Technology has revolutionized the way people travel, making it easier than ever to get around. Smartphones, in particular, have made traveling simpler and more enjoyable. Apps have taken the place of paper maps and GPS navigation systems, giving travelers the opportunity to plan their trips more efficiently. It’s no wonder that there are now plenty of useful apps that offer features like digital road trip planners, roadside attraction notifications, real-time traffic updates, and more. To narrow it down, here are a few must-have apps so you can plan and execute your trip with less stress and more fun.
Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers is the go-to app for road trips. It is available for both iOS and Android devices and is free to use, but you can upgrade to a premium account for $29.99 a year to access more features. With the app, you can plan your route and add up to seven waypoints for free or 150 with a Roadtrippers Plus account. You can collaborate with friends and family and discover all the best places to see and things to do along the way. You can find national parks, roadside attractions, hotels, restaurants, activities, shopping, fuel, and more throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Google Maps
Google Maps is the ideal navigation app for any road-tripper. It has been found to be six times more popular than any other navigation app and is highly acclaimed for its comprehensive data, attention to detail, and ability to generate the best possible directions. No matter how long the journey is, the app will provide estimates and route options accordingly. It also allows you to plot waypoints along the route, such as coffee stops and hotel options (including reviews). Google Maps is free and available on both iOS and Android devices.
Waze
Waze is one of the top navigation apps that provides real-time updates to avoid traffic, construction, and other issues. It will help you navigate unfamiliar regions like a pro, and the free app is available on both iOS and Android. It collects data from other drivers to make your road trip easier and faster. Waze users should be ready for a more adventurous route as the app is more proactive than Google Maps in changing up a route when problems arise.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is an app designed to help you save money on fuel for your road trip. By crowdsourcing up-to-date fuel prices for over 150,000 gas stations across the U.S. and Canada, you can be sure to find the best fuel prices in any area. The app also helps you to locate gas stations and parking, which can be difficult in unfamiliar places. It’s free to download on both iOS and Android devices. Be a good road-tripper and submit gas prices as you travel to help others in your area.
Roadside America
The Roadside America app can help make road trips even more enjoyable by providing a list of the most unique attractions worth stopping for. The app features roadside attractions, museums, murals, tours, quirky restaurants, and other photo ops. It is available for download for only $2.99 and can be found on iOS. With additional in-app purchases, you can ensure that your journey remains enjoyable with even more points of interest.
iExit Interstate Exit Guide
The iExit Interstate Exit Guide app is here to help simplify your road trip. With this free app (available for iOS and Android), you will be informed of which exits are approaching, what services they offer (e.g., food, lodging, fuel, and even hospitals), as well as their Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) fuel prices and Yelp reviews. No more guesswork is needed when looking for snacks, coffee, or a restroom!
HotelTonight
Through the HotelTonight app, you can find discounted accommodation in over 1,000 cities worldwide within minutes. This user-friendly service offers day-of deals on unsold rooms, making it an ideal solution for those who need to pull over for an unexpected night’s stay due to fatigue while on the road. The app is free to download and available on iOS and Android.
Airbnb
The free Airbnb app is available for iOS and Android users and offers over 600,000 properties in the United States alone. Users can search for vacation homes, experiences, A-frame cabins, yurts, and private guest houses on a map and read reviews before they book. Last minute or advanced bookings are both available. Experiences offered on the app include guided walking tours, pottery classes, and more, allowing travelers to experience a city like a local.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt is an essential app for those taking a road trip who are interested in camping. It is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it is already a favorite amongst over a million registered users. This app provides reviews, photos, and tips from users so that you get an accurate idea of the campsites you are visiting. Additionally, you can book campsites right on the app. The basic version of the app is free, but there is also a premium version that costs $35.99 per year. The premium version allows users to plan trips and search campsites while offline, which is especially convenient in more remote areas.
PlugShare
For those looking to go on road trips with an eco-friendly electric vehicle, PlugShare is an essential app. It is the world’s most popular charging station finder, with over 610,000 stations across North America, Europe, and elsewhere. With its reviews from users, PlugShare can help you find the best, fastest, and most reliable charging stations. This app is free and available on iOS and Android.