22 Best Travel Apps for Airplane Mode

We can bring many things from home on our travels. Unfortunately, our data plan is not always one of them. That’s where the best offline apps for travel come in.

Before you use your phone to get those Insta-worthy pictures, download apps you can use when you’re offline.

Getting a local SIM card at your destination is useful, but what if that’s not possible right away? And what about how to spend your time during your flight when you have to be in airplane mode?

Luckily, there are some offline travel apps that you can rely on when you don’t have access to cellular data. Whether you’re streaming music or movies, getting some work done, or mapping out your itinerary, the best offline travel apps for iPhone and Android have you covered.

What kind of travel apps are helpful on airplane mode?

Airplane mode is also called offline mode. As the name suggests, if your phone is on offline mode, you likely won’t be able to get online for a while. By using some specific airplane mode apps, you can use this time to watch a film, work, or plan your trip.

Many of the best apps for airplane mode fall into one of these categories:

• Maps
• Entertainment
• Work
• Translation
• Trip planning

22 best offline apps for travel

1. Google Maps

• Why it’s the best: Google Maps lets you download maps that you can use when you’re offline. The only thing you need to do is search for your target destination when you have an internet connection and download the map in advance. Then you’ll be able to find your way even when you don’t have internet.
• Available for iOS and Android.

2. Maps.me

• Why it’s the best: Some people prefer Maps.me over Google Maps. While they are both among the best offline map apps, they have a key difference—Maps.me is based on user-generated content. With Maps.me, you can use your map offline and see different types of public transport options.
• Available for iOS and Android.

3. HERE WeGo

Ditch your old-school map for an app that gets you everywhere you need to go.

• Why it’s the best: HERE WeGo, formerly known as Nokia maps, is striving to be the best offline map app that’s ever been made. The app is developing very fast and currently has over 100 countries and 47 languages. By using the app, you can download city maps and transport maps, check out parking availability, and get real-time information.
• Available for iOS and Android.

4. WiFi Map

• Why it’s the best: This one’s a different kind of map—it puts every spot where there is public WiFi on a map. Although the offline version is paid, you might find it useful if you don’t think you’ll get a data plan any time soon.
• Available for iOS and Android.

5. Netflix

• Why it’s the best: Netflix has three subscription tiers: basic, standard, and premium. All three tiers let you download series, films, or any content that’s on Netflix and then watch offline. If you’re planning to take a long flight and want your go-to shows at your fingertips, it offers a good option.
• Available for iOS and Android.

6. Spotify

• Why it’s the best: Spotify offers thousands of podcasts and music options. The free version lets you download podcasts to listen offline. You can download albums, playlists, and podcasts in the premium version. If you’re a student, make sure to check Premium Student as Spotify has good student deals, including for those who study abroad.
• Available for iOS and Android.

7. Kindle

• Why it’s the best: Amazon Kindle can be your lifesaver if you’re an avid reader and a travel lover. It has a free app that lets you read every book you have purchased on Amazon. If you buy new books, they sync when you have an internet connection and become available when you’re online again.
• Available for iOS and Android.

8. Pocket

• Why it’s the best: Want more options for your reading? Pocket lets you bookmark content on the internet that you can access at any time. Whether you want to read a travel article about your new destination or your favorite online magazine, don’t forget to bookmark it so you’ll have access offline with Pocket.
• Available for iOS and Android.

9. Audible

No internet? No problem. You can still listen to your favorite books and podcasts while you’re on the go abroad.

• Why it’s the best: Do you prefer listening to books? With Audible, you can listen to many best-selling audiobooks and podcasts. The app has a free 30-day trial and you start paying afterwards. Same logic as the other apps, you download audiobooks in advance and you’ll be able to listen to them even when you don’t have WiFi.
• Available for iOS and Android.

10. YouTube Premium

• Why it’s the best: In the U.S. and in many other countries, you need YouTube Premium to be able to download videos and music from the app. You can try it for free for 30 days and if you like it, you can pay for the service and continue watching ad-free YouTube videos that you’ve downloaded.
• Available for iOS and Android.

