Moving to Europe opened up a world of travel possibilities for my husband and me. Suddenly, weekend getaways to different countries became a reality, a far cry from the meticulously planned, long-haul trips we were used to. With over 30 trips now under our belts, navigating this newfound freedom could have become chaotic, but we discovered a game-changer: Wanderlog. For anyone seeking the Best Travel App to streamline their adventures, look no further.
I’ve become a vocal advocate for Wanderlog, recommending it to anyone who asks about travel apps – and even those who don’t! I truly believe it’s one of the best travel apps available, and it deserves the spotlight. While it’s worth noting that Wanderlog can sometimes be a little slow, especially with extensive trip plans, its advantages far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
Exploring Cities in Wanderlog is a Time-Saver
Explore feature in Wanderlog app showing best breweries in Cologne, Germany for easy trip planning
The standout feature that makes Wanderlog the best travel app in my book is its incredible time-saving exploration tool. Planning a trip used to involve hours of research, but with Wanderlog, it’s remarkably quick. Simply enter the city or town, and the app intelligently gathers relevant articles and recommendations, presenting a comprehensive list of points of interest. Whether you’re looking for the best brunch spots in Barcelona, must-see attractions in Saint-Quentin, picturesque photo locations in Rouen, or spas near Geneva, Wanderlog has you covered.
Creating a preliminary itinerary takes mere minutes. With a simple tap, you can add any listed place directly to your trip. This eliminates the tedious process of browsing multiple articles, manually searching locations in Google Maps, and checking their feasibility within your travel plan. Wanderlog consolidates all of this into a single, efficient app, saving you countless hours of pre-trip preparation. This feature alone positions Wanderlog as a top contender for the best travel app title. Instead of getting bogged down in basic itinerary building, I can now dedicate my research time to discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences like escape rooms, hidden gems, and distinctive local activities.
Personal Lists vs. Itinerary Planning
Wanderlog app map view showing itinerary and saved places for flexible travel planning
Another aspect that solidifies Wanderlog as the best travel app for me is its flexibility in accommodating different travel styles. My travel planning usually involves two categories: a definitive itinerary of booked activities and a broader list of places I’m interested in exploring. Wanderlog perfectly caters to this approach. It allows for a structured itinerary for confirmed bookings with specific dates and times, alongside general lists for potential attractions, restaurants, markets, and activities.
Time to travel feature in Wanderlog app showing directions and travel time between locations for efficient scheduling
This dual system allows me to save numerous points of interest without cluttering my fixed schedule. Each list and itinerary day is visually distinct with different icons and colors, enhancing organization. Crucially, I can toggle the visibility of these lists on the map, preventing information overload while still having all my options readily available. Furthermore, when adding locations to the itinerary, Wanderlog calculates travel time between places by foot, public transport, or car. This is invaluable for optimizing tight schedules and ensuring smooth transitions between activities, making it a truly practical travel planning app.
Google Maps Data, Distance, Notes, and More
Place details in Wanderlog app showing Google Maps data for Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, including opening hours and notes
Beyond the core features, Wanderlog’s integration with Google Maps data elevates it above other travel planning apps. While adding flights, accommodation, and car rentals is standard fare, Wanderlog goes further. It automatically imports essential Google Maps information such as opening hours, websites, phone numbers, and photos for each location. Each place also has a dedicated card for personal notes, which can be formatted and include links or bullet points. I use this feature extensively to store booking confirmations, ticket deals, optimal visiting times, or any other crucial details I need on the go. General trip notes are also available, perfect for saving information about local transport, customs, or must-buy souvenirs.
Wanderlog app homescreen on Android showing trip list and user interface for easy travel management
Wanderlog’s accessibility across devices is another significant advantage. Available on Android, iOS, and web platforms, it ensures seamless synchronization. Updates made on my phone instantly appear on my tablet and computer, simplifying collaborative planning with my husband. We often plan together, each using a device to add and edit our itinerary in real-time. Sharing trips with friends is also incredibly straightforward, a feature highlighted as soon as you create a new trip.
Multiple trips planned in Wanderlog app demonstrating its effectiveness as a comprehensive travel planner
After three years of using Wanderlog’s free version, I can confidently say it’s transformed my travel planning experience. While a Pro subscription offers features like dark mode and offline access, the free version is remarkably comprehensive. Wanderlog is more than just a travel app; it’s a comprehensive travel planner that replaces scattered lists, spreadsheets, bookmarks, and notes. If you’re searching for the best travel app to streamline your trip planning and make travel less stressful and more enjoyable, I wholeheartedly recommend Wanderlog. It’s the travel planner app that truly stands out.
