10 of the Best Apps for Independent Travelers

If you're an independent traveler looking for inspiration and handy tools, these free smartphone apps can provide insider tips for hundreds of destinations right at your fingertips.

 

 

1. Luckytrip

Perfect for spontaneous travelers, Luckytrip allows you to set a budget and discover exciting destinations. It plans your trip, including where to stay and what activities to do, in over 300 cities.

 

 

2. Trip.com

Formerly Gogobot, Trip.com helps you explore things to do and places to stay in more than 60,000 destinations. By analyzing your travel preferences, it provides tailored recommendations, saving you hours of research.

 

 

3. Localeur

Focusing on local insights, Localeur connects you with tips from local tastemakers in cities worldwide. The app offers suggestions for restaurants, attractions, boutique hotels, and curated itineraries, especially strong in the US.

 

 

4. Cool Cousin

This app connects you with a local resident in your chosen city. You receive personalized recommendations and can even message your "Cool Cousin" directly for advice, making it great for authentic experiences in 16 cities.

 

 

5. 500px

For photography enthusiasts, 500px is a community-driven platform where you can explore stunning travel photography. Share your own images, get feedback, and improve your skills while enjoying breathtaking visuals from around the world.

 

 

6. National Trust/English Heritage Days Out

These two apps are excellent for discovering heritage locations and natural wonders in the UK. They allow you to search for nearby sites and events, complete with visitor information to plan your excursions.

 

 

7. Time Out

With a wealth of information for city breaks globally, Time Out offers lists of the best places to eat, drink, shop, and local events. It's both a source of inspiration and a practical guide for when you arrive.

 

 

8. Musement

Available in over 350 destinations, Musement highlights interesting local experiences. Its ticketing feature makes it easy to book attractions and events, including priority tickets, using Apple Pay.

 

 

9. Lonely Planet Trips

This community-focused app from Lonely Planet allows users to explore travel experiences through fellow travelers' media-rich stories. Share your own adventures through photos, videos, and text.

 

 

10. Wander and Co

Designed for adventure travelers, Wander and Co is a photo journal app that lets you track your outdoor adventures. Use GPS to log stats like pace and elevation, while drawing inspiration from the community’s travels.

These apps can enhance your travel experience by providing valuable insights, saving time on planning, and connecting you with locals and fellow travelers!