Traveling as a student can be very stressful and in many situations it is an overwhelming experience. This is especially the case when you go to a country where you do not know the language or the local customs. Learning a new language takes time so you need all the help you can get.
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Fortunately, there is no shortage of free travel apps that students can use when they travel. Below you can find some of the very best, those that you surely have to consider for your next trip.
Student Universe Flights App
This app is available for both Android and iOS. It helps you to find some of the best rates for flights when you are a student. Basically, while you can definitely use the more popular travel apps on the market, they do not offer access to student discounts or are not mainly focused on it. With this app you get to scan deals coming from over 200 providers so you can be sure that the best rate for a student is always available.
Flight Aware Flight Tracker
Speaking about flights, this app allows you to set alerts for the flights you will take. At the same time, you learn about airport disruptions based on your itinerary. You can see a flight map and can actually track yourself while you travel.
Keep in mind that the app is free but at the bottom, you will find an advertising bar. Even so, it is much smaller than with the other similar travel apps on the market.
Google Translate
In the past, the translations offered by Google Translate were very weird. Fortunately, they are so much better now. The great thing about it is that it includes so many languages and has some pretty good features, like camera mode, which allows you to automatically translate signs or menus by simply snapping a picture.
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The speech-to-speech translation feature is also useful if you end up in a situation in which you have a conversation in two languages. Obviously, the app is still in development and there are more features in some languages than in others. However, the language app is surely one you will love using.
Pack Point Travel Packing List App
This app will ask you some questions, like where you travel to, your gender, and the duration of the trip. Then, based on the answers, the app creates a packing list that is appropriate for the trip. You tap the item and you tick it off when you add it to your luggage. By swiping right, you completely remove it.
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An extra feature of the app is that it offers a weather forecast. This can help you plan ahead but be careful since weather is oftentimes unpredictable.
Maps With Me Navigation App
In the past, Maps With me was not recommended because the maps presented were clearly inferior to what Google Maps offered. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. The travel app include the features that you expect from such a category, including cycle routes, public transport, and walking times. You can even download the maps so you use them offline.
What is particularly interesting is that there is an included editor that is built based on feedback from app users. This offers some very interesting insights into spots that you would miss if you were to travel without such recommendations.
The only little problem with the app is that the layout is a little weird, in the sense that it takes time for you to get used to it.
XE Currency Converter
Properly handling finances is very important during any trip but even more important when you are a student as budgets tend to be lower. XE Currency Converter helps by calculating approximate currency exchange rates.
When you look in the app, you see the most common currencies that people look for. However, you can easily edit this selection and make choices based on where you will travel to. Remove and add currencies with just a swipe or a tap.
You may also want to consider other apps in combination with this one, like Paypal and TransferWise so you can quickly exchange money and use your finances in a smarter way. The currency converter allows you to plan your expenses and always know how much you should receive when you go to an exchange.
WiFi Map
If you need to pay for data roaming, the bill can get really high, really fast in a foreign city. This is where using local free WiFi is a very good idea. The app allows you to find the closest free hotspot and you can utilize the VPN offered to be completely safe. This actually allows you to easily choose the strongest possible connection when many are close to you.
The app is global and supports crowdsourcing. This means that it is always being updated. If you decide to use WiFi Map, be sure to share the help.
Hotel Tonight
This app is wonderful when you travel at the last minute since you can use it to book in the exact same evening or up to one week in advance. There are even some markets that allow a much longer advance booking, but Hotel Tonight shines when it comes to last minute accommodations.
You can see the available rooms categorized into different categories like high-roller, charming, luxe, and basic. Last minute rates are also pretty good given the fact that if you were too book directly, you would pay more.
The app is available on Google Play and iTunes.
Calm
Traveling should be a relaxing experience but it is not always like that. Calm tries to help you deal with the anxiety of flying by offering meditations. Topics covered include self-awareness, lowering stress levels, happiness, and breathing, among many others. Music options are available for sleeping, relaxing, and sleeping. The free version includes a limited selection of music and meditations while the premium version is $60 per year.
