We all know how it feels. Chatting with your friends at 3 a.m. in the morning and suddenly, from a conversation about the latest drama in school, you and your bestie start planning for the greatest backpacker trip of your life! Driving across the globe to see the Seven Wonders of the World, road trip to the Grand Canyon and racing the kangaroos in the Australian fields. You just know that it will be the best road trip of your life!
Before you whip out your mapping software to make the greatest presentation of the most adventurous trip in your life to persuade your parents, here’s one problem. How do you navigate with so many places planned? Well, no matter if you’re impulsively planning for your next greatest road trip or you are a professional travel blogger, you have come to the right place!
Here’s a list of GPS Navigation apps that can ensure a smooth, exciting and adventurous road trip!
Google Maps
The classic of the classics – Google Maps. Being the granddaddy of GPS navigation options, there are many advantages that you can get by using this classic. The application software works for almost all forms of transportation and even updates you on the current traffic issues ahead of your journey! You can also be updated with real-time ETAs based on traffic conditions and will be informed of your departure and arrival times for your long drive!
The application also offers an even larger set of functions to its users, so be sure to check them out for your next trip!
Waze
Comparing crowd-sourced traffic information, Waze really tops the chart! The software updates you on any accidents, police road block, construction, road closures and other traffic-related events in real-time! That’s not all. You can even select alternate or most efficient routes that take the shortest time to your destination!
There is also a feature where you can share your location on Facebook which will be posted on your timeline. Through this feature, your friends and family would be able to be updated of the places you have been. Quite sure some haters would be so jealous of your wonderous travels!
To put the cherry on the cake, Waze also allows users to share the current gas prices. This means that all users would be updated of the current gas prices changes
MapQuest
Another one of the classics – MapQuest which was originally only available in desktop format is now also available in application form. The software mostly focused on maps and driving directions as well as turn-by-turn navigation and traffic information. Similar to Waze, MapQuest also provides multiple route options for you to choose from on what you prefer! So, if you want to go the longer route to drive past the dandelion field, you can do so with MapQuest!
The application also updates you on the best gas prices in your journey so you can save up some extra budget to search for and book cozy hotel and restaurant reservations which is also available as a feature on the app!
Maps.Me
What makes Maps.Me shine above other GPS navigation applications? Its main feature which allows you to use their high-quality maps around the world for offline use is definitely the highlight of this magnificent software.
Just like others, the app offers simple functions such as auto-follow mode, traffic data and turn-by-turn directions. Even in full offline mode, you still can use their navigation, search function and even search for restaurants or ATMs for some extra cash! However, that’s not all. As the app provides an offline function, the software would also consume less battery power compared to other software that run in the background! Longer smartphone battery power, longer road trip!
Apple Maps
The direct competitor of Google Maps – of course, Apple Maps. If you’re an iPhone user, this software is already preloaded on iPhones. Using the voice navigation function, you will be at ease while driving according to its turn-by-turn directions!
To understand the map even better (because clearly some people, like me, have a hard time navigating 2D maps), Apple Maps also offers a 3D map view for directions which includes large buildings and structures.
Moreover, for all explorers and travelers, the application also provides a Flyover tool that would give you a virtual tour of your destination. So if you’re unsure if the roadside attraction would be worth your time in your road trip, check it using this function and save time!
The application even updates you on the weather and air quality of your destination on the display map!
