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Ultimate List of 50 Road Trip Apps – Plan, Explore, Entertain and Stay Safe On The Road

Ah, the road trip. In my opinion, one of the best ways to travel. These days, no matter what you need, there’s an app for that. Do you need a road trip planner? There’s an app for that. A place to stay tonight? There’s an app for that. Something to keep you busy after long hours on the road? There’s like, 100 apps for that. Road trip apps abound all over the internet, so hopefully this list will help save you some time.

This is a list of useful road trip apps to help you plan your road trip, find your way, keep yourself and your passengers entertained, stay safe, keep to a budget, and hopefully simplify your travel plans overall. I’m sure I didn’t get to every possible road trip app, but it’s a really big list, so I’ve split it into different categories to make it easier to find the apps you really want.

Table of Contents

The list includes:

  • Road trip planner apps
  • Road trip weather apps
  • Packing list apps
  • Apps to help you budget your travel and share expenses
  • Apps for road trip safety
  • Apps that provide entertainment while you’re driving
  • Apps to find places to stay
  • Plus more!

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So you can always reference it later.

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I’ve separated everything into 10 different categories, plus one for miscellaneous apps that I think you might like.

The Categories

Planning Your Road TripBudgeting Your Road TripDriving DirectionsFinding Good FoodFinding Cheap GasFinding CampgroundsFinding Hotels and HostelsSide QuestsOn-The-Road EntertainmentSafety

The vaaaaast majority of these apps currently rate 4+ stars on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and all have at least some useful free features, most are entirely free, some have premium options.

Check out this list of great road trip playlists on Spotify

Apps for Planning Your Road Trip

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1. Roadtrippers

Use it if: You’re going on a road trip. That’s it. Road trip = roadtrippers

screenshot of roadtrippers app

The Roadtrippers App made the top of the list last time, and I couldn’t come up with a good reason to leave it out this time either. It’s a great road trip planner app, and also great to have while you’re actually on the road. It’s just a road trip’s best friend in app form.

  • Plan your route
  • Get Site-seeing Suggestions
  • Read local travel guides
  • Find gas stations, food, lodgings, and more…

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. Polarsteps – Travel Planner & Tracker

Use it if: You like keeping track of your travels an taking photos on the way

Polarsteps is a travel journal app.

There are a lot of apps that help you keep track of your trips, and journal and share your experiences, but Polarsteps does it in a really aesthetically pleasing way. It maps out your journey, allowing you to add notes and pictures to your “map.” They also have the option to buy a cool book version of your travels.

This was a bit of a toss-up for the “planning” section of this post. It’s not really a road trip planning app, but I thought it warranted placement here for a couple reasons:

  1. You want to get this app set up at the start of your travels because its whole purpose is to track and journal your trip.
  2. You can see recommended experiences from other people on the search page, which CAN help you plan out your trip.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. Pinterest

Use it if: You like brainstorming trips using visuals

screenshot of Pinterest

I love a good Pinterest sesh, but that’s not why it’s on this list. Pinterest is full of amazing photos of places you may want to visit, so it can be a great research tool for your road trips.


Tip: Have the passenger pull up Pinterest a little while before you reach your next stop and do a quick search for that area to see if anything cool pops up.


Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

4. Lambus

Use it if: You want to take some of the work out of planning a road trip itinerary

screenshot of lambus road trip app

Lambus is an all-in-one style app that allows you to plan your trip, discover new spots, track and split expenses, and more.

You can add multiple people to the trip account to chat and plan together, which makes it really convenient for a group road trip. You can also keep track of any reservations in the app as well.

Favorite feature for road trippers: Being able to import pre-routed trips complete with sightseeing stops. It takes a ton of work out of planning your road trip!

Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

5. Packpoint

Use it if: You don’t mind the gender feature and want to cut down on your packing work

screenshot of packpoint app for road trip

This is a really helpful packing list app for any trip. It’s minimal and really helps cut your work down with the pre-made packing lists it puts together. The app allows you to:

  • Choose your destination (so it can check the weather for you to inform what you’ll need to pack)
  • Choose activities
  • Pick and choose which items you want from a large pre-made packing list, organized by category

This really is a very useful travel app, however, I have one gripe with it and that’s that the packing lists are organized first by asking if you’re a man or woman, which can be helpful BUT obviously leaves out those who don’t identify as female or male. It would be super easy to add a non-gender-defined option.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

6. Turo

Use it if: You don’t have a car for your road trip and want a potentially cheaper option than traditional car rentals

If you don’t have a car, or al least not one that’s suitable for your road trip, you might want to rent one. You can definitely go the traditional route and go through a rental company, or you could go for a more modern solution: Turo.

This app is basically to cars what Airbnb is to homes. Individuals can put their vehicles up for rent on Turo, with all the relevant info, and you can rent it from them.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Budgeting Your Road Trip

road trip apps - camping in washington road trip
Vancouver

1. TravelSpend

Use it if: You want to keep track of your travel expenses

TravelSpend road trip app screenshot

The travelspend app is a simple budgeting app to track your road trip budget and expenses.

Notable Features:

  • Add your trip destination, dates, and budget
  • Start tracking expenses manually as you go (good news if you’re worried about hooking your bank account to an app!)
  • Track by category (transportation, food, hotels, etc.)
  • Add notes to your expenses (Especially useful if you plan to write anything off for tax purposes)
  • Track and share expenses with a travel-mate

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. Splitwise

Use it if: You’re traveling with several people and want to keep close track of all your purchases

This expense tracker isn’t just for traveling, but it does have the option to setup a trip group specifically to track expenses while you travel.

This app is useful if:

  • You’re traveling with at least one other person
  • You think you might need to split expenses in a particular way – as in not always 50/50 – Splitwise allows you to customize how bills are split
  • You want to keep better track of you expenses than only something like Venmo allows

You can pay people back by hooking up different accounts, such as Venmo or Paypal, but Splitwise will let you track your purchases in a more detailed way than those apps will normally, which makes it a good candidate for road trips or other adventures.

The premium version has even more extensive features, like Receipt scanning.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. Venmo

Use it if: You want to send money quickly to friends that also have Venmo

If you’re only traveling with one other person, or are splitting everything 50/50, you might consider Venmo as a simple solution for budget tracking and bill sharing.

You can load up your Venmo account with all or a portion of your budget if you want, so it’s all in one place, or draw directly from your bank account as needed.

You can easily request and send money between you and your travel-mates.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Directions

An abandoned nuclear power plant in washington - west coast road trip stops

1. Google Maps

The great granddaddy of direction apps just keeps getting better. Google maps is continually improved upon and will likely hold the top spot for driving apps for a long time to come.

  • Search along your route to find food, gas stations, and more
  • Use Google street view to see images of the location you’re going to so you know it when you see it
  • Get live traffic updates
  • Use with Google Assistant and Android Auto

There’s a ton more features that Google maps handles that you’ll no doubt find handy on a road trip, but for driving directions it’s hard to beat.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. Waze

Waze is very similar to Google maps in a lot of ways (Google actually owns Waze now) but Waze has had a pretty strong fanbase from the get-go. One reason was the massively popular voice feature that let you choose from several different types of voices to guide you – including limited-time celebrity voices.

Waze also looks notably different from Google Maps. I think it’s fair to say it has a little more pizzazz *Jazz hands* but it also does other, more practical things, like integrating podcasts and music functionality.

So, do you go with Google Maps or Waze? Honestly, it’s a bit of a toss up. Google Maps is ol’ reliable, and Waze is the young popular kid. It’s worth trying each out yourself to see which best works for you.

If you’re looking for a more technical comparison, check this out.

Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Use either app if: You want voice guidance on your road trip with live traffic updates

3. Citymapper

Use it if: You don’t want to navigate your way around a new city and would prefer public transport

citymapper app screenshot

The Citymapper app is a must if you want to go anywhere without driving. I know that might sound weird when we’re literally talking about apps for road trips, but if you find yourself in a strange city you may feel more comfortable looking at public transportation or walking options than trying to navigate the streets yourself.

Citymapper is perfect for that situation. It will guide you through public transit options in your area, along your route, tell you which subway or bus to take. It also tells you where rentable bikes and scooters are available.

Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

4. iExit

Use it if: You’re on a pretty long road trip and want to keep an eye out for necessity stops

iexit road trip app screenshot

iExit will likely make it onto any list of road trip apps you come across, and for good reason. It’s extremely helpful in highlighting when and where you should stop on long drives. Whether you need gas, food, coffee (Starbucks is still my religion in 2020… I just worship from afar…) a place to stay or anything else along the interstate highways, iExit is your friend.

Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

5. Public Bathroom Finders

Use it if: You’re a person who needs to use the bathroom sometimes…

Being in an unfamiliar place and not knowing where to find a public bathroom can be super frustrating. For those emergency moments, these apps are precious, precious gems.

There are two apps listed here: Flush (for iPhone) and Where is Public Toilet (for Android).

Try it: IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Finding Good Food

eggs benedict astoria coffee house - west coast road trip - curiouswriter

1. Eatwith

Use it if: You enjoy meeting new people and want a unique experience

eatwith app screenshot

This is your chance to eat like a local. Eatwith allows you to book food experiences with local hosts. You may go on a city food tour, or eat with the hosts in their own home. Eatwith lets you explore the places you land during your road trip in a completely unique and wonderful way.

Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. HappyCow

Use it if: You or anyone you’re traveling with are vegetarian or vegan

happycow road trip food app screenshot

This app focuses on vegan and vegetarian restaurants. It can be time-consuming and irritating to try and find places that serve vegan or vegetarian options normally, but if you’re constantly on the road? If you are completely unfamiliar with the area? Forgetaboutit! HappyCow is a great solution for the more vegetable-inclined road trippers.

Try It: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. Yelp

Use it if: You want to quickly look around a new place for food and reviews

This well known app shows you tons of eateries in your area. Since it’s such a popular service you also get tons of reviews so you have a better chance of finding good food on your road trip, which can be a massive relief if you’ve been subsisting on gas station snacks all day.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Finding Cheap Gas

Iceland road trip photo
What the road looks like through most of Iceland

1. Gas Buddy

Gas Buddy is no longer the only app that will show you gas prices near you, but it’s still one of my favorite apps for a road trip. It’s great to have as a just in case you need it app.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. Gas Guru

If for some reason Gas Buddy isn’t your jam, you can check out Gas Guru as well. It offers many of the same features as Gas Buddy and both will help you find the best gas prices available.

Try it: IOS | ANDROID

Use either app if: Figuring out the best gas price is important to you

See a comparison of these 2 gas apps here. Between the 2, my personal preference is Gas Buddy.


You might like…


Apps for Finding Campgrounds

fireside seating ideas for winter

1. RV Parks & Campgrounds by ParkAdvisor

Use it if: You’re traveling mainly by RV

If you’re road trip involves an RV this app is super useful.

It focuses specifically on RV parks, RV friendly gas stations and RV friendly stops, such as Walmart parking lots or RV dump sites.

Try it: IOS | ANDROID

2. Reserve America

Use it if: You want to reserve spots at state and local campgrounds

reserve america site screenshot

This is a staple app for finding campgrounds in the U.S. featuring camping areas on state and local government lands.

You can search for and reserve campgrounds by location, what features you need to have access to, and date. You can also see pictures of the campgrounds in the app to help you decide where to stay.

You can follow the Reserve America Instagram account here!

If you’re planning a road trip where camping will be your main form of accommodation this app is an absolute MUST.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. FreeRoam – Campgrounds, Boondocking & RV Parks

Use it if: You want to camp, but you’re open to lots of places and possibilities

freeroam road trip app screenshot

Check out FreeRoam if you’re into wandering off the beaten path. This app helps you find free spots to stop on public lands. You can choose your spots from a map and create an itinerary of your stops.

You can also see cell coverage maps of the camping areas so you know how likely it is that you’ll lose service in more remote areas.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

4. Recreation.gov

Use it if: You’re an avid camper

The recreation.gov campsite app is a little more clunky than some other campsite apps (although still perfectly usable) but it does allow you to reserve campgrounds on federal lands, which can include some really beautiful locations.

