There are many reasons to travel internationally: to see the world, to experience new cultures, or just for fun. But traveling internationally can be stressful and difficult if you’re not prepared. When you’re out of your comfort zone and in an unfamiliar place with a different language, it can be easy to get lost or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you.
This guide will help prepare you for any situation that may arise during your trip abroad, whether it’s getting lost in the streets of Tokyo or trying to catch a train from Munich to Zurich.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Traveling Internationally
From flight deals and encrypted messaging to translation services and personal health, these apps can help you make more informed and safe decisions before you leave and while you’re away.
APPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER WHILE ABROAD
Psst. Many of these apps are also available as websites if you don’t have the inclination or the space available on your phone to download them.
FLY, DRIVE, RIDE, OR WALK
Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio is a multi-modal transportation search platform that helps you plan both local and long-distance travel abroad. Using a database of flight paths, bus routes, train lines, and ferry schedules, it shows you the most efficient and inexpensive way to get from point A to point B.
Rome2Rio for iOS
Rome2Rio for Android
Hopper
Using a prediction algorithm for future flight and hotel prices, Hopper can notify you when it’s the best time to book.
Hopper for iOS
Hopper for Android
Skyscanner
Skyscanner helps you find and book international flights quickly and easily. Its search engine often provides less expensive options than comparable services.
Skyscanner for iOS
Skyscanner for Android
Google Maps
With Google Maps, you can quickly find the nearest bank, hotel, restaurant, and more. It provides you with the fastest route options for local and regional transportation by leveraging timetables from public transportation services. When you have a connection over Wi-Fi or the data network, you can download and save maps to view offline (and save on international data roaming charges).
Pro tip: Use the street view setting to scope out the area ahead of time to know which landmarks to look for or what your accommodation really looks like from the outside.
Google Maps for iOS
Google Maps for Android
STAY CONNECTED & PROTECTED
Signal
Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service app. You can make and send free international calls and text messages over Wi-Fi or a data network. It links to your existing contacts, and you can also send files, photos, videos, and voice notes.
Signal for iOS
Signal for Android
Cisco AnyConnect
Cisco AnyConnect helps protect your information while using your Harvard laptop, phone, or tablet. Through the app, you connect to Harvard’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a secure connection. Using VPN is one of several best practices to keep you data safe abroad. Visit Harvard’s IT Help portal to learn how to install the Cisco AnyConnect App.
Cisco AnyConnect for iOS
Cisco AnyConnect for Android
TunnelBear
Need a VPN app for a personal device? Check out TunnelBear, which offers encryption and secure browsing in 40+ countries. Free and monthly plans available for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
TunnelBear for iOS
TunnelBear for Android
BE SAFE & HEALTHY
International SOS Assistance App
With the International SOS Assistance App, help is just a tap away. Register your trips and manage your itineraries; browse the country guides to research your destination’s culture and norms; sign up to receive medical and security push alerts for your area; start a chat or phone call with an International SOS operator to receive medical, mental health, or security advice and assistance; and tap to check-in and update your location for 48 hours.
When you first start the App, you’ll need to sign up with your Harvard email address and complete your profile (name, contact information). Also make sure you check your trip’s eligibility for Harvard’s International SOS membership.
International SOS Assistance for iOS
International SOS Assistance for Android
Smart Traveler
Designed by the U.S. State Department, Smart Traveler is a helpful tool for U.S. citizens traveling to an unstable region. Similar to the CIA’s World Factbook, the app includes information about every country in the world, including the most recent travel warnings and alerts. Through the app, you can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which registers your trip with the nearest embassy or consulate.
Smart Traveler for iOS
Smart Traveler for Android
The Jet Lag App
Tired of feeling tired? Timeshifter’s Jet Lag App uses the latest research on sleep and circadian neuroscience to advise you making small adjustments—like when to nap and when to limit your light exposure—before, during, and after travel with advice tailored to your itinerary’s time zones. Dr. Steven Lockley, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine, is a co-founder and chief scientist at Timeshifter.
The Jet Lag App for iOS
The Jet Lag App for Android
Ten Percent Happier
Travel can be stressful, and the Ten Percent Happier app is here to help with guided meditations, videos, talks, and sleep content. Even better—Harvard benefits-eligible employees get free access to the Ten Percent Happier mindfulness app. Simply download the app and subscribe using your Harvard email address.
Ten Percent Happier for iOS
Ten Percent Happier for Android
Headspace
Like we said, travel can be stressful. The Headspace app offers guided meditations to help you with everything from anxiety and loneliness to workouts and sleep. Even better—students are eligible for a deep discount. Simply download the app and subscribe using your Harvard email address.
Headspace for iOS
Headspace for Android
SPEAK THE LANGUAGE
Duolingo
Using gamification, Duolingo can help you learn a language before your trip. Beat the clock, earn points, and track your progress across bite-sized lessons.
Duolingo for iOS
Duolingo for Android
Google Translate
Google Translate may be one of the most convenient and helpful translation services. You can type, talk, and even take a picture of a foreign language with the app, and it will translate it instantly.
