Best Apps for Study Abroad/International Travel

Whether you’re studying abroad or traveling around the world, downloading the right apps makes your life easier. Here are some apps I’ve used & others favorites. I’ve organized this blog by the apps category

Communication

1. What’s App

This was by far my favorite app! It syncs all of your contacts and you can text & FaceTime your friends and family. Even people who don’t have iPhones can use this! You can use WiFi or data and it won’t charge either persons bill.

*Tip: If you have an iPhone you can text & FaceTime as long as you’re connected to WiFi.

2. Facebook Messenger

This is also a great way to communicate with friends & family, especially if you don’t have their number. You can use this on WiFi or data plan as well.

Finance

1. Venmo

Need to pay a friend back? This is your go to. The app syncs with your bank account & makes payments easy. You can request or accept payments, plus it’s fun using emojis with this!

2. PayPal

This works just like Venmo, except this is specifically to those who have PayPal accounts.

3. Mint

Budgeting can be stressful, especially with hidden international fees. This app allows you to keep track where your money is going. You can set up different categories (food, travel, etc.) and a monthly budget for each category.

Booking Rooms

1. Airbnb

If you’re not a fan of Hostels or expensive hotel rooms, this is a great option. Airbnb allows you to rent rooms around the world either far away or near the city. They give you a “local” experience instead of the typical hotel.

2. Hostel World

If you want to go the cheaper route, this is a great way to book hostels. Look at the ratings for cleanliness & safety to pick the best hostel in the area you’re staying at.

3. Hotels.com

If you don’t like either of the options above, this shows you the best offers for hotels.

Transportation

1. Uber

Not everyone’s a fan of taxis. This app makes it simple to pin your location & the driver will pick you up at your destination. It shows a map of how close the driver is, & they can call or text you through the app. You put in your card information, & it autiomatically pays the driver.

2. Lyft

Not every country offers Uber & this is the perfect backup plan. It also shows your cost up front.

All in one

1. Kayak

This app allows you to book hotels, flights, & car rentals. They have mobile only rates, giving you great deals on the app. It compares prices, & alerts if the prices went up or down.

2. Skyscanner

This app does the same thing as Kayak, but if you want to try other apps in this category this is a perfect option 😊

Having information at your finger tips makes life easier, especially with the right app. You don’t have to download all of these apps! Pick & choose as much as you like. I hope these apps will make your traveling easier.