My Must-Have Travel Apps
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or embarking on a month-long journey, there's an app for every step of the way. As a travel agent who specializes in planning vacations for gluten-free travelers, there are several apps that I rely on frequently. These apps help me find the best restaurants, track flights, communicate with tour guides, and more.
Download the apps below and you'll be well-equipped to travel with confidence and ease. So, pack your bags, charge your devices, and let's dive into the world of apps that every gluten-free traveler should have in their arsenal.
Gluten-free Apps
With these apps, you'll have an easier time finding gluten-free food on your travels. Several different apps are fantastic resources for finding food and restaurants on a gluten-free diet. In addition, some of the following app options also have desktop versions available online.
Find Me Gluten Free
With this app you’ll have the ability to put in the location you're going to and instantly find restaurants vetted by others who are gluten-free. Rated by the safety, taste, and variety of food, reviewers can also leave a photo of their food or the restaurant's menu. Establishments that are dedicated gluten-free are marked by a green check mark. You can filter by the bakery, chains, brunch, lunch, takeout, delivery, pizza, beer, dessert, dairy-free, and kid-friendly.
In addition, the app also allows you to save restaurants and group them as you like by city. So when you're traveling, you can bookmark restaurants before you go on your gluten-free adventure! The paid app adds more features, so if you're a traveler, it's an excellent investment in finding safe gluten-free food!
Pro Tip: On the Find Me GF app, click “More” at the bottom, then “Airports”, and you’ll see restaurant ratings for most major airports.
GF Scanner
The Gluten Free Scanner allows you to scan the barcode on a product. After scanning the barcode, this app will tell you if the product is gluten-free. If the product is not found or is missing ingredients, you can contribute by leaving product feedback.
When traveling, this app is great if you are at a grocery store or the airport and aren’t sure if a package item is gluten-free.
GlutenDude
Gluten Dude provides a directory of 100% gluten-free restaurants and restaurants that are also gluten-free friendly. The founder vets the restaurants on the app, and new restaurants are added daily. He also has a list of gluten-free beer brands and stores that sell gluten-free beer.
For travelers, this app also offers a directory of airports with a list of every eatery at the airport and ratings on the gluten-free availability of foods.
Travel Apps
If you’re visiting another country, WhatsApp is a MUST. WhatsApp allows you to make calls or text over wi-fi and is important when you don’t have access to cell service. For those traveling to the Caribbean or Mexico, most resorts and tour / transportation companies use WhatsApp to communicate through this app.
Google Translate
Google Translate is a lifesaver when you encounter languages you don't understand. You can translate text, spoken words, and even images. The conversation mode allows you to have real-time, two-way conversations with someone speaking a different language.
This app is so important for gluten-free travelers who don’t speak the local languages. While in some Spanish-speaking countries you might be able to simply say “sin gluten”, you might also need to communicate with more detail at times.
PLUS - if you use the camera feature, it can even translate food packaging!
Trip Plans
If you plan your next vacation with me, you’ll receive a link to download the Trip Plans app. This app will allow you to view your custom itinerary that I’ll create for you, all of your trip confirmations, my tips, and more. It will even automatically update if your flight times change.
Your Airline’s App
Always download you airline’s app before you depart. This will allow you to get updates on your flights, view your boarding pass, make changes, etc.
Your Resort or Cruise Line’s App
Before you depart also download the app for your resort or cruise line if available. Many resorts now have apps where you can view the resort’s map, restaurant hours and menus, activity schedules, request room service, and more. For cruisers, having your cruise lines app is a must. With so many activities onboard, you won’t want to miss your favorites and their app is the best way to get information.
Traveling has never been easier thanks to these fantastic gluten-free and travel apps. Whether you're a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, these apps will make your next vacation stress-free. So, pack your bags and embark on your next adventure, knowing you have the best travel apps by your side. Bon voyage!
Have a favorite app that you don’t see on my list? Please send me a note to let me know.