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10 Best Road Trip Planner Apps/Websites

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Rose Morah

There are tons of road trip planner websites and apps these days.

But finding the best ones that meet your travel needs is hard. It is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

This article will cover some of the best road trip planner apps for any type of travel . 

Data from an online survey showed the following as the most preferred road trip planner apps/websites, based on their features and benefits.

1. AAA Triptik

2. roadtrippers , 3. wanderlog, 5. gaia gps, 6. inroute planner, 7. viamichelin, 8. google maps, 9. dark sky, 10. gasbuddy.

I have used AAA Triptik and can’t imagine a road trip without it. It’s fun planning your road trips with this route planner because, first of all, it is very user-friendly, and has a variety of great features to help you plan your trip effectively.

Some of the best features and benefits of the AAA Triptik route planner include:

• It gives you easy access to maps and directions for your road trip.
• You can plan your future trips and save them for later use.
• It allows you to select restaurants, events, attractions, and book hotels on your route by just clicking on the icons.
• The route planner also has a gas station icon that lets you know where you can stop and fill up along your route, as well as, the latest gas price per gallon.
• If you are going on a road trip with your pet, AAA Triptik lets you know the pet-friendly hotels and restaurants along your route. 
• You also get to explore existing campgrounds on your route through the AAA Triptik road trip planner.

Roadtrippers  is a great app/website when you want to find suggestions of fun things to do along the road, know your gas cost estimations, restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path camping grounds. 

Additionally, it is easy to map out and find great routes through their website/app compared to most road trip planner apps.

Other additional great features of this route planner app:

• With Roadtrippers Plus, you can build epically long trips, collaborate with friends, and get exclusive deals and savings on your next adventure.
• It offers pre-planned road trips and travel guides.
• It is easy to use. You just input your starting point and destination then add and edit your itinerary.
• It provides live route updates that notify you about the traffic or any road closure due to construction e.t.c

You may also like:

Roadtrippers vs Wanderlog Travel App (Which One Is Better?) .

How to Find Overlanding Trails (Best Tools & Resources for Finding Trails) .

Wanderlog is not only a great road trip planner but also one of the best travel itinerary planners.

When mapping your route, Wanderlog is able to show you the distances and directions. Additionally, it gives you the driving times between different attractions on your mapped route.

Reasons why most road trippers recommend Wanderlog

• It is great for planning group trips/family/ friends road trips.
• It gives you a list of ideas for places to visit/explore. 
• It is great for creating a travel itinerary.
• You can add your trip budget/expenses to help you plan your trip effectively.
• It also helps you find places to stay along your route.

How To Plan A Solo Road Trip (Solo Road Trip Tips) .

Smart Ways To Conserve Gas When Running Low .

Furkot is yet another great road trip planner website that most travelers recommend.

Though it is quite similar to the other route planner apps that we have covered above, the following are some of its major advantages:

• It helps you calculate the time it will take you to complete your road trip. This allows you to set your travel time and daily limits, and be precise about how long you would want to drive each day during your road trip.
• It gives you suggestions of where to stop for the night based on your preferences, schedule, and mapped route. You have the option to choose; from campgrounds, apartments, hotels e.t.c.
• Furkot will give you the total prices of where you want to stay for the night, including the service fees and the taxes

For more info, check them out on their official website .

See also: Tips For Driving Long Distances At Night .

Gaia GPS is great if you are planning to go on an off-road trip/dirt road trip. It is also one of the best if you plan to go hiking or outdoor camping.

How To Use Gaia GPS (A Complete Guide) .

Pros and Cons of onX Maps, Trails Offroad VS. Gaia GPS .

inRoute planner is an Apple product. This means that the app is not available to android users. 

Here are some of the best features and benefits of the inRoute trip planner app:

• It gives you the fastest route to your destination. This is great for those people who don’t want to spend so much time on the road.
• It lets users create custom routes based on their preferences, which may include elevation, curviness, and weather conditions. 
• Has a great user interface with interactive charts that show users the expected temperature, humidity, wind e.t.c.
• It allows users to search for routes while traveling.
• Has voice-guided navigation. You don’t need to touch your phone to check the routes while driving. The voice navigation will guide you.
• You can find restaurants, hotels, and gas stops with the inRoute road trip planner app.

See also: 15 Things To Do In Downtown Los Angeles .

Viamichelin is yet another great road trip planner app, especially if you plan to go on a Europe road tour . I have personally used it a couple of times and loved it.

