Top 7 Trending Travel Tech Right Now that Might Make your Trip Easier
The 2020 pandemic changed the travel industry forever.
What once was simple and easy to navigate is not the same anymore. That’s why using the appropriate travel techs will help you save time and money while also making your trip less stressful.
Now, whether you’re looking for techs for renting houses, booking flights, or creating the perfect itinerary, these are the 7 trending travel apps to download before your next trip.
Here’s a sneak peek into their popularity in google trends –
Hosthub
Topping the first on our list has to be Hosthub. This tech in particular has experienced a massive burst of popularity in recent years.
Hosthub is a greek founded rental channel manager that first started back in 2017. With the end of the pandemic and the rising growth of the travel industry, this company has seen a massive boost in popularity in 2022.
In a nutshell, Hosthub is a travel company that focuses on providing inexpensive and convenient housing for travelers all around the world. This tech also enables property hosts to adjust prices and availability across numerous channels simultaneously.
Hosthub is especially popular among travelers who are on a budget. The company offers a variety of accommodations including apartments, hostels, and guest houses at an affordable rate. Hosthub has a particularly strong presence in Asia and Europe.
Here are some of the testimonials of people who have used Hosthub:
Some of the unique features that Hosthub boasts:
- Provides real-time sync across all vacation rental websites.
- Easy to set up and navigate.
- Has a call-in feature in case of unavailability of the internet.
- Apt customer service that resolves issues and provides appropriate guidance.
- Has a multiple configuration system where you can either list your entire property or separate rooms.
From the experiences of most travelers and rental owners, there haven’t been a lot of issues that came up with Hosthub. Some minor time zone concerns have been raised a few times. Other than that, Hosthub is an amazing platform for vacation rental owners and budget-conscious travelers.
You can know more about Hosthub from their website.
Tripsider
If you want to go on your next solo trip but don’t have the appropriate knowledge then look no further and book a trip with Tripsider.
Tripsider, previously known as youtravel.me is an American startup that was founded in 2018. It had seed funding of $1M among seven investors.
Tripsider gained a lot of popularity in its inception days. However, due to the pandemic, most of its business operations came to a stop. On the brighter side, now that the pandemic is over its popularity among travelers is increasing again.
Tripsider is basically an online platform that arranges expert-led trips to cultural centers around the world. It aims to connect travelers with like-minded people and local experts all across the globe.
- Provides personalized itineraries and tour programs based on unique experiences and value.
- Tour programs crafted by Tripsider cater to every need of a traveler. Starting from diving in the clear waters of Maldives to backpacking across Machu Picchu, Tripsider has a tour program for every single traveler.
- Has responsive and adept customer service
- Proficient tour guides that expertise in specific locations accompanying group tours.
- Efficient synchronization prevails among tour guides, accommodations, flights, and travelers.
The organization of these tour programs crafted by Tripsider is also spot on. Appropriate coordination persists among all the intermediaries of a trip abroad.
Essentially, Tripsider will make your trip planning and execution much much easier. To know more about the perks of using Tripsider check out the Tripsider website.
Bonus: Best iPhone apps for travel
Wildpoint
As important as spending off days inside your house is, spending the warmer months outdoors is equally important. This is where sites like Wildpoint come in. It is a UK-based company founded amidst the pandemic in 2020.
Wildpoint is an online travel platform that enables private landowners to use their spare land and grounds as diverse camping and outdoor accommodations. This website has recently gained a lot of traction. More and more people are getting to know about this.
Through Wildpoint you can book unique locations as your outdoor lodging. It is often times called the Airbnb of camping.
- Connects travelers with unique camping grounds.
- Provides eccentric experiences.
- Travelers have the option of getting a tour guide.
- All the necessary items needed for camping will be provided.
- Convenient to book and pay.
One thing to note is that Wildpoint is inactive during the winter season. So, it basically operates in the spring, summer, and early autumn months of the year. Keep this in mind while planning your next camping trip.
Know more about Wildpoint from here.
TapTrip
The next tech on this list is TapTrip. TapTrip, now acquired by TripStax is one of the leading travel management companies. This venture started its operation back in 2018 in Manchester. With a funding of $2.7M, TapTrip has experienced exponential growth since the very beginning.
Primarily, Taptrip is a corporate travel management company that facilitates bookings and reporting online for business travellers. This app is ideal for small to medium-sized companies.
TapTrip claims to do business travel differently. Previously, business owners or corporate travelers had a hard time booking flights, hotels, and restaurants separately with little to no coordination.
However, with the help of TapTrip, travelers can now manage all of their travel bookings and expenses under one app. As a result, they’re saving time and additional effort unlike carrying DOT-approved cases on airlines..
One of the reasons behind TapTrip gaining this much popularity is due to its lower costs. It charges low rates on most transportation and hotel bookings. Thus, it helps business travelers to save money.
- All the expenses of a business trip can be recorded for the company to track.
- Transportation, flights, and hotel bookings for multiple people can be made at once.
- The travel policies of a corporation can be updated in the app.
- There’s a reward system available for frequent users.
- Expense claims can be created by the traveler on the go.
