36 Must-Have Apps for Summer Travel & Fun
So summer’s here.
Honestly, my brain just wants to drop everything and go somewhere. Anywhere. The beach, the mountains, a road trip, even just the backyard with good music.
But planning it? Yeah, that’s the part no one talks about.
Figuring out routes, finding cheap gas, booking stuff last minute, keeping track of everything so you don’t show up with no reservation (been there).
I end up leaning on so many apps. Seriously. They’re lifesavers.
Some help me find cool trails, some keep me from blowing my whole budget, some are just for chilling with music or audiobooks on long drives.
So I thought, why not just share the whole list? All my go-to summer apps in one place. No categories or rules. Just stuff that actually makes summer trips and plans easier.
Because honestly… Summer’s too short to be stressing. Let’s just make it fun.
1. Hopper – Track and Predict Cheap Flight Prices
I’m obsessed with this one when I’m trying to book flights without going broke.
It predicts price drops and tells you when to buy or wait.
Seriously, it’s like having a travel agent who’s actually honest about when you should hold off. Perfect for last-minute summer plans or if you’re trying to snag that cheap ticket before everyone else.
Also read: Best travel apps
2. Airbnb – Book Unique Vacation Stays and Experiences
Honestly, this is my go-to for summer stays.
I just love the whole vibe of finding a cute little cabin in the woods or a beach house that doesn’t feel like a boring hotel.
Plus, you can book last-minute if you’re a chaotic planner like me. Perfect for trips with friends, family getaways, or even solo escapes when you want somewhere that feels a bit special.
3. TripIt – Organize All Your Travel Plans in One Itinerary
If you’re the kind of person who ends up with fifty email confirmations and no clue what time your flight leaves, TripIt is a lifesaver.
Just forward your booking,s and it creates one clean, easy itinerary. No digging through your inbox at the airport.
4. Kayak – Compare Flights, Hotels, and Car Rentals
This is my all-in-one planner when I want to check flights, hotels, and rental cars without bouncing between ten tabs.
Super handy for last-minute summer trips or when you’re trying to find the best deal before hitting “book.”
5. GasBuddy – Find the Cheapest Gas on Road Trips
Honestly, if you’re road-tripping this summer, you need this.
Gas prices can be brutal. GasBuddy shows you where the cheapest stations are nearby so you can save a little (or a lot) along the way.
Also read: Best AI Travel Apps That Will Save You Time & Money
6. Roadtrippers – Plan Scenic Routes with Cool Stops
This one’s for my fellow wanderers who don’t want the boring “fastest route” every time.
Roadtrippers helps you find quirky roadside attractions, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems you’d never know about otherwise. Makes any drive more of an adventure.
7. Google Maps – Navigate Anywhere, Even Offline
A classic for a reason. Whether you’re in the city, the middle of nowhere, or lost on a dirt road, Google Maps is my go-to.
Download offline maps before you head out so you’re never totally stuck when cell service disappears.
8. AllTrails – Discover and Map Hiking Trails
If you’re planning summer hikes, this app is a must.
It’s packed with trail maps, reviews, and photos so you know exactly what you’re getting into. No more “this looks easy” turning into “why am I scaling a cliff in flip-flops.”
9. Recreation.gov – Reserve Campsites and Outdoor Permits
Trying to grab a campsite before everyone else does? This is where you book them.
National parks, campgrounds, permits—it’s basically your summer camping HQ. Perfect for locking in those prime spots early.
10. SkyView – Stargazing and Identifying Constellations
This one’s pure summer magic.
Point your phone at the night sky, and it shows you what constellations, planets, or satellites you’re looking at. Perfect for camping trips or late-night beach hangs when you want to impress your friends with “that’s actually Jupiter.”
11. Surfline – Check Real-Time Surf Conditions
If you’re hitting the beach to surf this summer, Surfline is a no-brainer. It gives you live surf cams, forecasts, and tide info so you know exactly when to grab your board and head out.
12. MyRadar – Track Local Weather and Storm Alerts
Summer weather can flip in seconds, right? MyRadar is clutch for checking live radar so you don’t get caught in a downpour or miss a perfect sunny window for your plans.
Also read: Best Rental Apps to Find Apartments and Houses Easily
13. Fishbrain – Find the Best Fishing Spots and Tips
For anyone who loves casting a line on summer mornings, Fishbrain is gold.
It shows you where the fish are biting, logs your catches, and even shares tips from other anglers. Makes those lazy lake days way more productive.
14. Booking.com – Easy Hotel and Rental Bookings
A classic for a reason. Whether you’re planning ahead or booking something last minute on the road, Booking.com has tons of options.
I love it for comparing prices and finding deals in a pinch.
15. Vrbo – Vacation Rentals for Families and Groups
If Airbnb isn’t cutting it or you want a big space for the whole crew, Vrbo is perfect.
Think entire houses, cabins, beach condos—ideal for family reunions or trips with friends where you don’t want to cram into tiny hotel rooms.
16. Yelp – Find Local Restaurants and Reviews
Road-tripping or visiting somewhere new? Yelp is still my go-to for finding local food that isn’t a sad chain off the highway.
Reviews, photos, menus—it saves you from “we should have just packed sandwiches.”
17. DoorDash – Get Food Delivered to Your Stay
Some days, you just don’t want to leave the Airbnb or hotel.
DoorDash has your back for those lazy summer nights. Whether it’s pizza on the beach house porch or tacos in your hotel room, it makes dinner easy.
