Roadtrippers allows you to map your trip, recommending local food options, scenic stops, and roadside attractions. It’s great to make sure you don’t miss an exit, like the birthplace of John Wayne. Maybe you don’t want to miss that!
Waze is excellent for navigating traffic congestion and avoiding accidents or road construction. For that reason, it works better than Google Maps.
Google Maps became a hit last year when we learned how to offload maps. We could finally drive without needing data. You actually receive the exact turn by turn directions that you do when you normally use it (on your phone screen AND by voice), but now you can travel abroad and turn off the data on your phone. It has been a game changer. The only issue is that you cannot use it offline for walking.
GPS My City This is the app to create your own walking tour OR use one of their 1,000 cities. In Venice, for example, you can follow Titian’s Paintings or in Savannah, you can follow Historic Buildings. Go to gpsmycity.com to see their full information. We love walking tours!
Google Translate is perfect for going abroad. You can actually hold your phone to a street sign and it will translate the language into English.
Whats App is free for texting and calling when you are abroad. We use it consistently when we travel.
City Mapper is specific to public transportation in a city to offer departure times.
Bus Bud is another travel app that compares bus travel in 75 countries, including departures.
Gas Buddy is used by me all the time because you can use the map to find gas stations and to find the best gas price.
All Trails is perfect for hikers and we have found the information to be broad with over 100,000 curated trails.
Flush is another crazy app but necessary when you are in need of a break. They list over 190,000 public bathrooms and they even tell you if they are free or need a key.
Train apps are vital when going abroad. If you are traveling in Switzerland, get the train app, SBB, or if you are in Italy, download Trenitalia. You can check train times and you have full access to all of the website information. Make a note of the stops between stations so you are aware when your final destination is getting close and you need to prepare to depart the train.