Travel is incredible; new places, new faces, new experiences. But let’s be real: there are also the not-so-glamorous moments. The long layovers. The train delays. The hours spent squished into a plane seat, trying to find a comfortable position (spoiler: there isn’t one).That’s where your phone comes in. A solid lineup of entertainment apps can make even the longest journey feel like a breeze. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or just need something to pass the time, here are my go-to apps to keep boredom at bay while on the move.
Music and Podcasts for Any Mood
Some trips call for a carefully curated playlist. Others call for zoning out with a podcast. Either way, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have you covered. Before you leave, download a mix of upbeat travel tunes, some chill-out music, and a few podcast episodes—because nothing passes the time like getting sucked into a true crime story or a deep dive into some random history topic.
And if you’re into audiobooks, Audible is a game-changer. I once got through an entire novel while waiting out a flight delay in an airport with no seats. Time well spent.
Casino Apps and Online Gaming
If you like a little extra thrill while traveling, casino apps can be a fun way to pass the time. But with so many out there, it’s smart to do a little research first. If you’re looking for tips for choosing a casino app, iGaming expert Aman Jain recommends making sure you find one that’s secure, well-designed, and packed with games you actually enjoy. The best ones offer a smooth, immersive experience that makes gaming on the go even more fun.
Binge-Worthy Streaming Apps
A good TV show or movie can make a five-hour flight feel like five minutes. Among the best streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, they all let you download content ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when you’re stuck without Wi-Fi. I always load up a mix of bingeable shows and a couple of comfort movies before I leave home—because, trust me, you don’t want to rely on airline entertainment. (I once spent an entire flight watching a single episode of a show buffer every five seconds. Never again.)
Puzzle and Brain-Training Apps
If you prefer something a little more mentally engaging, puzzle and brain-training apps are a great way to keep your mind sharp while you travel. I like Sudoku, Lumosity, and Elevate—they make me feel productive, even when I’m just waiting in a security line. And if you’re into word games, Wordle and Scrabble Go are always a solid choice.
E-Books and Digital Reading Apps
You may love a good paperback, but when traveling light, the Kindle app can become your best friend. Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play Books let you carry an entire library on your phone that can include everything from novels to classic comic books—making it the perfect for long-haul flights. And if you’re more into articles than novels, Pocket lets you save interesting reads for later—so you can finally get through all those “I’ll read this later” links you’ve saved.
Social Media and Content Creation
Let’s be honest—half the fun of traveling is sharing the adventure. Whether it’s posting photos on Instagram, sharing travel hacks on TikTok, or just keeping friends updated on WhatsApp, social media apps help you stay connected.
If you like editing your travel photos and videos on the go, CapCut and Canva are lifesavers. A few quick tweaks, and suddenly your sunset shot looks just as magical as it did in real life.
Language Learning Apps for Quick Phrases
Ever landed in a new country and realized you don’t even know how to say “hello” in the local language? Been there. That’s why I always keep Duolingo, Babbel, and Google Translate on my phone.
Even if you don’t have time to fully learn a language before your trip, these apps make it easy to pick up the basics. Plus, Google Translate’s camera feature lets you translate signs and menus on the spot—super useful when you’re trying to order food and have no idea what’s on the menu.
Stay Active and Relaxed on the Road
Long travel days can be rough on your body, so I always keep a couple of wellness apps on hand. Calm and Headspace are great for quick meditations when I need a mental reset, and Nike Training Club has short workouts you can do in a hotel room. Because after sitting on a plane for 10 hours, sometimes you just need a good stretch.