In these tough economic times, planning a vacation without burning a hole in your pocket seems impossible. Based on current inflation, you can plan a comfortable vacation or consider your budget limitations. The more you try to save money, the more uncomfortable your vacation will become.
Tech companies have launched travel planning apps to resolve budgeting and travel reservation issues. These apps not only help you keep track of billing and reservations but also provide information about the best tourist destinations to visit on your vacation.
Most of the apps keep your filters and reservations in check and notify you every time there is a new sale. Moreover, they ensure you receive the best offers, promo codes, and discounts based on your location and preferred vacation destinations. Since the notifications are sent based on location in real-time, you need good internet to stay connected regardless of where you are. If you are looking for affordable and reliable internet, we recommend Optimum Internet. Optimum Internet offers unlimited data and free nationwide Wi-Fi, so you are the first to be notified about discounts.
Travel Planning Apps
Traveling apps are quite common, and you will find your play store and app store cluttered with these options. However, very few apps offer authentic reviews and good discount offers.
If you are struggling to find reliable travel planning apps, here are some you need to try.
1- TripIt
Available on: Android and iOS Price: Free with limited features
Recommended for: Staying organized for the trip, keeping all the reservations in check, and getting updates about flight and hotel reservations
Planning a trip means you need to stay vigilant as you keep track of flight prices, hotel reservation status, and updates about the places you will be visiting. However, the majority of online bookings happen via either booking portals or official business websites, leading to an influx of emails, SMS, calls, and notifications.
With TripIt, you can link everything with just one app and get updates. The app will not only help you track everything but also create one master document that has all the details you need.
The best thing about this app is the offline feature that offers you access to essential details even when you are offline.
Pro Tip: You can adjust the settings to manage the number of alerts and notifications you receive.
2- Hopper
Available on: Android and iOS Price: Free
Recommended for: Prediction of airfares and hotel price fluctuations for the whole year
Price hikes and inflation are impacting accommodation and flight fares daily. In fact, people are canceling trips just because of financial issues and price increases. The simplest solution to this unpredictability is Hopper.
Hopper lets you organize your trip in advance by taking advantage of price predictions. The best part of using this app is that you can plan your vacation in the off-season when prices are extremely low.
Hopper boasts a 95% accuracy rate in price predictions, helping you stay in full control of your trip. Moreover, the app offers filters for budget control, cutting down on extra fees, restrictions, and long layovers.
The app also keeps users updated by sending notifications every time there is a price reduction.
3- TripAdvisor
Available on: Android and iOS Price: Free
Recommended for: Deciding your travel plans based on authentic reviews, travel guides, and forums
If you love traveling and have never heard about TripAdvisor, you might be spending too much on your trip. TripAdvisor is one of the most used apps for reviews and recommendations.
You can see where you should eat, where to stay, and what places you need to visit. TripAdvisor has a community-based platform with authentic reviews from experts and fellow travelers.
The app covers more than 8 million destinations and contains reviews of restaurants, hotels, flights, and budget-friendly holiday options. By using the app, you can also compare prices, book flights, and reserve tables online.
The app is free and allows for live interactions, so you can ask questions, write reviews, and share your travel plans with friends.
4- Packing Pro
Available on: iOS Price: Free
Recommended for: Keeping a tab on all the travel essentials and staying organized while packing
Planning for a trip is exciting, but packing can be extremely hectic. You might struggle to find the balance between overpacking and forgetting essentials.
If you are worried about packing, you need to use the Packing Pro app. The app offers a digital checklist feature so you can list down the essentials you need to bring along.
You can either use the in-built catalog or customize your list. The seamless synchronizing and sharing facility within the app allows you to share your checklist with your travel partner as well.
5- Loungebuddy
Available on: iOS Price: Free with paid booking and purchase
Recommended for: Pre-booking airport lounge passes, access to airport lounges on arrival, and much more
Airport lounges can be exclusive and expensive, but you can book access without paying a hefty fee. With the Loungebuddy app, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi, good food, and comfortable seats without needing memberships or flying business class.
The app is perfect for someone looking for a premium flying experience on a budget. Loungebuddy lets you book the lounge and get access passes. If that is not possible, you will be directed to the nearest free lounge where you can enjoy Wi-Fi, food, and some rest time.
Bottom Line
As an avid traveler, you must have a good command over simple travel preparation tasks like packing, booking, and reservations. However, if you are a beginner or find it tiring, the above-mentioned apps will help you save money without compromising on your travel experience.