TapTrip is not strictly work-based either. You can look for cool restaurants to eat at or activities that are happening around you through the app. You can learn about all the details from the TapTrip website.
PickYourTrail
One of the other apps that have been subjected to all the rage recently happens to be PickYourTrail. Founded in 2013 and based in Chennai, Pickyourtrail is one of India’s highest-rated travel planners. Widely acclaimed corporations like Google and BCG have lauded the business model of PickYourTrail.
With funding of $3M from 6 investors, this app has been made to cater to every need of a traveler. This tech allows users to schedule, personalize, and book their trips virtually. Because of this flexibility, it has regained its popularity in recent years.
PickYourTrail specializes in tailor-made international vacations. This app revolutionizes the consumer experience by allowing travelers to explore destinations at their own speed with entirely customizable tour packages. As a result, travelers don’t have to go through agencies anymore to plan a holiday abroad.
Some of the unique features that make PickYourTrail different from other travel websites are:
- Each tour package is crafted based on the preference and values of the traveler.
- Starting from the mode of transportation, flights, and hotels, everything can be customized to match your own preference.
- Has a fairly easy payment method.
- The trip planning tool gives real-time flight updates and recommendations on the finest foods to try.
- A personalized AI assistant helps you to prepare for your upcoming tour.
- 24/7 customer service is available.
PickYourTrail’s platform has helped 10,000+ visitors from over 15 countries to organize and discover their favorite destinations. Their NPS score of 72 reflects their unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Learn about the full perks of using this tech from the PickYourTrail website.
Lodgify
With the influx of trips after the pandemic, vacation rental properties have seen quite a boom. So, it’s not surprising to come across various holiday rental software catering to the different needs of a rental property owner. Lodgify happens to be just that.
This EU-based rental software company was established in 2012 making it the oldest company on our list. As it has been in the travel industry for a while now, Lodgify has become a household name among vacation rental property owners. It also happens to have the highest funding on this list coming in at $36.6M.
Even though during the pandemic the popularity of Lodgify went down, It has seen a steady rise recently.
Lodgify is a vacation rental management software with a direct booking website builder. You can effortlessly construct your own website with Lodgify to accept direct bookings. Moreover, you can also sync those bookings with other channels such as Airbnb and Vrbo in one place.
Here are some of the perks of using Lodgify:
- Has direct 2-way integrations with Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and Vrbo.
- Has numerous website templates that are customizable.
- API interfaces with major OTAs are available through Channel Manager.
- Direct bookings and payment can be done from the site.
- Automation tools are available for repetitive tasks.
- Business performances can be analyzed.
All in all, Lodgify is an excellent solution for hosts with one or a few homes and property managers with tens to hundreds of properties. You can know more about them from the Lodgify website.
YouLi
Last but not least is YouLi which is a software for arranging group travels. YouLi is an Australian company founded amidst the travel boom of 2019. This company received angel funding of $200k.
YouLi basically takes all the headaches of arranging group travels and does all the work for you. By using YouLi, you can set up tasks and manage all the members of a group.
YouLi effectively helps travel professionals and travelers to plan their entire trip. This includes flights, hotels, and recreational activities. Bookings can also proceed from the site directly.
- Manage groups and automate pre-travel activities.
- Options for split payments between group travelers or one invoice for the whole family are available.
- Creates digital group itineraries.
- End-to-end reservation management across all platforms.
- Handle reservations and payments on one site.
- A new website can be launched through YouLi or you can integrate existing websites with it.
Using YouLi can save you hours of time and the frustration of arranging group travels. Just by going on to the app you can create a personalised itinerary, book hotels and pay for all.
YouLi has truly made the process of arranging group travels effortless. Know more about YouLi from here.
Other apps that are absolute essential for travellers
1. Hopper – Best for Budget Flights and Hotels
Coverage: USA, Mexico, Europe (wide coverage of airlines and hotels globally).
Why It’s Necessary: Hopper uses AI to predict the best times to book flights and hotels. If you’re planning a trip to the USA, Mexico, or Europe, this app ensures you’ll get the best bang for your buck. Hopper’s “Price Freeze” feature is a lifesaver when you’re indecisive but don’t want to lose out on deals.
Key Features:
- Price predictions up to a year in advance.
- Notifications when prices drop.
- Flexible cancellation options.
Comparison: Compared to apps like Kayak, Hopper excels in predicting price trends, while Kayak focuses on aggregating immediate options.
2. PackPoint – The Ultimate Packing Assistant
Coverage: Works for any destination, with a focus on weather-specific packing tips.
Why It’s Necessary: Forget overpacking or leaving essentials behind. PackPoint creates a customized packing list based on your destination, planned activities, and the weather forecast. Heading to Europe in spring? It’ll remind you to pack an umbrella. Off to sunny Mexico? Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Key Features:
- Activity-based packing lists.
- Weather integrations.
- Trip sharing options for group travel.
Comparison: Unlike general packing apps, PackPoint tailors suggestions to your specific itinerary, giving it an edge over basic checklist apps.
3. Rome2rio – Seamless Transportation Planning
Coverage: Global, with detailed routes in the USA, Mexico, and Europe.
