Travelling in the digital age requires more than just packing essential items into your luggage. Equipping yourself with the right technology, including mobile apps, can streamline your travels.

From organising your travel plans to topping up your mobile data on-the-go, we’ve rounded up five essential travel apps to help you stay stress-free on the road.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a guide only, and Point Hacks is not affiliated with any brands listed below.

1. Luggage-tracking apps

Luggage tracking devices are increasingly becoming an essential item for travelling. These small devices can be attached to your luggage, backpack, wallet, laptop bag or passport so you can keep track of your valuables while you’re on the road.

Luggage trackers use a combination of Bluetooth and GPS technology to determine the location of the device. When the tracking device is within Bluetooth range of a smartphone that can detect it, it logs the location of the device and updates its location in a dedicated app.

Here are some of the most popular luggage tracking devices that have mobile apps:

While luggage trackers can’t help you avoid lost luggage, they can help you locate it – or simply give you peace of mind – in the event that your luggage is delayed or has taken an unexpected detour at the airport.

2. Apps for storing and organising your travel plans

There are plenty of mobile apps on the market that help you organise your flights, accommodation, transport and activity bookings in one place. Some examples include:

Choose a trip planning app that works offline so you’ll always have your travel plans on-hand.

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3. Hotel and airline apps

Most airlines and hotel loyalty programs have their own apps. Unlike apps for organising your travel plans, airline and hotel apps allow you to make reservations, manage your bookings, and can provide real-time updates of delays.

Often, hotels incentivise customers to book on their mobile apps by providing discounts. For example, Accor Live Limitless members can take advantage of app-exclusive promotions, as well as ‘Red Hot Rooms’ for Accor Plus members that are only bookable via the Accor app. Similarly, members of Booking.com’s Genius program can often unlock lower mobile-only prices of up to 10% compared to bookings made via the website.

You may need an account with the airline or hotel to use their app, but you can often also accumulate rewards as a member, which is handy for future travels.

Also read: Which hotel loyalty programs should you join?

4. Use a digital wallet for convenient payments

Card payments are becoming more widely accepted across the globe. To save on fees, choose a debit or credit card with no overseas transaction fees.

Storing your cards in a digital wallet can reduce the need to open your wallet or purse to fish out a physical card, especially in busy areas. It’s also a good backup method of payment in the event you leave your physical card at the hotel, or misplace it during your travels.

Depending on the type of mobile device you have, you may have a digital wallet in the form of:

5. Stay connected with an eSIM

An electronic SIM, or ‘eSIM‘ is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded onto your device. It works the same as a physical SIM card, allowing you to connect to the internet and make calls while overseas. But eSIMs can be activated as soon as you arrive in your destination, so you can be connected as soon as you touch down.

Many eSIM providers have a dedicated mobile app where you can purchase eSIMs, track your balance and data usage, and top up if necessary. Some eSIM companies that have a mobile app are:

Also read: How to stay connected when travelling

Summing up

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a beginner explorer, having the right mobile apps for travelling can streamline your journey. You’ll be able to view flight updates in real-time, have your hotel reservations on hand and top up your eSIM quickly and easily.

Are there any other must-have travel apps that you use? Let us know in the comments below.

Featured image: Chad Madden, Unsplash.


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5 must-have apps for travelling in 2025 was last modified: March 12th, 2025 by Victoria Kyriakopoulos