The 27 Absolute Best Must-Have Apps for Your Summer Vacation
Are you ready for summer and, more importantly, summer vacation? I know we are. After polar vortices, the odd “bombogenesis” and the usual cold weather, we can’t wait!
Hopefully you’re thinking about an exciting vacation trip coming up or maybe you’re still in the planning stages, wherever you are in your process there are plenty of apps out there to help you figure out what to do, when to go and even how to budget for it all.
The question is, which apps are worth your time and which ones ain’t? How do you sift through all the chaff to get to the wheat? Well, as you might have guessed, that’s exactly what we’re here for 🙂
Vacations can be stressful, we get it. But with the right apps at your command the stress can be greatly reduced thereby increasing your relaxation - and isn’t that what vacations are for?
Whether it’s searching for the most interesting itinerary, the cheapest fares, trying to remember if you packed everything for everyone, keeping the kids occupied in the back seat or calming them down at bedtime, or finding the nearest toilet (cause someone didn’t use it in the restaurant or hotel when they had the chance) there’s an app for every situation.
These 27 curated apps will help you through it all and transform you into a summer vacation hero!
MyPostcard Photo Postcard App and Greeting Cards - Free - $1.99/postcard including worldwide mailing
It may seem a bit “old school” but sending a postcard is one of the coolest things you can do while traveling. Add to that the fact that it’s not some card you found at the local store but a special photo that you took, it can totally make someone’s day. And not just your grandma who is not online. We’ve gotten postcards and trust us, everyone loves getting a postcard from someone they know who is traveling.
Whether you’re traveling in your own country or in foreign lands, the MyPostcard team will send your postcards and greeting cards for you anywhere in the world.
You take the picture and they make it simple to create the look and message you want and send it on its way.
Notes: MyPostcard Photo Postcards and Greeting Cards App, Android 4.1+
City Maps 2Go Pro Offline Maps - $8.99 w/IAPs
Yes, this is not just a paid app but it’s probably more than you’d like to spend on an app to show you around whilst on vacation. Well, all we can say is, you get what you pay for. For anyone visiting more than one or two cities, this app is definitely worth it since it covers thousands of destinations worldwide.
You can create customized maps with your own POI pins for the sites, restaurants and night life spots you want to check out using their in-depth travel info with extensive details on standard tourist spots as well as tips on more “out of the way” places and all with a very easy to use interface. This app is also a great way to plan for a vacation using a broad range of info including reviews from other travelers.
Notes: City Maps 2Go Pro Offline Maps, Android varies with device
Weedmaps Marijuana Cannabis Weed Reviews - Free
You may or may not have specifically chosen your destination or stopover based on the state’s, province’s or country’s marijuana policies but once you’re there, hey, what the heck?
Weedmaps is the resource you need to do it right. It features a comprehensive marijuana directory so you can see what’s around quickly and easily. It offers up-to-date listings throughout the US, Canada and Europe and, in case you’re in need of a valid prescription, also helps you locate doctors that know what ailments weed can be helpful for.
It will also help you learn more about marijuana brands and products, see brand photos and videos, and search for locations selling the ones that strike your fancy.
Notes: Weedmaps, Android varies with device
Journey - Diary, Journal - Free
One of the best parts of going on vacation is showing off your adventures when you get back to your friends and coworkers. They’ll be itching to know how your trip was. Of course you can tell them about it but why not also show them?
Journey is actually a general purpose journaling app but nonetheless it works great as a fully functional and easy way to make your vacation journal. It works across multiple devices and OSs so it’s great to update no matter if you’re on your phone or borrowing a laptop. It’s a snap to add your location, online info, pictures and videos. Your only real job is to remember to use it!
Notes: Two App Studio Pte Ltd, Android varies with device
DMD Panorama - $1.99
Even though your Android phone has quite a range of built-in capabilities, if something provides a decidedly better user experience and results, isn’t it worth it? Of course the answer is “it depends” but in this case we’re all in.
DMD Panorama is one of those apps that is well worth the price of admission even though you can slog along without it. It transforms your Android camera is a very capable 360 degree panorama device and even makes creating panoramic selfies a breeze.
Besides greatly improving the process of making panoramas, it also adds to the viewing side of things with a very nice 3d viewer. One terrific bonus is that you when you share your results those folks you’re sharing with don’t have to have the app installed, they just watch the looping video that you posted. You can also check out any of the over 1.3M panoramas shared by others all over the world. You can even play around with Virtual Reality using Google Carboard.
Notes: Dermandar (Offshore) SAL, Android 4.0+
Skiplagged - Exclusive Flights & Hotels - Free
There are definitely some obscure tricks to the trade when it comes to finding the cheapest airfares and hotel room. And, of course, there are plenty of websites and apps that will scour the service providers based on your travel parameters, some will even notify you if the price changes or when the price is likely to be lowest.