Here are some of Viamichelin best features and benefits:

• It gives users real-time traffic information.
• Allows you to explore major tourist attractions on your planned route.
• You are able to choose where to stay and eat when planning your route.
• It gives you multiple routes based on gas costs, tolls e.t.c.

It also gives you different route planning options, which include:

– The quickest route.

– The shortest route.

– Economic route – this route mainly focuses on saving money on your road trip by avoiding toll roads, and fuel-inefficient routes.

• This route planner also gives you the total cost of your trip throughout Europe.

See also : ABRP Vs Plugshare: Which One is The Best EV Trip Planner App?

Google Maps is a free road trip planner app that helps you save on travel and gives you a bigger view of the area you will be going to. 

Additionally, with the help of Google street view, you familiarize yourself with some of the places that you plan to visit or stay during your road trip.

Google Maps comes in handy, especially if you plan to drive a long distance. I remember one time driving for about 8,000 miles from Michigan to Wisconsin, passing through Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Seattle, and Yellow Stone. Google Maps really came in handy and was also quite accurate.

Dark Sky has in the past helped me get real-time weather updates and plan my road trips.

This app will help you find the cheapest gas stations along your route if you are traveling on a budget.

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.

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We love road trips! Planning them can be fun but, let's be honest, also stressful. The right road trip planner apps can take some of that stress away by helping you plan, organize, and manage travel before and during your trip. We've researched and tested these apps to help give you peace of mind so that you can spend more time enjoying your trip.

The Ultimate Map App for Planning Your Route: Roadtrippers

Access to free and convenient travel guides.

Share-ability so friends can join in on the planning process and suggest places to visit.

The app can use up the battery life of your device quickly. Take a car USB charger with you.

Built for travelers, Roadtrippers helps you create your route while allowing you to discover great places as you plan it out. Add a new place to your itinerary to work it into your trip.

The app features an easy-to-use interface. In addition to covering the U.S., it also covers Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Download For:

Automate Your Trip Planning and Organization: Google Travel

Automatic trip organization via Gmail integration. 

Offline access so you can see your trip information even when you don't have an internet connection.

Limitations with customizing some day trips exactly the way you want.

You can count on Google to make your trip planning a breeze. Pre-constructed day plans are available for hundreds of the world's most popular destinations, which you can customize to your liking.

It's one of the most versatile travel planner apps out there, giving you one convenient place to see your hotel, rental car, and restaurant bookings.

Find and Book a Last-Minute Place to Stay: Hotels.com

A fast, easy-to-use booking feature.

For every 10 nights you book through Hotels.com, you get one night free, provided it's the average daily rate of those 10 nights.

No option to easily cancel if you change your mind.

Whether your road trip itinerary changed, or you haven't decided on a place to stay yet, Hotels.com can help you find a place and book it when you're on the go, even when it's super last-minute. You can sort and filter hotels, see the amenities they have to offer, compare prices, and catch a glimpse of how many rooms are available.

This is the app you'll want to have handy if you want to see in-depth hotel details at a glance and need to find a place to crash ASAP without breaking the bank.

Find Local Restaurants, Read Reviews, and Make Reservations: OpenTable

Lots of great filter options and suggestions.

Access to gorgeous, high-quality images of menu items and informative reviews from other users.

Reported problems and inconveniences with their built-in reward system.

Searching for specific restaurants is more difficult than simply looking at what's around in the area.

Deciding on a place to eat in a new area is quick and hassle-free with OpenTable. See what's nearby, filter restaurants by cuisine, see photos of what's on the menu, make reservations, and get personalized recommendations based on your preferences.

OpenTable is known to be one of the top  location-based food apps  available, so you know you can trust its information when you're dying for something to eat.

Navigate Like a Local: Waze

Hands-free navigation with voice commands.

Alerts-only mode for road hazards and police.

Share up-to-date ETA with friends.

Spotify and Apple Music widgets get in the way.

Cluttered maps can be confusing.

Higher battery usage than Google Maps.

Waze  is a community-driven travel app that shows you the shortest possible route to your destination. Like Google Maps, Waze makes real-time adjustments for traffic jams and other obstacles—but Waze is often more accurate since it caters specifically to drivers.

The app syncs with your Google Calendar and can tell you when you should leave for appointments based on traffic. There's also a cool option to record your own voice and use it for directions .

