Organizing a summer getaway? Or a break at any other time of year? Then these are the apps you need on your iPhone.
Planning your journey
Tripadvisor (free) – get inspiration
Not sure where to head? This app provides details about attractions, cuisine, and places to stay, which you can add to an itinerary, viewable as a list or map.
Skyscanner (free) – find flights
Never pay extra for a flight again. Skyscanner lets you quickly filter flights between multiple destinations, and sometimes unearths a fantastic bargain.
Kayak (free) – make an itinerary
Rather than have your travel details scattered among various apps, Kayak can house your itinerary, along with helping with trips, accommodation, and car rentals.
Google Maps (free) – scout locations
This popular mapping app is great when you’re away (not least due to its offline mode), but it’s also useful for virtually exploring locations of interest.
Preparing to leave
Duolingo (free) – learn a language
You won’t become a polyglot with this app, but Duolingo can help you learn key phrases if you’re heading somewhere that doesn’t speak your language.
Reminders (free) – make lists
Don’t overthink it with to-dos. Reminders is flexible and capable enough to cope with solo or shared reusable packing and shopping lists.
Files (free) – stash documents
Don’t leave important documents in email you may not have constant access to. Save them to iCloud Drive and ensure they’re available offline on your device.
Weather on the Way ($5/£5 per month) – explore conditions
Whether you’re traveling by air, water, or road, knowing what’s likely to happen en route is handy. This app combines forecasts and maps to provide such insights.
At the airport
FlightAware (from free) – find your plane
This isn’t the prettiest plane tracker, but it does a lot for free, and its “Where is my plane?” button is perfect for seeing whether an inbound flight really is imminent.
Cheatsheet (free or $10/£10 per year) – access info
Don’t scramble around looking for vital info – booked seats, room numbers, Wi-Fi codes, and the like – save it in Cheatsheet, accessed from your Lock Screen or Apple Watch.
Camera (free) – keep a record
Naturally, Camera is ideal for recording unforgettable moments. But also use it for other things you want to remember, like where your car is parked and proof of bag drops.
Find My (free) – track luggage
Speaking of luggage, put an AirTag in anything that goes in the hold and track its whereabouts with this app. Use it to safeguard wallets and devices too.
On the plane
Serial Reader (free or $3/£3) – read the classics
When you have hours to kill, bury yourself in a classic you always meant to read but never could find time for. Download chapters offline before you leave, though.
Instapaper (free) – catch up with news
Or, if you’re into website articles, send them to Instapaper, open the app to download them all before you leave, and enjoy reading in a distraction-free interface.
Overcast (free) – listen to shows
When you’d rather entertain your ears than eyes, Overcast is an excellent podcast player for a host of talky shows. Again, get everything down before you leave.
White Noise+ (free or $5/£5) – escape the noise
For those times you’d sooner block out the world and have a nap, White Noise+ can pipe soothing sounds your way, customized using its mini mixing desk.
Out and about
Carrot Weather (free + IAP) – check forecasts
This iPhone weather app is superb for vacations due to its customizable interface, and the multi-model forecasts ensure an outlier prediction won’t spoil your day.
Google Translate (free) – understand everything
It might not be the most elegant solution, but if you can’t understand what’s in front of you, point Google Translate at it and you’ll get a live translation.
Morpho Converter (free or $1/£1 per month or $20/£20 lifetime) – convert currencies
This conversion app stands out in letting you save multiple shortcuts and access common conversions with a tap. It also includes country-specific info, like driving side and plug types.
Hike Maker (free or $1/£1 per month or $15/£15 lifetime) – plan walks
One of the best ways to take in somewhere new is by walking. Hike Maker can create a semi-random loop based on distance, or a route defined by waypoints.
Everyday essentials
Snapseed (free) – improve photos
Don’t waste time and money on apps demanding subscriptions for making changes to photos. Snapseed has all you need for edits, from filters to a handy text tool.
Time Zone Pro ($3/£3) – confirm the hour
When you’re a long way from home – at least, east or west – this app makes it easy to spot whether friends and family back home are likely to be awake.
FaceTime (free) – chat for free
Assuming you have access to Wi-Fi, FaceTime is the best way to keep in touch during your vacation. And if the connection is poor, remember that audio-only calls are an option.
Soulver (from $14/£14) – manage a budget
This final pick isn’t fun, but it is important. Soulver combines a calculator and notepad, so you can track your vacation budget – and look on in horror at how much you’ve spent.