Google Translate for iOS
Google Translate for Android
MANAGE YOUR MONEY
Concur
Harvard employees can easily manage travel expenses through the Concur mobile app. Take pictures of receipts, create and submit expense reports, and review and approve reports on the go. Learn more about Concur on the Harvard Travel Services website.
apps for traveling abroad
After living abroad twice and traveling to several countries in between, you’d think I’d be “fluent” in traveling abroad. WRONG. There is nothing more rewarding than international travel, but it can still be overwhelming at times. One thing that’s always helped me is having the right technology to use in a pinch. Trust me, our parents would have loved to have an iPhone while in Madrid or an Android in Malaysia.
Here are some of the best international travel apps that could save you time planning, or help you out in a hurry abroad:
Currency
Instagram
Google Flights
Airbnb
What’s App
Rome2Rio
Kakao
Google Translate
Hostelworld
Google Maps
Currency
Ever found yourself spending $5 on something like an apple because you literally had no idea what the conversion rate was? I’m seriously guilty of this travel mishap. The best thing to do is to have a currency converter app, like Currency, downloaded in advance. I like the Currency App the most, because it works in offline mode, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to use it! Perfect for wandering through markets or buying local goodies at a roadside stand.
Instagram
Alright, so you’ve definitely heard of this one. But don’t underestimate the power of Instagram as a travel app. Inspire your friends to come visit you by posting sunset pics and cold beers with the locals. Instagram is perfect for the travel nomad, since you can take photos on your camera and upload them when you find an internet hotspot! You’ll have visitors sleeping on your couch within weeks. Need some inspiration? Check us out at @intteflacademy for some ideas! #nofilter
Google Flights
A personal favorite for pre-travel planning, Google Flights one-ups other costs comparing travel sites. The app offers all kinds of innovative technology. From alerting you when prices are about to go up or monitoring costs for you for a specific day, Google Flights takes all the work out of “looking for flights.” It is, in my opinion, one of the best apps for moving abroad.
Airbnb
Totally changing the game when it comes to affordable accommodations, Airbnb is hands down one of the best apps for living abroad. Since it’s a “peer-to-peer” business model, you rent short-term lodging from individuals. If you’re planning a short weekend trip on a break from teaching to Malaysia or Milan, Airbnb is a great money-saving tool to know about. Book easily through the mobile app as late as the day of! Trust me, when travel plans change unexpectedly Airbnb is key to have. I know from experience.
Find housing on Airbnb for teaching abroad
What’s App
If you have friends harassing you about “how you’re going to stay in touch” and that you’ll “never talk to them again,” What’s App is the perfect solution. It’s an internet based texting solution, and the perfect way to communicate with friends and family without paying for an international plan. You can do everything from text to video-calling. Plus, it’s a great way to talk with your new friends abroad!
Rome2Rio
Like you might guess from the name, Rome2Rio is a go-to for transportation planning. Just input two locations and the app will tell you every mix of trains, planes and automobiles needed to take you! I can say from first hand experience that Rome2Rio has helped me cut down on travel time and make the most of my trips abroad.
Kakao
Similar to What’s App, Kakao is literally taking over communication in Asia. Used by 93% of smartphone users in South Korea, if you’re planning on teaching in Asia you should probably download this now. The best part of about Kakao? You can share photos, your location and videos with your contacts without logging into a wi-fi network.
Google Translate
Ok, this one is pretty much self-explanatory. I don’t think I would have made it a week in Argentina without the help of a simple translator app. I personally think Google Translate is the best with over 90 languages. If you’re already feeling anxious about how to ask for directions in Seoul or for the best fruit stand in San Jose, Google Translate will be there to save you. Fair warning: translating is translating… you might just ask for something unexpected.
Hostelworld
Welcome to hostel wonderland! All you need to do is tap in your dates and behold, dozens of hostels are available at your fingertips. The best part is seeing the rating of former users about their specific experiences. Hostelworld puts percentages next to hostel choices to ensure you’re picking a top-rated place to rest your head. No bed bugs here!
Google Maps
Am I on a roll with Google? Maybe, but more Google Apps = a happier nomad. For me, walking 6 miles on a random Saturday is the absolute best way to see a new city (or discover more of an old one). Just like any place, having a general idea of where one is going is typically a bright idea. If you find yourself leaving class with no idea where you’re meeting your friend for an afternoon beer, you’ll be thanking yourself for downloading Google Maps.
Mobiel Apps for Traveling
Honorable Mentions
These 5 additional international travel apps are also worth considering:
Hopper:
Great for predictive airfare. Check out this app to find out the best days to buy your flight.
Pocket Money:
Who doesn’t need to keep track of their finances… especially when there is an exchange rate involved!
iMetro:
In a rush? IMetro helps you find the closest subway station to your location so you can get to your destination in a hurry!
AroundMe:
This app is so helpful to the lazy traveler. If you need a quick recommendation on restaurants or bars nearby, check it out!
WeatherBug:
Honestly, dressing for the weather is a huge determiner of how your day is going to go. Get WeatherBug and don’t be the one wearing a tank top in Russia in January.
Conclusion
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