5 iPhone Apps for Holiday Travel

Though this may come a couple days after the holidays, it’s never too late to know what apps are necessary for when you’re on the road. I have gone across the country and back this past year and could not have gone without these 5 iPhone applications during my travels.

1. Google Maps

This is a given. Of course, it comes with the purchase of your iPhone, but it is necessary if you’re lacking a GPS for your car. It gets you from Point A to Point B and is a must have when you’re on the road.

Cost: $0.00

2. Kayak

As you’re trucking it down the road, drinking Amp Energy Sugar-Free drinks (You’ve been eating a lot of Christmas cookies. You need to cut back somewhere!), you’re going to need a place to stay. The Kayak iPhone App is free of charge and will quickly send you to the nearest, cheapest, and/or highest rated lodging it can find.

Cost: $0.00

3. Rest Area Finder

A free of charge app from Guidebook Galactic, Rest Area Finder automatically finds your immediate location and shows rest areas around you. It also will show you scenic vistas and welcome centers. Personally, I have found this app very useful during my travels. It updates your mileage as you get closer to the rest area, welcome center, or scenic stop and gives you details about what amenities are at each location. Simply click on the “Hot Air Balloon” icon and it will give you the details of each location. There has only been one or two locations that were reported incorrectly, but it is highly effective and useful.

Cost: $0.00

4. GasBag

Another free app that I found useful is GasBag, which shows fueling locations that are around your area. It’s more effective when prices are shown, but nonetheless its usefulness is highly effective when your fuel gauge inches closer to “E” and looking for a place to fuel up. My suggestion is when you find the place to fuel up, update the location with the cost per gallon and other info that would help other drivers.

Cost: $0.00

5. AAA Roadside

Another app you don’t need to bring out your pocket book/wallet for is the AAA Roadside App. Sadly, speaking from experience, this has come in handy for me. I’ve locked my keys in my car, ran into battery trouble, and needed other repairs and have used this app and found help. In addition to finding a rental car, you’re able to input your AAA and vehicle information and send an alert to your AAA Branch Location by simply pressing “Request Road Service.” They respond immediately and, as always, provide excellent service.

Cost: $0.00

As you’ve noticed, all of these apps are free of charge. Times are tough and using these apps as you visit family and friends will not only give you the best travel experience, but it will save you some dollars as well. Happy travels!