Best Travel Apps for the Solo Female Traveler
Being a solo female traveler can be empowering but also challenging. This is why you need the best travel apps. Keep scrolling for my favorites!
Published June 30, 2023, Updated September 9, 2024
Being a solo female traveler can be a wonderful and empowering experience. And in this digital age, the best travel apps are designed to make your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
And I know that being a woman traveling alone can come with its own set of challenges. When you’re on the road, the last thing you want is to be let down by faulty technology or bad reviews.
Whether you’re looking for safety apps or want a dependable tour booking platform, the top applications for travel can add to your experience and provide convenience and peace of mind.
Keep reading if you want my list of what I think are the best travel apps for the solo female traveler!
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What Do the Best TRavel Apps Do?
When looking for the best travel apps as a solo female traveler, I look for a few key features (depending on what I use the app for).
First, offline capabilities are a must for me. Having access to maps or your itinerary offline can also be a lifesaver, especially if you’re in a country where internet access is limited.
You’ll also want to make sure the app works internationally. Whether it’s a safety app, a booking tool, or a social platform, it’s essential that the apps you use function in multiple countries.
Another important feature is real-time updates. Whether it’s flight delays, gate changes, or safety alerts, having an app that keeps you updated can save you a lot of stress.
I personally also find that customizable filters are important too. The ability to narrow down your search based on price, location, or ratings ensures you find exactly what you’re looking for!
And look for apps that offer user reviews and recommendations. Whether it’s restaurants, tours, or accommodations, having real user feedback helps you make more informed decisions.
All the apps on my list meet these criteria have these features. You’ll also notice that each app has a 4-star reviews or higher on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Also, unless otherwise stated, all the apps on my list are free to download (though many include in-app purchases or upgrades for a fee).
What are Aggregator Apps and Should You Use Them?
Aggregator apps for travel are apps that pull together information from various sources to give you the best options in one place.
Instead of checking multiple websites for flights, hotels, or car rentals, an aggregator app, does the searching for you.
These apps scan tons of sites and show you a range of choices based on the criteria you’ve specified.
You’ll notice that a few of my favorite travel apps are aggregator apps, like Booking.com and Tripadvisor.
Should you use them? Absolutely! Aggregator apps are some of the best travel planning apps. They save you a lot of time and help you compare prices easily, so you can score good deals for less work.
Just keep in mind that while aggregator apps are great for finding options, sometimes booking directly with the provider can offer perks or discounts. So, it’s worth checking both!
Best Travel Planning Apps: Travel, Lodging, and more
Google Maps
A reliable navigation app is a must-have for any traveler, and Google Maps is arguably one of the best. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this on my trips.
As you probably already know, it provides detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, public transit information, and even bike routes.
But what makes it super handy for traveling abroad is that you can also download maps for offline use. If you’re looking for the best offline travel directions app, this is it.
This is particularly handy if you’re traveling somewhere with unreliable internet access or don’t have an international plan on your phone.
Kiwi.com
Kiwi is my favorite app for finding the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
What I also love about this app is that you can put your destination as ‘anywhere,’ enabling you to find the cheapest destinations when you want to travel.
This ultimately ensures you get the best value for your money and is especially useful for solo female travelers on a budget.
Omio
If you’re traveling in Europe, Canada, or the US, Omio is a great app for comparing and booking trains, buses, ferries, and fights, all in one place.
It’s designed to make booking international transportation super easy. Omio shows you the fastest or cheapest routes, and everything is bookable through the app.
I love that you can see various modes of transport side by side. And it’s perfect for hopping between cities stress-free.
Uber
Although it’s not available in every country, Uber is a great app to have when it is. It provides a safer and often cheaper alternative to taxis.
The live GPS tracking feature is particularly reassuring for a solo female traveler.
Plus, if you want to avoid dealing with the uncertainty of cab fares, it gives you instant reassurance as you will know the price upon booking.
