Hi bestie! Your iPhone is secretly one of the best travel tools you own. There are features hiding right inside it that can replace a bunch of separate apps and make traveling SO much easier. Here are the 5 I use all the time, plus 3 bonus tricks you’ll want set up before your next trip. 📱✈️
Number 1: Track your flight without an airline app ✈️
No airline app? No problem. You can pull up live flight info right from your Messages app.
- Text yourself (or a loved one) your airline code and flight number, like AA1859.
- Tap the flight number once it’s underlined in the message.
- Select “Preview Flight.” You’ll instantly see your flight status, departure and arrival times, terminals and more.
Bestie tip: I LOVE using this so my mom can track my flights! Just text her your flight number and she can check on you without downloading anything.
Number 2: Convert currencies instantly 💱
No need to download a separate currency converter app. It’s built right into your Calculator.
- Open the Calculator app.
- Tap the calculator icon in the bottom corner and turn on “Convert.”
- Choose your currencies (for example, euros to US dollars) and type in the price. You’ll instantly see how much it costs in US dollars!
Bestie tip: Exchange rates update when you’re online, so open it once on Wi-Fi before you head out for the day.
Number 3: Translate menus and signs with your camera 🍝
Traveling somewhere you don’t speak the language? Your camera can translate for you.
- Open your Camera and point it at a menu or sign.
- Tap the Live Text icon (the little box with lines in it) when it pops up.
- Select “Translate.” Your iPhone will translate the text right on your screen!
Number 4: Identify famous landmarks 🏛️
See a famous building and have NO idea what it is? Let your iPhone tell you.
- Snap a picture of the landmark.
- Open it in Photos.
- Tap the sparkly info icon (the “i” with little stars) and then “Look Up” to learn what it is, if your iPhone recognizes it.
Bestie tip: This also works on plants, animals, artwork and even food!
Number 5: Get directions without typing an address 📍
See an address on a sign or booking confirmation? Skip the typing.
- Point your Camera at the address.
- Tap the Live Text icon.
- Tap the address to pull it up in Maps and get directions!
Bonus Number 6: Download maps to use offline 🗺️
No international data plan? No signal on a road trip? Download Apple Maps ahead of time and you can still get turn-by-turn directions with no service.
- Open Apple Maps and tap your profile picture or initials.
- Tap “Offline Maps,” then “Download New Map.”
- Search for your destination, resize the box to cover the area you need, and tap “Download.”
Bestie tip: Do this on Wi-Fi at home or at your hotel, since bigger areas can take up a lot of storage.
Bonus Number 7: Translate without Wi-Fi or data 🗣️
The Translate app is already on your iPhone, and you can download languages so it works even when you’re totally offline.
- Open the Translate app and tap the language you want to translate to.
- Tap the download arrow next to that language (and next to English if it’s not already downloaded).
- Use the “Conversation” tab to talk back and forth with someone. Your iPhone translates out loud for both of you!
Bonus Number 8: Share your lost luggage’s location with the airline 🧳
If you travel with an AirTag in your suitcase, this one is a game changer. If your bag gets lost, you can send the airline a link that shows them exactly where it is.
- Open the Find My app and tap “Items.”
- Select the AirTag in your bag.
- Tap “Share Item Location” to create a link, then give it to the airline when you file your lost bag report.
Bestie tip: The link turns off automatically once you have your bag back (or after 7 days), and you can stop sharing anytime. Lots of major airlines accept these links now, so ask the baggage desk!
Bestie tips
- Update your iPhone before you go. Some of these features need a recent version of iOS, so check Settings, General, Software Update.
- Set up the offline stuff at home. Download your maps and languages on Wi-Fi before you leave so they’re ready when you land.
- Menus and icons can look a little different depending on your iPhone model and iOS version, but the features are in the same apps.
I share travel tips EVERY DAY to help you travel smarter and for less, so follow along @taytrox_travel for more!
Happy travels,
Taylor ✈️