Helpful Apps For Older Solo Travelers In 2023
So why write a post about apps for older solo travellers? My answer might surprise you. It has nothing to do with a love for tech or a desire to always be “connected”. I embraced a number of apps when I retired and went on my first solo trip to Costa Rica. I was a bit of a “Nervous Nelly” about going by myself.
Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – March 27, 2023
Like many of you, I had concerns about things like getting lost and needing directions and my personal safety; plus, I was embarrassed because I had no way to overcome the inevitable language barriers. Tech to the rescue! Your Smartphone and a handful of helpful apps may just be the best travelling companion you’ve ever had!!
Are you a solo traveller looking for the best apps to make your journey safer and more convenient? Or that can give you some peace of mind? Well, stand by, because I’ve done the research for you! I have compiled a list of helpful apps that will come in handy during your solo travels, regardless of your age.
Apps for Older Solo Travelers
Before we move forward, let’s answer this question.
What is an App?
“An app, which is short for “application,” is a type of software that can be installed and run on a computer, tablet, smartphone or other electronic devices. An app most frequently refers to a mobile application or a piece of software that is installed and used on a computer. Most apps have a specific and narrow function.” — Indeed Editor
Here are some top-rated apps for your review and consideration!
Apps for Directions & Getting Around
Apps for Safety
Sitata (Android and iPhone): If you’re concerned about safety, Sitata is a comprehensive travel safety app that provides up-to-date information on travel advisories, medical alerts, and local safety warnings. You can also use the app to find nearby medical facilities and pharmacies in case of an emergency.
NordVPN (Android, iPhone, and web): Protect your online privacy and keep your sensitive information safe with NordVPN. This virtual private network app encrypts your internet connection, especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi, which is susceptible to cyber-attacks.
BSafe (Android and iPhone): With BSafe, you can create an emergency network of friends and family. In case of an emergency, you can activate an alarm that sends an SOS message to your network and provides your location in real-time.
Spartacus (Android and iPhone): Spartacus is an LGBTQ+ travel app that offers a database of gay-friendly hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants. You can also find information on LGBTQ+ events and festivals. However, its primary role is to let members of the LGBTQ+ community know which areas are safe and welcoming.
Waze (Android and iPhone): Waze is a navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates and alternative routes. It also alerts you to speed traps, road closures, and accidents, making it easier to avoid traffic jams.
Smart Traveler (Android and iPhone): Smart Traveler is a travel advisory app that provides official government travel warnings, alerts, and emergency information. You can also register your trip with the app, making it easier for the embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.
GeoSure (Android and iPhone): GeoSure is a safety app that provides real-time safety scores for different areas. You can view safety scores for your destination city and also receive alerts for safety incidents in your vicinity. The score is based on different categories like theft, harassment, and physical harm.
Red Panic Button (Android and iPhone): In case of an emergency, the Red Panic Button app allows you to send an SOS message with just one tap. The app sends your GPS location and a message to your emergency contacts, letting them know that you need help.
Just a note about safety, I always use my NordVPN when I travel – for business or pleasure. I connect to public wifi, without it! Nord VPN makes it like browsing from home while I’m abroad, it keeps me protected in regions with low internet freedom and adds a layer of extra security when I’m banking and shopping online.
Check out Nord VPN here!
Apps for Translation
Google Translate (Android and iPhone): Google Translate is one of the most popular translation apps out there. It supports over 100 languages and includes features like voice translation, handwriting recognition, and a camera translator that allows you to translate text from photos.
TripLingo (Android and iPhone): If you’re visiting a foreign country where you’re not familiar with the language, TripLingo can be a lifesaver. This app offers instant translations of common phrases and words and also includes a culture guide and audio lessons to help you learn the local language.
iTranslate (Android and iPhone): iTranslate is a translation app that supports over 100 languages. You can type in a word or phrase, and the app will translate it into your desired language. The app also includes a voice translator, which allows you to have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language.
SayHi Translate (Android and iPhone): SayHi Translate is a voice translation app that allows you to have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. The app supports over 100 languages and includes a speech-to-text feature, which allows you to see what the other person is saying in text form.
“Learn the Language” Apps for Older Solo Travelers
And not to put too fine a point on being an “older solo traveller”, but learning a new language is good for us. Speaking multiple languages doesn’t just help while travelling. Studies have shown that: “As the population ages, understanding how to maintain older adults’ cognitive abilities is essential. Bilingualism has been linked to higher cognitive reserve, better performance in executive control, changes in brain structure and function relative to monolinguals, and delays in dementia onset. Learning a second language thus seems a promising avenue for cognitive enhancement in older adults.” This is from Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience – Ware C, Dautricourt S, Gonneaud J, Chételat G. Does Second Language Learning Promote Neuroplasticity in Aging? A Systematic Review of Cognitive and Neuroimaging Studies. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 Nov 12;13:706672.
Duolingo (Android and iPhone): Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers courses in over 30 languages. The app uses a game-like interface to teach you vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. You can track your progress and set daily goals to keep you motivated.
Babbel (Android and iPhone): Babbel is a language-learning app that offers courses in 14 different languages. The app focuses on practical conversation skills and includes interactive dialogues, grammar lessons, and vocabulary exercises. Babbel also offers speech recognition technology to help improve your pronunciation.
Memrise (Android and iPhone): Memrise is a language-learning app that uses memory techniques to help you learn and retain new vocabulary. The app offers courses in over 20 languages and includes features like interactive video clips, audio recordings, and quizzes.
