The Best Travel Apps & Sites

Recently I've been downloading and uninstalling travel apps left and right. I've checked out dozens of websites claimed by users to be "better than the rest". And I've even checked out every travel-pintrester's "must try" lists for travel websites. 

I thought I'd share with you today the apps & sites I've found to be my fail-safes over the last few months. 

KAYAK

I've become a bit addicted to kayak lately... If you haven't seen the thousands of commercials, then I'll tell you now: Kayak (website or app) compares prices among loads of other travel sites to find you the lowest price. You can search for flights, hotels, and cars and the best part is kayak doesn't upcharge you to use their site. I'm not doing it justice in this little plug, but just take my word for it: visiting kayak is a must for saving $$$.
For my upcoming Europe trip, visiting Kayak.com became part of my daily routine. I checked prices of flights and was even able to use their +/-3 day tool to really narrow down which days were the cheapest to fly.

HOSTELWORLD

This app is a must if you're booking your stay on the road. Search by your destination, date, and number of guests. This site and app compare tons of hostels in the area and present them to you. Filter search results by price, property type, or reviews. In any given hostel on the site most likely has thousands of reviews so you can be sure you're getting what you pay for.
If you're traveling somewhere where you won't have internet, reserve your bed. If you have internet on the road, then your phone is the key to convenient last-minute booking.

TRIPADVISOR

I'm a fan of both website and app and have used them a lot. In the search bar, type in a specific destination (such as "Rome, Italy) or just a general country (ex."Italy"). Of course this website also has it's search on for hotels, flights, etc. but I primarily use it to brainstorm which cities I want to visit most. For example, a search of "Italy" will give me the top 10 destinations as reviewed and rated by users.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE

My go-to, fail-safe translator. It's a must to download if you're traveling in a country where you're not quite fluent. My favorite feature is the "speak to translate". This would definitely come in handy when you're a bad speller or just have no idea what people are saying.

And a few apps I've tested, but have not committed to yet...

GOGOBOT

This app gives you a customizable travel experience and advises you where to stay, eat, and play in any location. This app gives you the ability to read reviews of attractions and check out the pictures before you commit.

TROVER

It's basically the baby of instagram and pinterest for travelers.

Hopefully these suggestions help your travels, happy adventures!