Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, but there’s no denying that planning a trip on a budget can feel like solving a complex math problem. Between finding affordable flights, accommodations, and activities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Enter travel apps—the brainy sidekicks that do all the number-crunching for you so you can focus on daydreaming about your next adventure.

These apps are designed to simplify trip planning, offering deals, comparing prices, and even predicting the best time to book. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to save a few dollars or a newbie aiming to stretch your budget, here are 10 travel apps that make booking affordable trips as easy as tapping your screen.

1. Hopper

Hopper is a must-have for anyone trying to score the cheapest flights possible. Its standout feature? The ability to predict future airfare prices with jaw-dropping accuracy.

Key Features

Hopper analyzes billions of flight prices daily to help you decide whether to book now or wait. Color-coded calendars show the cheapest and priciest travel dates, making it easy to plan your trips around bargains. Plus, the app monitors your chosen flights and sends notifications when prices drop.

Why It’s Great

If you’re not in a rush to book, Hopper saves you money by letting you know the exact moment to strike for the best deals.

2. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is like having an all-in-one travel assistant. It searches flights, hotels, and rental cars across multiple platforms so you don’t have to.

Key Features

The app boasts a flexible search feature that lets you compare prices across entire months or find destinations you can fly to on a tight budget. It even includes filters for eco-friendly flights, a huge plus for sustainability-conscious travelers.

Why It’s Great

Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature is perfect for spontaneous adventurers who aren’t set on a destination but just want to go wherever it’s cheapest.

3. Kayak

Kayak is a classic travel tool that covers it all. With this app, you can compare prices for flights, accommodations, rental cars, and even guided tours.

Key Features

Kayak’s price alert system keeps you updated on fare changes, while its “Explore” feature maps out affordable destinations based on your budget. The app also helps you track your trips and provides handy extras like airport tips and terminal maps.

Why It’s Great

Its clean, user-friendly design makes trip planning smoother, and it’s great for travelers who like to see all their options in one place.

4. Google Flights

For budget-savvy travelers, Google Flights is a no-brainer. Its minimalist design prioritizes simplicity while offering powerful tools for finding the best deals.

Key Features

The app allows you to search specific dates or keep things flexible by exploring the cheapest dates for destinations. It shows graphs comparing price trends and highlights nearby airports for cheaper options.

Why It’s Great

If you’re #TeamLastMinute, Google Flights’ ability to quickly highlight the cheapest options across multiple airlines is nothing short of a lifesaver.

5. Airfarewatchdog

When scoring discounts on flights, Airfarewatchdog works like your overly enthusiastic bargain-loving friend who texts you every time there’s a deal.

Key Features

Airfarewatchdog sends real-time alerts on limited-time flight deals. It also tracks hidden sales that algorithms miss, meaning you can stumble across fares most people don’t know about.

Why It’s Great

Unlike other apps that rely solely on algorithms, Airfarewatchdog also uses a team of humans to spot incredible deals, which adds a personal touch.

6. HotelTonight

If you’re prone to winging your travel plans or just love a good last-minute adventure, HotelTonight is perfect for nabbing discounted accommodations.

Key Features

The app curates a daily list of discounted deals on hotels, focusing on high-quality brands. Its “Daily Drop” feature offers one-time deals that disappear after 15 minutes.

Why It’s Great

HotelTonight turns procrastination into an asset, delivering steep discounts for same-day bookings.

7. Airbnb

You’ve probably heard of Airbnb, but it’s worth mentioning for budget travelers seeking unique and often cheaper alternatives to hotels.

Key Features

Airbnb lets you browse millions of listings, from cozy shared spaces to luxurious private villas. Filters help you zero in on affordable options or narrow your search by neighborhood, amenity, or experience type.

Why It’s Great

Airbnb’s charm lies in its versatility. You can save money by staying in a room within someone’s home or splurge for a one-of-a-kind stay while still paying less than many hotels charge.

8. Rome2rio

Rome2rio is like having a travel logistics wizard in your pocket. It compares air, rail, bus, and driving routes to show you the most cost-effective way to reach your destination.

Key Features

Enter your starting point and destination, and Rome2rio instantly churns out every transport option possible, complete with estimated costs and travel times.

Why It’s Great

The app is especially handy for multi-destination trips, showing you how to save money by linking local transit options with international routes.

9. Couchsurfing

On a super-tight budget? Couchsurfing is the ultimate hack for saving money on accommodations by connecting travelers with hosts offering free places to stay.

Key Features

The app builds a community of globetrotters willing to share their homes and local knowledge. You can also join group events or meet travelers passing through the same area.

Why It’s Great

Couchsurfing isn’t just about saving money; it’s about meeting new people, exchanging cultures, and making friends in far-flung corners of the world.

10. TripIt

While TripIt isn’t specifically about finding deals, it deserves a spot on this list for making travel less chaotic. The app organizes your reservations, flights, and itineraries into a single, easy-to-access space.

Key Features

Forward your confirmation emails to TripIt, and it automatically builds a digital itinerary with all your travel info. The pro version adds helpful extras like real-time flight alerts and refund tracking.

Why It’s Great

It’s not a deal-finding app, but having all your trip details streamlined and accessible reduces stress, giving you more time to spend hunting for bargains.