11. Shazam

• Why it’s the best: It would be unfair if you missed out on that great song you heard in another country just because you didn’t have internet. Shazam’s offline version is here to help you—just use it as you would in the online mode. Shazam will save the song and find it for you when you have internet again.
• Available for iOS and Android.

12. Google Workspace

• Why it’s the best: Working on the plane or at the airport is a great way to save some time. Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, has many tools that make remote working easier. The most popular ones are Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. To be able to use them offline, you only need to turn on the offline setting.
• Available for iOS and Android.

13. Evernote

• Why it’s the best: Evernote, one of the most well-known note-taking apps, also works offline. You can continue working on your notes even when you have no access to the internet and all of your notes will be synced once you’re back online.
• Available for iOS and Android.

14. Google Translate

Ordering tasty treats like a local is a breeze with an offline app to help you translate.

• Why it’s the best: Google Translate is one of the best offline translator apps as it has around 133 languages. Many of them have language files that you can download and use when you don’t have an internet connection. If you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language, you will find it helpful.
• Available for iOS and Android.

15. Quizlet

• Why it’s the best: Quizlet has flashcards and games on different subjects including languages, math, science, and more. By upgrading to Quizlet Plus, you can access your flashcards and continue studying offline as well.
• Available for iOS and Android.

16. XE Currency

• Why it’s the best: Thanks to its practicality, XE Currency is one of the best offline apps for traveling abroad. Basically, it does the math for you when you pay in a different currency. You can also track up to 10 currencies and transfer money in 65 currencies.
• Available for iOS and Android.

17. First Aid: American Red Cross

• Why it’s the best: Unfortunately, unexpected things can happen during your trip, including health emergencies. The American Red Cross First Aid app guides you on what to do in various health-related situations. It’s available in English and Spanish.
• Available for iOS and Android.

18. World Time Buddy

• Why it’s the best: You’ll find World Time Buddy useful if you are traveling far away from home or if you have meetings with people from all over the world. The app converts several time zones.
• Available for iOS and Android.

19. White Noise

• Why it’s the best: If you like sleeping to relaxing sounds, the White Noise app is perfect for you. By downloading the app, you will have access to more than 25,000 relaxing sounds, including campfire, singing birds, and more. Consider trying it during your flight as an alternative to earplugs.
• Available for iOS and Android.

20. TripIt

• Why it’s the best: Here is how a hassle-free trip works: You make your bookings and forward the confirmation emails to TripIt. Then, they send you a detailed itinerary so that you know what to do when. As most features work even when you don’t have internet, it’s one of the best offline travel apps for those who like having everything in one place.
• Available for iOS and Android.

21. Transit

You’ll navigate like a pro with the best offline map app in your travel arsenal.

• Why it’s the best: If your new destination is one of the 290 cities featured in Transit, you’re in luck. The free app gives you real-time information on bus and train schedules as well as the availability of Uber, Lyft, bike share, and scooters around. It also has a trip planner that works offline.
• Available for iOS and Android.

22. Roadtrippers

• Why it’s the best: Roadtripping is a lifestyle and of course, it has its own app. You can plan your road trip itinerary, see what to do during your trip, and even find some hidden gems along the way. With Roadtrippers Plus, you can save up to five road trip maps and use them when you’re offline.
• Available for iOS and Android.

READ NEXT: 6 Tips For First-Time Travelers Abroad

You don’t have to go completely off the grid without cellular data

The best offline travel apps let you listen to music, map your itinerary, and more, no matter where your itinerary takes you.

Whether you’re planning a fun trip or studying abroad, these apps will make your life on the road much easier. Plus, all of the best offline travel apps listed here work for iPhone and Android. Next up on your to-do list before traveling: Make sure to check out these apps in the Apple Store or Google Play Store and download them when you still have internet.

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