Know Exactly When and Where to Make a Pit Stop: iExit Interstate Exit Guide

Access to detailed summaries of what's at the next exit (including gas prices at nearby gas stations).

Search for the next 100 exits from your location.

The app can only be used on major U.S. exit-based highways.

No offline access, so you'll use your data plan while you're on the road.

Making a pit stop for food, gas, or a bathroom break is easy when you have the iExit app. Using your device's GPS, the app offers helpful suggestions for when and where to stop based on your location along the highway.

Whether you're looking for well-known franchises like Starbucks and Walmart to convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and truck or trailer parking, this app has you covered.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Nearby: GasBuddy

An in-app gas payment feature.

Opportunity to save 10 cents per gallon on your first fill-up and five cents per gallon on every fill-up after.

The app can take up a lot of data and battery life as it runs in the background.

GasBuddy is an app specifically designed to find nearby gas stations and save money on gas. Use it to find the cheapest gas in your area and filter gas stations by amenities like car washes, restaurants, and bathrooms.

It's the app you want to have if you're serious about finding the cheapest gas around. Information comes from users like you, so you have the most up-to-date prices.

Download For :

Never Forget an Item: PackPoint Premium Packing List

Access to a built-in library of items to pack with the ability to add or remove items as needed. 

An elegant, intuitive app interface.

Can't input multiple destinations for a single trip.

Not a free app.

PackPoint helps you make sure you have everything you need based on where you're going and what you're doing. In addition, the app takes into consideration the length of your trip and the expected weather conditions. Perhaps best of all, this app turns a mundane chore into something that's actually quite fun.

Find Out Where to Park and How Much It Will Cost: Inrix ParkMe

ParkMe is the only app that also includes street parking and parking meter rates where available, in addition to parking lots.

Real-time updates on available parking spots.

Rates and hours may be inaccurate in some areas.

ParkMe claims to be the world's largest and most accurate parking database. It allows you to purchase your parking spot through the app and compare prices across parking providers to help you save more money.

If you're road tripping around major cities in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, this app can be a huge help. You can even compare parking options and prices so that you always get the best deal.

Automate Your Itinerary: TripIt

Automatically creates itineraries from your inbox.

Widget displays trip details on your home screen.

Annoying amount of alerts by default.

If you're planning a trip, you'll likely have a lot of confirmation emails for hotels, appointments, restaurants, and attractions. TripIt syncs with your inbox and uses that information to compile an itinerary so that you don't have to scramble for it.

The free version is fine for road trips, but if you ever fly, the premium version gives you the option to upgrade seats and track reward miles.

In addition to your phone, laptop, and tablet, other travel tech essentials include chargers, headphones, travel adapters, cameras, luggage trackers, and off-grid communications

Yes. You can use Google Maps as a trip planner through the “Places” and “My Maps” features. Both the Google Maps website and app let you save locations to lists and get directions.

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10 Informative & Useful Websites For Planning Fun Road Trips

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Road trips are one of the best ways to travel. If you’re lucky enough to live in a country large enough for road trips, you should definitely make use of this form of travel. There’s nothing better than the freedom of being on the road, driving for miles and miles, and discovering interesting new places and people.

As fun as road tripping is, it does take some sort of planning. Where should you stop? What’s there to see on the way? Where should we eat? How much will it cost? Where should we stay? All these questions should be answered before embarking on a road trip. Here are 10 excellent websites which will help you answer these questions, and plan a wonderful and enjoyable road trip.

Plan-Your-Trip.com

Plan-Your-Trip helps with planning fun road trips in the US and Canada. The site features a website planner which seems to have been built in the 90s, but nonetheless provides some very useful information. You can starting building your trip leg by leg, and for each leg find attractions, camping grounds and accommodations. If you plan on crossing the boarder during your road trip, you can use the tool to plan trips that span both Canada and the US in one go.

Road Trip USA

Road Trip USA provides 11 complete road trip routes to choose from, all features on a colorful map. All but one of the trips are USA only (border to border trip includes the Canadian Rockies). Each trip contains loads of information regarding the route itself, roadside attractions divided by state, and detailed maps. Even if you want some more flexibility and don’t want to use a ready-made trip plan, Road Trip USA is an excellent source of information which you can use to plan your own trip.

Planning-Fun-Road-Trips.com

Planning Fun Road Trips is an informational website aimed at providing general road trip knowledge. The site includes many useful road trip articles, and is a good place to start if you’re simply looking for general information on road trips, no matter where. Here you will find tips on various topics, such as how to plan your road trip, a road trip calculator, food tips, games and songs, and some idea and routes for road trips in the US.

