These are the top travel apps every Boomer should know about

The digital age has transformed the way we travel.

Younger travellers rely on a variety of digital apps for instant, up-to-date information and easy planning. There are even apps to help you beat jet lag. But have older Australians caught up?

Here are the essential travel apps every Boomer should know about.

Apps like PackPoint make it easy to pack by creating a personalised packing list. Just enter your destination, travel dates, and planned activities, and the app does the rest. It even checks the weather forecast, so you'll be ready for sun, rain, or anything in between.

Who hasn't been to a dodgy public bathroom while travelling? Or worse been unable to locate any while on the move? Flush, Bathroom Scout, SitOrSquat helps you locate clean public restrooms nearby. You can read reviews, check accessibility, and even add your own tips for fellow travellers.

Language barriers can be intimidating, but translator apps like Google Translate have changed the game. Snap a photo of a sign, scan a menu, or speak into the app to translate in real-time and off you go.

Younger travellers turn to platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok for tips on food, hotels, and attractions. These apps also offer real-time updates on natural disasters, weather and local scams through online global communities.

Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hopper are some of the popular apps that have completely changed the way younger travellers book stays. They offer flexibility, a huge range of options, and can be just the ticket if you want an alternative to a traditional hotel.

Checking the currency conversion when shopping overseas takes time and effort. Younger travellers often use apps like XE or Revolut to check conversions and track spending in local currency. This removes the guesswork and helps avoid surprises when looking at your bank statement after a trip.

Apps like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare help you find great restaurants and hidden gems, while OpenTable and TheFork make booking a breeze. For dietary needs, HappyCow and AllergyEats highlight vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options.

Some Boomers might be stuck on out-of-date paper maps, but apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Citymapper provide clear, step-by-step directions, showing walking routes, public transport schedules, and even which train carriage is likely to be less crowded. These apps also provide walking times for each route.

Apps like Apple Wallet, TripIt, Google Wallet, or your airline's own app let you store everything in one place - boarding passes, hotel confirmations, car rentals, and event tickets. Younger travellers simply pull out their phone and breeze through check-ins, security, and boarding like it's second nature.