The best travel apps for a villa holiday

Alex | Villa Specialist | 28 Jan 2026

Planning a villa holiday should feel exciting and the excitement starts right from the planning stages.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, the right travel apps can make your trip smoother, more organised and more enjoyable.

From navigating quiet coastal roads to finding the best local restaurants, these are the best travel apps to download before your next villa holiday with Sun-Hat Villas.

 

Our Sun-hat app - Best app for having all your holiday details in one place

A real-time countdown to your holiday, details of local restaurants and attractions at your fingertips and all of your villa details in one place, there are so many reasons to download the Sun-hat app.

Sun-hat app

Google Maps - Best travel app for navigation and local discovery

Google Maps is one of the most essential travel apps for any villa holiday, especially if you’re staying outside busy resorts.

Key features...

-Offline maps for areas with limited mobile signal

-Driving directions for rural and coastal roads

-Nearby supermarkets, beaches, restaurants, and attractions

For guests staying in private villas, Google Maps makes it easy to explore your destination independently and uncover hidden gems.

 

Google maps app

Rome2Rio - Best app for planning journeys and day trips

Rome2Rio is ideal for travellers who like to explore beyond their immediate area. It shows all possible ways to get from one place to another, whether by car, ferry, bus, or train.

Why it’s useful on a villa holiday...

-Great for island hopping and scenic day trips

-Compares travel times and costs

-Helps plan flexible, independent travel

A must-have app if you’re keen to see more of your destination.

 

 

 

Rome2Rio app

XE Currency - Best currency conversion app for holidays

XE Currency helps you keep track of spending and understand prices instantly while abroad.

Top benefits...

-Live exchange rates

-Offline functionality

-Simple and fast currency conversion

Particularly useful for European villa holidays where you may be visiting local markets, cafés, and family-run restaurants.

 

 

Google Translate - Best app for overcoming language barriers

Google Translate makes communicating abroad far easier, even if you don’t speak the local language.

Useful features:

-Camera translation for menus and signs

-Offline language downloads

-Voice translation for simple conversations

Perfect for ordering food, shopping locally, or asking for directions near your villa.

 

 

WhatsApp - Best travel app for staying connected

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide and is invaluable while travelling.

Why it’s essential:

-Free messaging and calls over Wi-Fi

-Easy sharing of locations and photos

Often used by local businesses and service providers

 

 

 

TripAdvisor - Best app for reviews and travel inspiration

TripAdvisor is a trusted resource for finding things to do, places to eat, and attractions near your villa.

What it’s great for…

-Restaurant and activity reviews

-Family-friendly and couple-friendly filters

-Real traveller photos and tips

Ideal when you want reliable recommendations close to your holiday home.

 

 

Splitwise - Best travel app for group villa holidays

If you’re sharing a villa with friends or family, Splitwise makes managing shared expenses simple.

Why groups love it...

-Tracks shared costs automatically

-Supports multiple currencies

-Clearly shows who owes what

 

A stress-free solution for group travel budgeting.

 

 

BBC Weather Apps - Best apps for holiday planning

A good weather app helps you plan beach days, sightseeing trips, and relaxed villa days.

Helpful features...

-Hour-by-hour forecasts

-UV index and wind speed

-Reliable local predictions

 

Ideal for making the most of your private pool, terrace or barbecue area.

 

 

Make the most of your villa holiday

A villa holiday offers freedom, space and the chance to explore at your own pace. By downloading a few of these essential travel apps before you go, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your surroundings.

Whether you’re navigating quiet country roads, discovering local restaurants, or planning memorable day trips, these apps will help you get the very best from your Sun-Hat Villas holiday.