Whether you're going to the beach for spring break or backpacking across Europe, you're probably bringing along your handy-dandy smart phone. But your phone can do more for traveling than just share your trip on Instagram. With these apps, you can up your travel game and amaze your traveling companions with how prepared you are.

For before you leave: PackPoint

While a scribbled list of items on scrap paper can help you a bit, this app will make sure you never forget anything you need. Simply enter your destination and planned activities, and it automatically generates a suggested list of items to bring, along with whatever items you plan on your own. As you load each one into your suitcase, easily mark it off the list to be sure you have it. Free on iOS and Android.

For planning your trip: TripVerse

Sometimes you know where you're going, but you're not sure what to do or how you'll fit it all into your schedule. Enter TripVerse. Once you create a trip and enter a destination, you can add activities. These can be ones you know of, or you can search based on what you're looking for: arts, outdoor, food, etc. Add in what day and time or just put it in your "Bucket List" for if you have extra time on the trip, and TripVerse will automatically form your easy-to-read schedule. By adding a note, you can include specific information such as confirmation numbers, addresses and more. Free on iOS and Android.

For when you're in transit: GateGuru

Do your travel plans include waiting around at the airport? Then make sure you have this app to tell you what's nearby. Don't go trekking across the terminals to what you thought was a nearby Starbucks, and see what restaurants are close by that can fill your current craving. Free on iOS, Android and Windows.

For keeping track of everything: TripIt

If you're planning a particularly busy or long trip, you may be drowning in confirmation emails and reservation times and travel schedules. Instead of taking a screenshot of every important notification, let TripIt take care of it for you. Simply forward your emails to your TripIt account, and it will sync it all into an easily accessible app and schedule. Never miss a flight or scrounge for a reservation number again! Free on iOS and Android.

For finding anything: AroundMe

If you find yourself in the middle of a new city wondering where the nearest anything is, this app is a necessity. From restaurants to hotels to gas stations, it will detect your location and tell you what's nearby. A perfect way to discover new places while exploring a city. Free on iOS, Android and Windows.

For finding your way: CityMapper

Knowing where you want to go is one thing. Knowing how to get there is another. CityMapper will show you every route, be it car, walking, or public transportation. Then, you can save the route to use in offline mode, which is especially handy if you're out of the country and can't use data. The app also has options to save favorite places, so you'll always be able to get where you're going. Free on iOS and Android.

For buying that souvenir: Currency+

When traveling to foreign countries, keeping up with exchange rates is critical, but often difficult to do. Currency+ takes care of that hassle. Choose from any currency, enter the amount, and easily figure out what you're paying in terms that you understand. Free on iOS, but both Android and Windows have similar apps.

For a place to connect: Free Wi-Fi Finder

The name says it all. Without a data plan, sometimes you're desperate for a place to get online. This app uses GPS to show the closest places to either your current position or a location you put in, so you never have to go wander around from shop to shop, pretending you're interested in buying something but actually just trying to find Wi-Fi. Free on iOS, with similar apps on Android and Windows.

For keeping in touch: GroupMe

Being out of the country can be difficult if you don't have an international plan. Thankfully, GroupMe makes it easier. It runs on Wi-Fi, so anywhere you can connect wirelessly, you can connect internationally. With an easy-to-use format, it makes communicating with everyone back home simple. Because your parents don't want to find out what you're doing through sporadic Facebook posts. Free on iOS, Android and Windows phone. Can also connect to "non-smart phones."

For not getting lost in translation: Google Translate

Traveling to a place where people don't speak English can be intimidating, but it's a worthwhile experience. This app makes that experience go more smoothly. It has three useful functions: sign translation, written translation, and verbal translation. Focus the camera on a menu or sign, and it translates into any language you choose. Type in a sentence of your own and it translates, or simply speak into it to have it read out loud in another language. Communicating just got amazingly easy. Free on iOS, Android and Windows.

No matter where you're going, these apps make the trip easier. Exploring a new place is always an adventure, but that doesn't mean you can't use some assistance. With a little help from technology, it won't take long before you're the seasoned traveler everyone wishes they could be.