Planning your trip
The first step in planning your trip is to figure out how to get around. Let Omio (formerly GoEuro) help you find the fastest and cheapest way to travel. Simply enter your departure and arrival locations and the app will find the best flights, trains and buses to suit your needs. Once you’ve booked your transport, forward your confirmation emails to Tripit to store all your travel details in one safe place. The app creates a master itinerary and sends you helpful reminders to keep you on schedule. You’ll never miss a flight again!
For accommodation
Once you’ve got your transport sorted, you’re ready to check out all the accommodation options waiting for you. If you’re travelling on a budget, try Hostelworld to find budget hostels in the area. The app allows you to filter your search by rating, location or price, so you can find the right one for you. For a traditional hotel stay, you can’t beat the prices on Booking. Although the website is very popular, few people know that they also have a handy, portable smartphone app.
For transport
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll probably want to get out and see the city. If you want to save a little money on the inevitably expensive taxi or Uber, try travelling like a local. Use Moovit to navigate the complicated subway system, bus routes and train lines with ease. Or, if you’ve decided that the grass really is greener in the next town, take a Flixbus for as little as €5. In Germany, you can also try the new Flixtrain!
For finding food
When it’s finally time to eat, the options can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to go. The Fork shows a map of available restaurants in your location with user reviews and ratings. With their loyalty programme, you can get up to 50% off at many restaurants and make instant reservations. If you’d rather try a traditional home-cooked meal, EatWith has the experience you’re looking for. Local hosts offer to cook everything from Turkish coffee + fortune telling to a garden party under the stars and more!
For the best tours
If you want to see the city and learn some local history, but don’t want to break the bank on an expensive sightseeing tour, Sandeman’s New Europe is the app for you. The app offers free tip-based tours of most major cities in Europe. Or, if you want to avoid the crowds, why not book a private, personal tour with a local guide on WithLocals? They offer a range of tours including cycling, nightlife, family friendly and food tasting tours. These tours are 100% customisable and you can even choose your own guide!
For meeting people
If you’re travelling alone and want to meet other travellers and make local friends, check out Meetup. You can browse tons of social events happening in your city and join groups to meet like-minded people. You can also find unique experiences hosted by locals through Airbnb Experiences. There’s something for everyone, including cooking classes, hiking and sailing trips, and various animal adventures – like swimming with dolphins.