Best Trip Planning Apps for Backpackers (2026)

I've used all of them. Here's what actually works.

There are too many trip planning apps. Most are bloated with features you'll never use, designed for family vacations to Disney World, not backpacking through Southeast Asia.

I've tested the major ones across multiple trips. Here's what actually works for travelers who move fast, travel cheap, and hate over-planning.

Quick Comparison

Polo

Disclosure: This is our app. I'll be honest about the pros and cons.

Polo is built for one thing: turning social media saves into actual trip plans. Paste a TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube link, and AI extracts the locations mentioned. They land on a map. You drag them into days.

What it does well:

• Social media import actually works (most apps don't have this)
• AI generates itineraries from your saved spots
• Stay Finder shows hostels near your activities
• Free, no paywalled features
• Works offline

What it doesn't do:

• No collaborative editing (yet)
• No flight/hotel booking integration
• Newer app, smaller community

Best for: Solo backpackers who find places on TikTok and want to skip the spreadsheet.

Wanderlog

Wanderlog is the most full-featured option. It feels like a proper travel planning tool with maps, day-by-day itineraries, budget tracking, and collaborative editing.

What it does well:

• Beautiful interface, very polished
• Real-time collaboration (great for group trips)
• Pulls in reviews and photos for places
• Offline maps
• Free tier is generous

What it doesn't do:

• No social media import
• AI features are limited
• Can feel over-engineered for simple trips

Best for: Groups planning together, people who want everything in one place.

Google Maps

Not technically a trip planner, but let's be real—most people just use Google Maps. Save places to lists, download offline maps, done.

What it does well:

• You already have it
• Best offline maps
• Real-time directions
• Reviews and opening hours

What it doesn't do:

• No itinerary building
• No day-by-day organization
• Lists get messy fast
• No social media import

Best for: Simple trips where you just need a place to save spots.

TripIt

TripIt is designed for business travelers. Forward your confirmation emails, and it builds a master itinerary with flights, hotels, and reservations.

What it does well:

• Email parsing is excellent
• Flight status alerts
• Clean, organized view of all bookings

What it doesn't do:

• Not built for discovery or spontaneous travel
• No help finding places to go
• Pro version required for best features

Best for: Business travelers, people with lots of bookings to track.

Roamy

Roamy is similar to Polo—focused on importing from social media. iOS only right now.

What it does well:

• 1-tap save from TikTok and Instagram
• Clean interface
• Route planning

What it doesn't do:

• iOS only (Android coming)
• Less AI-powered than Polo
• No accommodation recommendations

Best for: iOS users who want simple social import.

The Bottom Line

• If you save travel content on TikTok/Instagram: Polo or Roamy
• If you're planning with friends: Wanderlog
• If you just need to save spots: Google Maps
• If you have lots of bookings to track: TripIt

Honestly, most backpackers don't need a complex app. Pick one that fits how you actually find places, and keep it simple.

Try Polo free — paste a social link, get an instant itinerary.