We’ve visited France a few times now, and would like to think we’ve wised up a little since our first trip. One of the things we did better this time, since we knew we’d be hopping between cities and really spreading out our travel time, was get our app game on point. After all, there’s nothing worse that being stuck in a new place and not knowing how to extricate yourself! So, here are our 6 top travel apps and services we needed while we were in Europe – and are keeping on our phones for next time, too!
Top travel service #1: NannyBag
What it is
An online service that allows you to coordinate leaving hand luggage or baggage with hotels and businesses close to train stations and transportation hubs in many French and European cities. Often, you need to scope out area hotels and call ahead to see if they’ll let you leave your bags for X amount of time for a modest fee. NannyBag takes the middleman out. And while it’s not your cheapest option, it can make all the different when you desperately do NOT want to be toting rolling luggage or a heavy backpack around a new city.
You will need NannyBag if:
- You’re traveling between cities
- Your accommodations have a check-in time that’s later than your transportation arrives
- You’re taking a day trip or stopover in a city and have luggage or bags that you can’t or don’t want to lug around with you
Why we love it
We both assumed there was some kind of catch to leaving our bags with absolute strangers. It seems too good to be true. At the same time, we were a little desperate, so we gave it a try when we arrived in Dijon. We had several hours to kill between our arrival time (the most affordable train ticket!) and when our AirBNB would be ready for us. So, I hopped on my phone and reserved space for two of our bags at a nearby hotel for about E12, total. It made ALL THE DIFFERENCE. French cafés are already cramped, and we were able to get lunch and then hit up at least one touristy spot before our accommodations were ready, without having to maneuver our bags. Worth. It.
Boyfriend Perspective: Who in their right mind wants to show up hours early and drag around luggage into who knows what tiny shop or cafe while waiting for the flat to be available? Thankfully, with some Google-fu, we found NannyBag in multiple cities close to the train stations. Phew!
Top travel app/service #2: Deliveroo
What it is
Food delivery! Not something you anticipate or plan on needing in France, but an amazing ace to have in the hole.
You will need Deliveroo if:
- The weather in your city isn’t all that awesome (BF: Read as f’ing arctic)
- You have the unfortunate situation of being under the weather while in France
- You’re just tired and don’t want to leave your comfy flat because it’s been a long damn trip.
Why we love it
There’s pretty solid, equal market penetration for both UberEats and Deliveroo. That said, Deliveroo has by far and away the best user interface (smoothest app AND desktop experience) and most up-to-date restaurant availability info. Our latest France trip was exhausting: it was frigid, windy, and got dark fairly early. While we made every attempt to enjoy restaurant culture and experiences, we ended up with several nights in Dijon and Strasbourg where the thought of going back out in the bone-chilling cold after a day walking around in it was just too much. We’ve ordered everything from Chinese, to burgers, to Italian and a bottle of Lambrusco, and enjoyed the convenience every time.
Boyfriend Perspective: I WANT DELIVEROO AT HOME!!! Awesome service, great tracking, user reviews for restaurants. What I wouldn’t give to have food from our favorite Chinese restaurant delivered to out door…..I’m a sad suburbanite.
Top travel app/service #3: Trainline EU
What it is
App that allows non-EU citizens – or those with credit cards that EU transactional systems don’t love – to easily purchase and keep track of train, TGV, and bus tickets.
You will need Trainline EU if:
- You’re traveling between cities by train or bus in Europe
- You’ve tried using the SNCF or other train system website and had your transaction declined
- You’re not a huge fan of printing your tickets or buying day-of
Why we love it
Because the app is excellent and does what you want it to, and a little extra. I purchased our train tickets on Trainline EU’s desktop experience because SNCF wanted no part of my credit card (basically, many American cards can’t be authenticated the same secure way EU cards can be, so EU sites will often decline them).
I created a Trainline account, then linked it to the iPhone app. Not only was I able to pull up the QR codes for our tickets on demand, I could also see updates about our trains (delays, etc.), see where we were in each journey (super helpful if you’re not skilled at picking out what the spazzy, muffled intercom is saying), and purchase or return tickets as needed. Luke downloaded it, too, and was able to pull up my account so we could both have our tickets, should either of us end up with a dead phone. It’s smooth, easy, and really convenient. Definitely one of our favorite, top travel apps and services.
Boyfriend Perspective: This is the app that you want for all of your travel transportation needs….CALLING ALL AIRLINES…This is your benchmark.
Top travel app #4: Google Maps
What it is
I mean, duh. Real-time, customizable, and downloadable maps of whatever location you are or will be in. Plus, transportation information and integrations.
You will need Google Maps if:
- You’re walking anywhere in Europe
- You decide to drive (almost) anywhere in Europe
- You’re taking a metro anywhere in Europe
Why we love it
Duh, it’s Google, and everyone knows it’s unparalleled for driving directions. But having one app that gives you walking directions/times, keyword searches for nearby places, offline content for tricky internet situations, custom maps of routes and things to see, and public transportation info all in one is a major boon. Maps is definitely one of our top travel apps and services every time we go to France, and in every city.
Boyfriend Perspective: This app….I can’t praise enough….This app, if it’s not your primary for directions already, will be while travelling in Europe. Walking directions? Check. Driving directions? Check. Get you from one side of Paris to the other in 30 minutes on foot with each metro station to start, stop, and change trains? Check.
Top travel app #5: Transit
What it is
Metro maps, routes, and directions.
You will need Transit if:
- You’re in a city where you’re unfamiliar with the metro train system
- You’re in an unfamiliar part of a city with a metro
- You need to figure out how to get where you want to go on a metro system
Why we love it
This isn’t just for Paris – Transit has your back in most of the big cities you can think of. Google Maps is great and versatile, but Transit specializes in getting you on the best and quickest metro route to your destination. While the Paris metro isn’t too hard to navigate, having an app to help keep track of your stops and changes is extremely helpful. I’ve successfully used it in Paris and in Washington DC.
Top travel app #6: Uber
What it is
On-demand rides to wherever you need to go. Within reason. Usually. It’s a no-brainer at home, but Uber also has a lot of reach throughout large and mid-sized cities in Europe.
You will need Uber if:
- You’ve had a solid night out exploring and aren’t in a position to drive or navigate back to your accommodations solo.
- Your feet seriously hurt.
- You’re trying to get to and from the airport quickly and with less risk of looking blatantly like a tourist toting your stuff on the RER.
Why we love it
Personally, we’re not huge supporters of Uber as a company. That said, it’s undeniable that sometimes, when staying in a city abroad, things happen and you need a ride. You can either try to hail a taxi (debatably doable) or call the ride to you. And we’ve yet to find an app (though we’re always open to suggestions!) that has the same kind of market penetration that Uber does. It’s ubiquitous, and it generally does what it’s supposed to. Just be conscious of the company’s history with its passengers and take precautions if you feel you might need to.
Do you have a favorite app for your travels in Europe? Share below! 🙂
Aaaaaand please pin, if you feel so inclined 😉
Champagne Tour with A l’Allure Champenoise
Literally such app helps you a lot when your know nothing about the new place.