Priority Pass
For me, Priority Pass has been a super helpful app, especially when getting stuck in long layovers at the airport.
The app gives you great information related to airport lounges, covering the hours, amenities, and location. This is especially helpful if you need a meal or shower.
However, you do need a priority pass membership to have full access. If you still need to enroll, you can do that from here!
Booking Dot Com
Booking.com is one of the best apps for planning travel because it offers a huge selection of accommodations, from hotels to apartments and hostels, all with real user reviews.
I find it especially handy that you can filter for a variety of options, including star rating and 24-hour front desk.
Even though it’s a third-party service, Booking.com has a great cancellation policy and 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can access your bookings offline.
Packing and Time Management Apps
PackPoint
Packing can be a hassle, but PackPoint simplifies the process.
After you input the details of your trip, it generates a tailored packing list based on factors such as weather forecasts and planned activities.
If you tend to forget things on your packing list or panic when it comes time to plan what you’re taking with you, is one of the best travel apps for you.
I love that it’s easy to use but fully customizable. (Though you have to pay for the upgrade to enjoy some of the best features.)
It’s an excellent tool for female travelers who want to make sure they don’t forget the essentials!
TripIt
TripIt is one of the best apps for planning travel because of the ways it helps you keep your travel plans organized.
The app consolidates your flight details, hotel reservations, car rentals, and even restaurant bookings in one place.
But what makes this app stand out from similar ones is that it syncs with your calendar and shares itineraries with your chosen contacts, keeping loved ones updated on your travel plans.
Time Shifter
Time Shifter is by far the best travel app of its kind. It’s designed to help you avoid jet lag.
It creates a personalized sleep and wake plan based on your flight details, your beginning point, your destination, and your sleep patterns.
Then, it guides you on when to sleep, see light, or take caffeine to adjust quickly to a new time zone.
It’s not for everyone, but it can be a huge help if you’re not used to long international flights!
For solo female travelers, this app is a game-changer. Of course, you want to feel energized and alert and ready to explore without losing days to jet lag.
Best Travel Apps: Vacation Rentals and Hostels
VRBO
VRBO is a fantastic app for finding vacation rentals directly from the owner.
You can peruse homes, apartments, and unique stays all over the world. It’s especially popular in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.
I consider it one of the best travel apps for the solo female traveler because you can book with confidence by reading detailed property descriptions, photos, and reviews.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a top app for finding affordable hostels around the globe, perfect for solo travelers on a budget.
What makes it stand out is its focus on building community. Many listings include group activities or common areas where you can meet other travelers.
Hostelworld offers the ability to filter by female-only dorms, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, the app includes real-time reviews, so you can choose highly rated, secure hostels in your destination.
Community Connection Apps
NomadHer
Nomadher is a travel app designed specifically for women, making it a fantastic resource for solo female travelers.
One of the best travel apps for women, it lets you search through shared stores, find fellow travelers nearby, arrange meetups, and even join travel camps.
And its focus on safety is a big plus. You can get trusted tips and resources to help you navigate new places with confidence.
Nomadher is all about empowering women to travel solo while feeling supported and safe along the way.
MeetUp
Using Meetup is a great way to connect with locals and fellow travelers through shared interests in almost any city around the world!
For solo female travelers, Meetup provides a safe way to socialize and explore new places with like-minded people, so you feel less isolated.
It’s a fun and safe way to make new friends and dive into local experiences. You’ll feel more at home in unfamiliar places and meet people who share your passions.
Best Travel Apps: Safety and Security
Mayday Safety
Safety is paramount, especially when you’re traveling alone, so you want a travel app for emergencies that works wherever you’re going to be.
Cue MayDay Safety, an international safety app designed to send emergency alerts to pre-chosen contacts or nearby responders.
The app lets you send your location and status with just a tap, so you can create safety networks with family or friends. It’s particularly useful if you find yourself in unfamiliar or potentially unsafe situations!
