Must Have apps for Backpacking 2025!
When you first start Traveling, theres a lot of apps that no one tells you about, so heres a quick breakdown of the best apps that will make your life easier on your first backpacking trip!
Hostelworld App
Every backpacker needs Hostelworld – the world's #1 hostel booking app that's free to download and works globally. Perfect for solo travelers, it's your best tool for meeting other backpackers while scoring the cheapest prices on hostels worldwide.
Want a party hostel in Bangkok or a chill beach stay in Bali? Hostelworld makes it effortless to book the perfect vibe with real reviews, photos, and instant confirmation.
PS - You will find some of the craziest party hostels on this app and you won’t leave for 2 weeks
Why backpackers love it:
✓ Best prices on thousands of hostels
✓ Solo-traveler friendly – meet people easily
✓ Easy booking with free cancellation options
Grab App
Grab is hands down one of the best apps to use when backpacking. Its the go-to app for Taxis, food delivery, and more across Southeast Asia. Available in 8 countries – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Cambodia, Grab makes getting around easy and affordable. Book cars, motorbikes, or taxis with just a few taps, enjoy cashless payments, and even order food delivery from local restaurants. With real-time tracking and fixed fares. Grab is a must have for travelers and locals alike.
Rome2Rio App
Navigating Southeast Asia's complex transport networks just got easier with Rome2Rio! This powerful trip planner instantly compares all your options, buses, trains, ferries, flights and motorbike routes across Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and beyond. Whether you're planning an island-hopping route in the Philippines, a cross-border journey from Bangkok to Hanoi, or finding the cheapest way to reach Bali's hidden gems, Rome2Rio shows you all possible connections with real-time prices and durations. The app covers all 11 Southeast Asian nations, making it a backpacker's best friend for overland adventures.
Skyscanner App
Skyscanner is my go-to for booking affordable flights worldwide. This powerful flight search engine compares prices across 1,000+ airlines and travel sites to guarantee you get the best deal. With handy tools like price alerts, flexible date searches, and "Everywhere" destination options, it's perfect for spontaneous travelers and planners alike. Whether you're jetting to Bangkok, Bali, or beyond, Skyscanner makes finding budget-friendly flights effortless
My Honest Opinion
In All Honesty, I think a lot of people over complicate what apps you need to travel south east Asia. There are lots of apps that people recommend but I always find these are the basic apps you need to make your trip easier.
Before you go traveling, you will always overthink what you really need and what apps to download, but these apps will set you up perfectly for your Backpacking trip.
When you finally get boots on the ground in your first country, you will find that lots of this becomes super simple. Looking for a bus? the hostel can book them, wondering where to go next? go to the hostel bar and ask people, everyone in the backpacking community are super helpful and welcoming… You will be just fine!
