As I walked jet legged off the plane in Germany by myself, not knowing a word of German at 4 AM EST time I felt LOST. Over the next six months living in Europe, I was glad I learned about these Apps along the way. They made a huge difference in helping me get around and adjusting to life studying abroad. If you are planning a trip, consider downloading these Apps. Trust me you will be glad you did.
1. Rome2Rio
This is my personal favorite! I used it EVERYWHERE! It gives you options to choose the best route to get you where you want to go by recommending options for transportation. By mapping out routes and times and estimated cost for the train, bus, subway, taxis or walking it makes it easy to choose which is the best fit for your time and budget.
2. Gate Guru: 
This app has a layout of every airport. It has a full map of the airport showing you where the arrival, departure, and separate terminals are. It also tells you where WC (which is the restroom), stores, and restaurants are located! It is nice to be prepared going into an unknown airport by putting in your information before you arrive. Especially when traveling alone, this App allows you to blend in not end up walking around in circles trying to figure out where to go.
3. Metro: 
Any city such as Vienna, Paris, Barcelona, New York, Chicago, etc. that has a Metro (subway) system. Always check to see if there is a metro app and you will be able to navigate almost as good as a local.
4. WhatsApp 
When abroad, you are only able to communicate with people back home when you are connected to wifi or have a SIM card for the country which you are in. To be sure your phone carrier does not charge you for international texting- WhatsApp is the most POPULAR and BEST way to keep in contact! WhatsApp allows you to text, send pics/vids, and make/receive phone calls on different devices that aren’t compatible such as I-phone and Android.
5. Skyscanner
If you want to get the best deal possible when traveling! I would always check Skyscanner for best flight deals! Skyscanner is a great way to begin your search for the best deals.
6.Currency Converter
I used the Currency Converter app ALL THE TIME! It is quick and easy to use when you want to get the exact currency difference! ALSO, the app can convert temperature!
7. Google Translate 
Google Translate is very helpful in communicating in different languages. It may not always be 100% accurate when translating large sentences, but it translates keywords or single items well! I used this often when in I was shopping and needed to ask the store clerk for something. Downloading it on your phone is a great idea in case wifi isn’t available when you need to buy a cup of coffee.
8. Travel State Gov
This App allows the U.S. Department of State to know where you are and they will send you a text if there is an Alert for Americans in the country you are in visiting in.
9. Hostel World
Hostel World has every hostel imaginable! You can book right on their site and read honest reviews of others experience!
10. Booking.com
Booking.com is great for when traveling with a family! It shows hotels available near you with great discounts.
11. Air BNB
I LOVE Airbnb!! My favorite way to travel! I have met so many sweet, kind hearted people who opened homes allowing me to experience the culture at its best. When traveling, it is nice to have a break from hostel and hotel living and have a nice home atmosphere!
12. Let's Go!
Let's Go is an amazing book full of WONDERFUL tips on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get the most out of a city in a short weekend, long weekend, or extended amount of time. The book contains day-to-day planned itineraries to ensure you see the best sights and receive the best experience!
13. Google Maps
Google Maps is great because it allows you to 'star' a favorite or important place on the map. This made it easy to track restaurants, my hostel or hotel so I would always have a reference to where I was! Also, it is helpful to preload the route before leaving wifi. The maps feature save your route making it easier navigate when wifi is not available.
14. Trip Advisor
I always check reviews on any accommodation or restaurant I was planning on going to. Trip advisor has honest reviews and also offered great suggestions that I wouldn’t have thought about.
15. Couples APP - If you left someone behind.
You know that feeling you get when you kiss that one special person and the world stops spinning, you can't feel your feet touch the ground and nothing in the world matters? Well, when you are separated by thousands of miles and a big ocean you’re going to miss that feeling. This App helps especially with the thumb kiss. When you have it open at the same time, you can see your special someone's thumbprint on your screen when your thumbs touch, the screen lights up red and vibrates! Next closest thing to their lips halfway across the world! It allows you to text each other and draw pics to help pass the days until you see each other again.
Hope these apps make your trip an amazing memory! Bon-boy-age!!!
