Happy FRI-YAY. We are heading out on our Philly road trip today, and we use a LOT of amazing apps to help make our road trip easy, fun and less stressful. These 10 are the best ones we’ve found. PLUS I’m sharing our ultimate road trip playlist (that keeps both me AND my husband happy – which is kind of a struggle when you both like two completely different types of music. for some reason, Adam doesn’t want to listen to country music 24/7???). Let’s get right into this.
10 BEST Apps For A Road Trip + My ULTIMATE Road Trip Playlist
PLANNING YOUR TRIP:
Roadtrippers (APPLE | ANDROID)
This is a MUST HAVE when planning your next road trip. Easily plan your route, and then the app will suggest stops along the way. You can choose between camping, outdoors, city life, night life, etc. You can click the info bubbles to learn more about the stops and add them to your trip. You can easily outline your trip before you ever hit the road.
WeatherPro (APPLE | ANDROID)
This is just a simple and super-useful weather app. It alerts you when you are heading towards bad weather ahead of time and on your driving day. It’s great to keep up to date while driving.
MAPPING YOUR WAY:
Google Maps (APPLE | ANDROID)
Everyone knows about this one but I still felt like I needed to mention it. I use Google Maps literally every day. I use it anytime I am driving somewhere unfamiliar. My map talks to me so I never have to look down at my phone, which is great because I don’t want to crash. It tells you when and where to turn and your estimated ETA. It will also tell you when there are accidents and how many minutes it adds to your trip.
iExit (APPLE | ANDROID)
This is a favorite of mine, especially since I help navigate while my hubby drives. This app will tell you exactly what amenities are at the next and upcoming exits. You are able to search for places you want to stop like *cough* Starbucks *cough* or good restaurants and gas stations.
Scout (APPLE | ANDROID)
This one is great for nervous friends and family. I like to keep my parents updated when we are driving over night so that they know if something goes wrong. It’s a GPS navigation app that tells certain people (you decide who) your route and progress so they know exactly where you are and when you will be arriving at your destination.
EATING ACTUAL GOOD FOOD LOL
Food Tripping (APPLE)
Food Tripping is great because it suggests some of the better food options wherever you’re at. It will show you organic, vegan, vegetarian, micro breweries, farmers markets, etc. so you can avoid the typical junk food meals you usually get.
GASSING UP
Gas Buddy (APPLE | ANDROID)
I love this app. It’s GREAT for helping you find the best deals on gas nearby so you never over pay. It compares prices and distance so you can make the best and most informed decision possible.
ENTERTAINMENT WHILE DRIVING
Spotify (APPLE | ANDROID)
Spotify is the greatest music app you will ever download. 90% of people already have this but if you don’t already – the premium version is SO worth the money. I can skip songs, pick my favorite, create bomb playlists and download my playlists so I didn’t have to worry about data and losing reception.
Overdrive (APPLE | ANDROID)
Audiobooks are an amazing way to pass the time when you are driving a long distance (like the 13 hours to Philly!). Sometimes you get tired of music and are ready for a change of pace. This is a library of ebooks & audiobooks. All you need is a library card! Head to your local library and pick one up before your trip so you can search through thousands of audiobooks. You are also able to download them so you don’t use up your data or lose service.
THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST:
I hope these apps help make your new road trip WAY easier and more exciting. Sometimes it is worth it to get off the beaten path and actually enjoy your road trip. It also helps to be in the loop when it comes to traffic accidents, weather and safe exits (especially when traveling alone).
Do you use any of these apps when you drive? Which are your favorites? Let me know if I forgot any good ones in the comments below!
These are such great ideas! I use Google Maps for just about everything, including finding hotels and such. I’ll have to check some of these other ones out, too.