Our 5 Favourite Apps for Your Summer Road Trip

Summer is finally upon us and it’s the perfect time for road trips. If you enjoy hitting the open road in the summer but dislike planning, check out these five great apps that will make planning and taking a road trip a breeze.

Waze

Android, iOS | Free

Nothing puts a damper on a summer road trip like getting lost or hitting traffic. Using GPS and crowdsourced information, Waze gives you turn-by-turn directions, travel times, and route details. Waze users can report accidents, traffic jams and police traps, giving you realistic travel times and allowing you to avoid these rough spots. Waze is a great way to keep your travel time pleasant and efficient.

TV Food Maps

Web | FreeOne of my favourite things about time off is exploring new and interesting places to eat. Roadtrips offer a unique opportunity to try new places to eat because you’re in control of your own transportation and can venture off the beaten path. If you’d like to explore some great new places to eat on your summer roadtrip, TV Food Maps is a fun little website that lets you find restaurants that have been featured in TV shows about food. With more than 5,000 restaurants from 49 TV shows throughout Canada and the United States, you’re sure to find a great place to eat on your next trip.

Airbnb

Android, iOS | Free

While it’s long been known as a leading marketplace for short-term accommodation rentals, Airbnb has also become a destination for great virtual and in-person activities and experiences, whether you’re travelling afar or planning a staycation. Along with a host commitment to Covid-19 safety and cleaning protocols, new upgrades on the app in 2021 include a “Trips” tab that suggests nearby activities, listings for unique homes, from adobe houses to bubble tents, and an increase in experiences with accessibility features. As always, booking through Airbnb can save you money while giving you a wider range of options when it comes to accommodation. For example, you can find entire apartments where you can cook your own meals or meet new people by sharing a space with locals, making it the perfect app for your summer road trip.

iExit

Android, iOS | Free

If you’re planning a future roadtrip to the US, iExit is a fantastic tool. Using your GPS, this app tells you what’s coming up highway exits along your route. It’s a great way to find a gas station, lodging, coffee shop, or restaurant along your route.