Do I need a VPN when I travel?

It's most useful when you rely on hotel, airport or café Wi-Fi, use banking apps that block foreign logins, or work remotely. If you mostly use mobile data from a travel eSIM, you may not need one.

Is it safe to use hotel Wi-Fi without a VPN?

For browsing well-known sites over HTTPS it's usually fine, but shared networks are open to strangers. A VPN encrypts everything you send, which is safer for email, banking and work.

Will a VPN let me use my banking app abroad?

Often, yes. Connecting to a server in your home country can stop your bank from flagging a foreign login. Keep your bank's travel notice up to date too.

Which VPN is best for travel?

NordVPN suits solo travellers who want the most established brand; Surfshark suits families because it covers unlimited devices. See NordVPN vs Surfshark.

Are VPNs legal everywhere?

They're legal in most countries, but a few restrict or ban them. Check your destination's current rules before you travel.

The Best Travel Apps for 2026: What to Install Before You Go

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The right handful of apps does more for a trip than any gadget. Install these before you leave, log in at home on Wi-Fi, and you'll land with everything ready: data, maps, bookings and security.

The essentials at a glance

What for	App type	Our pick
Flights, hotels, trains	Booking app	Trip.com
Creative flight routes	Flight search	Kiwi.com
Mobile data abroad	Travel eSIM	Saily
Safe public Wi-Fi	VPN	NordVPN
Logins and documents	Password manager	NordPass
Delayed flight	Compensation claims	AirHelp

1. Booking and trip management

Keep your bookings in one place so changes are easy. Trip.com covers flights, hotels, trains, car hire and tours in one account, with free cancellation on many stays. Also install the app of each airline you're flying for live gate changes and mobile boarding passes.

2. Staying connected

A travel eSIM means you land with data. Install it at home and switch it on when you arrive. Compare Saily, Yesim and GigSky in our eSIM guide.

3. Maps and getting around

An offline map app. Download the map of each city before you go so navigation works without data.
A city transport app for metro, bus and train times in big cities.
The local ride-hailing app. Different countries use different apps; check which one works where you're going and set up payment at home.

4. Security

Hotel and airport Wi-Fi is shared with strangers. A VPN such as NordVPN or Surfshark encrypts your connection; see which one to pick. A password manager like NordPass keeps your logins and an encrypted copy of your passport details on your phone.

5. Money

A multi-currency card or banking app helps you avoid poor exchange rates and foreign transaction fees. Whatever you use, set up a backup card and turn on transaction notifications before you go.

6. Language and communication

A translation app with downloadable languages and camera translation is a life-saver for menus and signs. Download the language pack at home.

7. When things go wrong

If your flight in or out of Europe is delayed by three hours or more, AirHelp checks your flight for free and handles the claim if you're owed compensation. Read how flight delay compensation works.

Before you fly: 5-minute app checklist

Install and log in to every app at home.
Download offline maps and language packs.
Install your eSIM and save boarding passes to your phone.
Turn on the VPN's auto-connect for unknown Wi-Fi.
Save emergency numbers and your accommodation address offline.

All our picks are also on the tools we recommend page.

Frequently asked questions

What apps should I download before travelling abroad?

At minimum: your airline and booking apps, an offline map, a travel eSIM, a translation app, a VPN for public Wi-Fi and a password manager for your logins and documents.

Do travel apps work without internet?

Some do. Download offline maps, translation language packs and boarding passes in advance so they work without data.

Is it safe to use banking apps abroad?

Generally yes, especially on mobile data. On hotel or café Wi-Fi, use a VPN, and keep your bank's notifications on so you spot anything unusual quickly.

Which app is best for booking flights and hotels together?

Trip.com covers flights, hotels, trains, car hire and tours in one account, which makes changes easier to manage.