Finding the best accommodation, speaking the local language or even preventing a nasty sunburn is as easy downloading an app onto your smartphone. Here is a list of 15 amazing travel apps that will change the way you vacation. Bonus: they’re all absolutely free!

1. XE Currency

If you’re that person always pulling out your calculator at every shop and converting local currency into your own, this is the app for you. The best part about this app is that it uses live currency rates so you’ll get a completely accurate amount.

2. Viber 

Feeling homesick? Get Viber! As long as both you and your loved ones have this awesome app on your phones, then you can call them for free. And if you’re really missing them, you can even video chat!

3. TripAdvisor

For those who don’t know, TripAdvisor is a public platform where your average Joe can bash businesses, I mean, give feedback on your experience! It’s a great resource when looking for accommodation and getting really, really honest feedback from the public. And yes, they  have an app that allows you to look up any place wherever you are.

4. Sunscreen 

Red, sunburnt skin is not our idea of amazing vacation. Prevent looking like a lobster on your next vacation with Sunscreen. This smart app detects the UVI rating of your current location and sets a countdown timer to alert you when you need to put on sunblock in case you fall asleep basking in the sun. It’s as simple as that!

5. Perfect World Clock

This is one for your friends and family who don’t know how to calculate the time difference between different countries and send you messages at 3 a.m. The Perfect World Clock provides you with easy access to the time in hundreds of cities across the world.

6. WorldMate 

This app is the closest thing you’ll get to a really good, free personal assistant. By forwarding all your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, hire cars, restaurant bookings to trips@worldmate.com,  the app instantly generates an itemized itinerary!

7. HopStop 

Some of the best (and worst) experiences most people have on trips is by using public transport. From buskers to beggars, there’s never a dull moment. HopStop gives you all the information you need about public transport in 68 of the world’s biggest, busiest metropolitan cities.

8. Foodspotting 

This one is for the foodies! There are many apps that review and recommend restaurants by crowd sourcing, but there are very few that focus on specific dishes. So whether you’re looking for the best tacos in Cabo, burgers in New York or ice cream in Milan, you’ll find it all on this gastronomic app.

9. Wi-Fi Finder

Data roaming charges are expensive and nobody wants to get home to a high phone bill, but knowing where to find a decent Wi-Fi hotspot is often difficult. This app simplifies all of that by directing you to the nearest source of wireless internet. It also works in offline mode.

10. Word Lens

Ever been in that unfortunate situation where you can’t read the menu because it’s in a different language? Well, this app redeems you for not taking studying in French class. All you have to do is take a photo of the phrase you want to translate and the app translates it!

11. Touchnote 

Still believe in postcards and good old snail mail? Well, if you answer yes, then you’ll love this antiquated-style app that allows you to make your own postcard with your vacation images. The catch is that it costs $1.49 to print them, but it’s well worth it.

12. Day One 

Don’t want to forget a single moment of your travels and like keeping a diary? Then Day One is made for you. The app combines text and images and records them by date. It’s like reading a Facebook feed all about yourself. 

13. Minube

Travel guides are great but can be extremely chunky. This app lets you carry them around on your phone. Not only are they free, but are up to date, crowdsourced by other travelers, and can be used offline. Guides come in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and German. 

14. AroundMe 

Looking for a great restaurant, hotel, bar or even parking? Well this app does that for you by locating the best and closest restaurants, theatres, bars, hotels, hospitals and parking based on your geolocation. It’s pretty handy when you’ve managed to get yourself lost and need a bite to eat.

15. Weather+Free 

Want to go snorkeling but not sure if its going to rain? Just use this app. It gives you accurate accounts of what the weather will be doing down to the day and hour. It also looks at wind speeds and humidity in the area.

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