Family vacations, week-long getaways, and spur of the moment excursions can cost a lot. So why spend money on a travel app when you can organize those trips for free?

With these free Windows apps, you can plan your next adventure from start to finish. And you can save your hard-earned cash for where it counts the most: the trip.

Find a Destination

TripSmart.tv

TripSmart.tv (officially named cdc528 tripsmart) is packed full of videos to inspire that next travel destination. You can view clips for top travel spots, budget destinations, or seasonal places to visit. If you do have an idea of where you want to go, head to the channels for Australia, Europe, or South America.

tripsmart tv windows app

Additional features you will enjoy include honeymoon attractions, historic travel, or adventure activities. Each video offers a brief description, which is great if you want further details. And if you sign up for an account, you can save your favorite clips.

Hit the Road

Hit the Road is another handy app for getting travel ideas. You can browse through the video channels for traveling to specific spots like Jamaica, Singapore, or Hong Kong. Or take a look at the Disney Cruise Line, RV Travel Channel, or the best destinations in the world.

hit the road windows app

You can even check out breaking news stories from around the globe, which are updated daily. You might also enjoy the photos from other travelers and the Travel and Leisure section with links to Twitter. Hit the Road may not have as many videos as TripSmart.tv, but it might just be the inspiration you need for a new travel idea.

Check Out Travel Guides

CityInformation

With CityInformation, just select your destination city and then view places for activities, shopping, dining, transportation, and more. The information that the app provides comes from various sources such as Yelp, Lonely Planet, tourism websites, and the CityInformation site.

city information windows app

If you are planning to travel abroad and want local information for your destination city, CityInformation offers good details within a single, intuitive interface.

Tripwolf

For an app that is full of travel guides, take a look at Tripwolf. You can select guides for cities worldwide that include categories like attractions, accommodations, tours, nightlife, and shopping. Then, delve into the details for the locations that interest you.

tripwolf london windows app

Once you have the guide you want, you can then use the built-in trip planner. View tons of location details such as basic facts, prices, reviews, and a map. Then, add spots you want to see by clicking the I want to go button and then revisit your planner during your vacation.

Tripwolf is a free app with many guides available. However, keep in mind that some only offer a preview or limited features and then require a purchase for the full guide.

Head to the Great Outdoors

Unofficial National Park Service

If you have decided that an outdoor adventure is what you want, then the Unofficial National Park Service app is for you. You simply select your U.S. state and then browse the results which include national historic trails, sites, and preserves.

unofficial national parks windows app

When you click on an option, you will receive useful details for your visit. Review the basic information, any active alerts, helpful maps, and upcoming events. You will also see photos and articles about the location. If visiting a national park is your preferred vacation destination, this app is ideal.

Unofficial Parks Canada

From the same developer is an app for those traveling to Canada for a camping trip. The Unofficial Parks Canada app puts the Parks Canada Reservation Service at your fingertips. You can find a site by entering brief details like your arrival date, number of nights, and site requirements.

unofficial canada parks windows app

You can also pick a spot on the map, check the availability calendar, and reserve your camping site right from the app. After you create an account, you can sign in to keep track of your reservations.

Prepare for Worldwide Travel

Currency Converter Live

Currency Converter Live from 665Apps is a simple, convenient tool for traveling around the world. Just enter an amount, select the currency types, and get the conversion instantly. The app is available on your Windows PC or mobile device, making it accessible and flexible.

currency converter windows app

Translator

Another necessary tool for worldwide travel is one that helps you communicate with others. Translator from Microsoft is a terrific option. Just enter the text to translate with the keyboard, microphone, or use your camera. Then, pick the "to" and "from" language to receive immediate results.

ms translator windows app

Click the audio button to hear the translated text spoken and then share, copy, edit, or delete it. The app supports 50 languages and scripts, provides a spell checker, saves your history, and offers downloadable translation packs for offline use.

Book Everything at Once

TripAdvisor

Find and reserve a hotel, vacation rental, restaurant, and flight with one awesome tool. TripAdvisor makes it super easy to create an entire itinerary that is booked and ready. You can search for spots in the United States, Canada, and around the world.

trip advisor windows app

Check out the details for your locations that include basic information, reviews, ratings, photos, and pricing. TripAdvisor also provides travel guides, activity suggestions, and collections for museums, beaches, and other types of interests. Then, create a free account or sign in to make your reservations.

Expedia

Another excellent all-in-one travel tool is Expedia. Similar to TripAdvisor, you can reserve accommodations, rental cars, flights, and cruises. Expedia also offers vacation packages called Bundle Deals along with Daily Travel Deals, so you can save some cash.

expedia windows app

Look for things to do in your destination city or check recommendations for activities worldwide. Then, create a free account or sign in to make your reservations as well as view your upcoming or previous trip itineraries.

Keep Track of Your Plans

Trip Companion

While you are making your travel plans, be sure to keep it all together. Trip Companion is a handy tool for vacations or business trips. You just create a trip with the dates to get started. Then, you can add appointments for activities like a spa treatment or a guided tour.

trip companion windows app

You can create checklists for to-dos or packing, add a budget and track expenses, and upload documents like reservation confirmations. You can track more than one trip and add photos and albums for a fun remembrance.

MyTrip

MyTrip is another cool tool for making your travel plans and accessing them quickly. You can search for destinations and find enjoyable activities and attractions. You will find basic information, maps, photos, and videos for travel spots around the globe.

mytrip windows app

Then, create and name your trip and add locations you want to visit each day. The trip along with the days are automatically placed into tabs at the top. You can set up multiple trips, add days with a click, and even see the daily weather forecast for your adventure.

Plus, if you are just starting the planning phase, you can browse destinations and pin them to your Windows Start Menu or mark them as favorites to check out later.

Do You Use Other Free Apps for Travel Planning?

Planning a short trip or lengthy family vacation can include a lot of pieces. From adventures to another country to road trips to a different state, make sure you have the right tools. These free Windows apps can help you discover, explore, reserve, and plan without paying a penny to do it.

Do you have a free Windows app that you stick with for travel planning? If you do, share it with us in the comments below!

Image Credits: Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock