Whether you’re tuk-tukking through Chiang Mai or strolling the Champs-Élysées, a few key apps like Uber, Google Trips, and Google Translate will take the kinks out of any itinerary. But for a real power-up, try these ninja-level favorites.
You won’t catch a Pokémon with this AR app, but you will learn about those winged horse-fish creatures in the Trevi Fountain. Just point your phonecam and it annotates the scene with pop-ups on everything from ancient ruins to taco stands.
Lose yourself in the mysteries and histories of the world’s great cities with this superb walking-tour app. Detour tracks your location to cue the audio, so it’s all hands-free and you can go at your own pace. In 10 cities so far.
Wherever you find yourself, pick your next destination and Rome2rio will plot the best way to get there—whether it be planes, trains, and automobiles or buses, ferries, and bike shares. It’s the freedom to not plan ahead.
Download free maps for anyplace in the world—even the top of the Andes—and use them when you don’t have an Internet connection. Bonus: Since it all happens on your device, zooming and swiping is faster than with web maps.
Don’t spend your layover washing in a restroom sink. This app helps you get into airport lounges all over the world, no first-class ticket required. It lists the options near your gate with hours, amenities, and access tactics.
Your most precious currency abroad is your data allowance—don’t run dry in a strange city. This tool tracks how much of your limit you’ve used, and it shows how much each app is sucking up so you can spot the bit hogs.