Gone are the days of fumbling with paper maps or overpacking for every possible scenario. Today, we have access to smart apps that simplify everything from packing to planning, transportation to accommodation, and even finding the best dining spots. These apps are designed to help you travel smarter and greener, ensuring you leave a lighter footprint wherever you go. With a few taps on your phone, you can streamline your travel plans and focus on enjoying your journey. Let's explore some of the best travel apps for 2024 that will change the way you travel. Quick links Travel apps for packing and planning Travel apps for transportation Travel apps for booking and accommodation Travel apps for food and dining Travel apps for navigation and local travel Travel apps for search and information Travel journal app Travel apps for managing expenses Bonus: must-have eco-friendly travel accessories Travel apps for packing and planning TripIt TripIt organises all your travel plans in one place. Simply forward your confirmation emails to the app, and it creates a detailed itinerary for you. It’s perfect for keeping track of flights, hotel reservations, and car rentals without printing everything out. By going digital with your travel plans, you reduce paper waste and stay organised on the go. Safar: Travel Planner Similar to TripIt, Safar is a comprehensive travel planner that helps you organise your entire trip effortlessly. You can handle everything from booking flights and accommodations to creating detailed day-by-day itineraries within the app. The app includes an interactive map to visualise all your daily activities, ensuring you make the most of your trip without the hassle of last-minute searches or planning. PackPoint PackPoint takes the stress out of packing by creating customised packing lists based on your destination, the length of your trip, and the activities you’ll be doing. It even checks the weather forecast to make sure you pack the right clothes. No more over packing and wasting precious luggage space! Pack only what you need to reduce your luggage weight and, in turn, your carbon footprint. Less weight means less fuel consumption for your flight. Travel apps for transportation Rome2rio Rome2rio helps you get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. It shows you all the travel options, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even car rentals. You can compare prices and travel times to choose the most eco-friendly route. Opt for trains or buses over flights whenever possible. They’re usually better for the environment and offer a more scenic travel experience. BlaBlaCar BlaBlaCar connects drivers with empty seats to passengers looking for a ride. It’s a great way to carpool, save money, and meet new people. Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, cutting down on traffic and emissions. Plus, it’s available in over 22 countries, making it a handy app for international travel. Travel apps for booking and accommodation Booking.com Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels to hostels, apartments, and unique stays like treehouses and eco-lodges. The app features a sustainability filter that highlights properties with eco-friendly practices, making it easier to find green accommodations. Look for properties with the "Sustainability certification" badge to ensure your stay supports environmental efforts. Airbnb Airbnb lets you book unique homes and experiences all over the world, giving you a more personal and fun travel experience than staying in hotels. You can find all kinds of places to stay, like cosy apartments in the city, cabins in the woods, or villas by the beach, fitting all budgets and preferences. Besides just places to stay, Airbnb offers local experiences like cooking classes, guided tours, and outdoor adventures, hosted by locals. This way, you get to explore and enjoy your destination in a more authentic way. The platform has many reviews to help you pick the best places and activities, ensuring you have a great time on your trip. Hostelworld Hostelworld is perfect for budget travellers looking for affordable accommodations. It offers a wide variety of options, from traditional dormitory-style hostels to private rooms, all over the world. The app makes it easy to compare prices, read reviews, and see ratings, so you can find the best deal that fits your needs. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or exploring a new city for a weekend, Hostelworld helps you find a comfortable and budget-friendly place to stay. Couchsurfing Couchsurfing connects travellers with hosts who offer free accommodation, fostering cultural exchange and reducing the need for commercial lodging. It’s a great way to meet locals and experience a destination authentically. Travel apps for food and dining TripAdvisor TripAdvisor is a widely used app for finding and reviewing restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world. Use TripAdvisor to find highly-rated restaurants that prioritise sustainability, such as those that use organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. Reading user reviews can also give you insights into a restaurant’s practices. HappyCow Eating plant-based meals reduces your carbon footprint and supports sustainable agriculture. Finding vegan and vegetarian food while travelling can be a challenge, but not with HappyCow! This app helps you locate nearby restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores that offer plant-based options. You can read reviews, check menus, and even get directions. Travel apps for navigation and local travel Google Maps Google Maps is a traveller’s best friend, providing directions, traffic updates, and public transportation options. It even highlights bike paths and walking routes, encouraging more sustainable ways to get around. Opt for walking, biking, or public transportation over taxis and rideshares to reduce your carbon footprint. GoEuro (Omio) GoEuro (now Omio) helps you compare and book trains, buses, and flights across Europe. It’s a great way to find the most efficient and eco-friendly travel options for your European adventures. Trains are often the most sustainable way to travel in Europe, offering a lower carbon footprint than flights. iOverlander iOverlander is perfect for those who love road trips and camping. The app provides user-generated information about campsites, water sources, and points of interest, helping you plan a more sustainable and enjoyable trip. Use iOverlander to find eco-friendly campsites and resources, and always follow Leave No Trace principles to protect natural environments. Travel apps for search and information Ecosia Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees every time you use it. It’s a simple way to contribute to reforestation efforts around the world while searching for travel info, booking hotels, or finding local attractions. Make Ecosia your default search engine and watch your tree count grow as you plan your trip. Travel journal app Trotter It Trotter It is a digital travel journal app that allows you to document and share your travel experiences. It offers a platform for creating and sharing detailed travel stories, photos, and memories. The app also includes features for connecting with other travellers, making it a social network for globetrotters. Document your eco-friendly travel practices and inspire others to travel sustainably. Travel apps for managing expenses Splitwise Splitwise is perfect for keeping track of shared expenses on your trip. Whether you're travelling with friends or family, this app helps you easily split bills and expenses, ensuring everyone pays their fair share. No more awkward money conversations or confusing spreadsheets – Splitwise keeps it simple and organised. Bonus: must-have eco-friendly travel accessories While travel in itself isn’t the most sustainable pursuit, there are ways to reduce your impact along the way. With your travel apps sorted, let's add some eco-friendly accessories to your kit to make your journeys even more delightful and responsible. Reusable water bottle Bottled water is one of the biggest environmental culprits. In many countries, tap water is perfectly safe to drink, so there's no need to rely on single-use plastic bottles. Switching to a reusable water bottle can significantly reduce plastic pollution. Our hybrid bottle is versatile, with interchangeable lids that let you use it as a regular water bottle or a tumbler for coffee and other hot drinks. These bottles can keep your drinks hot or cold for hours, ensuring you stay hydrated while on the go. Plant-based phone case Protect your phone with plant-based phone cases made from biodegradable materials. These eco-friendly cases help reduce plastic waste while offering great protection. They come in a variety of cool designs to suit your style. Don’t forget to pair it with a tempered glass screen protector for added security. This ensures that your screen stays intact even during the roughest travels. Stone paper notebooks Trade traditional paper for stone paper notebooks. Made from recycled stone, these notebooks are waterproof, tear-resistant, and perfect for jotting down travel memories. A smooth writing surface, ideal for notes and sketches, and the best part - you won't have to worry about spills or damage on your adventures. Bamboo toothbrush Make the switch to bamboo toothbrushes for a greener routine. It’s easy to forget a plastic toothbrush when travelling, which then ends up in a landfill and takes hundreds of years to decompose. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a sustainable material that breaks down naturally. It’s a small, easy change that makes a big difference for the planet. Prepared for your trip? Travelling in 2024 is all about making your trips easier and greener. With these fantastic apps, you can plan effortlessly, explore new destinations and enjoy every moment of your journey while caring for the planet. Travel smart, have fun, create wonderful memories wherever you go, and let every trip be as enjoyable as it is responsible. Bon voyage!