Sitata
While Sitata could be considered the best app to plan travel, it’s also a huge security benefit once you’re on your way!
This is because of all the many features available to you, like live alerts, real-time connections with loved ones, as the ability to input your personal medical history.
Before you leave and once you arrive, you’ll receive live updates on travel disruptions, safety concerns, and health risks. And Sitata can help you stay informed about any potential issues at your destination, such as political unrest, natural disasters, or disease outbreaks.
It also allows you to connect with local emergency services if needed and let your family know if your itinerary has changed.
Best Travel Apps: Food Recommendation Tools
TripAdvisor
Known for its extensive database of user reviews, TripAdvisor helps you make the best decisions about hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
In addition to reviews, it provides handy tools like a travel forum for tips from other travelers and a “Near Me Now” function to discover nearby attractions.
I’ve also used this app numerous times to find great tours and to get inspiration for all my destinations.
Yelp
If you don’t already know, Yelp is a go-to app for finding the best local spots, especially when it comes to food recommendations, and especially if you’re traveling in Europe.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe or a Michelin-starred meal, you can depend on Yelp’s community-driven recommendations!
As one of the best travel apps for solo female travelers, Yelp helps you discover places to eat in any city based on authentic reviews from other users. You can filter by cuisine, price, or distance, so you get exactly what you want.
I love the detailed reviews and photos, which give you a better sense of the vibe and quality. Many places also offer menus and opening hours directly in the app.
GuruNavi
When you’re traveling in Japan, GuruNavi is a top-notch app for exploring dining options. Please note that the app isn’t available in English, but the website is, so it’s worth mentioning!
Often referred to as the “Yelp of Japan,” it provides extensive listings of restaurants, cafes, and bars across the country.
And it will be familiar to Yelp users, because it includes detailed information on each venue, including reviews, menus, and photos. GuruNavi also features helpful filters for location, cuisine, and price range.
Many listings in GuruNavi also include the ability to make reservations in advance, so you can plan ahead.
Best International Tour Booking Apps
Viator
Viator is one of the top apps for travelers abroad because it offers a wide range of tours and activities in cities around the world.
You might be looking for guided tours, cultural experiences, or unique local adventures. You can also pick between group tours or private guides.
The app stands out with its user reviews, ratings, and wide range of activities to help you make the best choice for you. It boasts a user-friendly interface, detailed descriptions, and customer support make planning your activities straightforward and stress-free.
Plus, with options for instant booking and mobile tickets, Viator adds convenience to your travel planning.
WithLocals
WithLocals is a one-of-a-kind app that’s perfect for solo female travelers. It’s a great way to connect with local guides for personalized, private tours and activities.
What sets it apart is the app’s focus on authentic, one-on-one interactions, that let you to explore a destination through the eyes of a local!
For you, this means tailored experiences that match your interests, whether it’s a food tour, a cultural outing, or an adventure activity.
The app also emphasizes safety and comfort by providing options to choose guides based on detailed profiles, reviews, and ratings. This way, you can enjoy a customized experience while feeling secure and supported.
And WithLocals helps you engage more deeply with the local culture, making your travel experience more enriching and memorable.
More Must-HAve Travel Apps I Use All the Time
XE Currency
Keeping track of exchange rates can be confusing, but currency conversion tools like XE Currency simplifies it.
With live exchange rates for every world currency, this app is ideal for solo travelers planning their expenses efficiently. Don’t get ripped off: know the exchange rate!
Google Translate
Google Translate can and has been a lifesaver for me.
It translates text, speech, and even images (like menus or signs) in real time, making communication a breeze.
Just make sure you download the language you need ahead of time.
Download the Best Travel Apps for Women
Traveling solo has been one of the most empowering journeys for me, and it is no surprise that technology has also made this process super easy and efficient.
The best travel apps are designed to assist in planning, navigating, and enjoying your solo adventures. Download them today and you’ll be well-equipped for your next adventure!
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