Whether you’re a hardcore traveler living out of your suitcase, or just a weekend tourist looking forward to overnight stays in random towns, you want to get the most out of every trip. Luckily, we live in the technology age where the latest gizmos, gadgets and smart phone apps help make traveling easier, friendlier and cheaper than ever before. In this blog post, we’ll review the top five travel apps you’ll definitely want to download before beginning your next adventure.
Pack Point
If you’re like most people, you don’t have your own personal butler to pack everything you’ll need for your journey. The next best thing is PackPoint. Just launch the app and enter some key information about your trip like where you’re going, when you’re going, and some activities you want to do once you get there. Hiking? Swimming? Building a sand castle on the beach? Add it to the list. You can also mark whether the trip is for business, pleasure, or both. Once you enter all the data, PackPoint checks the weather forecast and generates a list of items you’ll need to pack. Tie for meetings? Check. Gym shorts? Check. Jacket for chilly evening walks on the beach? Check. You won’t forget to pack anything ever again. Download the free version to get started, or pay to upgrade and get more features.
Price: Free and paid versions for iOS and Android
SitOrSquat
When nature calls during your travels, you typically don’t have a lot of time to search for a bathroom in unfamiliar territory. The SitOrSquat app makes it fast and easy to locate the closest public restroom. Offered by Charmin bathroom tissue, this app identifies more than 100,000 public restrooms and can pinpoint the closest one when you need it most. Here’s the best part, users can rate each bathroom—“sit” if it’s a clean one and “squat” if it’s not.
Price: Free for iOS and Android
Postagram
Are you enjoying a two-week vacation on a secluded island and want to make sure your brother knows you’re living the high life while he’s stuck at work? Of course you do. That’s where the Postagram app comes into play. Just take a great photo of you relaxing in a hammock near the beach, add a caption that explains how much more fun you’re having than anyone else, and then let Postagram create an actual postcard that’s mailed to the address you enter. The app is free to download but you’ll need to pay postage.
Price: Free for iOS and Android
Detour
If you like to explore new cities but don’t care for the crowded touristy hot spots, check out the Detour app for audio-based walking tours written and delivered by locals. Want to check out Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, click on fisherman Mike’s description of the area few tourists get to see. You’ll learn about his boat and where he brings in his crab catch each day. Some tours are even narrated by well-known voices like Ken Burn’s Brooklyn Bridge. With Detour, you can sight see like a local.
Price: Free for iOS and Android
Headout
So you arrive at your hotel and unpack…now what? It’s time to check the Headout app to discover the best concerts, shows, activities and other events happening in your area. From Broadway plays to private snorkeling tours, you’re sure to find some activity that captures your interest. You can also score exclusive deals on last-minute tickets. Headout is available is select cities, but if you happen to be traveling to one of the designated locations, it is well worth the download. The company’s slogan is “Say hello to spontaneous experiences.” Okay!
Price: Free for iOS and Android
Remember, technology is your friend. Use these apps to get the most enjoyment from every trip. But if you’re driving to your destination, keep these apps closed until you are safely stopped.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.