Travel Documents: Best App Organization Solutions

When it comes to travelling, it's easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of preparation and planning needed. Thankfully, there are a number of apps that can help you streamline the process and ensure you have all the necessary documents in one place. One such app is TripIt, which allows you to store scanned versions of your passport and ID, as well as contact information and travel reservations. Another option is Travel Docs, which acts as a virtual wallet for all your important documents, from passports to insurance policies. These apps not only help you stay organised but also provide quick and easy access to your travel information, making your trips a lot less stressful.

Security: PIN-protected apps that store your documents offline and can be accessed without data

When travelling, it's important to keep your important documents safe and easily accessible. This is where PIN-protected apps that store your documents offline come in. Here are some apps that allow you to access your documents without data:

TripIt

TripIt is an app that allows you to store important travel information such as copies of your passport, ID, and contact information for people like your doctor or house sitter. The app includes a 'Traveler Profile' feature, which is a digital place to store scanned versions of your documents. You can add everything right on your phone, including snapping shots of your passport, and access it with just a few taps. All the information is stored offline and protected by a four-digit PIN, so you can access it even without a data connection and don't have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands if you lose your phone. TripIt also has a Pro version for $49/year that offers additional features like seat tracking, refund notifications, and real-time flight alerts.

Evernote

Evernote is a well-known note-taking app with a long list of features, including templates designed specifically for travellers. You can use Evernote to write down your itineraries, places you've visited, restaurants you've tried, and any other details you want to remember. Additionally, you can scan and store travel documents in Evernote, so you can access them from any device if you lose your phone, laptop, or physical documents. While Evernote itself is free, the offline notebooks feature is only available with the paid Plus, Premium, and Business versions.

Google Docs Offline Mode

With Google Docs Offline Mode, you can access your Google Drive files offline from your mobile device. Simply turn on offline access in the settings when you have an internet connection, and download the appropriate app(s) from the Google or Apple app store.

Accessibility: Easy-to-use apps that allow you to access documents with just a few taps

Accessibility is key when it comes to travel apps, and there are a few that stand out for their ease of use and convenience. Here are some apps that allow you to access your travel documents with just a few taps:

TripIt

TripIt is an excellent app for keeping all your travel plans and documents in one place. You can automatically forward confirmation emails for flights, hotels, car rentals, and even restaurant reservations to a master itinerary within the app. It also has a 'Traveler Profile' feature, which allows you to store scanned versions of your passport and ID, as well as contact information. This information is accessible offline and protected by a four-digit PIN, ensuring your data is secure even if you lose your phone. TripIt is free to use, but a Pro version is available for $49/year, which includes additional features like real-time flight alerts and refund notifications.

Google Maps

Google Maps is a well-known and widely used app that can be extremely useful when travelling to a new city. It can help you find handy spots like banks or gas stations, understand public transportation options, map out walking and cycling routes, and even make restaurant reservations. You can also download specific city maps for offline use if you know you won't have internet access at your destination. Additionally, Google Maps allows you to easily share your location with travel companions.

Mobile Passport

Mobile Passport is a free app that can help you get through customs faster when returning from a trip abroad. You fill out your declaration forms and passport information, and then submit the mobile documents for inspection and approval. This allows you to move through separate, faster customs lines at certain airports, saving you time and hassle.

Priority Pass

The Priority Pass app grants access to airport lounges worldwide, offering a quiet and comfortable space while travelling. The app lets you search for eligible lounges and discounts by airport, and also allows you to save your membership card and present it on your phone. An annual membership starts at $99, but certain credit cards also offer Priority Pass memberships to their cardholders.

HotelTonight

HotelTonight is ideal for booking last-minute hotel rooms at affordable rates in various cities worldwide. The app categorises available rooms by type, such as basic, hip, or luxe, and also offers a daily drop feature with personalised deals valid for 15 minutes. It has a reward program called HT Perks, where you can "level up" by reaching specific spending thresholds and gain access to perks like discounts and VIP customer support.

Journalfy Travel Journal

Journalfy is a newer app that allows you to record your travel experiences and memories. It has a free plan that includes uploading up to 10 photos per entry, as well as a paid plan with more photo and entry options. You can seamlessly share your entries with friends and family, and the app also includes writing prompts and an intuitive, ad-free layout.

Organisation: Apps that help you keep all your documents in one place

When it comes to travelling, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of planning and preparation involved. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps that can help you stay organised and keep all your documents in one place. Here are some of the best apps for document organisation:

TripIt

TripIt is an excellent app for keeping all your travel plans and reservations in one place. You can automatically forward confirmation emails for flights, hotels, car rentals, and restaurant bookings to a master itinerary within the app. TripIt also allows you to store important travel documents like your passport and ID, keeping them safe and easily accessible. The app offers a free version as well as a Pro version for $49/year, which includes additional features like real-time flight alerts and security wait times.

Evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that can be used for various purposes, including travel planning and documentation. It allows you to write down itineraries, places visited, restaurants, food recommendations, and any other details you want to remember. With Evernote, you can also use email forwarding and Web Clipper to keep all your important travel information in one place.

Journi

Journi is a relatively new travel journal app that allows you to capture and organise your travel memories. You can add photos, notes, and maps to create visual narratives of your trips. The app also enables you to share your travel stories and explore the journeys of other users. Journi offers a free plan and a paid subscription for $18.65/year, which includes more photo uploads.

Google Maps

While most people use Google Maps for navigation, it can also be a helpful tool for document organisation. The app allows you to map locations, make restaurant reservations, and save your favourite spots. You can also create customised maps with flagged locations that you want to visit and download them for offline use. Additionally, Google Maps provides information on public transportation options, including buses, trains, and ride-sharing services.

PackPoint

PackPoint is a helpful app that takes the stress out of packing. It provides trip-specific packing recommendations based on your destination, the weather, and the activities you plan to do. The app even considers whether you'll have access to laundry facilities and the ability to rewear clothes. Simply input your travel details, and PackPoint will give you a customised packing list.

With these apps, you can stay organised, keep your documents in order, and focus on enjoying your travels.

Synchronisation: Apps that sync across multiple devices

Synchronisation is a key feature of many travel apps, allowing users to access their travel documents across multiple devices. This is especially useful for those who want to access their travel information on their phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Here are some apps that offer syncing across multiple devices:

TripIt

TripIt is a popular app for organising travel reservations and plans. It allows users to automatically forward confirmation emails for flights, hotels, car rentals, and restaurant reservations to a master itinerary. TripIt also includes a 'Traveler Profile' feature, where users can store copies of their passport and other important documents. This information is available offline and protected by a four-digit PIN. TripIt offers a free version and a Pro version with additional features such as real-time flight alerts and refund notifications for $49 per year.

Evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that can be used for various purposes, including travel journaling. It allows users to write itineraries, places visited, restaurants tried, and any other details they want to remember. Evernote also offers email forwarding and Web Clipper to keep all travel information in one place. It is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices, making it easy to access and sync information across multiple platforms.

Google Photos

Google Photos is a useful app for backing up photos while travelling. It can be set up to automatically transfer new photos to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi. This ensures that users never lose their photos and provides additional features such as photo enhancement and album creation. Google Photos is a convenient way to keep travel memories safe and easily accessible across devices.

Journi

Journi is another travel journal app that allows users to document their trips with photos, notes, and maps. One unique feature is the ability to create printed photo books of their travels. Journi offers both a free and a paid subscription that includes more photo uploads and other premium features. The app is available on iOS and Android, making it easy to sync and access travel memories across multiple devices.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows users to store and sync various types of files, including travel documents, across multiple devices. While it doesn't have travel-specific features like other apps, it provides a secure and reliable way to access important documents from anywhere. Dropbox offers a basic free plan and paid plans with more storage and features.

Additional features: Apps that offer more than just document storage, such as real-time flight alerts or currency conversion

When it comes to travel apps, there are a plethora of options that offer more than just document storage. These additional features are designed to streamline every aspect of your travel experience, from planning and booking to navigating and enjoying your trip. Here are some examples:

Real-Time Flight Alerts

The TripIt app is a comprehensive travel organiser that allows you to store important documents like your passport and ID. Additionally, it offers real-time flight alerts, notifying you about any delays or gate changes. The app also includes other handy features such as seat tracking, refund notifications, and check-in reminders.

Currency Conversion

XE Currency Converter and My Currency Converter are essential apps for travellers, offering up-to-date exchange rates for various currencies. These apps ensure that you always know the value of your money and can make informed decisions when spending abroad. They also support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

Finding Travel Deals

Hopper and Going are apps designed to help you find the best travel deals. Hopper uses predictive analytics to notify you of the optimal time to book flights and hotels, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. Going, on the other hand, sends real-time flight deal alerts and provides all the necessary booking information, so you never miss out on a great deal.

Navigation and Transportation

Rome2rio and Transit are transportation apps that help you navigate and plan your journeys. Rome2rio provides you with all the possible travel options between any two locations, including plane, train, car, bus, or ferry, allowing you to compare travel times and costs. Transit is a comprehensive real-time transport app that offers the best routes in over 500 cities across 20 countries.

Local Recommendations and Activities

AllTrails is a hiking and mountain biking app that provides detailed descriptions of trails worldwide, along with GPS directions, trail difficulty ratings, and user reviews. TheFork is another useful app for travellers, offering restaurant recommendations and reservations in European cities like London, Madrid, and Geneva. It also provides discounts of up to 50% at select restaurants.

These additional features offered by travel apps can greatly enhance your overall travel experience, providing convenience, savings, and peace of mind during your journeys.

Frequently asked questions