Traveling as an extended family can be a lot of fun. But what happens when it comes time to pay the bill at the end of a meal or when entering certain attractions? Does a single person pay for everything, and you figure it out later? Or do you utilize one of the best apps for travel? There are so many best apps for travel that are perfect for a family vacation. The best part is many of them can help everyone stay on track with the itinerary and what is happening each day. So, avoid the headaches of being the person in charge. Let everyone access the information they need through one of the best apps for travel. Today, I am going to share a few of the best apps for travel with you. This way, you can decide which ones your family needs to download before your next family vacation.  This is an updated version of the best phone apps for travel posts I wrote in the past. 

Best Apps for Travel When You’re on a Family Vacation 

BAND 

Have you ever been going back and forth with one or two other people via email trying to figure something out? And then lost track of which email you were on or even missed an important email because they all got bunched together?  

Happens all the time! Last year, when I was traveling in Alaska, I utilized the app BAND. This best app for travel meant I could find the most recent information for our group in one place. All I needed to do was open the app and find recent announcements or see what was going on for the day in the calendar.  

The instant messaging feature was nice too. It allowed me to message specific people and never miss anything important while exploring Alaska.  

This app can even be used for business purposes if you think you will be needed by someone in the office while you are on a family vacation.  

PlanChat 

Do you have free time in your family vacation itinerary? If you do, you may be trying to figure out what you are going to be doing during those times.  

Well, you could spend hours texting everyone in your family to see what they want to do. Or you could open PlanChat and start a poll. Everyone in the family can answer, and then you have your answer on a favorite activity or attraction.  

This travel app will also allow you to track your flights, look up accommodation information, and view suggestions from other users. This last part is extremely important if you have no idea where to begin on your family adventure!  

TripIt 

If you are a do-it-yourself travel planner, then TripIt might be the best app for travel for your next family vacation. You can easily email your flight and accommodation confirmations to plans@tripit.com. Once your information has been received, you can use this app to create a master itinerary for your vacation.  

There is a free version of this travel app. However, the paid version will be best if you travel frequently with your family. The paid version offers refund alerts, rewards programs, and lots more.  

It is important to note that you will basically receive what I call cookie-cutter travel itineraries through this travel app. You will definitely see the must-see sights. However, you won’t discover the hidden gems or learn more about local cultures and traditions like you would if a travel advisor booked your family vacation for you.  

Splittr 

Above, I mentioned the costs of travel and who would be paying for what. Well, Splittr is the travel app that will have your family figuring this out quickly and easily!  

All you need to do is enter the amounts paid for each part of your family vacation and who paid those amounts. Splittr will then inform you who should be paying next or who owes what.  

This best app for travel works for all types of currencies. So, you won’t be spending half your family vacation turning Euros into dollars. It can even be used offline if you are in areas without Wi-Fi.  

Throw out those spreadsheets and long lists of IOUs. Splittr is the new way to keep track of who owes what on a family vacation! 

Splitwise 

Splitwise is another option when you are tracking expenses on a family vacation. This app will allow you to add up expenses throughout the trip and share a total at the end. Family members can then pay you what they owe via Paypal or Venmo.  

Flush 

Okay, so all the best apps for travel I have shared until now are ones that are helpful for communicating, keeping trip information together, and keeping track of expenses. However, there is one other travel app that your family will want to have while on vacation.  

That app is Flush. And yes, it provides very important information about where the restrooms are when you are on a family vacation! There are at least one hundred ninety thousand restrooms on this app.  

You can search for restrooms near you and see them within the map view. The best part is the app will also share important information about each restroom. You know, whether there is a fee to use it or if you need to locate the ever-so-important key to open the door.  

You may think you will never use this app because you don’t need to use it at home. But, well, let’s just say you will thank me later!  

These are the best apps for travel, and everyone in your family will want to have them on their phones. Each app will come in handy as you are all trying to communicate, determine what to do during your family vacation, and learn who owes who money. And yes, even as you are trying to find the closest restrooms.  

So, are you ready to download these best apps for travel right after booking your next family vacation?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book a family vacation yet? Sign up for my newsletter and always receive the exciting travel information I share.