From cross-country road trips to staycations in the city, your getaway will run more smoothly with a little help from some of the latest and greatest high-tech tools. We’re talking about smart phone apps that can assist you with the planning process and help you make the most of your vacation once you’ve arrived. Here are 10 of our favorites for those who love to travel and explore.
Roadtrippers: iPhone & Android- FREE
Roadtrippers features a seemingly infinite database of amazing places (actually 100,00+, to be slightly more exact) to help you map out your next road trip. The app allows you to plan road trips using the most powerful route planning features online, including instant fuel cost estimation. It also features users’ reviews and pictures, and travel guides with curated road trip experiences to get you inspired. This app is also available for the Apple Watch.
Yelp: iPhone & Android- FREE
Yelp helps travelers discover the best food, nightlife and entertainment in their area by displaying honest ratings, reviews and pictures from more than 140 million unique visitors each month. It’s a good friend to have when you’re in a new area, and you don’t know any locals to ask for advice. This app is also available for the Apple Watch.
Hotel Tonight: iPhone & Android- FREE
Making an unexpected overnight pit stop in a new city? Hotel Tonight has your back. Offering last-minute hotel reservations at fantastic prices, Hotel Tonight makes spontaneity worth your while. This app is also available for the Apple Watch.
Glympse: iPhone & Android- FREE
Glimpse makes it easy to coordinate meet-ups with friends and family. Users can share their location from the moment they head out to their destination, and recipients receive real-time updates as they get closer.
GasBuddy: iPhone & Android- FREE
GasBuddy lets you search for the lowest gas prices around you, which is particularly handy when you’re in an area you’re not familiar with or on a long road trip. Users can win gas money by reporting gas prices in real time.
Mint: iPhone & Android- FREE
Mint helps you make the most of your vacation without going over budget. It’s a central location that houses information about all of your bank accounts, credit cards and investments. You can track your spending and create a budget, as well as receive bill reminders and customized tips for reducing expenses. This app is also available for the Apple Watch.
YouTube Kids: iPhone & Android- FREE
YouTube Kids is loaded with kid-friendly YouTube videos, channels and playlists. The videos on the app are split into four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and Explore. With big buttons and bright colors, this app is entertaining and easy for children to use. It’s a great way to pass time while on the road or keep them entertained in a hotel room.
Waze- GPS, Maps, Social Traffic: iPhone & Android- FREE
Waze is a navigation app just like Google Maps and Apple Maps, but with a twist. It allows people to update real-time traffic and road information to help save time and gas, and arrive at your destination a little more quickly than expected. Not only can Waze cut your driving time down, but you can also warn other drivers about upcoming accidents, police traps and road hazards along the way.
Gas Bro: iPhone only- $1.99
Estimate the cost of your next road trip with Gas Bro. Simply input your start and end locations and MPG, then adjust the gas price, and Gas Bro will calculate the cost of your gas usage one-way or round trip. The app also allows you to split the cost between passengers.
Packing Pro: iPhone only- $2.99
Can’t remember what you packed and where you packed it? Packing Pro makes organization an easy feat before and after your trip. It allows you to create a detailed packing list by categories, check off items as you pack, and set pre-trip tasks and other reminders.
Bonus travel tip: Before leaving your car in a large parking lot, drop a pin on Google Maps so you won’t forget where you parked!
