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Having the right travel information at your fingertips can greatly enhance your holiday experience – whether exploring local destinations or those outside of South Africa.
From assistance with flight bookings, language translation, currency conversion, local recommendations, and more, there are hundreds of apps available for download.
Here are some of the top travel apps that we recommend to help you plan your year-end holiday for 2023.
The best travel apps for 2023
Airbnb
Through Airbnb, hosts from all over the globe offer a range of accommodations, from charming cottages to luxurious penthouses. Whether you are looking for accommodation for an extensive breakaway, a quick weekend escape, or a family vacation, there are countless extraordinary destinations waiting to be explored.
The app also provides an array of captivating experiences led by knowledgeable local experts, either in-person or online. These experiences cover a diverse range of activities, including horse whispering, canyon hiking, cooking workshops, animal encounters, music sessions, and more.
Similarly, Airbnb Adventures offers guided expeditions led by local experts. These experiences venture off the beaten path, allowing small groups to discover unexplored territories and engage in unforgettable encounters.
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Hopper
The Hopper app is a travel application that helps users find and book the best deals on flights and hotels. It utilises advanced algorithms and data analysis to predict future prices, allowing users to make informed decisions about when to book their travel arrangements. Hopper is completely free to download and doesn’t have any hidden fees or charges.
Travelstart
Travelstart is an African online travel agency assisting users with both business and leisure travel by searching, comparing, and booking a wide range of travel services seamlessly. From flights and buses to hotels, car rentals, holiday packages, and activities. With a focus on affordability and streamlining the booking process, the app enables customers to find the best deals available.
Trip.com
An international online travel agency that has more than 1.4 million hotels in 200 countries and regions in their network. Their far-reaching flight network has over 2 million individual flight routes connecting more than 5,000 cities around the globe. They offer 24/7 customer service in English and a host of other travel products.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading global travel app that searches for the best deals on flights, hotels and car hire. The app offers rate comparisons, sends price alerts, and allows users to earn frequent flyer points. The ‘top deals’ feature allows users to discover the best flight deals to popular travel destinations.
PackPoint
For those who love lists and planning, PackPoint is a free travel packing list organiser. After creating a user profile, which must include your destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, PackPoint creates a customised packing checklist that takes into account whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the predicted weather at your destination, and any activities planned.
XE Currency
When traveling to a foreign country, it’s essential to have a reliable currency converter. XE Currency is a popular app that provides accurate exchange rates and allows you to convert currencies on the go.
Maps.me
This offline map app is a valuable tool for navigating cities and remote areas without an internet connection. It offers detailed maps, points of interest, and even hiking trails, ensuring you won’t get lost during your travels.
GetYourGuide
This app is ideal for booking tours, activities, and experiences in South Africa. It provides a wide range of options, including wildlife safaris, cultural tours, adventure activities, and more, allowing you to make the most of your trip.
First Aid IFRC
When it comes to traveling, prioritizing safety is of utmost importance. This app is straightforward and free, providing you with instant access to essential information on how to handle the most common first-aid emergencies. Equipped with videos, interactive quizzes, and easy-to-follow step-by-step advice, the app makes it incredibly convenient to familiarize yourself with first aid practices.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a well-known app that offers millions of traveller reviews, ratings, and recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and more worldwide. It can assist South African travellers in making informed decisions and discovering hidden gems in their destination.
TripLingo
This app offers language and culture assistance with features such as voice translation, local slang, essential phrases, a Wi-Fi dialer and a tip calculator, helping travellers navigate foreign destinations more confidently.
Before you go
These travel apps can significantly enhance your travel experiences by providing valuable information, convenience, and access to essential services. Remember to download and familiarise yourself with them before your trip to make the most of your holiday.
