Has anyone watched The Serpent on Netflix? It’s all about this man who drugs, robs, and kills young travelers in the 70s and 80s. It takes place all over Asia and honestly the biggest take away I got was how easy committing crime without technology was??? No phones, no CCTV, and no tracking apps. All you had to do was walk away unseen and you’re gucci mang. Crazy.
Anyways, the point I’m slowly and indirectly alluding to is how much easier it is today for the technologically advanced traveler. The series did a fascinating job at showing what it was like backpacking around Asia, specifically Bangkok, in that era. All I kept thinking was…how did they not get lost every 5 seconds?! They had to use paper maps…PAPER, and travelers checks (like wut is that), and pay phones/ letters to let family know they are still alive.
*Apologies to all the older folk who read this and think we are the spoiled generation but….we are. 1000%*
Lucky for us, we have our handy dandy smartphones to do everything for us so we can sit back, relax, and see the world (almost) worry-free. Below are my recommendations for the best apps to download before you travel…
1. Hostelworld
By far the app I used the most on my travels. You can search, book, and review hostels all on the app. It’s super user-friendly and includes pictures, ratings, and accurate reviews (negative ones are never taken down). It’s basically booking.com but for hostels.
2. Maps.Me
This app is really useful in certain countries where google maps/apple maps aren’t accurate. A lot of SE Asian countries have smaller streets, backroads, and restaurants that aren’t updated on Google maps but are available on Maps.Me. This app is also available offline so you can download the city map ahead of time. When you don’t have wifi/data you can still find your way! Just follow the blue dot…it’s saved me more times than I can count.
3. XE Currency
When your hopping country to country, the difference in exchange rates can give you a headache. Whenever I don’t feel like doing mental math, I put the price of whatever I’m buying into the app and out comes how much it is in USD (or whatever currency you’d like). Easy peasy lemon squeezyyyyy.
4. Grab
This app is the Asian equivalent to Uber or Lyft. It’s legit the same except you can order a motorbike driver while drinking a beer on the back. God I love Asia.
5. WhatsApp
Most of the world uses WhatsApp except for America because were ~different~. Most non-Americans you meet who ask for your number are actually asking for your WhatsApp, so download it ahead of time! It’s a messaging/video chat app that uses wifi so you can talk to people internationally with no fees. Also it automatically has read receipts on (which nobody enjoys) so you can manually turn that feature off lol.
6. Shazam
Honestly whoever invented this app deserve a noble peace prize. For those living under a rock, Shazam is an app that can identify whatever song is playing, wherever you are. I have loads of mini playlists I found traveling and listening to them now gives me those warm fuzzy nostalgic feels.
7. Google Translate
This one is pretty self-explanatory. You speak English and they don’t? Try to translate what you need to say through a robotic voice that’s sure to mispronounce it and further confuse everyone!
8. Google Drive/ Photos
If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I’m the queen of getting shit stolen. So backup all your important docs (passport, ID, credit card, insurance etc) into a GoogleDoc that you can access on your phone. Also download GooglePhotos so all your precious pics are backed up. Or have iCloud (except mine has been full for years and I even paid the extra 1.99 a month and it’s STILL somehow full…thanks Apple).
If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I’m the queen of getting shit stolen. So backup all your important docs (passport, ID, credit card, insurance etc) into a GoogleDoc that you can access on your phone. Also download GooglePhotos so all your precious pics are backed up. Or have iCloud (except mine has been full for years and I even paid the extra 1.99 a month and it’s STILL somehow full…thanks Apple).
9. Duolingo
If you wanna brush up on some languages, Duolingo has fun little games to engage you. It’s easy and entertaining…and a better use of your time than watching Netflix on a long bus ride.
10. Happy Cow
For those vegetarians and vegans who are sick of eating veggie fried rice everyday…here is your solution! This app finds veggie restaurants wherever you are. Peace n luv.
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