10 Best Apps for Group Travel Planning

published on 21 January 2025

Planning group trips can be stressful - coordinating schedules, managing expenses, and keeping everyone on the same page. Luckily, these 10 apps simplify the process:

  • Howbout: Shared calendars and polls for easy scheduling.
  • Frienzy: Combines messaging, expense tracking, and itinerary planning.
  • Wanderlog: Centralizes itineraries with Gmail and Google Maps integration.
  • Hopper: Predicts flight and hotel prices to save money.
  • Lucky Trip: Suggests surprise travel packages based on your budget.
  • Splitwise: Tracks and splits group expenses seamlessly.
  • Google Trips: Organizes bookings and offline itineraries.
  • GTFO: Finds last-minute flights for spontaneous getaways.
  • Hotel Tonight: Discounts on last-minute hotel bookings.
  • Lapse: Shared albums for group photo and video memories.

Quick Comparison

App Name Scheduling Expense Tracking Itinerary Planning Best For
Howbout Scheduling coordination
Frienzy All-in-one planning
Wanderlog Itinerary organization
Hopper Budget flight deals
Lucky Trip Spontaneous trips
Splitwise Expense management
Google Trips Offline itinerary access
GTFO Last-minute flights
Hotel Tonight Last-minute stays
Lapse Group photo sharing

Use these apps together to cover scheduling, budgeting, and planning for a smoother group travel experience. Start with Howbout for schedules, Splitwise for expenses, and Wanderlog for itineraries.

1. Howbout: Simplify Group Scheduling

Howbout

Planning group travel can feel like piecing together a tricky puzzle. Howbout makes this process easier by offering a shared calendar that helps groups quickly find dates that work for everyone, cutting out the endless back-and-forth messages.

Here’s what the app offers:

  • Shared Calendar: Easily spot overlapping free time to pick the best travel dates.
  • Polling Feature: Vote on dates, accommodations, or activities directly in the app for a more democratic planning process.
  • Integrated Messaging: Keep all trip-related conversations in one place, complete with the option to share photos and GIFs for lively discussions.

Combine Howbout with other travel tools to cover every aspect of planning. While it works best when all members actively use it [3], the app keeps the planning process on track and organized.

For instance, if you’re organizing a ski trip, Howbout can help align schedules, gather votes on resorts, and manage logistics. This turns what could be a chaotic process into a smooth, collaborative experience where everyone stays in the loop.

While Howbout focuses on scheduling, Frienzy steps in to elevate group communication with its all-in-one planning features.

2. Frienzy: Plan and Communicate with Ease

Frienzy

Frienzy makes group travel planning simple by combining communication, itinerary management, and expense tracking into a single app.

Its itinerary system offers two ways to organize your travel plans: manually inputting details or using AI-powered photo scanning. Just take a photo of your itinerary, and the app will pull out and organize the important information for you [1].

The built-in real-time messaging keeps all trip-related conversations in one place, so you don’t have to switch between apps. This messaging feature works hand-in-hand with the expense tracker and itinerary tools, ensuring everything you need is accessible in one spot [1].

Here’s what makes Frienzy stand out:

  • Expense Tracking Made Easy: Manage and split group expenses without the hassle [1].
  • Live Location Sharing: See where everyone is during the trip, helping with coordination and safety [1].
  • Shared Travel Journal: Create photo albums and notes together to capture your trip memories [1].

"Frienzy simplifies group travel with expense tracking, itinerary uploads, and location sharing." [1]

Frienzy is perfect for organizing group trips, offering tools to handle itineraries, expenses, real-time updates, and even a collaborative travel journal. While it focuses on communication and coordination, Wanderlog takes a broader approach by centralizing every part of your trip planning.

3. Wanderlog: All Your Trip Plans in One Place

Wanderlog

Wanderlog simplifies group travel planning by bringing everything together in one app. Its standout feature? Gmail integration. It automatically pulls in flight details, hotel bookings, and activity confirmations, organizing them into a shared timeline. This saves you time and keeps everyone on the same page.

Another big plus is how it combines itinerary planning with maps. Wanderlog syncs with Google Maps, letting you see your routes and adjust plans visually. Any updates to the itinerary are instantly shared with the group, cutting down on confusion.

