Road trips are great for family travel, giving everyone the opportunity to bond, learn, and experience new people and places along the way. There’s just something about a road trip that says “quality time.”
But just because you’re kicking it “old school” by hitting the road, doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate a little bit of modern technology to enhance the experience (in fact, we think you should!).
To help along the way – with everything from getting directions to finding the best places to fill up the gas tank – we’ve rounded up the 10 best travel apps for your next road trip. Buckle up!
1. Instagram
OK, so Instagram isn’t solely a ‘travel’ app. But we think it’s the perfect app to capture life on the road. From photos to short video clips, Instagram will help you remember the highlights of the journey – and help you make them look as good as you remember them with filters and other image/video editing enhancements.
2. TripIt
The best itinerary management app, TripIt is perfect for keeping travel plans organized for longer road trips. Use it to keep confirmation numbers, arrival dates, departures, and more all in one place. You can also plug in your destinations, and TripIt will automatically generate local maps, driving directions, weather information, and more.
3. GasBuddy
Find gas stations and the best gas prices throughout your trip with GasBuddy. Use the app to map your route and find out when and where to buy gas, and how much to buy for the best value for the trip.
4. Spotify
No road trip is complete without a little entertainment, and when you tire of the radio, Spotify is the perfect driving companion. Here you’ll find curated playlists that can be searched by things like mood or activity. Try searching through Spotify’s driving playlists!
(Pssst! You should also download these 10 top road trip songs before you go).
5. Audible
Take a break from the music and switch things up with Audible – the app that offers audiobooks and podcasts. Catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read, or put on a story sure to keep the whole family entertained. There’s plenty to choose from.
6. Waze
The world’s largest community based traffic and navigation app, Waze is a must-have for your next road trip. Use the handy real-time reports to alert you of traffic conditions, accidents, traffic jams, and so on. Plan the best route possible with up-to-date maps and directions.
7. Foodspotting
Craving an old favorite in a new location? Worry not – Foodspotting will find it for you. So what are you in the mood for? Whether it’s a burger and fries, BBQ, dessert or a glass of wine (for the non-drivers), Foodspotting will show you the way.
8. AroundMe
No matter what you’re looking for, AroundMe will find it. Need a drug store? Just let the app know. Looking for an ATM, a nearby movie schedule, or even just entertainment suggestions around you? This is the perfect tool.
9. Google Maps
Google Maps is simply one of the best mapping tools out there. Use it for directions, travel time estimations, and GPS.
10. Roadside America
This one’s just for fun! Roadside America is your guide to “uniquely odd tourist attractions” in the US. Use this app to discover off the beaten path oddities and quirky roadside attractions to make your road trip that much more exciting and memorable.
Itching to hit the road this fall? Find InTown Suites’ extended stay properties on the road; your home away from home during your next great adventure.
Road trips are great for family travel, giving everyone the opportunity to bond, learn, and experience new people and places along the way. There’s just something about a road trip that says “quality time.”
But just because you’re kicking it “old school” by hitting the road, doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate a little bit of modern technology to enhance the experience (in fact, we think you should!).
To help along the way - with everything from getting directions to finding the best places to fill up the gas tank - we’ve rounded up the 10 best travel apps for your next road trip. Buckle up!
1. Instagram
OK, so Instagram isn’t solely a ‘travel’ app. But we think it’s the perfect app to capture life on the road. From photos to short video clips, Instagram will help you remember the highlights of the journey - and help you make them look as good as you remember them with filters and other image/video editing enhancements.
2. TripIt
The best itinerary management app, TripIt is perfect for keeping travel plans organized for longer road trips. Use it to keep confirmation numbers, arrival dates, departures, and more all in one place. You can also plug in your destinations, and TripIt will automatically generate local maps, driving directions, weather information, and more.
3. GasBuddy
Find gas stations and the best gas prices throughout your trip with GasBuddy. Use the app to map your route and find out when and where to buy gas, and how much to buy for the best value for the trip.
4. Spotify
No road trip is complete without a little entertainment, and when you tire of the radio, Spotify is the perfect driving companion. Here you’ll find curated playlists that can be searched by things like mood or activity. Try searching through Spotify's driving playlists!
(Pssst! You should also download these 10 top road trip songs before you go).
5. Audible
Take a break from the music and switch things up with Audible - the app that offers audiobooks and podcasts. Catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read, or put on a story sure to keep the whole family entertained. There’s plenty to choose from.
6. Waze
The world’s largest community based traffic and navigation app, Waze is a must-have for your next road trip. Use the handy real-time reports to alert you of traffic conditions, accidents, traffic jams, and so on. Plan the best route possible with up-to-date maps and directions.
7. Foodspotting
Craving an old favorite in a new location? Worry not - Foodspotting will find it for you. So what are you in the mood for? Whether it’s a burger and fries, BBQ, dessert or a glass of wine (for the non-drivers), Foodspotting will show you the way.
8. AroundMe
No matter what you’re looking for, AroundMe will find it. Need a drug store? Just let the app know. Looking for an ATM, a nearby movie schedule, or even just entertainment suggestions around you? This is the perfect tool.
9. Google Maps
Google Maps is simply one of the best mapping tools out there. Use it for directions, travel time estimations, and GPS.
10. Roadside America
This one’s just for fun! Roadside America is your guide to “uniquely odd tourist attractions” in the US. Use this app to discover off the beaten path oddities and quirky roadside attractions to make your road trip that much more exciting and memorable.
Itching to hit the road this fall? Find InTown Suites' extended stay properties on the road; your home away from home during your next great adventure.