18. Eventbrite – Discover Local Events and Festivals
You know how summer’s full of random cool stuff going on everywhere? Eventbrite is how I find it.
Concerts, food festivals, outdoor yoga—whatever. It’s perfect when you’re somewhere new and don’t want to miss the fun happening right under your nose.
19. Spotify – Stream Road Trip Playlists
Honestly, a summer drive without the right music is just…sad.
Spotify’s my go-to for throwing together road trip playlists or finding those perfect summer vibes someone else already made. Windows down, music up, you know?
20. Audible – Listen to Audiobooks on Long Drives
I’m obsessed with this for road trips.
When music gets old or everyone’s too zoned out to talk, an audiobook is magic. True crime, rom-coms, self-help—I love switching it up and getting lost in a story while the miles fly by.
21. Pocket Casts – Catch Up on Your Favorite Podcasts
Podcasts are my road trip secret weapon.
Pocket Casts makes it easy to download everything before you go (so spotty service doesn’t kill the vibe) and keep all your favorites in one place. Perfect for those long, empty stretches of highway.
22. Lightroom – Edit Travel Photos Like a Pro
Because let’s be honest—we all want those dreamy summer photos.
Lightroom makes it stupidly easy to tweak your pics so they actually look as good as you remember. Perfect for sunsets, beach days, or that mountain view you hiked all morning for.
23. Canva – Create Trip Collages and Stories
Okay, I’m kinda addicted to Canva. It’s not just for work stuff—I use it to make cute travel collages, Instagram stories, even little trip itineraries to share with friends.
Super easy, and you’ll look like you have your life way more together than you actually do.
24. InShot – Make Vacation Video Edits Easily
You know those quick little trip videos everyone loves? InShot is my go-to.
Trim, add music, throw in some text—it’s honestly foolproof. Makes even the most random road trip clips look like an actual highlight reel.
25. Splitwise – Track Shared Travel Expenses
If you’re traveling with friends or family, Splitwise is a sanity-saver. No more “who owes who” debates or someone getting stuck covering everything.
Just log stuff as you go, and it does the math. Best way to avoid those awkward money convos later.
26. XE Currency – Convert Money for International Trips
If you’re going international this summer, XE Currency is a must.
Saves you from standing there trying to do math in your head like “wait… is this dinner twenty bucks or two hundred?” Works offline too, which is clutch.
27. Trail Wallet – Manage Your Travel Budget
For my fellow budget-watchers. Trail Wallet makes it weirdly satisfying to track what you’re spending on trips.
Enter expenses by category, see where it all goes, try to avoid that “how did I spend that much on snacks?” moment.
28. Google Translate – Break the Language Barrier
Total lifesaver if you’re heading somewhere you don’t speak the language.
Just type or even point your camera at signs and menus. Makes ordering food, asking directions, or not looking completely lost way easier.
29. Smart Traveler – Get Official Travel Advisories
Okay, not the most glamorous app, but super important.
Smart Traveler gives you real-time travel advisories, safety updates, and embassy info. Good peace of mind, especially if you’re going somewhere new or less familiar.
30. SafetyWing – Buy Travel Insurance on the Go
Because let’s be honest—stuff happens. SafetyWing is my go-to for grabbing travel insurance quickly before a trip.
Medical emergencies, lost bags, random accidents… nice to know you’re covered without a ton of hassle.
31. Calm – Relax with Guided Meditations
Travel is fun, but also chaotic. Planes, traffic, cranky kids—it can get stressful.
Calm is my trick for winding down at night or even sneaking in a meditation in the car (as a passenger, obviously). Keeps the vacation vibes actually relaxing.
32. WaterMinder – Stay Hydrated in Summer Heat
Not the fanciest app, but so necessary. Summer heat + travel plans = easy to forget to drink enough water.
WaterMinder gives you gentle nudges to actually hydrate so you’re not feeling like a shriveled raisin by 2 PM.
33. Nike Training Club – Bodyweight Workouts Anywhere
Summer trips usually mean my regular gym routine is out the window.
Nike Training Club is my fix—it’s full of workouts you can do with zero equipment. Hotel room, campsite, beach… wherever. No excuses (even if I want some).
34. Caribu – Video Call with Interactive Kids’ Books
If you’re traveling with little ones or just want to keep them connected with family back home, Caribu is so sweet.
It lets you video call while reading stories together. Total lifesaver for keeping kids entertained and feeling close to grandparents or friends.
35. Audible for Kids – Kid-Friendly Audiobooks for Trips
Long drives with kids = potential meltdown zone.
Audible for Kids is my secret weapon. Tons of age-appropriate audiobooks they’ll actually want to listen to. Suddenly, the hours in the car aren’t so painful for anyone.
36. Google Family Link – Parental Controls for Kids’ Devices
Look, summer trips often mean handing over the tablet a little more than usual.
Google Family Link helps you keep tabs on screen time, set limits, and make sure they’re not watching something totally weird while you’re trying to navigate.
Wrap-Up
Okay, that’s the list.
I know it’s a lot, but honestly… Summer is a lot.
The good kind, though—the kind that’s messy and last-minute and full of those perfect little moments you don’t want to forget.
I use these apps so I can spend less time stressing over plans and more time actually enjoying them. Whether you’re road-tripping, camping, flying somewhere new, or just hanging in your own backyard, I hope at least a couple of these make your summer easier, cheaper, or just more fun.
If you have any apps you swear by for summer, let me know. I’m always down to try something new (and let’s be real—I’ll probably add it to next year’s list).