You can choose campsites in similar ways to other apps, by filtering through the features of the campgrounds, location etc. Another cool perk to this app is the ability to book tours and experiences along your route.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

5. Hipcamp

Use it if: You love camping, but don’t always want to rough it or stick to standard campgrounds

hipcamp road trip app screenshot

This is sort of the Airbnb of camping. You can search and book campsites, or “glampsites” that are privately owned. Hosts let you stay on their land, in cabins, RV setups, and even, in some cases… yurts.

If you’re looking for a camping experience that’s a little out of the ordinary, Hipcamp is a great app to try.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Finding Hotels and Hostels

Italian coast

1. Hotel Tonight

Use it if: You like to see where the day takes you instead of making reservations

One of the best parts of a road trip is the spontaneity. If everything has to be planned out to the last second, it sorta defeats the point, IMO. Hotel Tonight is an app that helps you embrace the spontaneous without getting caught scrambling for a last minute place to sleep.

It’s a simple app made to get in into the type of room you want, quickly.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. Airbnb

Use it if: You prefer the feeling of staying in a home to staying in a hotel

Airbnb is a household name at this point for all kinds of travelers. Its service allows regular people to rent out their homes or rooms to visitors like you and your roadtrippin’ self.

Check out this list of 12 cosy Airbnb cabins around the world!

You can search by location, narrow things down by the number of people with you, the price, and other important amenities. Sometimes you just want that homey feeling on the road.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. Kayak

Use it if: You’re a budget shopper and want to compare lots of places at once

If you’re a bargain shopper you might want to make use of Kayak. It’s a travel booking site that lets you compare prices across a ton of different travel sites so that you can find the best deals on:

  • Hotels
  • Cars
  • and flights

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

4. BringFido

Use it if: You love bringing your pets along for the ride

bringfido road trip app screenshot

Good luck telling me my dog can’t come on my road trip.

BringFido is for all those travelers who love to bring their best four-legged friends along for the ride. This app focuses exclusively on places to stay that allow pets, but it doesn’t only help you find hotels.

BringFido will also help you find fun activities to do with your pup wherever you are. It will also give you the lowdown on pet-friendly eateries in your area.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

5. Hostelworld

Use it if: You’re a budget traveler and don’t need the privacy of a hotel

Hostelworld is a great app for road trippers on a budget. If you’re not looking to camp, but also don’t want to spend the money for a regular hotel, consider a hostel as an option.

Personally I think hostels can be some of the best experiences as you travel because they are generally very unique and allow for more socializing (if you want) with other travelers.

Hostelworld boasts a large listing of over 17,000 hostels located all over the world, so it’s an app worth checking out if you’re on a road trip somewhere outside of the U.S. as well.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

6. Couchsurfer

Use it if: You’re traveling on a very small budget and/or want to meet new people

For the more adventurous and cheapest road trip check out couch-surfing.

Couch-surfing it basically exactly what it sounds like. Well… not exactly what it sounds like. You’re not actually using a couch to surf. You could. But I wouldn’t. But you could. But maybe don’t.

Couch-surfing lets you stay at a stranger’s home, normally for free, for an agreed upon amount of time.

Why would someone let you stay at their place for free? Well, normally the hosts just like meeting travelers and showing you around their city if you want, and it’s a very positive experience all the way around. I know many people who have couch-surfed and have hosted myself.

As with all things, just be cautious and make sure you feel comfortable.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Side Quests

1. The Outbound

Use it if: You want your stops to center around the outdoors and your interests

The Outbound is an aesthetically pleasing app made for adventurous travelers. It will help you find places to stay by interest – hiking, camping photography, etc, point your toward tours in your area, and connects with google maps to help you find your way, with tons of photos to guide you to the perfect experience.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. All Trails

Use it if: You’re a hiking junkie and love finding new trails

This app is all about hiking. You can find all the trails around you with photos, reviews from other hikers, and a map of the trail. You can also choose trails by type like:

  • Horse-friendly
  • Kid-friendly
  • Dog-friendly
  • Length
  • Difficulty
  • Loop

You can also record the GPS tracking of your hike to share with others, which can be super helpful for some areas where finding points of interest might involve getting a little off-trail.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. PlantNet

Use it if: You spend a lot of time outdoors or have a general interest in nature

When you’re off on one of your side quests in a new place that you’re less familiar with, PlantNet is a really cool app to have with you. It’s a plant identification app that allows you take photos of plants around you, and search the community-supported database to help you figure out what the plant is.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

4. Transit App

Use it if: You want to sit back and let someone else drive sometimes, you want a more local experience

transit road trip app screenshot
Transit app website screenshot

The transit app will help you navigate new places with ease. Once you’ve used one of the other apps to find new experiences and plan your day, use Transit to figure out how to get around without just driving your car.

