My Top 6 Free Travel Apps as a Solo Traveller

June 16, 2025
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My phone has become my lifeline when travelling and I plan almost everything through it – flights, accommodation, activities and more. However, there are sixapps that I use every single trip without fail and the best part, they are completely free!

I have now been solo travelling for over three years and recently visited my 35th country. In that time, I have picked up a lot of tricks to make my travelling and booking efficient. Apps have been a huge help in that.

Here are the six apps I would recommend anyone to download prior to their first trip:

Table of Contents

Ultimate Free Travel Apps

1. Skyscanner/Kiwi

I often fly quite last-minute and both Skyscanner and Kiwi have saved me a lot of money over the years. Both will give oyu a range of flight options at the cheapest price, yet I find each serves a slightly different purpose.

I use Skyscanner when I have more of an idea which exact airport (or at least city) I want to fly out off, but am flexible in dates. It is great at giving you the different airlines flying and an idea of prices. I then usually pick the cheapest and head to the airlines website itself to book.

Kiwi on the other hand is fantastic for finding ALL the cheapest flights from a range of airports, especially if you are flexible with your destination and dates. It will give you ideas for flight routes that are 10x cheaper than what you may have been looking at.

2. My chosen E-sim App

While the E-sim will cost something, the app itself is free and has been a life-change while travelling. I usually use Airalo and can buy my E-Sim before even leaving home, meaning I am immediately connected when landing in a new country. As a solo, female traveller, that is a massive improvement in safety.

3. Google Maps

Most phones have already got this installed, but Google Maps is one of my most used Apps while travelling. From finding directions to saving attractions I want to see to finding the best place for local food, Google Maps is just super useful!

If you know you won’t have Internet Connection, you can download the section of the map too meaning you won’t get lost – super important especially when travelling alone.

4. Revolut/Wise

I use Revolut as my bank card everywhere I travel as the exchange rates are super fair and you can store money in many different currencies. I am also able to take out money from most ATMs for free (unless the ATM itself has a fee). I have heard that Wise is very similar in function, so it just depends on your preference.

5. Google Translate

It may not always be 100% correct in its translations, but Google Translate is a super comprehensive and useful app when in a country whose language you don’t speak. I used it all the time during my Japan trip and it worked great – you can even use the voice function if you can’t understand what someone is saying.

Make sure to download the language you need before heading out so that you can access the translations anywhere.

6. A VPN App

Everyone should have a good VPN App while travelling, whether it is to protect your data on public networks, access your home Netflix account or get better search results. A VPN protects your data while allowing you to connect to a server in a country you choose – this can also be useful in countries where certain Apps don’t work like WhatsApp in China. I use the Thunder VPN App.

FAQ about Solo, Female Travel

How do I deal with loneliness while traveling alone?

When I first started solo travelling, meeting people felt super difficult. Even in hostels, everyone already seemed to be in their little groups and I was struggling. I remember being on week 3 of my Australian East Coast trip and calling my mum sobbing because I felt so lonely.

The more I solo travel, the more I have learned about loneliness and making friends. First of all, I am much more comfortable being with myself now. If I don’t find anyone to hang out with, that is okay. FOMO is sometimes still there, but I always remind myself that I am doing my best.

I usually do meet other people though. A good way is booking hostels with activities as it is SO easy to meet others during say a trivia night or a city tour. Another great way is choosing a female dorm – I often find myself bonding quicker with the girls in there. I also use Bumble BFF. That may sound awkward but I have met some of my now closest friends on there and it has been so great while travelling, especially if I am longer in one place. Finally, Facebook Groups – there are hundreds of travel groups out there and so many other solo travellers just waiting to meet you!

Sometimes though, loneliness prevails. Over the years I have learned that when the feeling refuses to leave, it is my time to go home. It’s a sign from my body that I need a break from travelling and constantly meeting new people. I need familiarity and my family. And that’s okay! Trust me, it took me a while to learn this but stopping a trip early is not failure, especially if it has already been a few months.

What are the benefits of solo travel as a woman?

I have grown immensely as a person since I have started solo travelling – in my overall confidence, trust in my own abilities and also people skills. Making friends used to be hard, now I am very comfortable talking to new people and have met so many of my closest friends while travelling. The best part about the people you meet while travelling is that they have a similar mindset to you and also often a lot to share about their own culture and traditions, meaning your worldview opens up a lot.

Travelling solo also means I get to choose where I go when, I can change plans last-minute and if I don’t like something, I will simply leave. These are all things you can’t do as much when travelling with another person. In addition, you get a lot of time for self-reflection but also to take in this new destination. I have noticed that I experience a place much more intensely when I am solo travelling, compared to when I am with e.g. friends.

Overall, I think solo travel truly changes you as a person. Once you have navigated a new country by yourself, you feel like you can do anything. I would recommend any woman to solo travel at least once in her life! Learn to trust yourself and that you don’t need anyone else to do things for you. Obviously it is nice to have someone else to rely on, but solo travel teaches you that it is not necessary – and that will change your whole perspective on life and relationships.

How do I choose affordable but safe accommodations?

The first thing I do when choosing accommodations in a new destination is research the area. Which areas are safe for tourists, especially solo travellers. There are usually lots of resources about these things. If you are unsure, you could also reach out to accommodations for advice.

Second, I usually stay in hostels or hotels that are rated well amongst solo-travellers. This is so I can meet other travellers but also so I know that the location is good etc. Hostel dorms are usually your cheapest option though some countries also have affordable AirBnBs – for those I always make sure it is a female host.

Reviews are crucial!! Check several sites such as booking, Google, Tripadvisor, etc. Some red flags are people talking about stuff being stolen, no women leaving reviews, bedbugs and any negative comments about staff. A huge red flag for me is also when a hotel responds rudely to complaints – it’s unprofessional and will probably affect you if something goes wrong.