21 Must-Have Apps for Solo Travellers in 2024

Looking for the best apps for solo travellers?

Then you’ve come to the right place as I’m a full-time traveller and I mostly travel solo.

Travelling solo can be difficult at times, but thankfully there are apps for solo travellers which make our lives slightly easier.

So I’ve put together a list of some of my favourites. From essential apps like Google Maps to apps that help you make friends, these apps will be sure to improve your trips as a solo traveller.

Apps for Solo Travellers

1. Google Maps

Google Maps is an undebatable “must-have” for any solo traveller. In my opinion, it’s the best maps app there is.

I use it every single day when I’m travelling. It’s pretty self-explanatory why it’s useful: you need to know how to get to places.

But I also use Google Maps for deciding where to eat, as I can search for the cuisine I’m in the mood for, and get reviews of the potential options.

It’s not a flashy app, and it doesn’t offer anything special, but it’s an essential app for solo travellers.

My top tip would be to download the map of the city or destination you are in, as then you can use it offline without any phone signal, which comes in useful especially if you’re somewhere where the reception isn’t so great.

You can download Google Maps on the App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Google Translate

Google Translate is another app which I consider essential.

While I always recommend learning some basic phrases in the local language, it’s unlikely you’ll become fluent in the language of every country you visit.

The most obvious use of Google Translate is that you can communicate with people, especially using the feature where you can record someone speaking and it will translate into your language. It’s so useful.

But it also helps you get by in places where you don’t speak the language. For example, it helps you understand what you can order from the menu in a restaurant, or it can help you understand when the next train is due at the station.

Again, I use it every day when travelling, especially as I have allergies so if I buy any food I check the ingredients.

My top tip would be to download the language so like with Maps, you can use it offline. It can be a lifesaver.

You can download Google Translate on the App Store or Google Play Store.

3. Spotify

Even though one of the best parts about travelling solo is the people you meet, you do still spend some time alone, particularly when travelling between destinations.

Spotify helps journeys go quicker as you can allow the time to pass by while listening to music or listening to a podcast. Plus, it’s a way of feeling like you are at home if you are feeling homesick.

But of course, since you are travelling on a budget, just stick with the free version of Spotify. It’s not worth paying for the premium version if you only use it every now and again.

You can download Spotify on the App Store or Google Play Store.

4. Uber/Lyft/Bolt/Grab

No matter where you are in the world, even if you are travelling on a budget, you’ll need to get a taxi every now and again.

Instead, as a solo traveller, I recommend getting an Uber (or equivalent) instead. Usually, it’s much safer and it’s often cheaper too.

Depending on where you are in the world will depend on which ride-sharing service you use. For example, there is no Uber in Thailand, and instead, they use Grab.

I’d recommend just having all 4 options (Uber, Lyft, Bolt and Grab) downloaded, as you never know when they will come in handy.

5. Rome2Rio

No matter where you are in the world, Rome2Rio can tell you exactly how to get between two places and the best ways to get there.

How it works is you put in where you want to go, let’s say Lisbon for example, it will give you all the options to get there. So if you’re in Porto, it will give you all of the bus and train times and all of the prices.

It’s so useful as a solo traveller to have all the options presented in one place rather than having to research every mode of transport individually. It’s one of the best apps for solo travellers, no doubt about it.

You can download Rome2Rio on the App Store or Google Play Store.

6. Facebook

Facebook is a social media app which is generally popular with older people – I never really used Facebook before I started travelling.

But as a solo traveller, Facebook is an absolute golden gem. Facebook Groups are such a useful resource when planning a trip, and when actually travelling too.

For example, if you’re backpacking Jordnan, you can join a group and find answers to pretty much anything you need to know.

And if you can’t, you can just ask a question and some people will answer you. It’s really good for very specific questions that you wouldn’t know the answer to unless you’ve been before- and people who have been before will answer you.

It’s got so much information that isn’t available publicly (most groups are private), so definitely make sure to download Facebook and take advantage of the groups.

You can download Facebook on the App Store or Google Play Store.

