HACKER Q&A
📣 Nora23

What travel apps do you use while traveling?


Curious what travel apps the HN community actually finds useful when traveling internationally.

I'm particularly interested in: • Navigation and getting around unfamiliar cities • Dealing with language barriers • Finding local experiences vs tourist traps • Any apps that have genuinely saved you time or made travel easier

I've tried Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and the usual suspects, but they all feel generic. What do you use? Any hidden gems?

(Context: I'm working on a travel app called PAVO Travel, so trying to understand what features travelers actually need vs what developers think they need)

  👤 reena_signalhq Accepted Answer ✓
Great question! Here's my essential travel stack:

- Google Maps (offline maps are a lifesaver ) - Citymapper (best for public transit in major cities) - XE Currency (quick conversions) - TripIt (consolidates all confirmations in one place)

One underrated tip: Download the local ride-sharing app for wherever you're going (Grab in SE Asia, Didi in China, etc.) instead of relying on Uber everywhere.

What's your current setup?

👤 synack
Not strictly a mobile app, but I keep offline Kiwix snapshots of Wikivoyage and Wikipedia on my laptop. It mostly comes in handy on trains with intermittent wifi.
👤 31337Logic
I love Organic Maps for offline navigation and exploration. They even download wiki articles about popular tourist attractions!

The other app I use is Briar for communications. It's surprisingly handy. You can use it on existing wifi networks but also mesh your own network with Bluetooth.

Joplin to journal my vacation (which then synchs to my home network).

Oh, and of course Wireguard!