Apps for Connection
Applications for connection, and communication with loved ones, are the apps for older solo travellers most often used. Especially if they’re free! Maybe it’s the “fixed income thing”, or maybe I’m just cheap. But I fully admit that my family motto is, “If it’s free, it’s for me”!!! That’s why I use WhatsApp while on vacation in Costa Rica. But if there is no reliable wifi, then other apps are what you need.
Rebtel (Android and iPhone): Stay connected with your loved ones while you’re travelling abroad with Rebtel. This app offers affordable international calling and messaging rates, so you can stay in touch without worrying about roaming charges.
WhatsApp (Android and iPhone): Communicate with locals and fellow travellers using WhatsApp, a free messaging app that works with an internet connection. You can also make voice and video calls for free, making it an excellent alternative to costly international calls.
This is also a good spot for me to remind you that if you’re a Facebook or Instagram user, both of those have free voice and video calling features too. And just because you’re retired, or simply on vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t use Zoom or FaceTime.
This might be a good time to mention the need for a quality cellphone charger. Tech takes juice! I recommend the Apps That Add Convenience
TrustedHousesitters (Android and iPhone): If you’re a pet lover, TrustedHousesitters is an app that allows you to connect with homeowners who need a pet sitter while they’re away. You can stay in their homes for free while taking care of their pets. This is the app you need before you leave for your vacation! City Point (Android and iPhone): City Point is an app that helps you plan your itinerary and find the best spots to visit. You can discover new restaurants, attractions, and events, and even book reservations right from the app. PackPoint (Android and iPhone): Forgetting something important on your trip can be a nightmare. PackPoint helps you pack smarter by creating a customized packing list based on your travel plans, itinerary, and weather forecasts. GasBuddy (Android and iPhone): Save money on gas with GasBuddy, an app that shows you the lowest gas prices in your area. You can also earn rewards by reporting gas prices, and the app will alert you when prices are expected to rise. AllTrails (Android and iPhone): If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, AllTrails is the app for you. It provides a database of over 100,000 trails, with detailed maps and reviews from other hikers. You can also record your hikes and share them with friends. Nike Training Club (Android and iPhone): Stay fit and healthy on your travels with Nike Training Club, an app that offers free workouts designed by professional trainers. You can choose from different workout categories, difficulty levels, and workout durations, making it easy to squeeze in a quick exercise session. Headout (Android and iPhone): Headout is an app that offers last-minute deals on activities and attractions in your destination city. You can book discounted tickets for tours, shows, and events, making it easier to save money while still having fun. WeatherBug (Android and iPhone): Stay on top of the weather conditions with WeatherBug, an app that offers real-time weather alerts, radar, and forecasts. You can also view live webcams from different locations, making it easier to plan your outdoor activities. MagicSeaweed (Android and iPhone): Surf enthusiasts will appreciate MagicSeaweed, an app that provides surf forecasts for thousands of beaches worldwide. You can check wave heights, wind conditions, and tide charts, making it easier to find the best waves. Flush (Android and iPhone): When nature calls, Flush is an app that helps you find the nearest public restrooms. It also provides information on whether the restrooms are wheelchair accessible and whether they charge a fee. Wise (Android and iPhone): Avoid costly bank fees and currency exchange rates with Wise, an app that offers affordable international money transfers. You can also get a multi-currency account and a debit card that works worldwide. TripIt (Android and iPhone): Organize your travel plans with TripIt, an app that creates a detailed itinerary for your trip. You can forward your flight, hotel, and rental car confirmations to the app, and it will create a master itinerary for you. TimeShifter (Android and iPhone): If you’re crossing time zones, TimeShifter can help you adjust to the new time zone faster. It offers personalized jet lag advice based on your sleep pattern, itinerary, and light exposure. DayUse (Android and iPhone): DayUse is an app that allows you to book hotel rooms for daytime use, which is perfect for layovers or long transit times. You can book a room for a few hours and freshen up or take a nap before your next adventure. Hopper (Android and iPhone): Hopper is a flight booking app that uses AI to predict the best time to buy tickets. You can also set up alerts to get notified when prices drop, making it easier to snag a great deal. FlightHub (Android and iPhone): FlightHub is another flight booking app that offers competitive prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals. You can also manage your bookings and track flight statuses right from the app. Hostelworld (Android and iPhone): If you’re a budget-conscious traveller, Hostelworld is a must-have app. It offers a vast database of hostels worldwide, with reviews, ratings, and prices. You can also book directly from the app and manage your bookings. FlightAware (Android and iPhone): Stay updated on your flight status with FlightAware, an app that provides real-time flight tracking and alerts. You can also view airport maps and flight schedules. I know they say there’s an app for everything, but if you have genuine fears about travelling alone, or simply don’t want to, no app will help that. Perhaps you need other options or different advice. Give my post, Fear of Traveling Alone and How to Overcome It: A 2023 Guide For Retirees, a read. And see if you can’t find a solution in there. It’s pretty comprehensive. In conclusion, there are many apps available to make solo travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether you need help with translations, currency exchange, safety, or health, there is an app out there for you. Just make sure to download the apps that are compatible with your operating system, and always read reviews and check the app’s reputation before downloading. With the help of these apps, solo travel can be a fun and rewarding experience at any age. Cheers, Cynthia Ross Tustin retired early to pursue her passion for writing. Turns out, she's equally passionate about retirement! This author has spent 1000s of hours researching all the best that retirement has to offer. What you'll find here is a well-curated resource of amazing places to go and fun things to do as your retirement approaches. Not retired, no problem! There's plenty here for all of us that are "of a certain vintage"!
Apps for Solo Travelers to Leave or Stay
Fear of Traveling Alone
Let’s Sum Up Apps for Older Solo Travelers
CynthiaPlease continue reading…
