Apps can be gimmicky and lose their novelty after a day or two, but a good travel app can make a good trip great and can even help you get out of sticky situations.

The market is full of amazing travel apps and we’ve pulled out 10 apps to download before your next adventure. They’re innovative, simple in concept and yet wonderfully useful.

XE Currency

The King of the current currency exchange apps, this one is free, uses live currency rates, and has been downloaded more than five million times. It’s easy to use and is hands above similar apps.

Packing Pro

Packing is an art. And a science. When adventuring you’re likely to cross a wide variety of terrains and locations. All you need to do is tell this app where you’re heading and for how long and it generates a great list of suggested items. From essentials to gadgets it even has lists for family and friends that are travelling with you.

EHU

This app might be a little obscure but for those who need it it’s a life saver. Made for campers and trekkers, the app keeps track of the electrical output of all your devices so that you don’t overload the circuit and cause permanent damage to your vital gadgets. Provides valuable peace of mind for the cost.

TravelSafe Pro

A database of emergency service numbers for numerous countries along with embassy details should you find yourself in need. If you’re feeling extra cautious you can pin widgets to your home screen to have quick access to police, ambulance, and fire departments.

The Night Sky

The Night Sky allows you to get in touch with your inner astronomer and learn about the constellations. Simply download the app, and then aim it up at the sky to have the constellations highlighted and named for you. This is a great app for anyone who will be doing any evening adventure activities like camping or night hiking.

Google Earth

Not sure what breathtaking peak you’re looking at? Google Earth will sort you out. View satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings. Also a great app for wander-lusting.

AccuWeather

When it’s a question of freezing your bits off, or dodging a monsoon, it’s important to know what the weather’s doing.

World Customs and Cultures

A must if you are traveling to an unfamiliar country. Includes ‘dos and don’ts’ for over 165 countries. Customs, cultural information, and useful facts, browsable by flag, by index, or just by scrolling, you’ll be able to find the exact country you’re looking to travel to or are currently in quickly and easily.

Tipulator

“How much do you tip here?” has got to be on the top ten list of questions that fellow travellers ask each other. This app splits bills for you and does all the math so that you avoid any embarrassment.

Lonely Planet’s Fast Talk

Provides hundreds of easy-to-access phrases from the world’s most used languages. Hear pronunciations and replay individual words and save your favourite phrases for easy access later. Great for on the go language learning.