1. Research the area with TripAdvisor

    TripAdvisor is one of the biggest peer-review sites for hotels, restaurants, and every kind of tourist attraction under the sun. If you're new to an area, just pop it into TripAdvisor – it'll give you a complete list of what's worth checking out.

    Anyone can submit a review if they have a TripAdvisor account – but they're not fact checked, either. In fact, many hotels and bars have complained about what they see as unfair TripAdvisor reviews – so take whatever you're reading with a pinch of salt.

    Download TripAdvisor for free

  2. Get offline GPS with Navfree

    Navfree is a free GPS system that lets you download a map of an area – saving you on mobile data. GPS systems in phones don't actually use your data. Data is only used when an app that uses GPS (like Google Maps) has to download a map to show you where you are.

    So, Navfree enables users to navigate without having to use 3G or 4G – perfect if you're trying to save on data or you're holidaying somewhere without any signal.

    Download Navfree

  3. Stay in a home with Airbnb

    Airbnb has changed the way people book holiday accommodation. The idea is simple – letting people rent out rooms in their home on a short-term basis to tourists.

    As a visitor, this means you can choose to stay in someone's home rather than a hotel. It’s all peer reviewed, so guests can leave feedback on where they stayed.

    Download the free Airbnb app

  4. Check your departure time with FlightStats

    While there's a lot of flight tracking apps out there, most end up giving you too much information – no fun to navigate when you're in the taxi on the way to the airport. But FlightStats keeps it simple – you can search by flight number or airport, making the whole thing a lot easier.

    Download FlightStats for free

  5. Plan your travel with CityMapper

    Whether it's the Paris Metro or New York's F-train, CityMapper really comes into its own on public transport, including detailed maps of each city's public transport system. It also includes live updates in a lot of cities, meaning you can easily get where you're going – even if there's an unexpected delay.

    While it does have offline maps, CityMapper also uses mobile data for route planning – so turn that 4G off if you don't have data roaming.

    Download CityMapper for free

  6. Stay in touch with loved ones using WhatsApp

    WhatsApp is a messaging service that lets you send and receive messages over wifi or mobile data. Even if you're a regular user, get your friends and family on – it's easy to keep in touch and share holiday snaps. And if you disable 4G and only use WhatsApp on wifi, you can keep in touch without worrying about roaming charges.

    Download WhatsApp for free

  7. Translate that buffet menu with Google Translate

    Chances are, you might have already used Google Translate. It's a handy service that translates bits of text or whole websites, depending on what you need.

    But you may not know that you can download language packs onto your phone – meaning that you can translate without wifi or roaming data. That means hassle-free translation, and no roaming charge headaches.

    Download Google Translate for free

    • Google Translate on Android
    • Google Translate on iOS

  8. Find the nearest cash point with the Post Office Travel app

    There’s nothing worse than not being able to find a cash point – except for not being able to find one when you’re in an unfamiliar town abroad. The Post Office Travel app can point you towards your nearest cash point when you’re on holiday.

    Post Office Travel is also the official app for Travel Money Card. You can top-up, check your balance, view your recent transactions and track your spending on the go– meaning no awkward haggling at the gift shop.

    Post Office Travel is free to download

    • Post Office Travel for Android
    • Post Office Travel for iOS