Five apps to simplify your next road trip

As fun as they are, road trips can also get messy fast. Whether the problem is petty bickering, getting lost, or unbearable boredom, few road trips go off without a hitch. Luckily for us, modern technology is here to take some of the weight off our shoulders. There are many phone apps designed specifically to simplify the road trip process, helping with navigation as well as finding fun activities to enjoy. We’ve listed a few must-have apps so you can start your next journey feeling totally prepared. 

1. Google Maps 

Essentially synonymous with GPS by now, Google Maps is a no-brainer when heading off on a road trip. Gone are the days of scrambling with a physical map while simultaneously staying focused on the road— with Google Maps, drivers learn their routes as they take them. This app allows users to enter any location, and it will provide step-by-step instructions on how to get there. What makes it so efficient is that it functions in real time, describing each upcoming turn or merge directly before it needs to occur. Google Maps also provides an arrival time estimate, updating it constantly based on changes in traffic. Additionally, the app will alert you of nearby accidents that could delay your travel. The Google Maps app is top-rated, trusted by millions to get them from one location to the next no matter how far the distance. If you’re new to Google Maps and hesitant to use it for a long trip, try testing it out in a nearby neighborhood. Once you see firsthand how easily this tool guides you, you’ll want to use Google Maps for any and all car trips. 

2. Airbnb

Amidst the hullabaloo of a family vacation, it’s nice to have somewhere relaxing to lay your head at night. Using the Airbnb app, you can find lodging that’ll make any long road trip worth it. Airbnb is built on transparency, allowing users to see reviews left by past travelers. Often more interesting than your standard hotel room, this app includes a host of condos, apartments, and homes offered up to house visitors. Filter by price, location, amenities, and more, so the place you wind up staying will be a perfect match for your needs. Furthermore, some ambitious Airbnb hosts decorate with elaborate themes in mind. If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, or harbor a diehard dedication to Taylor Swift, chances are there’s an Airbnb themed around your passion. 

3. Wanderlog 

For many, the most stressful element of travel starts before they even step out of the door. When preparing to leave on a big trip, there’s typically a laundry list of important things to consider. A budget must be made, a semi-cohesive itinerary should be in place, and all reservations must be set in advance. With Wanderlog, an app developed to make vacationing easier, all of these tasks can be accomplished in one place. Anxious travelers can ease their minds with Wanderlog, using it to strategize before embarking on a trip. This app knows what you need before you do, and it’s sure to assuage many of your pre-vacation jitters. 

4. Spotify 

No road trip is complete without a great playlist, and Spotify is one of the biggest music streaming platforms in the world. Set the mood by crafting a travel soundtrack that’s romantic, fun, edgy, or relaxing. And if putting playlists together isn’t your thing, there’s no need to worry! Just search “road trip” on Spotify, and find a variety of playlists that have already been put together for these occasions. There’s nothing like an upbeat anthem to combat road trip boredom and keep everyone’s spirits up. 

5. GasBuddy 

One thing most Americans share is a universal frustration over gas prices. Saving money is helpful no matter who you are, and we found an app that can help you do just that. GasBuddy was created with the purpose of cutting gas expenses, showing users where to find the cheapest gas in their area. If you’re about to pull in and fill your tank, you can consult this app first to see if it might be cheaper to do so a little further down the road. 

Take a road trip to your nearest Transwest 

Before spending hours on the road, it’s crucial that your car is in fantastic condition. At Transwest, we’re proud to carry time-honored, trustworthy brands like Ford and Chevrolet. Explore our many options by checking out the online selection or stopping in to a Transwest location today.