The Best Solo Travel Apps All Organized Travelers Should Have

The first time I traveled solo, I landed in Lisbon with only a few hostel booking confirmations in my inbox and a vague idea (literally 10 bullet points on my iPhone notes app) of what I wanted to see.

I thought I’d figure it all out as I went—that was kind of the point, right?

But by the second day, I knew I screwed up. Should've planned better.

There I was, juggling half a dozen Chrome tabs on my phone, trying to remember the name of that one coffee shop someone recommended, standing on a cobblestone street with spotty Wi-Fi, wishing I had downloaded a map or made a plan.

That trip was magical but also a little chaotic. It taught me that freedom and structure aren’t opposites—you can have both if you have the right tools. Since then, I’ve gotten smarter about what I put on my phone before I travel—not everything, just the apps that actually help.

In this guide, I'll walk through the solo travel apps that have made the biggest difference for me. Some I use on every trip, others only when I need them.

I’ll share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what I wish I’d known back on that Lisbon street corner solo-traveling.

What to Look for in a Solo Travel App

I’ve realized that the best solo travel apps nail a few key things:

• Offline accessibility: Because Wi-Fi and signal are not always a given. Gah, PTSD.
• Simplicity: Because some apps are super clunky and overwhelming.
• Practical utility: Apps that help me plan, book, navigate, or stay connected.

Best Travel Apps for Solo Travelers: My Essentials

After trying out dozens of apps over the years, these are the few that earned a permanent spot on my phone.

Each one serves a distinct purpose, and together they cover everything I need—without overwhelming me with clutter.

1. Pilot - Collaborative trip planner

Pilot is my (obvious) go-to for trip planning.

I love how intuitive it is—it's like if Notion trip template came to life and became a product, with features tailored for travel itself.

I can add and book stays, add activity ideas, notes, and links, and organize everything by day. I can also import and take my files offline. All for free, by the way.

It helps me feel prepped without overplanning. Plus, it’s collaborative, so if I meet a buddy to go on an impromptu day trip, I can simply invite them into my trip!

My colleague has done a deep dive on the best trip planning apps, if you want to learn more about them!

2. Skyscanner - Flight deals tracker

Skyscanner is still one of the best for finding flights, especially if you're budget-strapped like me.

I use the “Everywhere” feature when I want to explore but haven’t picked a destination yet. Its robust search and filtering feature allows me to dig in and find the flights that suit me.

The price alerts are helpful too, although I always double-check the fares directly with airlines.

3. Rome2Rio - Transport planner

Rome2Rio has saved me more times than I can count, especially in places where public transit options are unclear or poorly documented.

I first learned about Rome2Rio when I saw a buddy of mine using it in the hostel, and boy, did it help because I was only using Google Maps then.

It won’t book tickets for you (and I wouldn’t rely on it for last-minute updates), but it’s my go-to tool when I’m in the early stages of planning routes or comparing travel times and costs.

4. Google Maps - General Navigation

Still my daily go-to for navigating new cities, sometimes to a fault.

I always download offline maps before I land somewhere, which has saved me countless times when I didn’t have data or the Wi-Fi was spotty.

I also create custom lists for cafes, viewpoints, or cool bookstores I’ve bookmarked during my planning—so when I’m out exploring, I can easily see what’s nearby.

The walking directions are incredibly helpful in cities with winding streets (looking at you, Venice), and while public transit data can be hit or miss in smaller towns, it's usually solid in most major cities.

I also use it to get a general sense of neighborhoods using street view, which is especially helpful when deciding where to stay or if I’m walking back late.

Don't get me wrong, Google Maps don't work everywhere. There are places like South Korea where map apps like Naver Maps come in handy, but I generally rely on Google Maps for all my navigation needs.

5. WhatsApp - Messaging app

WhatsApp is my default for staying in touch while abroad.

A lot of the world uses it, especially in Europe, South America, and Asia—it’s often the main way locals communicate, even more than email or phone. I love that I can easily share my live location, send voice memos, or hop on a quick call over Wi-Fi.

That said, it’s not the only messaging app that works. If you’re in a country where iMessage is more common or mostly communicating with friends and family who have iPhones, regular texting or FaceTime might be just as convenient.

I usually ask hosts or tour providers what they prefer and do whatever’s easiest.

6. Google Translate - Foriegn language support

This one has saved me in so many countries—not because I’m trying to learn the language, but because sometimes you just need to get out of a tricky spot.

Whether it's asking for allergy-friendly food, explaining something to a pharmacist, or figuring out which platform your train is on, Google Translate has come through for me.

The photo feature is perfect for translating signs and menus, and the voice feature works great in conversations where there's a language barrier. It's definitely a lifesaver in more ways than one.

I always download the local language before I arrive, just in case I lose signal or don’t have data.

7. GeoSure - Safety app

If you’re a solo traveler, it’s worth having a safety app on your phone—and GeoSure is one of the few that’s actually been helpful.

It gives neighborhood-level safety scores, including insights on categories like theft, political freedom, LGBTQ+ safety, and more. While anyone can benefit from knowing which areas are more secure, this is especially helpful for women.

As someone who’s traveled solo in cities that felt very different block to block, GeoSure has helped me make informed decisions about where to book accommodations or when to opt for a rideshare over walking.

I don’t check it daily, but it’s the kind of app that gives peace of mind when you need it most.

8. Hopper - Cheap deals notification

I have a love-hate relationship with Hopper. It’s helpful for tracking price trends, but the predictions aren’t always reliable—sometimes they shift unexpectedly and feel a bit arbitrary.

I don’t necessarily use Hopper on the go or during a trip, but I keep it on my phone because it’s great for spontaneous moments.

If a cheap flight pops up to a city I hadn’t even considered, I can explore that possibility quickly and see whether it’s worth jumping on. It’s perfect when I’m itching to go somewhere new and want to see if the travel gods offer a deal.

Just be warned—the push notifications can be a little much. They do a good job of making the notifications as tailored to you as possible, though, to their credit.

Pro Tips for Using Solo Travel Apps Effectively

• Download offline tools before you go: maps, translations, itineraries.
• Group your apps into folders so you’re not scrolling around in a panic.
• Use a VPN, especially in public settings like a hotel or café Wi-Fi.
• Bring a backup battery—apps are great, but only if your phone’s alive. GPS eats up battery fast.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Own Travel Stack

The best travel apps for solo travelers are the ones that suit you. I’ve tried dozens over the years and found that I need a core few that cover safety, navigation, planning, and communication.

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are plenty of travel apps I use, and other apps I use in general, like Netflix or Candy Crush Saga. Can't live without Candy Crush.

You don’t need to download every app on this list. Start with a couple that makes your life easier and add more only if there’s a gap.

My current go-tos? Pilot for planning, Google Maps for navigation, and GeoSure when I want a sense of local safety.

Get excited for your solo trip!

Solo travel isn’t always smooth—but with the right tools, it becomes a whole lot easier. These apps help me stay safe, prepared, and open to whatever adventure comes my way.

With the right apps, you can focus on what solo trips are best for: meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, while seeing the world.

If you're prepping for your next trip, I hope this gives you some helpful direction. Try a few out, see what works, and most of all, remember to enjoy the ride!