So how does Skiplagged stand out from this very competitive crowd? Simple, they look under rocks that the others don’t. Are you hip to “hidden city” flights or arbitrary round trips? No? Not to worry, this app is all about angles the other apps don’t touch.
Sure it will notify you if fares change and do all the other things you expect, but it does that plus all the things others don’t do. If you have some other fave low-cost travel app we challenge you to give Skiplagged a whirl and let us know what you think.
Notes: Skiplagged, Android varies with device
Google Trips - Free
Is there anything that Google doesn’t have an app for? If so, drop us a note and let us know because we haven’t found it. So, of course, Google Trips is the perfect tool for anyone trying to organize a vacation.
It automatically gathers your travel reservations from Gmail thereby letting you to see your flight, hotel, restaurant bookings, and rental car plans all in one place. It will provide you with day plans wherever you are and let you know about things to do nearby.
Notes: Google Inc., Android 4.1+
Trip Plans - TripHobo - Free
On a tight budget? Then TripHobo is the travel app that will suit you best. It lets you easily create personal travel plans based on your needs, interests, and budget. Even better, you can view other people’s itineraries for ideas and inspiration, or if you are really stoked by what you find you can simply copy their exact vacation plan.
You’ll see key information on destinations, local public transportation details, prices and maps, and more. We suggest you try booking hotels though it as well since there may be deals there that other service won’t have access to.
Notes: JoGuru Inc., Android 5.0+
Guides by Lonely Planet - Free w/IAPs
Lonely Planet has a long and distinguished track record of being a top travel resource. Happily their app is well designed and offers a broad selection of their terrific city guides. Got spotty or expensive cellular data? They have you covered with offline maps, phrasebooks, and advice on the best activities to consider.
One thing to note about language support is that English comes with the app but there are 8 additional languages available that cost $1.99 each.
We suggest you start out perusing their excellent website and also think about buying one of their books for any city where you will be spending a good amount of your time. They provide the years of experience, all you have to do is enjoy your adventure.
Notes: Lonely Planet Global Inc., Android 5.0+
Sygic Travel - Free w/IAPs
Making the most of the time you have means that you have to do a bit of planning. Sygic Travel provides very well thought out itinerary planning along with some advice based on what it knows about your plans. You’ll see where tourist attractions are located and GPS nav even when you’re offline ($7.99 to use it offline).
For those who also like to maximize sleep time, you’ll be glad to know that opening hours for attractions are provided along with time and distance estimates so you know when you have to finish breakfast and exactly how long your adventures will take. If you’re anywhere where the weather frequently changes you’ll appreciate the weather info provided. It will definitely come in handy.
Notes: Sygic maps navigation, Android 4.1+
Roadtrippers - Free
The classic American vacation is epitomized in that old car jingle from back in the day “see the USA in your Chevrolet”. Road trips are cool and fun and give you the best chance to really see the beautiful country (no matter what country you’re in) in between here and there.
This app is perfect for driving cross country, whether you’re rediscovering Route 66 or jumping on and off Interstate 20. It offers an easy way to plan your road trip and with its millions of POIs for you to consider along the way, the driving becomes a more integral part of the experience.
From great local diners to unusual roadside attractions to state and national parks, and hotels to stay at along the way, to paraphrase Woody Guthrie - this app was made for you and me.
Notes: Roadtrippers, Android varies with device
Packing List for Travel - PackKing - Free w/IAPs
Let’s face it, packing is probably the most boring part of prepping for your travels. Whether for business or pleasure, it’s not what you want to be doing. That’s where PackKing steps in and helps you with with this tedious effort. PackKing is the organization tool you need to make packing an easier and less stressful task.
Using information about your destination, travel dates, expected activities and how you’ll be traveling it will make sure you pack the right things so you can enjoy the trip to the max. It will even factor in how often you expect to do laundry (did someone say “never”?).
Notes: Michael Wer, Android 4.4+
Hopper - Free
Keeping travel costs to a minimum is more about the future than the past. While you may have gotten a certain fare or rate last year or last month, what about your trip 2 months from now? Hopper jumps in by predicting the future price of flights, based on what it knows, and tells you when’s best to buy your chosen destination.
You don’t have to check manually for changes, Hopper does that automatically for you and will alert you via push notifications the moment that prices drop. It’s possible to buy a flight in a matter of seconds. They will check the fares of over 250 airlines worldwide and also provide you with 24/7 service to help you out all through your travels.
Notes: Hopper Inc., Android 4.2+
Skyscanner - Free
If one app that does it all is more to your liking then Skyscanner is for you. Whether it’s flights, hotels, or car rentals the app will save you significant cash that you can use for that dopey (but fun!) double-decker tour bus or those earrings with Lady Liberty hanging on them.