7. Backpackr

And speaking of social media, Backpackr is pretty much a social media but only for backpackers and solo travellers.

It allows you to connect with other people who are travelling solo, and plan to meet up. I still believe that staying in a hostel is the best way to meet people, but in the modern world, it’s good to have an option to meet people online too.

I’ve even seen people plan trips with total strangers using the app. Part of the joy of solo travel is spontaneity, so randomly joining someone on a trip that you weren’t even planning on going on is pretty in line with the mindset of solo travellers.

The app also has a number of other benefits such as discounts on hostels and sometimes the app even organises events like pub crawls.

8. Maps.me

Just like how Uber isn’t operational in some countries, Google Maps is a little below par in some countries too.

In Thailand, for example, I found it would often take me a 20 minute walk rather than a direct 10 minute walk. I know people have this complaint all over the world, but it’s a lot worse in other countries.

That’s why I also recommend having Maps.me, which works better in countries where Google Maps doesn’t. I’ve found it even has more locations, for example, a small cafe in Bangkok which might not be on Google, is on Maps.me.

It’s also the best app for hiking trails and routes, which can be useful if you’re looking for things to do while you travel.

You can download Maps.me on the App Store or Google Play Store.

9. Waze

Waze is another option for a map app where Google Maps doesn’t work as best.

Just like with Maps.me, it often has more locations in countries where Google Maps doesn’t work as well.

The two apps are honestly very similar, and I would probably only have one or the other. I downloaded both and chose which one I prefer, which personally is Maps.me.

That being said, if you drive (not while travelling, just in general), I recommend using Waze as it shows road accidents, speed cameras, etc. in real-time.

You can download Waze on the App Store or Google Play Store.

10. Eatwith

Eatwith is exactly what you’d guess from the name: it’s an app where you can find people to eat with.

It’s one of the best apps for solo travellers because no one wants to eat in a restaurant alone, right? I’ve done it countless times and it’s not very fun.

Eatwith gets rid of this problem and allows you to share a meal with someone instead. After all, the best part about travelling solo is the people you meet.

TextYou can download Eatwith on the App Store.

11. Instagram

Whenever I’m travelling, I always meet so many people from all around the world, especially since I stay in hostels.

I always make sure to follow everyone I meet on Instagram so we can stay in touch and follow each other’s future travels. I’ve made really good friends and I might want to message them every now and again, and Instagram is the perfect way.

It’s also what people usually ask me for first if they want to stay in touch. It’s always “Do you have Instagram?”, never anything else. That’s why I recommend having it, even if you don’t post.

It also means if you ever visit someone’s home country, you can meet up again. For example, I met up with a guy from Athens when I visited Athens a few months after meeting him in Washington D.C.

You can download Instagram on the App Store or Google Play Store.

12. Meetup

Meetup is another app where you can probably guess from its name what it’s designed to do.

You enter all of your interests and the app will pair you with like-minded people. It’s kind of like Tinder but for solo travellers, and without all of the swiping.

The app also has lots of events and meetups. For example, if you’re interested in brunch and you’re backpacking in Melbourne (famous for brunch), you could go to a brunch meetup and get to know some like-minded people.

You can download Meetup on the App Store or Google Play Store.

13. Stippl

Stippl is my favourite travel planning app. It’s so easy to use and it shows everything really visually which I like.

For example, I’m currently planning a trip to Thailand and look at the map below and how clear all of the information is.

While I do think being flexible is one of the biggest pros of backpacking, it’s still nice to have somewhat of a plan, and Stippl is my favourite way of visualising it.

You can download Stippl on the App Store or Google Play Store.

14. Travello

Travello is an app for solo travellers designed by solo travellers for solo travellers, offering a unique blend of features that make exploring the world alone both exciting and secure.

It’s pretty similar to some of the previous options as its main goal is to connect travelers with others who have similar interests. Whether you feel a bit isolated when travelling alone or you are looking to meet new people, Travello is a great place to find those connections.

I also really like Travello’s travel guides. They have lots of guides for visiting places as a solo traveller, telling you the best places to meet new people etc. etc.

