Now that summer is here, it’s the ideal time to have that adventure and hit the open road. But before you grab your keys, you may way to do a little pre-planning which could save you some time and money.
Whether you need to find the next gas station or want to know the most efficient driving route, there’s a mobile app out there to guide you.
Road trip planning at your fingertips
Vacation planning may seem like an overwhelming task but when it comes to using mobile apps, consumers are not lacking options. As of the first quarter of 2018, there were 3.8 million Android apps on the Google Play Store and just over 2.2 million apps on the iOS App Store.
But with the infinite amount of mobile apps to sift through, where do you begin?
No worries! We’ve done the hard work for you and found 7 FREE mobile apps that are available for both Android and iOS which you can download right now to jump-start your summer road trip.
Download these 7 apps for your summer road trip
1. Waze–crowd-sourced traffic map
Waze is a crowd-sourced traffic map and navigation app. Users can check out traffic conditions based on real-time information from other Waze users, complete with reports on road hazards, accidents, speed traps and more. You can also actively report any incidents you encounter. Best of all, Waze includes guided turn-by-turn navigation that takes traffic conditions into account.
Download the Waze app for iOS and Android here.
2. GasBuddy–save money on gas
GasBuddy helps you find inexpensive filling stations so you save on gas. Users of the app can report on prices as they find them and fix incorrectly listed prices at fuel stops.
Download the GasBuddy app for iOS and Android here.
3. Drivvo–record all supplies, expenses, and services of your car
Drivvo is the ideal tool to show that you care about preservation and cost management of your vehicle. Track your vehicle’s mileage, fuel, and even schedule reminders that it’s time for maintenance.
Download the Drivvo app for iOS and Android here.
4. Tollguru–calculate costs for all USA & Canada toll roads
Planning to head on roads that include tollways? Plan ahead and calculate what your trip will cost whether your traveling via a car, truck, trailer, bus, RV, or motorcycle.
Download the Tollguru app for iOS and Android here.
5. Roadtrippers–discover your next adventure including unfamiliar places
Make your road trip more interesting by finding places you might have overlooked with Roadtrippers app. Discover millions of places, like local diners and quirky roadside attractions, or scenic points, national parks, and hotels.
Download the Roadtrippers app for iOS and Android here.
6. iExit–helps you decide which exit to take for road trip pit stops
Using your phone’s GPS, this app automatically displays a summary of available amenities at each upcoming exit. Or you can search for specific restaurants, gas stations, lodgings, rest areas, or places with WiFi. Once you find a suitable coffee shop or campground, call, visit the website, or get directions using Apple or Google Maps with just a couple clicks.
Download the iExit app for iOS and Android here.
7. HotelTonight–find & book daily hotel deals
When you’re tired of traveling, HotelTonight helps you find last-minute deals on hotel rooms. All hotels listed are at least three stars, are peer-rated and categorized as basic, solid, hip, or luxe.
Download the HotelTonight app for iOS and Android here.
Coverage From All Sides
Are you planning to use mobile apps to make your summer road trip go more smoothly and pass the time? Do you have a favorite mobile app that we missed? We’d love to know which one(s) you like the most and why.
Please let us know by posting about it on our Facebook page!
Thom Grubbs is an insurance agent and partner at Pentagon Insurance Agency in Elk River, MN. Outside of work, Thom likes to bowl, fish, spend time with his family, and volunteer at his church. Get in touch with Thom and let him make life a little easier by talking over your situation.
