Google Translate

Available on Android and Apple devices

If you're travelling to a country that speaks a language you can't understand, the best way to communicate is with the help of our multi-language friend. Google translate direct translate each word, which makes it less accurate in a sentence in most cases but it's still better than a total language barrier.

XE Currency

Available on Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Windows devices

Of course, travelling overseas means part of the to-do-list is to change currency. This app is not only useful for those frequent travellers, it's also extremely reliable for those who want to monitor the currency rates . It even has a currency calculator for those who has mathematical difficulties.

Waze

Available on Android, Apple, and Windows devices

“Waze is a fun, community based mapping, traffic & navigation app, with millions of drivers from across the globe joining forces to outsmart traffic, save time, gas money, and improve daily commuting for all.” - Waze. Need I say more?

Google Map

Available on Android and Apple devices

This will come in handy for the same reason as Waze is needed but better in terms of the additional Street View indoor imagery and review features. It also comes with a button that allows you to save maps for offline usage purposes. It's fine to have both on hand, just in case one decided to crash when you got lost in another country.

TimeGo

Available on Android and Apple devices

The easiest way to record your journey with this travel journal app. It uses GPS to track and maps your journey as well as automatically matches photo on to the travel record. The fun part is that you can share your trips by syncing them onto TimeGo website. The only downside is that it drains your devices battery life.

Foursquare

Available on Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Windows devices

Looking for a good place to eat or to hangout? This app work wonders for last minute backpackers because is display restaurants, bars, parks and other attractions in a city. You can read instant reviews of the best restaurants with their must-order food. Vice-versa, you can also write tips and reviews for others to see too. So not only you can see the location, you'll be able to choose the best of the best nearby! *Update: They've recently moved their check-ins to a new app, Swarm.

Wiki Triip

Available on Apple devices

 The whole datatbase from Wikivoyage is now available for offline uses anywhere you go, with comfortable reading experience and frequent updates. You'll not only get information of the location but also a 'how to get there' guide. Super easy to use on the spot while travelling, also great for people who wants information about certain places just for additional knowledge. Literally the best virtual travel guide ever, other than the World Wide Web of course.  

About Author JQ Lee talks and writes for a living. That's because she loves sharing interesting things to the world. With a Degree in Communication and Media Management, this petite Gen-Y will not stop chasing her passion in writing and broadcasting. She dreams to host a travel show and be a radio announcer someday, hopefully soon. Stalk this wacky fair Asian girl at www.jqtalks.com, Instagram and Twitter (@jqleejq)