While it offers you much of the same services that others do, it does it in a comprehensive manner and with a very nice UI that we like a lot. Want notifications about a price drop? No problem! But why stop there when you can also use it to compare future flights and deals.
You can even use it like a digital map dart board and search ‘everywhere’ for your random last minute vacation. Just one thing, if you do that you have to promise to follow through on the trip before you search. Are you gutsy enough?
Notes: Skyscanner Ltd., Android 4.4+
RV Parks & Campgrounds - Free
For a fun family vacation it’s hard to beat RV’ing. Pack up your gear, load up on food and beverages and hit the road. This app will be invaluable to you as you research places that will accommodate your particular RV in the locations you’re most interested in. Do you need a drive-through spot or are you looking to be lakeside? Easy access to activities for the kids or are you looking to be as secluded as possible?
This terrific app has got you covered with over 40,000 RV parks, campgrounds, rest areas, and gas stations. So whether you’re planning ahead for the fall or looking for something this weekend, RV Parks & Campgrounds will be a resource for you time and time again.
Notes: ParkAdvisor, Android 2.3+
USA Rest Stop Locator - Free w/IAPs
OK, you’ve decided on a road trip, great. Now you’re far from the familiar and guess what, someone close to you (I’m talking in the same car) needs a rest stop. Be it a bio-break, quenching a parched throat or souvenir shopping, this app will help you find the closest rest stops along your route on the closest highway or interstate.
You’ll find traditional rest areas as well as state welcome centers. If you ever expect to travel the same route again then you’ll want to mark your favorite rest stops along with notes/reviews so you’ll remember why you liked it and don’t miss them. Also, when it notifies you that you’re in range of a rest stop you can see what others have posted about it. You might decide to let it pass for the next one.
Notes: Innovative Software Technology LLC, Android 4.0.3+
Road Trip USA - $1.99
If you’re traveling on that road trip, be it a 5 seater sedan or pick-up with a 40′ RV you will want to keep any youngsters who are along for the trip reasonably entertained. This app is one way to do just that. Back in the day you might have looked for license plates from different states or played 20 Questions or I Spy.
Regardless of what games you remember from your childhood it’s probably safe to say that all you really care about not is entertaining the kids in the backseat so they stop screaming at each other. Music helps for awhile but if you want to add fun to the mix you needs some group games. Nothing makes a trip go faster and be more fun than having fun games that children and adults can both play. This app is perfect for that featuring hidden object game with 20 classic tourist scenes and 4 mini games.
Notes: Max the Cat Studios Ltd, Android 4.4+
Dr. Seuss Book Collection #1 - $14.99
If you have kids on your trip with you one great way to keep them occupied is to have some of their favorites and familiar books handy. Dr. Seuss books fit the bill very nicely. This first collection of 5 all-time favorites includes The Cat in the Hat, Fox in Socks and 3 more.
These books are interactive with the orginal text and images that your kids will find familiar and enjoy. Individual titles sell for $3.99 so 5 for $14.99 is a good deal for Dr. Seuss lovers. For ages 2-6 this app can help your little ones learn new vocabulary and reinforce budding reading skills.
Notes: Oceanhouse Media Inc., Android 4.0.3+
Spotify - Free w/IAPs
Music makes any activity more pleasurable and summer vacation is certainly no exception. Of course while that used to mean downloading your favorite MP3s (remember those?) so you can build you playlist to play on your iPod (remember those?). That was so last decade. Now it’s all about streaming.
Spotify is definitely one of the best, if not THE best, streaming service due to its totally awesome UI and capabilities. Plus, it has a free to use version and features music from every artist you can think of. You can get as specific or general as you like and can easily search for tunes from your favorite artist or discover new music by searching for a genre you like. Explore and enjoy! Summer vacation starts when you say it does!
Notes: Spotify Ltd, Android varies with device
GasBuddy - Free
When you finally get all your gear and travel crew set and on the road the last thing you need is to run out of gas or pay more than you have to for it. GasBuddy will make sure you know which stations are nearby and which ones offer you the best prices for the grade of gas you need.
Viewing your options couldn’t be easier or more straight forward. As with all of our favorite apps GasBuddy provides a very well designed UI to make sure getting the info you need is quick and easy. Do you want to sort gas stations by distance or price? Easy peasy. One note, besides benefiting from their huge database you can also report gas prices to help others find cheap gas. As a bonus there’s a chance to win $100 in free gas every day and a new “Pay with GasBuddy” plan that saves you money on gas. That doesn’t suck.