Here’s what makes Wanderlog a great pick for group trips:

  • Automatic Imports: Syncs travel details directly from Gmail.
  • Map Integration: Plan routes visually with Google Maps.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Group members can edit and view updates instantly.

The app has both free and premium options. The free version covers the basics, but upgrading unlocks extras like offline maps and more customization options.

With Wanderlog, you can:

  • Plan daily itineraries in detail.
  • Track shared expenses easily.
  • Share travel schedules with everyone in the group.

4. Hopper: Get the Best Travel Deals

Hopper

While Wanderlog helps you plan your trip, Hopper focuses on finding the best deals on flights and accommodations - making it an ideal tool for group travel.

Hopper uses AI to analyze over 30 billion price points every day. This allows the app to predict when prices will rise or fall, helping groups save up to 40% on flights by booking at the right time. Its Flex Watch feature keeps track of multiple travel dates and alerts you when prices drop, making it easier to coordinate group schedules.

Here’s how Hopper can help budget-conscious groups:

  • Track and lock prices for flights and accommodations, giving your group extra time to finalize schedules before booking.
  • Find affordable destinations that fit the group’s preferences.
  • Monitor costs for multiple rooms and vehicle rentals, perfect for larger groups.

What makes Hopper stand out is its ability to predict future price trends. Using advanced algorithms, the app identifies the best times to book, ensuring smarter group purchases. Combined with its destination suggestions and tracking tools, Hopper helps groups stretch their travel budgets while meeting everyone’s needs.

The app’s simple interface also keeps things easy for all group members. Everyone can stay informed about potential savings and booking windows, making group decisions smoother and more collaborative.

5. Lucky Trip: Discover New Travel Ideas

Lucky Trip

After locking in great travel deals with Hopper, Lucky Trip takes over to bring spontaneity and fun to group travel planning. This app uses your group's budget and preferences to create tailored travel packages, including flights, accommodations, and activities. The twist? It adds an element of surprise, making the planning process smoother and more engaging while helping avoid debates over where to go.

Here’s how it works: your group enters preferences - like a beach escape or a city adventure - and Lucky Trip generates complete travel packages that match your criteria but with unexpected suggestions to keep things interesting.

Key features include:

  • Budget-First Planning: Input your group's total budget, and the app ensures every suggestion stays within your limits.
  • All-in-One Recommendations: Get flights, hotels, and activities that align perfectly, saving you time.
  • Creative Activity Ideas: Find experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots, helping your group make unforgettable memories.

Lucky Trip is perfect for sparking travel ideas and can complement other planning tools. Its unpredictable suggestions encourage groups to explore destinations they might not have considered, leading to trips that stand out.

If your group is looking to shake up the usual travel routine, Lucky Trip offers a balance of structure and surprise. Its ability to deliver full travel packages while respecting your budget makes it a handy tool for modern group travelers who want a simpler planning experience.

Once your group agrees on a destination, managing shared costs becomes the next challenge - Splitwise makes that part easy.

6. Splitwise: Simplify Group Travel Expenses

Splitwise

Managing group expenses during travel can get messy fast without a proper system. Splitwise makes it easy to track and settle group costs, ensuring everyone knows who owes what.

When someone covers a group expense, Splitwise calculates each person’s share and keeps an updated record of balances.

Features Travelers Will Love:

  • Real-time tracking of expenses with the option to attach receipt photos
  • Multi-currency support with automatic exchange rate conversions
  • Flexible splitting options (equal shares, percentages, or itemized)
  • Integration with other travel planning apps

For international trips, Splitwise stands out thanks to its automatic currency conversion. If your group is hopping between countries, the app handles the math for you.

Tips for Using Splitwise on Your Trip:

  • Set up a group for your trip before you leave
  • Log expenses as soon as they occur and include receipt photos
  • Choose your preferred currency at the start
  • Turn on notifications to stay updated on changes

When used alongside apps like Frienzy or Wanderlog, Splitwise covers everything from planning to payments, so you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of worrying about money.

The free version is packed with enough tools for most travelers, but the premium plan offers extras like receipt scanning and expense categorization. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long adventure, Splitwise is a must-have for hassle-free group expenses.

