Most Useful Apps for Road Trips

Short List of Most Helpful Apps to Download Before Traveling Long Distances 

Photo by Hayley Walters 

1. AIRBNB 

According to Fortune (2017), Airbnb is projected to profit some $3 billion by 2020, and I can surely see why that is. This app was essential in finding a place to stay, with day-of reservations and cheap rates. Although I would suggest booking at least a week in advance to guarantee a safe place for the night, there are so many available locations to stay that you shouldn't need to worry about same-day booking and reservations.

Airbnb is an online hospitality service, allowing people to rent short-term lodging including vacation rentals, apartment rentals and many more. The lodging is provided by average people who sometimes have an extra, underutilized space in their home who want to make use of it. One great thing about the app is that when you refer a friend to travel and that friend spends at least 75.00 on the app, you will receive 20.00 travel credit. The more you share your link to the app with friends and family, the more travel credit you could potentially receive. 

2. EXPEDIA

If you have an Expedia account, then you have to download the app. If you don't already have an account, you should create one and use it to your advantage. Expedia credits you "Expedia+ points" for every reservation or purchase that you make on the app. When you become a member (this is free with the account), you can receive "member-pricing" which provides discounts on hotels, etc. that are exclusive to members.
Expedia is a service that allows you to find, research, read reviews and book a hotel room with the app. Therefore, you can read honest, verfied reviews, much like Amazon and their authorized customer reviews on products. This is helpful when you are heading to a location that you have never been to before. YOU can even post a review after your stay to help others, it is a great system!

3. GOOGLE MAPS / WAZE

Obviously, with technology in hand, there is no need to lug around a giant road atlas (although it is fun) or any state maps. With some kind of GPS-integrated app, life is much easier. Many people use their phones for GPS nowadays, but many do not know some tips that could save money and time. 

In Google Maps, you can search a destination route, and in the top corner of the app it should say "save offline" which allows you to save and download that route. Pull up the route after it is downloaded while you still have internet access, and hit go. Now, you can follow your route without worrying about wasting data or losing connection altogether. 

In Waze, the GPS app provides community-based traffic and navigation. You can see where accidents occur on your route, as well as submit your own input on road conditions to the Waze community. It works because the other drivers in your area will share real-time traffic and road information. It can be very useful for locating cops, road accidents, or constructions sites. 

4. NETFLIX 

The Netflix app has the option to download select series or episodes to your mobile device, tablet, or laptop so that you can watch your favorites without being connected to the internet. Of course, you have to have a Netflix account and it isn't free (though you can opt for a 1-month fee trial, just remember to cancel before the end of the month or you will be charged). While traveling, this is a great option of entertainment when camping or during long car rides where WiFi is limited. Unless you have an unlimited data plan, I highly suggest downloading episodes and movies to your device before leaving for your trip. It will save you from data-overcharges and will keep you entertained! 

5. WEATHER CHANNEL

This app is way more descriptive than the Apple Weather app that comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. The Weather Channel app allows you to look at live action radars, future and past, and daily and hourly temperatures. The app goes even further to warn you about road conditions, allergy levels, and sickness levels in your area. It also has a warning feature that will display on the app and send your phone notifications (if you have it turned on) about any potentially dangerous weather announcement, such as flooding, tornado watch, or severe thunderstorms. 

6. STARBUCKS

I would not be surprised if you already have this app on your phone. There are many perks to having this app, but the number one perk is the free coffee reward that you get after so many coffees are purchased while using the app. In addition, when your birthday rolls around, you can use the app to get your free birthday drink. Just remember to reload your app with money instead of using your credit card, it is well worth it. In addition, the app has a store locator so if you are in the middle of driving across Kansas and pull up the app, the store locator will find the nearest Starbucks near you. 

7. WALMART 

If you are frugal and like to save a few pennies or dollars, you should get this app before traveling. Walmart is the quintessential place to stop to use the restroom, buy cases of water, snacks, and even a small meal from the deli. With the app, you can use the Savings Catcher feature that allows you to scan your receipts through the app. The app will then take 3 days to compare the prices of your items with all the other local department stores like Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc. and match your items to the lowest prices. The Savings Catcher will then reward your money back if the price was higher than its competitors. You can use your savings rewards any time in the store when you've accumulated enough. 

8. GOOGLE WALLET 

This is the easiest app to use when sending or receiving money through bank accounts. As long as you have a Google Account (Gmail) and a debit card, you can use the app easily. You can send or request money in Gmail. If your phone number is synced with your Google Account, you will be notified via text message when someone requests or sends money to you. You then just have to accept it or deny it. There are no fees, it is completely free! 



***If you have any apps that make your traveling life easier, please share them with me at hayleyrose.walters@gmail.com - I would love to give them a go!