My Favorite (FREE) Travel Planning Apps

Tech Tools to Make Your European Journey Easier

Planning a trip to Europe can feel like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time traveling. From booking flights to arranging transportation and ensuring safety, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Luckily, travel apps have revolutionized the way we plan and navigate our trips. With just a few taps on your phone, you can organize your entire journey, making travel both easier and more enjoyable.

If you prioritize safety, efficiency, and comfort, using the right apps can make a world of difference. Here are my personal favorite free apps for travel planning that will help you navigate your next adventure with ease and confidence.

1. TripIt: Organize Your Travel Plans in One Place

When it comes to travel planning, TripIt is a game-changer. This free app allows you to keep all your travel details—flights, accommodations, car rentals, and more—in one easy-to-access itinerary. Here’s how it works: once you’ve booked a flight, hotel, or any other service, simply forward the confirmation emails to TripIt, and it will automatically create a master itinerary for you. This way, you’ll have all your plans in one place, even if you’re traveling across multiple cities or countries.

Why It’s Great:

• Simplicity: No more sifting through email confirmations while on the go. TripIt organizes everything into one easy-to-read itinerary, which can be accessed offline.

• Stress-Free Planning: With your plans organized, you can focus more on enjoying your trip than worrying about where you’re supposed to be next.

• Safety Features: TripIt Pro (the premium version) offers real-time flight alerts, terminal maps, and even a feature to share your itinerary with trusted contacts for added peace of mind.

How I Use It:

I’ve been using the free version of TripIt for ten years now to track all my flights, hotels, event tickets, and reservations.  It’s also a great place to store your passport number, frequent flier numbers, hotel rewards accounts, and more for easy access.  I’m a particular fan of the travel stats feature, which shows how many trips I’ve taken, miles traveled, and countries and cities visited. 

2. Rome2Rio: Easily Plan Your Route

If your European adventure involves multiple cities or countries, Rome2Rio is the perfect tool for figuring out how to get from point A to point B. This app provides detailed routes for all types of transportation, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and car rentals, making it easy to compare the best travel options.

Why It’s Great:

• Comprehensive Route Planning: Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus, or plane, Rome2Rio shows you all possible routes and allows you to choose the most convenient or budget-friendly option.

• Local Transportation: The app helps you navigate local transportation systems in foreign cities, ensuring you’re not left scrambling to figure out how to get to your next destination.

• Time-Saving: By showing travel times, ticket prices, and connections, you can plan more efficiently and avoid wasting time on unplanned detours.

How I Use It:

My personal preference is to spend 3-4 days in a city, then move to the next location.  I use Rome 2 Rio before I travel to determine my best options for getting from one city to the next, whether that’s train, plane, bus, or rental car.  If I decide to go by train, I like that it gives me departure and arrival times and allows me to book directly from the app, so I don’t have to navigate the train websites for various countries.  During my trip, if I decide to take a day trip to a nearby town, I can also use Rome 2 Rio on the go to see all my options.

3. Ask Layla: Let AI Suggest Activities

While not specifically an app, Ask Layla (justasklayla.com) is a handy website for your travel planning.  Tell Layla what cities or countries you are visiting, and this travel-specific AI will suggest activities and even create a suggested itinerary.  Let her know whether you like museums, hiking, beaches, or dining, and she’ll provide you with recommendations that fit your travel style.  From researching flight deals to making restaurant reservations, Layla acts as your personal travel assistant, handling the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your journey.

Why It’s Great:

• Personalized Support: Get customized travel advice and services to suit your unique needs and preferences, especially useful for solo travelers managing everything themselves.

• Stress-Free Travel: Delegate time-consuming tasks like transportation bookings, accommodation arrangements, or itinerary changes, saving you both time and energy.

• Available Anytime: If you encounter a travel hiccup or need assistance on the go, Just Ask Layla offers support whenever and wherever you need it.

How I Use It:

Recently, a friend mentioned that he is planning a trip to Budapest and Vienna, and asked if I’d like to meet him there.  Of course I would!  But I have no idea what there is to do in those towns.  I asked Layla to create an itinerary for 3 days in each that included art and architecture, and she came up with some great suggestions.  Then I asked her to give me hotel options, and she gave three in each city:  one luxury hotel, one mid-range, and one budget-friendly option.  Viola!  My trip was planned.

4. FreeNow: Reliable Ride-Sharing Apps for Local Transportation

When exploring a new city, especially if it’s your first time there, using ride-sharing apps can be a safe and convenient option, especially for solo female travelers. While U.S.-based Lyft is not available in Europe, other options like FreeNow or Bolt are readily available and more widely-used than Uber.  Whether you need a ride from the airport or a quick trip to a nearby restaurant, these apps provide on-demand transportation that’s easy to track.

Why It’s Great:

• Safety: Ride-sharing apps offer real-time tracking, driver profiles, and the option to share your ride details with trusted contacts. You’ll know exactly who’s driving you, and your friends or family can follow your ride to ensure you arrive safely.

• Convenience: Instead of hailing a cab or figuring out local transportation, you can request a ride with just a few taps on your phone. This is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the city or if you’re traveling at night.

• Budget-Friendly: Ride-sharing apps allow you to compare prices and choose different levels of service based on your needs, from budget-friendly rides to more luxurious options.