You can download Travello on the App Store.

15. Tourlina

Tourlina is an app where solo travellers can make friends with each other, but only for females.

As a guy, I’ll admit I often forget the privilege I have of not having to be scared of walking alone at night and things like that, and I fully appreciate why female solo travellers will want to stick with other female solo travellers, and Tourlina provides the perfect opportunity for making new friends.

Safety is a top priority for Tourlina. The app ensures that all users are verified, providing a secure environment for women to connect. This verification process helps to maintain a trusted community, allowing users to interact and plan their travels with peace of mind.

You can download Tourlina on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Must-Have Apps for Budget Travellers

16. Hostelworld

Whenever I’m travelling, I always stay in hostels, and Hostelworld is what I always use to find and book hostels.

One of my favourite hostel quotes is “A hostel is not just a place to stay; it’s a community of like-minded wanderers”.

That’s why I always use the “atmosphere” rating on Hostelworld to choose which hostel I’m staying in.

I don’t want to stay in a hostel where no one speaks to each other. So I always go off the atmosphere rating.

It’s a must-have app, and you sometimes can even get a discount by booking on the app rather than online.

You can download Hostelworld on the App Store or Google Play Store.

17. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is my go-to for booking flights. It always helps me find the cheapest flights possible.

It has so many amazing features which make it easy to find cheap flights such as the “explore everywhere” feature where you can find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world from any airport and the “cheapest month” feature where you put in your destination and it shows you the cheapest flights for the next year.

I genuinely use it for every flight I book, and it’s a must-have app for solo travellers and anyone who travels on a budget.

You can download Skyscanner on the App Store or Google Play Store.

18. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is one of the best ways to get free accommodation. In short, you find a host who lets you sleep on their couch.

But there are so many other things which Couchsurfing offers and people don’t take advantage of. Such as their events, where you can meet lots of other people who use the platform.

That’s why I recommend it for budget travellers and solo travellers. Not only can you save money, but you can meet lots of people too.

There are also lots of alternatives to Couchsurfing if you don’t want to have to pay the subscription fee.

You can download Couchsurfing on the App Store or Google Play Store.

19. Revolut

If you’ve ever paid for something using your card in a foreign currency and been whacked with a huge currency exchange fee, then Revolut will save your life.

It has no fees for exchanging currencies, unlike most mainstream banks, and it usually offers better exchange rates too.

I’ve used it in over 20 countries and not had any problems, it’s such an easy way to cut out unnecessary extra fees from your bank.

You can download Revolut on the App Store or Google Play Store.

20. Freetour

When I’m travelling on a budget, no matter where I am in the world, one of the first things I always do is take a free walking tour.

I always book using Freetour as I find they have the largest selection and they have tours pretty much anywhere in the world.

What I will say though is that even though it is a “free” walking tour, it’s expected that you tip the guide at the end. But a $10 tip compared to a $50 tour is a no-brainer.

You can download Freetour on the App Store or Google Play Store.

21. Flixbus

To get from place to place, especially in Europe, it’s always cheaper to take a bus than a train. Especially if you use Flixbus, which is a budget bus company.

Using their buses really helps to keep the cost of backpacking Europe down, as you can often get multi-hour-long buses for as cheap as $10.

I’ve used them to go through multiple countries as well and it’s always stress-free. I know people tell horror stories, but personally, I can’t recommend Flixbus enough.

In my opinion, I’d rather spend an extra hour on a bus than a train but save $30 or more.

You can download Flixbus on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Solo Travel Apps: FAQ

Below are some questions related to apps for solo travellers along with my answers to each question.

Final Thought: Apps for Solo Travellers

And there you have it, a complete list of the best apps for solo travellers.

There are so many apps aimed specifically at solo travellers such as Backpackr and Meetup, but there are also apps which are just useful to have like Spotify and Instagram.

While you can definitely go travelling on your own without these apps, having them makes your experience go a little bit smoother.

Now that you know what you need to have on your phone, do you know where you’re going to put these apps to use? I’d recommend a country where budget travel is easy.