Why It’s Necessary: When you’re navigating unfamiliar places, knowing how to get around is crucial. Rome2rio provides door-to-door transportation options, including flights, trains, buses, and ferries. This app shines in Europe, where multi-modal travel is common.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive route planning.
- Cost and time comparisons for different modes of transport.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Comparison: Google Maps is great for local directions, but Rome2rio excels in planning long-distance, multi-modal journeys.
4. Eatwith – Authentic Culinary Experiences
Coverage: Major cities in the USA, Mexico, and Europe.
Why It’s Necessary: Food is a huge part of travel, and Eatwith connects you with locals for authentic dining experiences. Whether it’s a traditional paella night in Spain or a taco-making class in Mexico City, this app adds a unique, personal touch to your trip.
Key Features:
- Small group and private dining experiences.
- Access to local chefs and food enthusiasts.
- Filters for dietary preferences.
Comparison: Eatwith focuses on cultural immersion through food, whereas apps like OpenTable are more about mainstream restaurant reservations.
5. Polarsteps – Document Your Journey
Coverage: Works globally, including USA, Mexico, and Europe.
Why It’s Necessary: Polarsteps is perfect for travelers who love documenting their trips. It automatically tracks your route and allows you to create a visual travel journal. Share your adventures with friends or keep them as a digital scrapbook.
Key Features:
- GPS-based route tracking.
- Integration of photos and notes.
- Offline mode for remote areas.
Comparison: Unlike Instagram, which is public and social, Polarsteps focuses on personal travel documentation and storytelling.
6. Splitwise – Hassle-Free Expense Splitting
Coverage: Global, but especially handy in group travel scenarios.
Why It’s Necessary: Traveling with friends or family? Splitwise makes it easy to divide and track shared expenses, whether it’s a group dinner in Paris or a cab ride in New York.
Key Features:
- Automatic currency conversion.
- Expense tracking with detailed reports.
- Integration with Venmo and PayPal.
Comparison: While apps like Venmo facilitate payments, Splitwise is better at organizing and tracking expenses for groups.
7. TripIt – All-in-One Itinerary Organizer
Coverage: Works globally with all types of bookings.
Why It’s Necessary: TripIt simplifies your travel planning by consolidating flight, hotel, and activity bookings into a single itinerary. No more juggling between emails and apps!
Key Features:
- Automatic itinerary creation.
- Real-time updates on flights and delays.
- Integration with calendar apps.
Comparison: Apps like Google Trips offer similar functionality but lack the detailed real-time updates TripIt provides.
8. AllTrails – Explore Nature’s Best
Coverage: Extensive trail maps across the USA, Mexico, and Europe.
Why It’s Necessary: If you’re into hiking, biking, or running, AllTrails is a must-have. It offers detailed trail maps, difficulty ratings, and user reviews, making it easier to find and navigate trails suited to your skill level.
Key Features:
- Offline trail maps.
- GPS tracking.
- Community reviews and photos.
Comparison: While Google Maps provides basic trail information, AllTrails specializes in outdoor exploration, offering much more detail.
9. Google Translate – Break Language Barriers
Coverage: Global, with support for over 100 languages.
Why It’s Necessary: When traveling to non-English-speaking parts of Mexico or Europe, Google Translate becomes invaluable. It helps you communicate, read signs, and even translate menus on the go.
Key Features:
- Instant camera translation for text.
- Conversation mode for live interactions.
- Offline language packs for remote areas.
Comparison: Apps like iTranslate offer similar functionality, but Google Translate’s offline mode and broader language support give it the edge.
10. XE Currency – Real-Time Currency Conversion
Coverage: Global, including real-time rates for the USD, Euro, and Mexican Peso.
Why It’s Necessary: XE Currency ensures you always know how much you’re spending. It’s particularly useful in Mexico and Europe, where you might switch between pesos and euros frequently.
Key Features:
- Real-time exchange rates.
- Offline conversion capabilities.
- Rate alerts for better deals.
Comparison: Other currency apps exist, but XE Currency’s reliability and user-friendly design make it a go-to choice for travelers.
Sources Used
- Hopper: Information sourced from official app features and user reviews on App Store and Google Play.
- PackPoint: Details gathered from PackPoint’s website and user testimonials.
- Rome2rio: Coverage and features verified from the Rome2rio official platform and blogs.
- Eatwith: Sourced from the Eatwith website, highlighting unique dining experiences.
- Polarsteps: Information based on Polarsteps’ app description and user feedback.
- Splitwise: Details about functionality and features from Splitwise’s website and app reviews.
- TripIt: Features confirmed through TripIt’s official website and tech comparison articles.
- AllTrails: Sourced from AllTrails’ website and hiking community discussions.
- Google Translate: Details from Google’s official blog and app description.
- XE Currency: Features and reviews sourced from XE’s website and user feedback.
End Note
The process of organizing a trip can be pretty intimidating. It’s not easy to locate decent prices on airlines, hotels, and activities, let alone figure out where you want to go. This is where travel techs come in to help.
I hope this list of trending travel apps will help you to plan your future trips efficiently.
Until next time!