This app will help you find:

  • Buses
  • Bikes
  • Scooters
  • Uber
  • Subways
  • And more!

It gives you continuous directions and updates as you travel so you can get to your destination as efficiently as possible.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

5. Groupon

Use it if: You’re budget-conscious

It’s always worth checking to see what kind of deals you can find in new places, even more so if you have a tight budget. Groupon allows you to find great deals no matter where you are on things like Restaurants, tours, or even spa days if being on the road is leaving you feeling a gross. We’ve all been there. Embrace it, love it, but maybe getcha nails done sometime too.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

6. Geocaching

Use it if: You like unconventional ways of exploring new places (and also treasure-hunting)

This is a great app to take on your road trip. Geocaching gives you an excuse to explore, going on your very own hunt for treasure. It’s a community activity where you’ll use the app to help you navigate to each location, find the GC, sign a log book, and see what sort of items others have left – you can even trade items if you want!

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

7. Cairn

Use it if: You like exploring the great outdoors but don’t wanna end up in 127 Hours Part 2!

Don’t go on your geocaching adventures without this app! Cairn is a must-have safety app that will help keep your loved ones informed on your location and status while you’re busy exploring the big wide world.

It’s specifically made for outdoors adventures such as hiking and has a host of useful features such as:

  • Your ETA (so you and your loved ones can plan and keep track)
  • Downloadable maps
  • Cell service locations – so you know where to head if you need help
  • Check-ins so family and friends can see your location, cell battery, and more
  • Notifications sent to people if you’re overdo on returning from your trek

Seriously, using a safety app is so easy and there’s no reason not to do it!

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID


hiking boot guide

See this guide to all things hiking boot related before your next adventure!


Apps for On-The-Road Entertainment

california beaches - west coast road trip

1. License Plate Games

Use it if: You have some antsy passengers that need to be occupied

There are several apps for both Android and IOS for license plate games to play on a road trip. If you have kids that are constantly asking for your phone to play a game or they classic “are we there yet?” or even if your group is all adults, these apps offer a great way to pass the time and provide on the road entertainment.

Try it: IOS | ANDROID

2. Trivia Crack 2

Use it if: You want to give your brain some exercise on long road trips

Trivia Crack is a fun category-based trivia game, with options like history, sports, and entertainment. You can play solo or with friends. It’s free, but has various ads and in-game purchase options so be careful about giving kids unsupervised access so they don’t rack up a bill.

Try it: WEBSITE| IOS | ANDROID

3. Castbox

Use it if: podcasts are your main choice while driving

castbox audio road trip app screenshot
castbox screenshot

If you’re an avid podcast listener (and on a road trip, you really should be) Castbox is an app you should check out. It’s completely dedicated to podcasts, and the homefeed is super useful for finding new podcasts based on your interests.

You can save your favorite podcasts and episodes, and download episodes so you can keep listening even if you hit a dead spot in service.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS |ANDROID

4. Audible

Use it if: You like listening to audiobooks while driving

I really dig both podcasts and audiobooks for road trips. I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoyed Ready Player One, which I bought on Audible and listened to on a road trip.


If you use this link you can get your first 2 Audible audiobooks for Free!


You probably already know what Audible is, but just in case I’ll give you the rundown anyways.

Audible is an audiobook service that allows you to pay a monthly fee for audiobook credits, which you can then use to purchase audiobooks at a discounted price. You can also opt to purchase audiobooks outside of using credits, and you’ll still enjoy a discount.

