Best Apps For Backpackers

If you’re about to head off on your backpacking journey and you’re not quite sure what the best apps to download are, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve done all the donkey work so you don’t have to – we are a pair of mules after all (and not the sort that end up on “Banged Up Abroad”…..hopefully). Here are our 5 best apps for backpackers!

Tripcoin

This is an offline app that allows you to add your daily expenses. You can add different trips and select multiple currencies for each trip. Each item can be categorised and the app even lets you create your own categories. There is also an option to select and add new payment methods so you can track what you spend in cash and on your cards. Some other cool features include setting a daily budget and an analysis section on your spending. In the analysis section you can see if you are sticking to your daily budget, what your average daily spend is and see what categories you spend the most on. It’s a must have app if you’re a backpacker trying to stick to a budget like us.

To find out more about this app visit the Tripcoin website.

Google Photos

This app has free unlimited storage for all your photos and videos. Now I know you’re thinking – there is no way that’s possible. We couldn’t believe it either when we heard about it, but trust us, it is true. We can’t claim credit for finding this one as we heard about it from backpacker friends of ours. The unlimited storage applies to high quality images, but there is a charge for storing original quality images. We personally don’t see the difference but maybe some of you hawk eyes will. You can select if you want to upload your images when connected to data or WiFi, or you can select WiFi only if you are trying to save your data. The app gives you suggestions and even compiles little memories/video clips for you. One of the best things about the app is the search feature – you can literally search for anything and it will find it (don’t know why they didn’t call the app “Taken”).

To find out more about this app visit the Google Photos website.

XE Currency Converter

This app allows you to check the exchange rates between currencies. You can add new currencies to your converter tab to see the conversions of a number of currencies at once. You can also remove ones that are not relevant to you anymore. The app can be used both on and off line which is very handy when you’re out and about. We’ve found it very handy when purchasing items as you can instantly see the cost in your local currency. When connected to data or WiFi the exchange rates update in real time.

To find out more about this app visit the XE Currency Converter website.

Maps.me

This is an offline maps service with locations added by users. For example, if you find a water refill station and it’s not already on the map, you can add it for all other users to see. The same applies to bars, restaurants, anything really. The app will also give you routes to places, just like Google Maps. If you are cheap like us and don’t want to buy local sim cards for data, to use Google maps, then this is the one for you!

To find out more about this app visit the Maps.me website.

Polarsteps

This app is great for tracking your trips. After you set up a profile and turn on location tracking it will track each place that you travel and plot your route on a map. It also tells you how far you have travelled, tracks what countries you have been to and even tells you how long you have been on the road. If you want to make it more personal then you can also add pictures to the various places you have been to create a digital scrapbook of memories you will never forget (even though you may want to!).

To find out more about this app visit the Polarsteps website.

So that is the craic with apps for backpackers!

What do you think are the best apps for backpackers? Let us know in the comments below! 🙂

Equipped with the best apps for your backpacking adventure, find out how to apply for an International Driving Permit to allow you to drive abroad!