People Who Are Good at Planning Road Trips Always Use These 7 Apps

Planning a road trip is one of the most exciting adventures you can undertake, but it is so much easier with the right tools. Having vanlifed for two whole years and racked up miles across almost 40 states over a decade, I’ve learned a thing or two about hitting the open road.

As much as you probably don’t want to add to the clutter on your phone’s homepage, the secret to a successful road trip often lies in the apps you have at your fingertips. At least if you don’t want to accidentally miss out on lesser-visited attractions or save some serious cash.

So, here are the 7 best travel apps for road trips that experienced leather tramps swear by, and you should too.

1. Roadtrippers

One of the first things you’ll likely need when planning a road trip is a good old-fashioned map. But not just any map: Roadtrippers offers so much more than just directions. It allows you to plan your route and search for off-the-beaten-path attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and accommodations along the way, all while keeping track of your mileage and estimated fuel costs. You can even save maps offline if you lose service on those remote back roads.

With its easy-to-use interface, you can plan your entire trip by plotting your start and end points, then adding any points of interest along the way. This app provides detailed information about each location, including user reviews, photos, and sometimes even a bit of local lore.

It’s like having a personal travel planner in the palm of your hand! Plus, it’s free (up to a point) and available on iOS and Android devices.

2. GasBuddy

Gas prices can add up quickly on a road trip, especially if you’re not careful. That’s where GasBuddy comes in handy.

This handy app helps you find the cheapest gas prices along your route, updating in real time thanks to user-submitted data. With millions of people constantly feeding in information, you can be confident you’re getting the best deal on fuel wherever you are in the country. You can even filter by amenities such as restrooms and convenience stores to find a good pitstop.

Not only does GasBuddy help you save money, but it also provides additional features like trip cost calculators, fuel logbooks, and even a rewards system where you can earn free gas!

3. Get Upside

GetUpside is a fantastic free app that lets you earn cash back on everyday purchases, including gas, groceries, and even dining. Here’s how it works: simply check the app for participating locations near you, make a purchase as you normally would, and then upload a picture of your receipt to earn cash back.

One of the standout features of GetUpside is its ability to help you save money on fuel. Using the app, you can find gas stations along your route offering cash back on your purchases. This means you’ll save money every time you fill up your tank.

Discount Code! Click this link or use promo code 4GKZ3 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase!

4. Atlas Obscura

If you love exploring unique, lesser-known spots, then Atlas Obscura is an app you absolutely need on your road trip. Instead of only ticking off the popular tourist spots, you’ll find yourself marveling at bizarre museums, secret gardens, and intriguing landmarks that most travelers overlook.

Dedicated to uncovering the world’s hidden wonders, Atlas Obscura has over 20,000 listings worldwide. Each listing has detailed information, fascinating stories, and directions to the site.

You can also save places that interest you onto lists, making it easy to plan your itinerary and share with friends. With its community-based approach, users can submit their own recommendations.

5. AllTrails

If you plan on doing any hiking for your road trip or in your home state, AllTrails is an essential app. AllTrails has an extensive database of over 100,000 hiking routes worldwide, complete with detailed trail maps and descriptions.

You can search by location or filter through specific criteria like difficulty level, distance, or elevation gain. The app also includes reviews from other hikers, photos of each trail, and downloadable maps to use offline. You can also track your progress and record your own experiences.

6. iExit Interstate Exit Guide

Ever wonder what amenities are available at upcoming exits on the highway? With iExit, you’ll never have to guess again. This app gives you a comprehensive guide to what each exit offers, whether it’s gas stations, restaurants, hotels, or even a quick grocery stop.

It categorizes each type of service so you can see at a glance what’s available and how far it is from your current location on the interstate. You can search for specific amenities or browse through general categories to find exactly what you need. It also includes real-time traffic updates and weather conditions for your route.

7. Freecampsites.net

This doesn’t come in app form, but the website Freecampsites.net is a must-know for any budget-conscious road tripper searching for free or low-cost camping spots. With a comprehensive map of campsites across the United States and Canada, users can easily find a spot to park their RV, pitch a tent, or even camp out under the stars.

This app lists over 40,000 free and cheap campsites where you can filter by price or amenities to find the perfect spot for your overnight stay. Each listing includes user reviews, photos, and detailed information about the campsite’s facilities. People even report the cell service’s strength or whether it was non-existent.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.