Traveling isn’t the same as it used to be; technology has made sure of that. In some cases, the technology of smartphones has taken some of the spontaneity and unpredictability away from traveling. While some travelers may not be thrilled about that, there is no doubt that smartphone apps do make many parts of traveling easier and more enjoyable. They can help you experience more and have more fun. In fact, if you use the right apps, you can put together a trip that is both fun and efficient and perhaps could include a little spontaneity. For the serious travelers out there, here are some of the smartphone apps that can be invaluable on your next trip.
Google Maps
We’ll start with the most obvious. Google Maps is a must-have app for road trips because it will guide you to your destination. The app is also useful for finding places to eat or visit, as well as whatever needs to pop up during a trip. Perhaps the best part is that it will help keep you up to date on traffic, so you’ll know when a traffic jam will end and when you can expect to get to your destination. You might also find a better route to get to your destination and save some time in the car.
Meetup
If you’re interested in meeting fellow travelers with similar interests, you need the Meetup app. It’s a great way of connecting people in the same place. You’ll be able to meet people who want to do the same activities in whatever city you are in at that time. After all, some people believe that more people equals more fun while traveling.
Songkick
Great road trips usually require great music. Other times, music is the destination for a road trip. This is where the Songkick app comes in handy. It’s the best way to learn about live music venues that are nearby and find out about local bands that are playing a show soon. With Songkick, you can match your musical tastes with artists in the area, making it easy to discover musicians you’ll want to see while you’re out of town.
Casino Apps
In the past, travelers may have picked a destination based on the location of a casino. However, modern travelers with the right apps can now get the best of both worlds.
You don’t have to visit a place that has a casino. Instead, when you have free time in your hotel or while hanging out in a cafe, you can play casino games on any mobile device. It’s a fun way to relax and have fun when you’re traveling and don’t have a ton of energy. Plus, if you’re on a tight travel budget, you can try no-deposit casinos that allow you to start playing without depositing any of your own funds first.
Hotel Tonight
If you’re on the road and you need last-minute lodging, Hotel Tonight is an app you’ll want in your back pocket. If you don’t make it to your intended destination or you just didn’t make lodging plans in advance, Hotel Tonight can help. Unlike other options, this app specializes in last-minute bookings. It can also be a great way to get discounts and deals if you’re trying to travel on a tight budget.
Happy Cow
Eating on the road isn’t always easy for those with strict diets or special dietary needs. For instance, if you’re in a city you’ve never been to before, you may not know where to go for vegetarian options.
Happy Cow is the solution to this problem. It can help direct you to vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and even show you menus, allowing you to find great places to eat that fit your dietary needs while on the road.
AllTrails
If hiking or exploring nature is part of your travel plans, AllTrails might be the best app for your phone. It’s a place to find out about all of the nearby hiking trails. Not only can you find them, but you’ll also learn about length, level of difficulty, and even current conditions. You will also be able to see pictures and read reviews that other hikers have posted. With AllTrails, you won’t have any regrets about the hiking trails you chose to explore during your travels.
Google Translate
For anyone traveling to a foreign country, Google Translate is something you must have. It can translate words in over 200 languages and even do camera translations in over 30 languages. If you’re not fluent in the native language of the country you’re visiting, there is a good chance you’ll need Google Translate at some point. Having this app in your back pocket can be an invaluable tool for any traveler.