After handling finances, organizing your travel itinerary becomes the next step. Google Trips can help streamline that process.

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7. Google Trips: Keep Travel Plans Organized

Google Trips brings all your travel information together by automatically pulling reservations from Gmail to create detailed itineraries. It’s especially helpful for group travel, as everyone can access the same details, cutting down on confusion.

Top Features for Group Travel:

  • Offline access to trip details and maps
  • Custom day plans for over 200 cities
  • Google Maps integration for easy navigation
  • Shared itineraries with real-time updates

The offline feature is a game-changer for international trips. Download your trip info before leaving, and your group can view it without needing an internet connection. The app also suggests nearby activities, helping you fill any gaps in your schedule with popular attractions.

Feature How It Helps Groups
Gmail Integration Automatically imports group bookings
Offline Access Access trip info without internet
Day Planning Offers activity suggestions
Maps Integration Simplifies navigation and meetups

Tips for a Smooth Trip:

  • Share your trip details and download offline info ahead of time.
  • Use AI-generated day plans to coordinate group activities.
  • Link your Gmail for automatic booking imports.

What sets Google Trips apart is how it works seamlessly with other Google tools. For example, while you manage expenses with Splitwise, you can also organize your group's reservations and plans in one place using Google Trips.

If you’re looking for last-minute flight deals for spontaneous getaways, consider pairing this app with GTFO for even more travel flexibility.

8. GTFO (Get The Flight Out): Find Last-Minute Flights

GTFO

GTFO helps you snag unsold airline seats for flights leaving nearby airports within the next 24 hours. For groups, it’s a lifesaver, making it simple to find and book flights so everyone can stay on track, even with tight timelines.

What Makes GTFO Great for Groups:

  • Real-time updates on flight availability
  • Search across multiple airports for more options
  • Price tracking with alerts for deals
  • Fast and hassle-free booking process

The platform’s straightforward design makes organizing group travel much easier, even at the last minute.

Tips for Booking as a Group:

  • Set up price alerts and be open to flexible destinations and times to land better deals.
  • Make sure everyone has their travel documents ready to book without delays.
  • Check flights from nearby airports to expand your options.

For the best experience, get everyone in the group to download the app and track the same routes. This way, anyone can quickly notify the group when a great flight option pops up, streamlining the decision-making process.

GTFO is perfect for last-minute group trips or unexpected travel plans. Once you’ve secured your flights, you can move on to finding accommodations - apps like Hotel Tonight can make that part a breeze.

9. Hotel Tonight: Book Last-Minute Stays

Hotel Tonight

Hotel Tonight is a go-to app for finding discounted last-minute hotel rooms, making it perfect for groups with flexible plans. It takes the stress out of last-minute bookings, letting you focus on enjoying your trip.

Top Features:

  • Real-time updates for multiple room options, complete with hotel photos and reviews
  • 'Daily Drop' deals for extra savings
  • HT Perks program that rewards you with bigger discounts for future stays
  • Price Match Guarantee to ensure you're getting the best deal

While the app is great for securing quality accommodations on short notice, group bookings need to be handled individually, which can be a bit time-consuming.

How to Save More on Group Bookings:
To get the best rates, book same-day stays after 12 PM for discounts up to 50%, use 'Daily Drop' deals for 20-30% off, and during busy travel seasons, aim to book 7 days in advance.

For smoother group bookings, keep these tips in mind:

  • Decide on a clear budget per room
  • Be open to different neighborhoods for better deals
  • Have backup options ready during busy travel times
  • Book rooms in pairs to increase availability

Pair Hotel Tonight with expense-sharing apps like Splitwise to easily manage group costs. Once your stay is sorted, apps like Lapse can help you document and share your group's travel experiences effortlessly.

10. Lapse: Save and Share Travel Memories

Lapse

After booking your stay with Hotel Tonight, Lapse helps your group save and share the best moments from your trip. Unlike generic photo-sharing apps, Lapse is designed specifically for group travel. It lets you create shared albums and instantly share photos and videos, making it easy to keep everyone connected.

Lapse simplifies photo and video sharing by acting as a central hub for your group. No more chasing down pictures after the trip - everything is organized and accessible in one place.

What Makes Lapse Stand Out?

