The 16 Best Apps for Solo Travellers

Travelling solo can be one of the most exciting and freeing things you’ll ever do — but let’s be honest, sometimes it can also be a little stressful. Whether it’s figuring out where to go next, staying safe, or just finding someone to grab a coffee with, there is quite a lot you need to think about at times.

After having done countless solo trips over the past 11 years, and travelling to more than 35 countries by myself, I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about solo travel. So here is a selection of all the best apps for solo travellers.

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Navigation and Transport Apps for Solo Travellers

1. Google Maps

Google Maps is an obvious one, but it’s a lifesaver. Especially as a solo traveller, you want to make sure that you always know where you are and how to get back to your accommodation. You can also download offline maps before you go so you can still find your way around if you don’t have data.

In some countries, you’ll need a local alternative as Google Maps doesn’t always work well wherever you go (e.g. Naver Map or Kakao Map in South Korea).

2. Uber

Another must-have app for solo travellers is Uber. In some countries, taxis are not always the safest option, and if you’re in a place where safety could be a concern, it’s important to ensure you can get from one location to another securely.

Ubers in general can be safer, as drivers have to go through an authentication process and rides are being tracked by the app. But make sure to check if Uber is available in your destination.

In some countries, standard taxis might be the only option, or they might have alternatives to Uber, such as Bolt (especially in Eastern European countries), Yandex Taxi, or Lyft.

3. Currency Converter App

This can be any currency converter app — the specific one doesn’t matter. I personally use one simply called Currency. I always keep one on my phone, so I’m not standing at a market stall frantically trying to figure out if I’m about to overpay for snacks.

4. Google Translate

Of course, it’s always encouraged to learn at least some basics in the local language, but in most cases if English is not widely spoken you will need to rely on a translator app. Google Translate (or an alternative for a specific language) will do just fine.

You can download offline translations, so you don’t need to rely on data. Especially as a solo traveller, it’s critical that you have a way to communicate with locals if needed.

5. Airalo

Airalo lets you easily purchase and install eSIMs for your chosen country directly on your phone. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a place to buy a SIM card after you arrive.

Having mobile data is especially important as a solo traveller, whether for navigation, translation, or staying in touch.

You can call an Uber if you feel unsafe, share your location with someone, or look up the right directions if you get lost. I have used an Airalo E-SIM in a couple of countries now, such as Guatemala, Morocco, South Korea, or even China, and it always worked really well for me.

👉 Check out how the Airalo eSim worked for me while in China!

6. Hostelworld

Hostelworld as always been my go-to app to book hostels all around the world. And if you’re travelling solo, then staying in a hostel is the easiest way to meet new people. If you do not want to share a dorm room, you can also just book a private room in a hostel.

There are even chat functions nowadays that lets you chat with people via the Hostelworld app who will be in the same city or the same hostel at the same time as you.

Worldpackers is a great app that lets you find volunteering experiences around the world! These are often in exchange for accommodation and even meals, and can range from working at a hostel reception in Mexico to teaching English in Thailand or working at animal shelter in Portugal.

I’m sure you will find something that you would be passionate about. Especially if you are travelling on a budget then the Worldpackers app should be included in your selection of essential travel apps.

You can browse all the work exchange opportunities for free, but if you want to apply, you will need to have a Worldpackers subscription. But with my code ‘BECKSPLORE‘ you can save $10 off your Worldpackers subscription.

9. TripBFF

TripBFF is a great app to meet other travellers that are going to in the same city at the same time as you. You can add your upcoming trips and already see who will be there at the same time, start travel plans, or just see who is nearby once you are there.

I’m really liking this app, especially now that I don’t always want to stay in a hostel any more, but still want the option to meet new people while travelling solo.

The app is free, but there is also a PRO version. With my code ‘BECKSPLORE‘ you can try out the PRO features for free. ✨

10. Nomadtable

Nomadtable is another app that’s great for solo travellers, as it’s another app that can help you socialise while travelling. It’s similar to TripBFF, but rather focused on activities.

You can see what people nearby want to do, and then just join the activity, such as going for coffee, going to the beach, etc.

And there is also the option (just like with TripBFF) where you can add your upcoming trips and then chat with travellers that will be at the same place at the same time.

11. Meetup

Meetup is another app you can use to meet people and join activities while travelling solo. You can browse the app to see what sort of meet ups are happening while you are in a specific city.

These could be all sort of activities! From language exchanges to workshops to picnics, or hikes, I’m sure you would find something fun you’d want to join.

12. Bumble BFF

You might be familiar with Bumble for dating, but you can also use Bumble to find friends in a new city. For that, you can just pick the Bumble BFF profile.

It probably takes a bit more back and forth, so using Bumble to meet people would probably a bit more convenient if you are staying in a city for a couple of days longer. However, it’s a nice option to meet people who are looking for new friends in a new city, which makes it a great app for solo travellers.

13. GuruWalk

If you’ve read more of my blog posts, then you would know that I’m a big fan of free walking tours. And that’s exactly what you can find on Guruwalk!

Guruwalk has a collection of all sorts of free walking tours from all around the world. And walking tours aren’t just a great way to get a first impression of a new city, but it’s also an opportunity to meet new people.

And while it might say they are free, they are in fact tip-based, but you can choose yourself how much you would like to pay. Minimum is usually €10/€15 per person.

14. Skyscanner

If I want to search for flights, then Skyscanner is always where I start my research. Skyscanner lets you compare all flight prices for all different airlines, so you can make sure you can find the cheapest flight option for the destination you would like to travel to.

I love the “Everywhere” search feature for when I don’t have a set destination — perfect for spontaneous solo trips.

15. GetYourGuide / Viator / Klook

Make sure you have access to a travel booking site of your choice so that you can easily book new activities and day trips while travelling.

I always like to check Viator, Get your Guide and Klook. But also just sticking with one of them is enough depending on where you are travelling to. Klook has a lot of tours for countries in Asia, versus the other ones pretty much cover every country.

These travel booking sites also often have a free cancellation option until one day in advance, so it doesn’t hurt to already book your trips in advance. And tours are great to join as a solo traveller. It can always be hit or miss, but typically there are many nice people you can meet on a tour.

16. Polarsteps

I still have to get into Polarsteps a bit, I admit, but I know many people that are actively using it. This app lets you document your travel itineraries by automatically tracking your route; it’s sort of like a travel diary that you can share with friends. It’s a fun app for solo travellers, and a good opportunity to share your solo travel itineraries with your friends.

You don’t need a million travel apps on your phone — just the ones that actually make your trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable. A lot of these apps I use pretty much all the time, while others depend on the situation.

If I don’t really feel like meeting new people, or I already met lots of new people at the hostel, then I don’t really need to spend time on apps trying to find new friends. If I travel in Western European countries, I will never use Uber since it’s just way too expensive, and I’m not worried about safety, versus in Latin America I Uber a lot. So it really depends a little on your trip and where you are going as well. But in general, having these apps for solo travellers can make your trip a lot easier!

Do you have a favourite solo travel app I haven’t mentioned? Let me know — I’m always looking for new ones to try on my next trip.