Traveling abroad has never been easier or cheaper than it is now thanks to our smartphones. Whether it’s your first time traveling in Europe or your fifth, you’ll definitely want to have these travel apps downloaded to make your trip run smoothly.

SkyScanner

So many people are under the impression that traveling will break the bank. When it comes to traveling in Europe, usually the most expensive part is just getting there.

With SkyScanner, you can search for crazy cheap flights, especially if your travel dates are flexible. You even have the option to search for the cheapest destination from your home airport during the cheapest month of the year. It doesn’t get better than that!

AirBnB

AirBnB has really taken over the hospitality industry within the last few years. It’s a great affordable option for lodging when traveling while also giving you experience living like a local in a foreign country. The best part about AirBnB is that it has a range of accommodations; from a couch to a private room to an entire property, you can find what suits you best.

Recently, the website added a new feature where you can book tours and experiences with local guides. There are many different options to choose from depending on where you are visiting. You’ll never be lost when it comes to things to do.

Booking

Unlike in the United States, hotel rooms can be extremely affordable in Europe. Booking.com is a great website that gives you fantastic deals on rooms and narrows down the search to exactly what you are looking for. This is a great app if you are a traveler who books last-minute accommodations because Booking’s prices will fluctuate throughout the day and you may be able to get an even better deal if you book later in the day.

Hostelworld

Backpacking culture is huge in Europe! It’s a great way to meet people from all over the world and gives you the flexibility to see many more places than if you were to lug around a suitcase for weeks. Hostelworld is a fantastic app when you are looking for hostels to stay in. You can refine your search to the type of hostel you’re looking for, your price range, and much more.

Omio

Train and bus travel around Europe are very popular and also very affordable. There is no reason to take a flight when you can just hop on a train to another country! Omio is an easy-to-use app that will pull up train and bus time tables and tickets that you can buy right within the app. Just show your ticket to the conductor or driver from your phone and you’re good to go!

My favorite thing about Omio is that if I’m taking a train somewhere, it will tell you if you need to transfer or not. If you do need to make a transfer, it will have you purchase both tickets at once. You don’t have to worry about figuring out where to transfer or buying a separate ticket.

Google Maps

Most people have iPhones, so we are inclined to use our Apple Maps app while traveling. The one downfall to Apple Maps is that it is not synced up with public transportation in other countries just yet. Google Maps will provide public transportation information for buses, metros, trams, and more, so you can save money and experience the city like a true local.

WhatsApp

It’s inevitable that you are going to meet people from different countries who you’ll want to stay in touch with. Most Europeans (and others around the world) use WhatsApp to text and call each other. Think of it like Facebook Messenger, but with your phone number instead. It uses data or WiFi rather than minutes, so if you are on an international phone plan, you just have to connect to WiFi and your messages and calls are free!

Uber, Beat, or Cabify

It feels very retro to stand on the sidewalk with your hand out to flag down a taxi. Most countries have some type of app where you can call a ride right to your location. While some countries, such as Spain and Italy, do not have Uber, but they do have apps that will call a taxi to you, like Cabify. Keep in mind that you will still pay the meter price.

If you aren’t sure which ride app works in the country you’re visiting, a quick Google search or asking your host or receptionist will help you solve that problem.