
Airbnb 2025, short-term rental app, local stays
Perfect for longer stays or if you want kitchen access. Airbnb now offers work-friendly filters, ideal for digital nomads or travellers working remotely. You’ll find everything from city apartments and seaside bungalows to quirky tiny homes and eco-retreats.
Heads-up: Check local regulations in your destination, some cities have strict rules on short-term rentals.
7. Eatwith – Authentic Foodie Experiences
Local food experience app, food travel app
Eatwith connects you with locals for home-cooked meals, cooking classes, and small food tours. This is a brilliant way to explore local culture through food. Imagine learning to make handmade pasta in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen or enjoying a sunset seafood dinner hosted on a rooftop in Lisbon.
It’s more than a meal—it’s a memory.
8. Rome2Rio – How to Get Anywhere
Best route planner app, transport options app
Rome2Rio is a game changer when you’re trying to figure out how to get from A to B. Enter any two destinations and it will show you all your options: flights, buses, trains, ferries, and driving, along with costs and travel times.
It’s ideal for multi-country travel or lesser-known routes, like going from Da Nang to Luang Prabang, or navigating rural areas in Europe.
9. Google Translate – Instant Language Help
Translation app for travellers, travel language app
Google Translate breaks down language barriers on the go. Use the camera function to translate signs or menus in real-time, or download language packs before your trip. You can even use the conversation feature to talk to locals when you don’t share a language.
This app has helped me navigate train stations, negotiate at markets, and make new friends in over a dozen countries.
10. XE Currency – Real-Time Currency Converter
Currency conversion app, best travel finance app
Managing your travel budget is easy with XE Currency. Convert currencies with live exchange rates and use it offline when you’re without data. It helps you compare prices, especially in markets or local restaurants where you might not immediately know the value in AUD.
Pro Tip: Set up a watchlist of currencies so you can monitor exchange rates before your trip and convert money when the rate is favourable.
11. Bonus: Slow Planner – Plan Better, Travel Slower
Developed by MyLifestyle.au, the Slow Travel Planner is a custom AI-powered travel assistant designed for slow travellers and cultural explorers. Whether you’re planning a month in Vietnam or mapping out your European rail journey, it helps you uncover off-the-beaten-path gems, find meaningful experiences, and stay aligned with your travel values.
Unlike generic travel tools, Slow Planner offers curated suggestions based on your pace, interests, and lifestyle. It’s ideal for digital nomads, semi-retired explorers, and anyone who prefers local markets to tourist traps.
Access it directly at MyLifestyle.au or here at Slow Travel Planner and get tailored itineraries, local recommendations, and travel wisdom built around the slow travel mindset.
Bonus: eSIM Apps – Stay Connected Without the Hassle
eSIM travel app, stay connected while travelling
Staying connected is essential, especially if you’re relying on apps like these. eSIM apps like Airalo or Holafly let you download a data plan for your destination in minutes, so you’re online the moment you land. No physical SIM card, no roaming charges.
It’s a must-have for digital nomads or anyone planning to work while abroad.
How to Download These Travel Apps
Here’s where to find and download each app mentioned:
- Skyscanner – Google Play | Apple App Store
- Booking.com – Google Play | Apple App Store
- Google Flights – Visit flights.google.com in your mobile browser
- Google Maps – Google Play | Apple App Store
- TripIt – Google Play | Apple App Store
- Airbnb – Google Play | Apple App Store
- Eatwith – Google Play | Apple App Store
- Rome2Rio – Google Play | Apple App Store
- Google Translate – Google Play | Apple App Store
- XE Currency – Google Play | Apple App Store
- eSIM Apps – Airalo: Google Play | Apple App Store – Holafly: Google Play | Apple App Store
- Slow Planner (MyLifestyle.au) – Access directly at https://mylifestyle.au
Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter in 2025
If you’re planning a trip in 2025, these are the best free travel apps to make things smoother from start to finish. From booking flights and accommodation to navigating new cities and enjoying local experiences, these tools help you travel smarter and stress-free.
They also support a more independent and empowered style of travel, one that fits the modern lifestyle of remote work, cultural curiosity, sustainable living and slow travel
If you found this list helpful, consider bookmarking it, sharing it, or exploring more travel ideas and tech tips on MyLifestyle.au.
Love MyLifestyle #Sheridan-Leigh
Read my personal journal stories here.
Sheridan-Leigh is the passionate voice behind the MyLifestyle Blog, where life is celebrated with vibrant stories and insightful travel tips. With a deep love for slow travel, she believes in truly experiencing each destination, creating connections beyond the surface. Her blog is a blend of personal stories, expert advice, and a philosophy that life is for living to the fullest and is rich with opportunities for growth and adventure. Join Sheridan-Leigh as she shares her journey, inspiring others to embrace life, travel deeply, and live fully.
Below are some recent travels on an interactive map.
Alternatively, view the full interactive travel journey at MyLifestyle Travel Map
Click on a trip line to see images, posts, accommodation and travel information about the destinations.
See her recent travels: Click on the image. https://mylifestyle.travelmap.net