Notes: GasBuddy, Android varies with device
First Aid by American Red Cross - Free
We all like to imagine that our vacations will be exactly as we plan with no unforeseen incidents or accidents. Well, that’s probably not going to happen. Accidents do happen and when they do during your travels or on vacation you want to be prepared.
The American Red Cross’s First Aid app is one of those apps that you may not think of at first but if you ever need you will thank your lucky stars that you have it. It will help you in situations from anaphylactic shock to CPR chest compressions. Most of us are not that well prepared for the unexpected health emergencies so their tips on how to prepare for them, as well as guidance on when to call 911 and and how to find the nearest hospital are invaluable.
Notes: American Red Cross, Android 4.1+
Waze - GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Live Navigation - Free
If you’re not already using Waze we have one question, where have you been? This app is the perfect intersection of hard data and social knowledge. By letting users add to what the app “knows” it enables everyone to benefit. Actually, the full name of the app says it all “Waze - GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Live Navigation”.
Waze is truly the next generation of GPS app. Seriously. Through its community knowledge base you can avoid accidents, road problems and speed traps, and also see real-time traffic updates. Of course as with any good GPS app it will provide turn by turn visual and voice navigation. Waze goes beyond the standard capabilities though and, for example, makes it easy to alert your friends and family to your ETA.
Notes: Waze, Android varies with device
Fairy Tales ~ Children’s Books, Stories and Games- Free w/IAPs
This recently updated app is perfect for when you’re at your destination and ready to decompress. You’ve taken advantage of all the apps that help you before and along the way, now it’s time to settle down. Unfortunately, with all the excitement from the day of travel, that can be a real challenge for the little ones.
That’s where Fairy Tales ~ Children’s Books, Stories and Games comes in handy whether you’re looking for an engrossing bedtime story that can read itself or some cool games for some evening entertainment. The stories are interactive with animated characters and professional narration. It can get a bit pricey though, so make sure you like the free story (Puss n Boots) before jumping in.
Notes: AmayaKids, Android 4.1+
OpenTable - Free
Once you arrive at your chosen destination it’s priority one to make sure you get to sample the coolest places for food and drink. Of course “coolest” can mean different things to different people so how do you cover all your bases?
You can be sure to make the most of the little time you have to experience the local flavor by using OpenTable. With it you can search for the types of restaurants in the area that you want in the Discover section. Whether they’re new and hot or tried and true local favorites you’ll be able to plan your meal times to your best advantage. Not sure or too many conflicting opinions? Try OpenTable Insider Picks. Once decided you just make reservations right from the app without having to talk to anyone.
Notes: OpenTable, Android varies with device
TripMate - A Trip Expense Manager - Free w/IAPs
No matter how much you have put aside for your vacation you’d always like to spend more than that, and you will if you’re not careful.
So the questions is, how do you easily manage your budget while enjoying your vacation? Simple, answer (wait for it…) - there’s an app for that! 🙂
TripMate is a very well designed Android app that will help you stay on budget on all your trips, not just epic summer vacations. It’s a great way to keep track of your spending and make sure you stay on track day-to-day. It categorizes your purchases and expenses so you can quickly see how much of your budget is being eaten up by food of if your travel costs are taking you for a ride. It will also switch to your current local currency so even if you’re on your once in a lifetime “bucket list” sojourn around the world they’ve got you covered.
Notes: TripMate Developers, Android 5.0+
Toilocator - Toilets Near You - Free
OK, this might be a delicate subject for some of you but let’s get real, we all have to “go” sooner or later. The usual problem is, of course, that one or more of your travel group will not “go” sooner in the hotel, restaurant, or campsite and instead have to “go” later when you’re all out and about in that city you’ve always dreamed of exploring.
When you’re in unfamiliar territory finding the appropriate facilities can be a challenge. Toilocator will help you cut down the time it takes to get there and so you’ll be back to your itinerary faster with less hassle and headache.
Notes: LetsApp, Android 4.2+
HappyCow Find Vegan Food & Vegetarian Restaurants - Free w/IAPs
If you follow a Vegan or Vegetarian diet traveling can definitely be more of a challenge than for those that don’t. We hear you, it can be a serious inconvenience if you haven’t thoroughly planned ahead or are lacking the info you need when you need it.
Thankfully HappyCow has done the heavy lifting for you. It lists vegan and vegetarian restaurants in nearly 10,500 cities in over 180 countries worldwide. That’s a lot of cities and, as you’d expect, goes well beyond the big familiar ones like London (Book & Kitchen) and New York City (Blossom du Jour), to obscure places like Vatra Neamului, in Chi?in?u, Moldova.
Notes: HappyCow, Android 4.0+
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Do you have some other apps in mind that should be on this list? Let us know about them in the comments section.
The 27 Absolute Best Must-Have Apps for Your Summer Vacation - AndroidAppsReview.com
