Ask HN: What travel apps do you use while traveling?

2•Nora23•3w ago

Curious what travel apps the HN community actually finds useful when traveling internationally.

I'm particularly interested in: • Navigation and getting around unfamiliar cities • Dealing with language barriers • Finding local experiences vs tourist traps • Any apps that have genuinely saved you time or made travel easier

I've tried Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and the usual suspects, but they all feel generic. What do you use? Any hidden gems?

(Context: I'm working on a travel app called PAVO Travel, so trying to understand what features travelers actually need vs what developers think they need)

Comments

synack•3w ago

Not strictly a mobile app, but I keep offline Kiwix snapshots of Wikivoyage and Wikipedia on my laptop. It mostly comes in handy on trains with intermittent wifi.

Nora23•3w ago

This is really helpful, thanks! The offline aspect keeps coming up. PAVO currently generates content in real-time with Gemini, which obviously doesn't work without connectivity.

Thinking I should add a "pre-download" feature where users can generate audio guides and itineraries over WiFi before heading out. Would that solve the offline problem, or do people need the flexibility to explore spontaneously without planning ahead?

31337Logic•3w ago

I love Organic Maps for offline navigation and exploration. They even download wiki articles about popular tourist attractions!

The other app I use is Briar for communications. It's surprisingly handy. You can use it on existing wifi networks but also mesh your own network with Bluetooth.

Joplin to journal my vacation (which then synchs to my home network).

Oh, and of course Wireguard!