It’s a New Year, which means that it’s time for new resolutions! And what could be a better resolution than a commitment to travel more this year? After all, there is no time like the present to start planning trips that will fill your year with new and exciting experiences, memories, relationships, and passport stamps!

Well, if travel is on your to-do list this year (and it really should be!), then you are in luck, because the new year has brought new travel apps for iOs and Android that will make your travel even smoother and easier than ever before.  From apps that help you translate words into a variety of languages, to ones that organize all of your reservations into one central spot, these new apps will help you during each and every step of your travels! Continue reading below to see some of my favorites!

1. Skyscanner

Flights and accomodations can often be the most expensive part of your trip. So, start your adventure off on the right foot by finding cheap flights, hotel rooms, and car rentals via the Skyscanner app! Skyscanner (similar to Google Flights) allows you to plug in your travel dates and destinations, and it provides you with the cheapest available flights in your destination. You can even search the cheapest flights to “everywhere,” and it will show you a list of the cheapest places to fly from your home airport at any given time of year! This app is an excellent tool to help you discover the cheapest times to fly and the best times of year to travel to certain destinations. Make sure to download the Skyscanner app to your phone before you book your flight to ensure that you get the very best deal!

2. Google Trips

Are you a Gmail user? If so, then Google Trips is a must-have! This app will pull your itineraries, flight bookings, reservations, and other trip information straight from your email and organize it cohesively in one place. Not only that, but it will also provide you with suggested activities, nearby popular attractions, and restaurant tips based on your location. It Day Trip suggestions will help you build a focused itinerary for each day of your travels. Google Trips will save you so much time and frustration and make the planning process a whole lot easier.

P.S. Are you worried about not having Wi-Fi abroad to access the app? No problem. Google Trips is available offline, so you can always have access to your information.

3. Google Translate

Embarking on an adventure in a foreign country can be a little nerve-racking, but it can be especially stressful if you have no knowledge at all of the local language. That’s where Google Translate becomes your best friend. With the ability to translate words and sentences into over 100 different languages, Google Translate will make everyday interactions easier and less stressful for you travelers. It can translate your dictation, read your handwriting on the screen, and allow you to listen to translations out loud. So, don’t let the fear of not knowing the language stop you from traveling to new destinations and interacting with interesting people from all over the globe!

4. FLIO

Whether you have a long layover, or you need to get through an airport quickly, knowledge of the airport terminals, shops, restaurants, and entertainment is an invaluable tool. Known as the Global Airport App, FLIO contains over 850 airport profiles in the US and internationally. All of these profiles include: transportation times and routes between terminals, dining and shopping recommendations, the cheapest transportation suggestions between the airport and the closest major city, locations of amenities (such as ATMs, changing stations, lounges, yoga rooms, etc), and entertainment within the airport.

5. Culture Trip

Want to truly get to know a city beyond the popular tourist areas? Culture Trip seeks to discover what makes a place unique, and it publishes cultural articles on various cities around the world written by over 350 local content creators. Simply type in the city you’re visiting, and Culture Trip will provide you with interesting cultural information written by locals, as well as off-the-beaten-track activities, restaurants, and suggested places to visit, based on your preferences. Use Culture Trip to help you truly get to know the depth of a location and skip the tourist traps!

6. Citymapper
Citymapper is the premiere app for navigating those confusing and maze-like big cities! Citymapper provides extensive maps about the public transit system in the city that you are visiting, including buses, trams, and subway system. The app also provides real time departure and arrival times, the quickest routes to take to your desired location, and even bike share info. Citymapper is the key to navigating complex city transportation systems, and it will help you save money on rental cars and private transportation (not to mention help the environment, too!).

7. Mobile Passport

We all know the feeling of dread that ensues when the plane finally lands in our home city after a long trip, and we just can’t wait to get home and get in bed...but then we see the line at customs and realize it’s going to take hours to just get out of the airport! Well, Mobile Passport is a quick (and free) way to speed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. All you have to do is take your own picture, answer the corresponding questions, and then breeze through passed the traditional customs line. Just be sure to check beforehand to make sure that your home airport allows the use of the app!

If traveling more is on your to-do list in 2019, but you want to avoid most of the hassle, then be sure to download these free apps for smooth traveling!

Do you have any other favorite travel apps that you like to use? Let us know in the comments below!