Apps & Websites I Actually Used Abroad

In an unknown world of transportation, food, language, and places, it is helpful to have a few apps and websites to guide you along the way. Before I left, I downloaded a plethora of apps, some unused and others which enhanced my experience. Here is a list of the apps and websites I actually used to organize, discover, and understand during my time abroad. 

Travel:

Omio (previously GoEuro) 

I used this website the most to book the best train, bus, or flights for my trip. It is easy to use and quickly compares many options.

Google Flights

I mainly used Google Flights to figure out the best time and day to fly. In addition, by not listing a destination, I was able to see the cheapest flights to anywhere or the cheapest days to fly to a certain city. I wouldn't suggest booking specifically off of Google, as it is sometimes cheaper to go to the direct airline site after you have analyzed your options. 

CityMapper

This application is helpful when looking to get around in a new city. It provides every possible option for getting where you want to go, including bus, tram, metro, bike, and taxi. It especially aided me in Paris, when I took 2 metros, a train, and a bus to travel from the airport across the center of the city. 

Lonely Planet

With their city guides, Lonely Planet provides a comprehensive list of sites, restaurants, and tips for every destination. This is useful for when you want to plan quickly or pack as much as you can into a day trip. 

Organization:

Google Calendar

Incorporating all your assignments, classes, and travel plans into one calendar ensures that you stay on task and plan efficiently. Having a calendar that is digital allows me to send reminders and easily change my events. When my friends and I were planning trips, it was easy to compare when we had free time. 

Google Photos

With the amount of photos you will take, storing them in Google Photos will not only help organize them but also free up space. 

Education:

Apps

Quartz

This app delivers news to you in a short format, allowing you to hear about recent events. I used this to check up on what was going on in the U.S. and elsewhere whenever I had a free 15 minutes. 

Quizlet

When traveling, you may not have space to pack your heaviest books. Therefore, studying offline quizlet flashcards while you're on a long train or flight can help you manage. 

Forest

Forest helps you focus, keeping you away from your phone by planting a virtual, and eventually real, tree. Whether you want to take a break to explore your city without distraction or stay tuned into schoolwork, Forest motivates you with time management. 

Duolingo

I would recommend Duolingo to learn the essentials of a language when traveling, like how to say thank you in Greek. Simply googling basic phrases can be an aid. While Google Translate is not the best for learning a new language or direct translations, the offline download can also help you translate certain words when you need it.

Entertainment:

Podcasts

I love listening to podcasts while traveling because you can play them offline and learn about whatever topic you would like, including where you are traveling to. They enrich your experience and lead to discovery. 

Spotify

This is the only app I use for my music as it enables me to listen offline and cultivate playlists. Use this to make a playlist to remember songs from your abroad experience.

Netflix

French Netflix has different options, allowing you to discover new entertainment that you did not have at home. You can explore French movies or a familiar favorite if you are feeling homesick. 

Nice:

Apps

Moovit 

Since CityMapper is unavailable for Nice, Moovit is a great alternative. This transportation app knows the bus and tram schedule and gets you around Nice and the rest of the Côte d'Azur effortlessly.

Ligne d'Azur

I also use this official app for transportation in Nice often, mainly to check the real time of the 230 bus from SKEMA. 

Websites

Best of Nice blog

This blog details Nice, writing about history, events, and cultural aspects. You can learn about Nice's own April Fool's joke, the winter shopping sales, and how to eat like a local.

Nice is Love guide

This is my best-kept gem, my favorite guide of Nice. I love the breathtaking photos and specific recommendations. I feel it displays the beauty and culture of Nice.

Other:

Apps

Polarsteps

Polarsteps is a virtual map and travel log that allows you to track where you have been. Seeing how far you have been on a map allows you to comprehend the experience. 

World Clock

Adding this clock to my notification center lets me quickly see what time it is at home and in places I am traveling to. 

XE Currency

I also added this currency conversion widget to my notification center. It is useful to translate in real time into euros or when traveling to understand a currency like the HUF in Hungary. 

Mapstr

Mapstr allows you to pinpoint places on a map and organize them in lists. When I first heard about all the places in Nice and other cities that I knew I wanted to check out, I added them here. 

Mint

Mint helps you keep track of your budget and plan for trips. It also shows transactions fees and clear descriptions of your spending so you can ensure they are accurate.