How I Use It:

I tend to prefer to take public transportation in Europe:  it’s cheap, clean, fast, safe, and easy to navigate.  But sometimes a car can be handy, particularly if I’ve got a lot of luggage to manage on my own.  I always make sure to download whatever ride-sharing app is most commonly used in the country in advance, and put in my credit card information.  That way I’m ready to go when I land.

5. Google Maps: Your Ultimate Travel Companion

While not strictly a travel planning app, Google Maps is indispensable for any traveler, especially when navigating foreign cities. It’s far more than just a map; it offers real-time directions for driving, walking, and public transportation, making it easy to get around once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Why It’s Great:

• Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Whether you’re walking through a historic European city or driving in the countryside, Google Maps provides clear, step-by-step directions to help you get where you’re going.  Pro Tip: Be sure to practice navigating on foot, to get comfortable with knowing which direction to go when you leave the metro.

• Offline Access: Download maps ahead of time on your phone so you can navigate even without an internet connection—this is especially useful in areas with spotty service.

• Local Discoveries: Google Maps shows nearby restaurants, cafés, attractions, and more, helping you make the most of your time in any city.

How I Use It:

I always download an offline map of any city I’m visiting in advance of my travel.  That way, if I’m in an area that has poor cell service, I can still navigate around town.  Your GPS will work without cell service or WiFi.  I had an opportunity to put this to the test when I spent a week in Portugal.  I challenged myself to see if I could spend the whole week without cell service!  In the mornings, I would use the hotel WiFi to update friends and family back home.  Then I’d look up hours and info about where I wanted to go that day, map out the route, and save it to the phone.  Once leaving the hotel, I could access the route and navigate using GPS and offline maps.  If my plans changed, I could duck into a cafe for a drink and use their WiFi to check on another destination.  I’m pleased to report that I managed without cell service for the entire week!

6. Airline-Specific Apps: Keep Up-to-Date with Flight Changes

Anyone who has flown has likely experienced delays or cancellations.  Having the specific app for your airline can be a game-changer in these situations.  You’ll get notified of gate changes, delays, or cancellations via your phone, often before they are announced in the gate area;  then you can easily rebook your flight in the app instead of waiting in line at the gate.  

Why It’s Great:

• Real-Time Flight Updates: Airline apps provide immediate notifications about any changes to your flight status, including delays, gate changes, or cancellations. This real-time information helps you stay informed and adjust your travel plans quickly without constantly checking airport boards or emails.

• Mobile Boarding Passes and Check-In: Most airline apps allow you to check in and access your boarding pass digitally. This eliminates the need to print out paper tickets, making the check-in process smoother. You can scan your mobile boarding pass directly at security and boarding gates, saving time and reducing hassle.

• Easier Access to Customer Support and In-Flight Services: With an airline app, you can quickly access customer support, whether you need to rebook a flight or ask about luggage issues. Some apps also provide in-flight services, such as ordering food, tracking your baggage, or browsing entertainment options, enhancing your overall travel experience.

How I Use It:

I used to avoid downloading each airline’s app.  After all, I could access my boarding pass on their website and save it to my Google or Apple Wallet.  But one day, I was waiting in the boarding area for a flight on a rainy day.  Suddenly, about a third of the passengers stood up and left.  Confused, I asked another traveler why he was leaving, and he said he’d just gotten a phone notification that the flight was canceled.  He was using the app to book a seat on the next flight.  Since the flight board still said “boarding in 30 minutes,” I stayed put.  Five minutes later, they updated the flight board to say the flight was canceled.  Everyone left rushed to the desk to get rebooked, but most of the available seats on the next flight had already been taken by passengers using the app.  After that, I always made sure to download the airline’s app in advance and allow phone notifications.

7. SeatGuru: Find the Best Seats on Your Flight

Hate cramped airline seats? Make sure you’re seated comfortably with SeatGuru, a seat map app that helps travelers find the best seats on their flights. It offers detailed maps of planes from almost all major airlines, showing you which seats have the most legroom, proximity to bathrooms, or potential downsides like limited recline.

Why It’s Great:

• Comfort: Avoid cramped or uncomfortable seating by choosing the best seat available, ensuring a more pleasant journey.

• User Reviews: Read reviews and ratings from other travelers to get insights on specific seats and airplane features.

• Efficiency: For long-haul flights or multiple legs in a European journey, SeatGuru helps you maximize comfort, making the trip more enjoyable and less tiring.

How I Use It:

When flying basic economy, often your seat is assigned after checkin.  But on long haul flights, I’m often willing to pay extra to choose a seat.  Using Seat Guru allows me to see if I’ll be close to the galley or restroom, which makes it harder for me to sleep.  I like knowing what to expect before I board.  

Final Thoughts

Travel apps can truly transform your travel experience, especially if you want to make sure your journey is as smooth and safe as possible. Whether you’re navigating a foreign city, planning routes across Europe, or organizing your travel details, these apps will make your trip more manageable, stress-free, and enjoyable.

As a traveler, being prepared is key to having a rewarding and confident travel experience. Download these apps before your next adventure and watch your confidence soar as you explore Europe on your terms.

With these apps in your pocket, you're not just planning a trip—you’re preparing for an unforgettable adventure. Happy travels!

Looking for a step-by-step guide to planning a safe solo trip to Europe? Download my European Travel Planner for free and move from feeling overwhelmed and intimidated to feeling like a confident, empowered solo traveler!