  • Shared albums where everyone can upload and access photos effortlessly
  • Real-time sharing to preserve memories as they happen
  • Easy downloads so you can revisit your trip highlights whenever you want

Want to stay organized? Create separate albums for activities, meals, and scenic views. This setup makes it easier to find and relive specific moments later.

Tips for Smooth Group Photo Sharing:

  • Set up shared albums before the trip and agree on how to organize them
  • Encourage everyone to upload daily to build a complete timeline
  • Add captions to photos and videos for extra context

While apps like Frienzy focus on travel journaling, Lapse keeps the spotlight on visual memories. Its simple interface ensures everyone, even less tech-savvy friends, can join in and contribute.

To get the most out of Lapse, plan ahead by setting album guidelines at the start of your trip. This way, you’ll have a well-organized collection of memories to enjoy together long after the journey ends.

Comparison Table of Group Travel Apps

Here's a handy comparison table to help you pick the best app for tackling group travel challenges.

App Name Group Coordination Expense Management Itinerary Planning Best For
Howbout Shared calendars, polls, voting No Detailed trip planning Schedule coordination
Frienzy Location sharing, group chat Built-in expense tracker Manual itinerary creation All-in-one planning
Wanderlog Shared itineraries No Daily routes and activities Collaborative planning
Hopper No No Flight and hotel booking Deal hunting
Lucky Trip No No Surprise destinations Spontaneous travel
Splitwise No Advanced expense tracking No Group finances
Google Trips Limited sharing No Personalized guides Group itinerary sharing and offline access
GTFO No No Last-minute flights Quick group getaways
Hotel Tonight Group booking No Last-minute stays Emergency group stays
Lapse Photo sharing No Visual timeline Trip memories

Key Takeaways:

  • Frienzy combines group coordination and expense tracking, making it a versatile choice.
  • Splitwise is perfect for managing group finances on a budget.
  • Wanderlog excels at itinerary planning with its shared, visual approach.
  • For spontaneous planners, apps like Hopper and GTFO help find last-minute deals.

Stephen Solosky highlights that last-minute trip planning is becoming more common [2], making tools for spontaneous bookings increasingly useful. To make the most of your group trip, consider combining apps to cover all bases. For example:

  • Use Howbout for scheduling,
  • Splitwise for expenses,
  • And Wanderlog for planning your itinerary together.

With this comparison, you're ready to choose the right apps for your group travel needs. Next, let's explore some final tips for smooth planning.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Planning group trips has never been simpler, thanks to modern apps. The key? Focus on tools that solve your group's biggest challenges while keeping everything organized and easy to manage.

Pick Apps That Solve Your Group's Biggest Problems
Stick to one or two apps that tackle your main planning headaches. For example, use Splitwise to manage expenses or GTFO for last-minute bookings. This avoids app overload while covering the essentials.

Combine Tools Smartly
Pair scheduling, itinerary, and expense apps to keep everything running smoothly. The right mix of tools can turn a complicated group trip into a well-coordinated adventure.

Keep Communication Clear
Apps with group chat features are perfect for keeping everyone on the same page. Clear, centralized communication reduces confusion and keeps everyone involved in the planning process.

Be Ready for Last-Minute Adventures
Apps like Lucky Trip or other last-minute booking tools make it easy to embrace unexpected opportunities without derailing group plans.

For even more ideas, check out platforms like GTFO.co. They offer curated travel tools and resources that can adapt as your group's needs evolve.

The secret to successful group travel isn't just about picking the right apps - it’s about using them well. Choose tools that fit your group’s needs, explore their features, and stay consistent. With the right approach, you’ll make the planning process smoother and the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

FAQs

Here are answers to a couple of common questions about group travel planning apps to help you pick the best one for your trip.

What app can help with splitting travel costs?

Splitwise is a great option for managing group expenses. It automatically calculates and tracks shared costs, supports multiple currencies, and has an easy-to-use interface. Perfect for keeping finances organized during your trip.

Is there an app for planning a trip with others?

Yes, Troupe is a fantastic choice for group trip planning. It lets everyone vote on dates, accommodations, and activities, while keeping all the trip details in one place. It’s designed to make collaboration simple and organized.

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