Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, not stressful. While you may think that you have everything prepared to enjoy a stress-free vacation, events don't always go as planned. You might end up missing your flight, your hotel might cancel your booking at the last minute, or you may have to escape extreme weather conditions.

Many vacation stresses are out of your hands, but there are some great apps available to make your vacation go as smoothly as possible (and adapt quickly in case a part of the trip does go wrong).

1. Airbnb

Having safe and secure accommodation takes a lot of stress out of traveling. With the app, it's easy to search Airbnb for the perfect vacation stay for your needs. No matter if you're going to a tropical location or to the North Pole, chances are that Airbnb has a listing you'll like.

Booking is easy with the app or a web browser. All you need to do is select the location of your dreams, add the date, and specify the number of guests, and Airbnb will bring up everything that matches your criteria in the area you've selected. There are remote cabins, convenient apartments in bustling city centers, off-the-grid properties, and even mansions in the desert.

A valuable aspect of Airbnb is the ability to communicate with your host directly by writing them an email inside the app. Airbnb has a personal feel that allows travelers to find a place quickly. And if your host does cancel, you can likely find something else (depending on where you're looking) within minutes. This app takes a huge amount of stress away from anxious travelers.

Download: Airbnb for Android I iOS (Free)

2. Google Translate

If you've arrived in a city where you don't speak the language, chances are that you will feel like a fish out of water. Even if you have a trusty handbook or dictionary by your side, an app has various other benefits. For example, the Google Translate app allows you to quickly type in what you want to say in your own language and translate it into any language listed.

Another benefit of this app is that it allows you to scan any text you see and translate it on the spot. So if you've sat down at a restaurant and have no idea what the menu says, you can quickly translate it by holding your phone above the text. The screen will use augmented reality to show your language over the original language.

Download: Google Translate for Android I iOS (Free)

3. Google Maps

Not knowing where to go ahead of time is a recipe for a stressful vacation. Luckily, Google Maps allows you not only to see where you are, but also to get walking, driving, biking, or public transit directions to the location you need to go.

You can type in street names, hotels, restaurants, and landmarks with relative ease. You can also download the app on your phone or tablet and save an area for when you're offline. This way, if you fear having no Wi-Fi or if you are in a location where you can't use cellular data, you'll still be able to find your way around.

Download: Google Maps for Android I iOS (Free)

4. Flightradar24

If you're an anxious traveler, the Flightradar24 app will help calm your nerves. This app is designed to give you an insight into any flight in the world. You can search for individual flights using the flight number, airport, or airline. The app allows you to view arrival and departure boards, flight statuses, aircraft on the ground, delay stats, and weather conditions.

If you're afraid of flying and need some reassurance, the app also allows you to view historical data and watch playbacks of past flights. This way you can check out the plane you are about to board for that extra bit of reassurance. Another interesting feature of the app is that it allows you to point your phone at the sky when you see a flying plane to get information on it.

Download: Flightradar24 for Android I iOS (Free, subscription available)

5. Uber

Once you've landed in a country and people are flocking to the taxi stand to get to their destination, you can download Uber to take the stress out of your day. With so many rideshare scams out there, it's important to protect yourself while traveling. Whether you need to get to a hotel or want to go sightseeing, use the Uber app to enter your destination and choose your mode of transport.

Depending on where you are, you can also hire an Uber bike or a scooter. The app is easy to use. Once you've entered your details, its map clearly shows how many vehicles are near you. You can also see in advance how much you should expect to pay.

If you choose the bike or the scooter, all you have to do is find it on the map, scan its QR code, and book it. The app makes moving around easy and accessible, especially if you're on a tight schedule or the demand for transportation is high.

Download: Uber for Android | iOS (Free)

6. GetYourGuide

The GetYourGuide app is designed to take the stress away from trying to find things to do on vacation. If you're the type of person who wants to see it all but ends up frustrated that there isn't enough time, you can use the app to book your activities.

Search by location in advance to see what's going on in the place you are going or wait until you get there to see what comes up on the days you're visiting. If you're on the type of vacation where you are moving around a lot, the app is great for showing you what's going on and regularly updating you as schedules change.

Download: GetYourGuide for Android | iOS (Free)

Apps Can Make Your Vacation Truly Stress-Relieving

As fun and exciting as it is to be on vacation, there are common stress factors that can ruin everything. If you're concerned about your next vacation and want to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible, some of these apps can help take the stress out of traveling.

Remember to check your flights, organize your accommodation, and book your tours well in advance. Then, for the rest, use these apps for on-the-go help wherever you are.