We all have our go-to travel apps: Google Maps, Airbnb, Skyscanner, and the like. But every once in a while, an app comes along that genuinely makes you think, “Where has this been all my life?” Whether it’s about saving money, planning better, or simply reducing stress during your trip, these new or underrated gems deserve a spot on your phone this year.

So, let’s dive into five must have travel apps you probably haven’t heard of—but once you try them, you won’t want to travel without them.

1. Wanderlog – The Trip Planner You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re anything like me, trip planning starts as an excited flurry of open browser tabs, random notes in your phone, and maybe a Pinterest board or two. And before you know it, it’s pure chaos. That’s where Wanderlog steps in.

This underrated app is like Google Docs meets TripIt. You can plan your full itinerary—flights, accommodations, places to eat, and things to do—in one shared place. It even maps out your day with built-in Google Maps integration. The coolest part? It works beautifully offline.

Why we love it in 2025:

• AI-powered itinerary suggestions based on your travel style
• Real-time sync across devices
• Easily collaborate with friends (goodbye, 17 WhatsApp threads)

Whether you’re a Type A planner or a go-with-the-flow traveler, Wanderlog gives you structure without feeling rigid.

2. Revolut Stays – Booking and Budgeting in One App

Okay, so Revolut isn’t new. It’s one of the most popular travel-friendly banking apps out there. But what many travelers still overlook is Revolut Stays—a built-in booking feature that makes trip planning ridiculously convenient.

Yes, it’s true: prices on Revolut Stays can occasionally be higher than booking directly through hotel sites or platforms like Booking.com. But in return, you get instant cashback, a clean interface, and seamless integration with your travel budget and currency exchange—all in one app. Think of it as a mini Booking.com, but right inside your bank account.

Why it matters in 2025:

• Travelers are budgeting smarter—cashback makes a real difference
• No need for extra apps—book, pay, and track in one place
• Ideal for monitoring spending and exchange rates abroad

Bonus: It now connects with Apple Wallet for quick access to bookings, boarding passes, and hotel check-ins.

If you’re already using Revolut for travel money, Stays is worth checking before you book elsewhere—especially if you value convenience and a little cashback boost.

3. LoungeBuddy (Now Part of Amex Travel) – Make Airports Bearable Again

Layovers suck. Delays suck. Crowded terminals, loud announcements, and those overpriced, soggy sandwiches? Yep, those suck too. But what if I told you there was an app that let you find, book, and enter airport lounges—without elite status or a platinum-plated lifestyle?

That app was LoungeBuddy. Since early 2025, it’s been retired as a standalone platform—but you can still use LoungeBuddy’s lounge search feature through American Express. If you’ve got an Amex card, especially a Platinum one, you already have access to several lounge networks—and LoungeBuddy helps you find them.

Why it’s still underrated (even in its new form):

• No guesswork: Know exactly what lounges you can use
• Transparent lounge info—Wi-Fi? Showers? Snacks? Sorted.
• Still a lifesaver for economy flyers with the right Amex

Travel’s booming again, airports are packed, and lounges are upgrading fast. Even without the old LoungeBuddy app, this tool remains your shortcut to calm, clean spaces—and maybe even a glass of champagne.

4. AllTrails+ with AI Trail Match – For the Adventurous Traveler

AllTrails has been around for a while, mostly loved by hikers and cyclists. But in 2025, they rolled out AI Trail Match, a feature that quietly revolutionized outdoor exploring.

You just type in your mood (“peaceful lake with sunset views” or “challenging mountain hike with waterfalls”), and the app suggests trails that match your vibe—not just by location or length, but by real-time trail conditions, popularity, and scenery.

Why we’re obsessed:

• Perfect for digital nomads wanting weekend nature escapes
• Filters for kid-friendly, dog-friendly, or wheelchair-accessible trails
• Syncs offline maps for areas with no signal

If you’re tired of cities and looking for natural beauty, AllTrails+ feels like your personal trail whisperer.

5. Timeshifter – Beat Jet Lag Like a Pro

Jet lag has always been the unspoken villain of travel. It messes with your sleep, energy, and overall mood. Enter Timeshifter, an app based on real circadian science that helps you adjust faster to new time zones.

You input your trip details (flight times, usual sleep schedule, and caffeine habits), and Timeshifter builds a personalized plan: when to avoid light, when to nap, when to drink coffee, and when to stay awake. It’s like having a mini sleep coach in your pocket.

Why it’s a game-changer:

• Developed with NASA-level science (yes, really)
• Works even if you’re only hopping 2–3 time zones
• Especially helpful for business travelers and long-haul flights

Most users say they sleep better and feel more “normal” on day one at their destination. That’s a big win in our book.

Honorable Mentions

Couldn’t leave without a few quick shoutouts:

• Tripcoin – An intuitive travel expense tracker that doesn’t overwhelm you with finance lingo.
• Flush – Yes, it’s an app that shows you the nearest public bathroom. No judgment, just practicality.
• Alertify – A website for travel tech tips, comparing eSIMs while you’re abroad, saving you roaming costs in seconds.

Final Thoughts

There’s something satisfying about finding a travel app that solves a problem you didn’t even know you had. In 2025, we’re spoiled with choices, but the real gems are the apps that make travel smoother, cheaper, or more fun without adding digital clutter.

So, whether you’re jetting off for business, backpacking through Europe, or just planning your next weekend escape, give one (or all) of these apps a try. Who knows? Your new favorite travel companion might not be a person—it might be an icon on your home screen.

Let me know which one you’re downloading first.