It's true what they say: there's an app for everything. This is especially true for travel, and if you're planning a budget holiday this year, there are plenty of money saving apps to choose from. Whether you're still in the daydreaming stage or already at the airport, these five apps will show you how to save money on travel without breaking a sweat.
Don't forget to download the Money Dashboard app, too. Our free money management software can help you to keep track of how much you're spending while you're away, so there's no chance of blowing the holiday budget.
1. Get there for less with Skyscanner
This flight comparison app does a lot more than just show you cheap flights: although it does that too. It's particularly good for undecided travellers. If you don't have a specific destination in mind, you can use the ‘Everywhere' search function to see the cheapest flights leaving from your nearest airport and base your travel plans around that. If you haven't got specific dates in mind, you can use the chart view to see where the cheapest flights are over a week or month.
2. Find great accommodation deals with Hotel Tonight
We've mentioned before that booking hotels at the last minute is a great way to save money. Hotel Tonight is an app that specialises in just that. They sell off hotel rooms that would normally go empty, usually at a massive discount. The sale starts at 9am on the morning of your stay, and they've recently added functionality that can predict availability and prices for the coming week. It's perfect for road trips, too, especially when you're only spending one or two nights in each destination.
3. Stay connected with Free Wi-Fi Finder
It's good to have a social media detox while you're on your hols, but sometimes you really need to get online. Free Wi-Fi Finder uses your phone's GPS system to direct you to the nearest cafe, library, or public hotspot offering a free connection. Perfect if you want to download the address details of that great restaurant you read about, call home for free via Skype or, if you can't resist the urge, to upload a selfie or two.
4. Tuck into cheap eats with BiteHunter
When you're hungry and in an unfamiliar city, it can be easy to stumble into a tourist trap and pay over the odds for a meal. A bit of local knowledge goes a long way, but unlike other restaurant apps, BiteHunter doesn't just show you which restaurants are good - it also shows you which restaurants have great deals on the go. Saving money and eating tasty food: what's not to love?
5. Get around with TripAdvisor's free city guides
If it's your first time visiting a city, it's a good idea to come prepared with a guidebook. Instead of shelling out hard earned cash on this year's Lonely Planet, just download TripAdvisor's free city guides. They're packed with information about what to see and do, and include self guided tours that you can follow. The data is downloaded straight to your phone so you don't even need to worry about roaming charges.
Posted by Money Dashboard
