Whether you are crossing a few states or crossing the country you have to think about what technology can make the journey easier. Here is my review of the apps, gadgets and tech I used for our trip. These helped keep us sane, save us money, and cut down on time!
Apps
Android Auto: Obviously this app is Android only, and I cannot comment on Apple’s response to it since I have never used it. This app makes everything one would need while driving more accessible and larger with fewer taps. It lays out a nice user interface that allows for easily switching between navigation and various entertainment apps such as podcasts, music, or YouTube videos (just kidding! Please don’t watch YouTube while driving). It can be configured to open automatically when your phone connects to your car’s Bluetooth.
Google Maps or Waze: These two are the bohemeth when it comes to GPS navigation, and, since one needs a destination while driving, they may be the most important apps for an aspiring road tripper. In my next post I will be delving- full nerd style- into a review of Google maps vs waze. For now, be content in the fact that you will have an enjoyable experience using either.
Gas Buddy: This app allows users to report gas prices at their local gas stations. Users can then search for the best price for gas within a certain area. The one caveat is that gas buddy relies on users to report pricing, which means that in small towns it’s basically useless. In large towns and cities I found that there were usually dedicated users regularly updating gas prices.
Castbox: I primarily used castbox for entertainment on the road. Podcasts are the name of the game, and castbox made it easy to download them listen on the road. I did not try out numerous competing podcast apps for comparison, as I usually do while selecting my preferred app. The reason was that castbox fit the bill so well and didn’t cause me any trouble. If you are going to be driving long distances, you may want more than music to listen to. Regardless of which app you get podcasts through, I recommend podcasts such as the Joe Rogan experience (be warned, he uses a lot of vulgar language), the Tim Ferris show, and Star Talk radio.
Priceline: I used booking.com, kayak, and hotelstonight to compare lodging. I enjoyed using priceline express deals, as they -without exception this trip- offered the best value. With express deals, priceline offers you a certain star hotel in a certain geographical location for a specified price. That’s all the info you get before paying. After paying, you are told which hotel you will be staying at. We managed to stay in a few 3 star hotels for 60 dollars a night using the express deals, which isn’t shabby at all in my book.
Parkadvisor: I have tried more than a few campground finding apps, and this is the most user friendly in my opinion. It shows a wide array of options, and has a nice interface. If you are looking to try camping, this is my first recommendation. It was too cold to camp during this road trip, but the app has served me well in the past.
Gadgets
Walkie Talkies: This is only useful if you are a travelling pair in two separate cars. No more dealing with distracted driving or dangerously trying to navigate through phone menus to communicate. We got a pair for under 30 dollars and it was a wise choice
Phone Mount: I have a phone mount that uses suction to attach to the inside of my windshield. I have seen phone mounts that clip onto an air conditioning vent, but I prefer to mount my gps on the lower left corner of my field of view, kind of like a mini map in a game!
DC to AC 110v Power Inverter: Since I have my phone, walkie talkie, and various handheld systems such as my 3DS, I find it much more useful to carry one device that will plug into my car’s lighter port and provide a universal 110v outlet that I can charge any device with. I also use a car charger for my phone, but this is only because it is far less bulky and Erin and I are sharing one power inverter. If you plan to camp along a road trip, this may be the only outlet you have access to in order to charge all of your devices. If you are staying in hotels, you can probably get away with a less bulky phone specific charger.
Technology
Ok I lied… there’s no special technology that I used to help smooth out a road trip besides the apps and gadgets I already summarized. The title wouldn’t have been as cool without adding a tech section though, so I figured I would use this space to remind you to check tire pressure, change your oil and oil filter, check fluid levels, and hit the road!