13 Apps You NEED to Backpack Europe

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If you’re planning an extended backpacking trip through Europe, this post is for you.

I just spent 2 months solo backpacking across 16 cities in 11 European countries for around $64 a day and let me tell you, that kind of travel only works if you have the right tools.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the apps and websites that made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible. With these tools, you’ll stay connected online, confidently navigate Europe’s complex transit system, and even score incredible deals on flights and last-minute accommodations.

These are the exact apps I relied on every single day while backpacking Europe. If you’d prefer this info in a video, watch the YouTube video below:

Connectivity & Communication Apps 📱

1. HolaFly 🌍

No matter where you’re going, staying connected with reliable data is a must.

Instead of paying your regular cell phone provider around $10 per day for international coverage or swapping out physical SIM cards in every country I highly recommend using an HolaFly eSIM.

HolaFly offers regional plans with unlimited data, meaning you only need one eSIM for your entire European trip. One of my favorite features is the built-in hotspot, which allows you to connect your laptop or tablet without relying on sketchy public Wi-Fi.

If you’re backpacking Europe, this is one of the easiest and most stress-free ways to stay connected.

2. Google Voice ☎️

Google Voice is one of the best tools for long-term backpackers, digital nomads, or anyone who wants to keep access to their U.S. phone number while traveling without paying for an American phone plan.

For a one-time $20 fee, you can port your U.S. number to Google Voice and cancel your regular phone plan with providers like AT&T or Verizon.

As long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, you can still send texts and make calls using your U.S. number through the Google Voice app. This is especially important for bank verification codes, logging into accounts, and staying in touch with people back home.

3. WhatsApp 💬

If you don’t already have WhatsApp, just do yourself a favor and download it now.

In Europe, and honestly most of the world, everyone uses WhatsApp. Hostel group chats, tour operators, even doctor’s offices will communicate with you through WhatsApp.

If you’re traveling Europe without it, you’re making things harder than they need to be.

4. NordVPN 🔒

The last app in this section is NordVPN, a virtual private network.

VPNs add an extra layer of security when you’re using public Wi-Fi at hostels, hotels, airports, and cafés. Some people also claim VPNs can help you find cheaper prices when booking things online.

It’s also extremely useful if you want to stream content from back home while traveling.

Regardless of how you use it, a VPN offers peace of mind and more flexibility when browsing the internet abroad.

Transportation & Route Planning 🚆✈️

5. Rome2Rio 🗺️

Europe’s transportation system is convenient but it can also be overwhelming, even for experienced travelers.

Rome2Rio is the perfect place to start when researching how to get from one city or country to another. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and the site shows you different transportation options, including flights, trains, buses, and driving routes.

It also estimates travel time and average cost, making it easy to narrow down the best option for your itinerary.

6. Seat61 🚄

If you decide train travel is the way to go, Seat61 is an absolute lifesaver.

European train systems can be confusing, with different operators, rules, and booking platforms, but Seat61 walks you through everything step by step. The site is incredibly detailed and even includes photos so you know exactly what to expect.

Seat61 helped me confidently book my first-ever 15-hour sleeper train, which was definitely an interesting experience.

7. Seats.aero ✨

This is hands-down my favorite tool on this entire list.

Seats.aero organizes flight availability by points across a wide range of airlines, allowing you to instantly spot the best deals. Thanks to this tool, I booked two overseas business class flights for a total of just $270.

One pro tip: award availability often opens up closer to departure, making this tool especially powerful if you’re flexible or booking last-minute.

Accommodation & Places to Stay 🛏️

8. Rooms.aero 🏨

Think of Rooms.aero as the hotel version of Seats.aero.

It consolidates hotel rooms that can be booked with points, and it absolutely saved me during my trip. I accidentally tried to book a last-minute stay in Germany during Oktoberfest, when accommodation prices are outrageous.

Rooms.aero helped me find a 4-star hotel just 15 minutes from the airport for only $2 in taxes. That one booking alone probably saved my entire budget.

9. Hostelworld 🎒

Hostelworld is a true pillar of the backpacking community.

It consolidates hostels in any city you search, making it easy to find affordable dorm-style accommodations. When I planned to stay in a hostel, I would often check Hostelworld the same day to see what was available.

Many times, I’d reserve a bed in person instead of online to get a feel for the hostel and avoid booking fees.

10. Booking.com 🏙️

I only started using Booking.com recently, but it quickly became one of my favorites while traveling in Europe.

Booking.com is perfect if you care more about price and location than accommodation type. It consolidates hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals all in one place, saving you from bouncing between multiple websites.

Day-to-Day Survival Apps 🧠

11. Google Maps 🗺️

If you’re not using Google Maps by now… what are you doing?

Beyond navigation and transit directions, the offline maps feature is a game changer. Before arriving in a new city, you can download the map ahead of time and still get directions even without Wi-Fi or data.

12. Google Translate 🌍

Google Translate is something you’ll probably use daily, but not just by typing word for word.

The camera translation feature lets you instantly translate menus, grocery labels, and signs just by taking a photo. There’s also a live conversation mode, which allows real-time spoken translations between two people.

This came in especially handy when checking into hostels where English wasn’t spoken.

13. Currency Converter 💱

Last but not least: a currency converter.

When backpacking Europe, you’ll encounter multiple currencies, not every country uses the euro. A currency converter helps you quickly understand prices without guessing.

If you have an iPhone, you don’t even need a separate app because the built-in calculator does it for you.

Final Thoughts ✨

These are the tools that genuinely saved me during 2 months of backpacking Europe.

If you familiarize yourself with these apps before you leave, you’ll save money, time, and a whole lot of stress. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long-term backpacking adventure, these tools will make your journey smoother from day one.

If this guide helped you, let me know which apps you swear by when you travel, and happy backpacking!