Best International Travel Apps: Have Fork Will Travel

This shop including our ideas for the best international travel apps has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SamsungUnlocked #CollectiveBias

Have fork will travel!  Before you take to the skies, be sure to install the best international travel apps we’ve found! With the Samsung Unlocked Galaxy S8, you’ve never been more connected (in a good way) while abroad!

One thing that my husband and I have learned as we’ve grown our family over the years?  Travel is really important.  We both love discovering new destinations, immersing ourselves in the culture, trying new cuisines, and escaping our daily lives for a bit.  Jon and I love the life we’ve built, but it’s nice to take a step back every once in awhile.  Together.  To appreciate what we have and to figure out how to tackle the trouble spots head-on as a team.

We are fortunate that we have a  village to help us with our kids while when we flee (you know who you are… you are loved!). Our village really came through for us this year as we explored Spain and the Czech Republic (both new countries for us), then darted off to St. Barth for one heckuva beach vacay.

 

With passport (and forks!!) in hand, there isn’t much else that we’ve relied on during these vacations more than our mobile devices.  We do our best to”unplug” from our daily life, but having apps and the ability to have face-to-face convos with our little ones made each trip way more enjoyable.

Jet-setting sometime soon?  My advice would be to get an unlocked phone, like the Samsung Unlocked Galaxy GS8 available online through Walmart.  Unlocked by Samsung lets you pick more than just your smartphone. You can choose your carrier, data plan, services, features and apps, so you can get your phone exactly the way you want it.¹  

Even better? When you’re ready for an adventure, Unlocked by Samsung makes it easy – just pop in a compatible SIM card and take your device anywhere, from Mexico City to Paris and more.²   You can find SIM cards for the country of travel at the airport and train stations.

Arm in arm with your travel buddy and GS8 you’re prepared for serious adventure.  Be sure to discover all that your destination has to offer with the best apps for international travel.

Best International Travel Apps

TripAdvisor

When we’re home, we usually rely on Yelp for restaurant and activity advice.  But in Europe?  It’s juuuust starting to catch on.  Instead, we use TripAdvisor for everything from restaurant suggestions, top sights to see in small village, and hotels to stop at along the road.  You can read reviews and see images, then map your route to that must-have paella in Barcelona.

Facebook Messenger

The easiest way we’ve found to have face-to-face conversations with our kids while on vacation is to use Facebook Messenger.  Anyone with a Facebook page can use the service and if you can connect to WiFI, the call simply uses your data connection to make calls.  Hello to escaping typical international fees!

Rick Steves Audio Europe

These free self-guided walking tours cover Europe’s most popular destinations.   Rick Steves Audio Europe is a great way to explore a new-to-you city.  With a narrated journey, you’ll notice details most skip over and get context for the sites along the way.  Plus, with Rick steering your route, you won’t have to have your nose stuck in a map.  Jon and I explored Barcelona and Prague this way and had a blast.

Google Maps

Having access to Google Maps makes having an international SIM card worth it alone.  Whether you’re in a rental car, on public transportation or by foot, you’ll want Google Maps. We’ve used it to find small villages in Spain, to map our runs along the coast, and to get from the airport to our destination in a rental car.  Maps are kind of a big deal. 😉  And I love how you can toggle between walking and driving to directions for the safest route.

Google Translate

Co si dáte k pití?  Exactly.  A bottle champs, please.  Děkuji.

Uber

Yup, a lot of big cities outside of the states use Uber too!  Instead of having a rental car in London, we opted to Uber around town. There are also carpool options in the large cities that make hopping between major sites a breeze.  Just make sure you’re aware of which option you need before you book the Uber.  (#headhunginshame)

Picmonkey

Boasting the world’s first infinity screen, the Galaxy S8 is perfect for capturing memories.  No need to carry around a fancy camera!  I snap my photos then use Picmonkey to edit them before I share them across my social channels.  Picmonkey has a free and premium service.

I pay for the extra goodies, but even the free version can help fix bad lighting and sharpen your images. Don’t worry about taking to many photos or videos.  You can increase your storage up to 256GB with a microSD card! MicroSD card sold separately.

AA 

We usually travel American Airlines, since they have a hub in my hometown, but regardless of which airline you use, be sure to download their corresponding app.  You’ll be notified of delays, be able to check in online, and manage reward points all in one place.

Have any apps we missed that you’ve found useful? Share below!  And find more great ways to use your Samsung Unlocked Galaxy S8 phone, exclusively available at Walmart, here!  (There’s also a Unlocked S8+!)

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Disclosures:

¹ Wireless voice, data and messaging services on Samsung Unlocked Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge devices are compatible with most major U.S. GSM and CDMA networks. For these devices, wireless services are available on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile and CDMA networks such as Verizon, Sprint, and US Cellular®. Visit www.samsung.com for more information on your device. Support for certain features and services such as VoWiFi and hotspot, vary by wireless service provider. Wireless voice, data and messaging services on Samsung Unlocked Galaxy S6 and Galaxy J3 devices are compatible with most major U.S. GSM networks. For these devices, wireless services are available on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Visit www.samsung.com for more information on your device. Support for certain features and services such as VoWiFi and hotspot, vary by wireless service provider.

² This Samsung Unlocked phone will work on any GSM or CDMA compatible network. For these devices, wireless services are available on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile and CDMA networks such as Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular®. Support for certain rate plans, features, and services such as VoWiFi and hotspot vary by wireless service provider. SIM card must be compatible with area’s available networks. International calling, data services and coverage vary by network provider. Contact provider for details.