11 apps all solo women travelers need to download before their next trip
If you're a woman traveling solo, you're probably feeling a mix of emotions leading up to your next trip — everything from excitement and anticipation to uneasiness and anxiety. We're here to tell you they're all normal and understandable.
And while your trip is going to be a blast, there are definitely some precautions you're going to want to take ahead of time to keep your safety and wellbeing in check.
Aside from making sure you have a secure data connection to keep in touch with friends and family back home, it's important to download some apps ahead of time. They can help you translate languages, convert foreign currencies, organize your travel plans and help you navigate your new city.
That's not all, though. They can also help you make sure you're safe and accounted for on the road. These are some of our favorites.
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Tourlina
Tourlina is your so-called "female travel buddy." It's an app for women who are traveling alone and want to safely and easily connect with other women. Here's how it works: You'll first enter your trip by country and time. From there, you can discover matching travel companions that have the same interests as you, and who will also be in your destination city at the same time. You can select one by easily swiping left (no) or right (yes). If you match, you can chat and plan your trip together.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
Smart Traveler
Smart Traveler, an app from the U.S. Department of State, offers tips and information for U.S travelers. While it's not exclusively tailored for women, it's certainly one every woman should have. It lists current travel advisories, as well as visa and vaccine information you'll need before traveling. You can also register your trip on the app, and it will give your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination country. If there's any kind of disaster or crisis, the local embassy can contact you.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
Related: The best starter travel credit cards
Chirpey
Chirpey is all about empowerment. It has a strict verification process, and only women and those who identify as women are able to join it. You can share and get advice on everything from destinations to hotels, as well as insights on events and attractions.
There are also plenty of events and meet-ups you can join or organize. If you don't want to head to teamLab Borderless in Tokyo by yourself, for example, you can post on Chirpey to see if anyone else would like to join. Plus, if you have any small emergencies or mishaps, you can drop a message in the app and women traveling in the area will be notified.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
Waze
Waze is the go-to navigation app. Not only does it show you directions, but it will also alert you about traffic and road alerts such as police or crashes. It can even help you save money on gas. Waze takes feedback very seriously, and if you run into a problem on your route, they can help make alterations for others along the way. You can also easily listen to music and podcasts during your walk or drive.
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
MayDay
MayDay is another tool that can help keep you save in a threatening situation. If you hit the red button on the app three times, friends and family members will be notified of your precise location — as well as the fact that you're in trouble. Just note you have to have data and location services turned on.
Be sure to set up the app in advance (ideally before your trip) so it's ready in case you have an emergency.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
Related: 30 essential travel apps every traveler needs
TripWhistle
TripWhistle maps your location and allows you to easily send your GPS coordinates or location via the app or Apple Watch. It also provides emergency numbers for firefighters, medical personnel and police in nearly 200 countries — you'll have emergency numbers from around the world in your pocket. Since coordinates are written in degrees, minutes and seconds, they're easy to read, too.
Download for free for iPhone.
Noonlight
Noonlight is another app focused on safety. Just like MayDay, when you hold and release the main button, it triggers a call to emergency services who can help send to your exact location. If you accidentally activate it, you'll have 10 seconds to enter your four-digit pin, and the alarm will be canceled. They recently partnered with Tinder to provide backup on your next date, too. You can share details about who you'll be meeting with directly from the Tinder app.
If you prefer texting or can't talk during an emergency, you can communicate with them via text. If you can't talk or text, they can still send help to your exact location, and can track it if you're in a moving taxi, bus, running or walking. You can connect your Lyft or Uber apps, as well. As of time of publication, the app is only available in the U.S.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
SitOrSquat
The odds that you'll have to use a public toilet at some point while traveling are pretty high. Thankfully, the SitOrSquat app from Charmin will help you find the nearest public restroom — and will even provide some information about how clean it is. Clean locations have a green rating, while dirty ones have a red one. You can also rate a bathroom and share your experience to help others.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
PeriodTracker
While your period may be pretty run-of-the-mill, it's good to know exactly when you're getting it, especially if you have any trips on the horizon. Since there are some countries in the world where it's much more difficult to buy feminine hygiene products, stocking up before your trip will ensure you don't waste any precious time on your trip in search of tampons.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
Kindle
Traveling on your own means you'll likely have plenty of time for reading. While this app isn't exclusively for women, of course, it's another that all women should consider downloading before their next trip alone. The Kindle app gives you access to all of your purchased books, and syncs them to the position you left off on other devices.
Download for free for iPhone and Android.
A rideshare app
Having a rideshare app can really come in handy no matter where in the world you are — especially if it's late at night and you're in a new city. We recommend doing some research before your trip to see which app is the most popular (and safe) in your destination.
Lyft is popular in many U.S. cities, as is Uber. The later also has a presence in many European cities and beyond. Grab largely covers the Asian market, while Cabify is a solid choice in Spain and Latin America. Taxify is popular in France, Australia and some countries in Africa, and Careem is the go-to in Turkey and the Middle East.
All are free to download for iPhone and Android.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.