You get to keep all your purchased audiobooks in your library, where they stay even if you end your monthly membership. You’ll also enjoy occasional freebies and Audible exclusives (audiobooks you can’t find anywhere else.) This is a membership service, but you can still benefit from a free trial by using the link above.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

5. Spotify

Use it if: You love to create your own playlists and jam out on the road

When you’re not feelin’ an audiobook or podcast, Spotify is your friend.

There are thousands of playlists (made by Spotify and by other users) covering any vibe you’re feeling. You can make your own playlists or save playlists made by others. You can also listen to whole albums, or radio stations created based on songs or artists of your choice.

Check out this list of Road Trip Playlists on Spotify before you head out!

Spotify also does have podcasts available on their platform if you’re looking for a service that integrates both. There’s free and premium options available.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

6. Overdrive

Use it if: You have a library card and are on a budget

If you have a library card you should check out Overdrive. It connects to your library network to allow you to “check-out” tons of ebooks and audiobooks straight from your phone.

You can search by audiobook only, genre, and new releases, among other things. You might have to reserve and wait for a popular book to become available (the libraries are only granted permission for so many digital copies) but you’ll have plenty of other options to listen while you wait.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

7. Libby (from Overdrive)

Libby is the more condensed offshoot of Overdrive, and is where you’ll get to search, browse, reserve and check-out ebooks and audiobooks so you have access to them on your phone. I do believe you still have to sign up with your library info through Overdrive though, which is why it’s included.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

8. Pixlr

Use it if: You like taking and editing photos on your trips

There are SO many photo editing apps out there, but Pixlr is one of the best. It has an extremely wide range of editing tools, such as:

  • Adding text
  • Collage creation
  • Double exposure
  • and more

It’s a great app to have on a road trip if you enjoy taking photos on your trips. With Pixlr you can spend your time in between stops editing your photos and sharing them with friends.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Apps for Road Trip Safety

1. DriveWeather

Use it if: You think you might run into tough weather and want a heads up

Drive Weather is a simple app that does one thing very well: Shows you the weather on your driving route.

The app allows you to scroll through the days ahead and shows you the changing weather along your path, so you can see if it’s raining, snowing, windy, sunny, how hot, how cold etc.

It gives you driving weather quickly so you can plan your trip in the safest way possible.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. First Aid by American Red Cross

Use it if: You want to be able to quickly address any emergencies on your road trip

I’m a fan of technology because it can be used for so many cool things, and for so many good things. This app from American Red Cross is one of those good things.

The app is chalk full of guides, Q&As, and video instructions for all kinds of emergencies and injuries. It helps you navigate and prepare for all manner of scary situations.

The Red Cross has several apps to help prepare you for emergencies on and off the road, links to all are included in the ‘website’ link.

If you’re headed out on a road trip, just download it. Right now. Doooo it.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

3. AAA Roadside Assistance

Use it if: You want some extra security for auto mishaps

I like having access to AAA roadside assistance normally, but on a road trip, I’d say it’s essential.

You have to grab a membership but it’s so useful and relieves so much stress knowing you can just pop your phone out and hail someone to come help you repair a flat or get you into your car if you accidentally locked yourself out. And if all goes wrong, you can get a tow to the nearest shop.

Try it: IOS | ANDROID

Extra Apps You Might Like

black sand beach, cali

1. iOverlander

Use it if: You enjoy rugged, off-grid exploration.

What’s overland? Well I’m no expert but I’d say to consider Into The Wild as a good example – hopefully not the ending though… It’s basically taking an extended time to explore (mostly) off grid places. Hence, the reason I decided to include iOverlander on a list of road trip apps.

This app is formed through a community of overlanders all helping to build and inform the database. With it you can find campsites, descriptions of surrounding activities, and more.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

2. Wanderu

Use it if: You don’t have or don’t want a car

Look, not all of us are lucky enough to have a car. Some of us don’t want a car. That shouldn’t stop you from being able to experience a road trip of epic proportions. That’s where Wanderu comes in. You can use this app to filter through thousands of bus and train options and choose the best price and schedule for you, no car needed.

Try it: WEBSITE | IOS | ANDROID

Tech obsessed professional dog-petter with a camera and a website or two. Sometimes wine's involved, usually Starbucks.