Digital helpers & apps

Traveling with a smartphone, but smart - my digital tools for on the go

Offline maps, eSIMs, translators & travel planning tools - my smartphone is my best companion when traveling (after my daypack). In this section, I'll show you the apps & tools that accompany me on almost every trip - tested, saved & approved.

Navigation & orientation

• 📍Google Maps → Classic, but save with offline maps!

• 🗺️ Maps.me → Good addition for hiking trails & remote areas

• 🚍 Rome2Rio → Perfect for planning routes by bus, train, flight & ferrye

📌 Tip: I always save 3-4 important places as “favorites” in advance - accommodation, train station, clinic, etc.

Communication & Translation

• 🗣️ Google Translate → Live camera translation = lifesaver for signs & menus

• 💬 DeepL App → Better writing style, especially for messages or emails in foreign languages

• 📞 WhatsApp / Signal → SIM or WLAN-based - standard almost everywhere

📌 Tip: Many eSIMs offer pure data volume - use Messenger for calls instead of traditional phone calls.

Internet & eSIM on the move

• 🌐 Airalo / Nomad / Holafly → Book digital eSIMs & start calling immediately - no more local SIM required

• 📡 Speedtest.net app → Check how good the Wi-Fi in the hostel really is

📌 Tip: For workation & remote work: local eSIM + VPN + cloud access = stable basis.

Finance & Security

• 💳 Wise / Revolut → Fee-free payments & withdrawals worldwide

• 🧾 Splitwise → Ideal for traveling with friends - split costs transparently

• 📲 NordVPN / Surfshark → Security in public WLANs + access to German sites

📌 Tip: I save important PDFs (e.g. passport copy, vaccination certificate, insurance policies) offline in the Notes or Drive app.

Booking & Organization

• 🛌 Booking.com / Agoda / Hostelworld → For hostels, homestays & hotels

• 🛫 Google Flights → Flexible flight search by period & destination

• 📔 TripIt / Google Travel Planner → Automatic travel planning from emails

• 🧾 App in the air → Flight tracking + check-in help + gate information in real time

📌 Tip: I automatically forward all travel bookings to a Gmail folder - saves time & nerves.