10 Helpful USA Travel Apps – Download them Before You Go

It is always exciting to travel to the USA; however, it is much more exciting when you are armed with the right travel tools. These are the ten must-have travel applications to help you have a hassle-free trip. They guide you, provide accommodation, and even keep you connected.

The article below will include all the information about these USA travel apps that help you travel more easily. Let’s get started!

best usa travel apps

I. Navigation & Maps

Google Maps

google maps app for usa trip

Google Maps is an essential application for staying safe in the USA. It offers GPS tracking, traffic, and public transportation details and is very handy for travelers.

This is the ability to download and use maps offline without the Internet. It also smoothly synchronizes with other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Calendar, displaying your travel planning right in Google Maps.

Waze

waze app for navigation

Waze is perfect for car users who desire to avoid traffic and other congestion and get the best routes. It is based on user information and produces current information on traffic conditions, car crashes, roadblocks, and police checks.

They have created a unique system that depends on their user community. It assists you in navigating away from busy places and is, hence, time-saving.

Google Maps seems to have a broader direction search, while Waze seems more oriented towards driving directions, making it the best app for road trips across the United States of America.

II. Accommodation & Booking

Airbnb

airbnb booking app

Airbnb is a popular app among travelers looking for interesting places to stay, from a small apartment to a whole house. It is ideal for those who want more than a guest room. The app includes Experiences, which allows users to book different activities with local hosts, providing visitors with a unique taste of the selected city. 

As suggested, it is advisable to book early when traveling to the USA, and if your destination is New York or San Francisco, the earlier you book, the better. Check reviews and communicate directly with hosts to ensure a smooth stay.

Booking.com

booking.com for USA

Booking.com is another trustworthy application for searching for lodging, from motels to high-class hotels. Its loyalty program provides customers free service and other discounts, such as free breakfast.

It also comes with a nice feature called Price Comparison, which enables you to get the most out of your bargain.

III. Transportation

lyft app for usa transport

Uber

Uber is widely available across major US cities, making it a convenient choice. The app offers various ride options, including UberX for affordable rides, UberPOOL for sharing rides with others, and UberBLACK for a premium experience.

Uber is known for its robust Safety Features, like in-app emergency assistance and real-time ride tracking, which ensure a secure trip. You can easily find an Uber in most urban areas in the USA, making it a go-to quick and reliable transportation option.

Lyft

Lyft is a strong competitor to Uber, often offering slightly lower fares and a friendly user experience. One of Lyft’s unique features is the ability to tip drivers directly through the app. Lyft is also known for its coverage in smaller cities and towns, making it a great choice if traveling outside major urban areas.

While similar to Uber, Lyft often has promotions and discounts that can make your ride even more affordable, especially if you’re exploring lesser-known destinations in the USA.

IV. Communication

WhatsApp

download whatsapp to communicate when traveling

Stay connected with friends and family while traveling in the USA with WhatsApp. This popular messaging app offers free calls and messages over Wi-Fi, group chat features for travel companions, and end-to-end encryption for security. It is perfect for sharing travel updates and photos without incurring international charges.

Gigago eSIM

Stay away from high roaming fees with Gigago eSIM. This app uses eSIM technology to help you quickly set up a local data plan in the USA. With good coverage across the country, you can stay connected without changing physical SIM cards.

Additionally, esimusa.net – local brand of Gigago that offers a range of affordable eSIM plans for tourists, with prices starting from just $3.50. Their plans provide fast 4G LTE data, easy activation, and coverage throughout the USA. Whether visiting for a few days or a month, esimusa.net has flexible options to keep you connected during your trip.

get esim for easier usa travel

V. Travel Planning & Information

tripIt app for planning usa trip

TripIt

TripIt is your go-to travel organizer. It effortlessly creates a master itinerary by pulling info from your emails. You can easily share plans with friends and family and get real-time updates on flight status and gate changes.

The app also provides helpful travel information, such as weather forecasts, maps, and directions. With TripIt Pro, you’ll get additional perks like a seat tracker, fare refund notifications, and an alternate flight finder. It’s like having a personal travel assistant in your pocket.

Yelp

Looking for a great local spot? Yelp’s got you covered. Find top-rated restaurants, attractions, and services with ease. Read honest reviews from fellow travelers and locals. Use filters to find places that suit your needs, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or need wheelchair access.

Yelp also offers a booking feature for restaurants and services, saving you time and hassle. The app’s augmented reality feature, Monocle, lets you see reviews of businesses around you just by pointing your phone camera.

VI. Conclusion

I hope you find these 10 travel apps helpful as you plan your trip to the USA. Each app is designed to make your journey smoother, from finding your way around to booking accommodations and staying connected. By downloading them before you go, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the USA with ease and confidence.