6 Apps I Use for Travel Planning
For me, planning a trip is almost as exciting as going on the trip itself - almost. Which explains why I enjoy travel blogging so much. I love to research for my trips so I can maximize on having fun. Here are the 6 apps I use for travel planning.
I love using Pinterest to search for things to do in certain cities. There are a lot of great blogs out there, and Pinterest is a great way to find them! I also like how it showcases the image first - I’m very drawn in by visuals and aesthetics, so I love to see a place and then do more research on it.
Tik Tok
I use Tik Tok like it’s Google - it’s such a great search engine and there’s really no fluff here. People get on and make videos about their favorite places, restaurants, etc. with no filters, and tell you exactly what you want to know. For example, I’ll search “what to eat in Santa Barbara” or “secret beaches in Orange County.” Tik Tok can be crazy, but if you know how to use it, it’s a game changer.
Yelp
If Tik Tok isn’t doing it for me, I like to use Yelp - specifically for restaurants. I also like to use Yelp to double check what I find on Tik Tok. Just because one person liked a restaurant, does not mean that it’s actually good or generally liked. I make sure to look into restaurants with a 4 star rating and above.
Open Table
Open Table is another great app that I use for travel, especially if you’re looking for a nicer place for dinner, or for a group. I love that you can search by city or neighborhood, and also type in what kind of cuisine or vibe you’re looking for. It’s especially great if you’re into making reservations (hello, ME). I love making reservations so I know I can actually eat at the places I want to without waiting for an hour or more.
Google Docs
My number one travel app I use is Google Docs (although I mostly use this on the computer). I use it to prepare for my trips by researching different things to do, and then organizing it. I also use it to create my itineraries and outlines for trips (click for how to create flexible itineraries!).
Apple Maps
Ok, so most people seem to prefer Google Maps (and that’s acceptable, I guess), but I love Apple Maps. When I find activities and places I want to go to, I like to map it out and see where it’s at and how far away it is from where we’re staying. This is super helpful in planning trips so you’re not running around and doubling back - efficiency doesn’t necessarily sound like fun, but it will make your trip a whole lot more enjoyable!
BONUS: Southwest
Ok, so I hardly ever use the Southwest app, BUT I do use the Low Fare Calendar online all. the. time. I’m a sucker for a good deal, so I like to plan trips and spend as little as possible. The Low Fare Calendar is a great way to see what days are the cheapest to fly, and from what airports.
