5 Travel Apps To Try This Weekend

by kristen brooks

Hoping to spend some quality time with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend? Well, if you’re traveling by car, good luck avoiding the unavoidable….TRAFFIC!

Here are  apps that may help eaze the pain a bit.

Waze

With a network of 3 million active users worldwide, this app aggregates real-time road reports from nearby drivers to help reduce driving time and save gas.

You just fire up the free application before you hit the road and type in your destination. Waze provides turn-by-turn directions that let you bypass traffic jams detected by the network. But drivers who want to take a more active role can earn points by giving a heads up about speed traps, broken traffic lights, accidents and other hazards.

The app also integrates with other social media sites, so users can see tweets about relevant travel information, check-in on Foursquare and share their journey on Facebook.

GasBuddy

Another app that relies on the wisdom of the masses, GasBuddy aggregates user-generated data to direct people to the cheapest gas in their area.

Those who just want the information, can open the application for a map of the gas stations near their city or zip code. Drivers willing to go an extra step can report the prices in their area to win points and potentially giveaways (like $250 gas gift cards).

TomTom

If you’re willing to spend $49, you can get the high-octane navigation system on your iPhone.

Once you enter your destination, the app generates turn-by-turn directions and calculates travel time by pulling in speed data from other users (even factoring in rush-hour, traffic lights and shopping crowds).

And, if you have an extra $5 you can have Homer Simpson tell you where to go. LOVE IT!

Driver Feedback

This app won’t save you time or money, and it just might start a fight.

Released by State Farm Insurance, the Driver Feedback app uses the devices’ built-in accelerometer to monitor and score a driver’s performance.  It basically measures the ABC’s of driving — accelerating, breaking and cornering.

I’m sure most people wouldn’t want their driving skills to be critiqued (especially your dad, whose been driving for 40 years!) but I still think it’s kinda cool.

Sit or Squat

On long car trips, there’s always the inevitable cry from the back seat: “Yo, are we almost there? Because I gotta go…”

Thanks to the free app Sit or Squat, antsy children (and adults) will be able to find the closest restroom no matter where they are.

The application not only points you to the closet bathroom, it offers pictures and reviews. It also shares information about extra features, such as which have changing tables or are handicap accessible.

Sit or Squat may not get you to your destination any faster, but it could prevent a bladder infection.

I hope all of you have an awesome and safe Memorial Day Weekend!