[NO LONGER WORKS] OnTheWay

OnTheWay is a handy tool for finding places to stop on the way while on a road trip anywhere in the world. It doesn’t feature big and famous attractions such as national parks or museums, but rather focuses on place to eat, places to shop, interesting stores, beaches, etc. As opposed to many other websites in the genre, this one features a beautiful and easy to use interface. All you have to do is provide your starting point and destination (and more points on the way, if you want), and OnTheWay will offer possible routes, which it will also divide into legs for you. For each leg it will list interesting place to stop, which you can add to your trip or read more about in Foursquare.

Weather Underground Road Trip Planner

One of the most random factors in any road trip is the weather. You can plan a perfect trip, but at the end of the day, the weather has a final say on everything. With Weather Underground’s road trip planner, you can see what weather conditions to expect while on the road. If you’re planning a long trip, the best thing to do would be to log into Weather Underground every day or two, and enter the planned route for the upcoming day. This way you’ll head out knowing exactly what to expect.

Food is one of the most important aspects on a road trip. Stopping at McDonalds or Pizza Hut every night may be easy, but prevents you from experiencing the actual food people eat in every new place you reach. Roadfood aims to solve this problem, by providing non-franchised regional places to eat along highways and in small towns and cities (US only).  The site includes place to eat sorted by region, interesting eating tours and even a recipe index.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is a huge website where you can find pretty much anything about any place in the world you wish to visit. While not made specifically for road trips, there is one feature in TripAdvisor which is a great help in finding attractions. In the trip planner, choose “ Things to do ” and type in a name of a place. Before you even get actual results, you will already get suggestions for the biggest attractions in that place, which you can use for further research and reading. The site also includes many useful articles about travel.

Australian Road Trips

While most planning websites offer travel in the US and Canada, Australia is also a compelling destination for road trips. Australian Road Trips offers 17 road-trip ideas, complete with full itineraries and tips on where to stop and what to do. You can screen through the trips by interests and driving skills. The website is a great source of information, which you can use as it is or mix and match to plan your own trip.

OK Go Road Trip Playlist Contest

Another aspect which can make or break a good road trip is music. The right music can do wonders to long driving hours, and preparing a good playlist is a must. OK Go (an American alternative rock band) recently hosted a road trip playlist contest on their blog. While the contest itself is probably over, the page is still a great source of songs to add to your road trip playlist. Check out OK Go’s suggestions, and then browse the comments for ideas from other users.

Airbnb is not right for every road trip, but is a good way to go if you’re planning to stay in several cities on your way. If you don’t already know about it, Airbnb is an accommodations portal, where people offer up their extra room and where travellers can find a place to crash for cheap. You can find places to sleep all over the world, save money, and get to know people who actually live at your destinations. This is also a great way to find interesting things to do locally, which only actual residents know about.

If you still want more, check out some other cool tools for planning fun road trips:

• How To Use VirtualTourist For Planning Your Next Trip
• Bing Maps – Planning Your Car Trips Got Much Easier. Really.
• Find Every Public Radio Station During Long Journeys With NPR Road Trip
• 5 Fun Roadtrip Games For Networked Mobile Devices [Android]

Do you know of some more great road trip planners, tools and tips? Share in the comments.

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Top 10: Best Road Trip Websites

Posted By: Julie Henning May 27, 2016

Road Trip season is upon us and many people use travel websites and blogs to plan their summer vacations.

While we do our best to recommend a wide-range of family-friendly destinations, restaurants, parks, festivals, and accommodations, we know many other travel websites strive towards the same goal.

In fact, we often look towards our peers for ideas on planning our next epic road trip.

Here are ten of our favorite websites dedicated to road trips around the U.S. They aren’t ranked in a particular order; all offer valuable information and are unique in their own right.

Happy planning!

Roadtrippers

Website: https://roadtrippers.com/

Roadtrippers.com is used to build a road-trip itinerary between Point A and Point B. Users add points-of-interest, lodging, parks, shopping (etc.) and save a route to their account. Download the Roadtrippers app to your smart phone to adjust and build your itinerary on the go.

Midlife Road Trip

Website: http://midliferoadtrip.tv/

Midlife Road Trip is an unscripted, organic, reality-based food, travel, and adventure series focused on the bucket list adventures of  Rick Griffin and Sandi McKenna. Rick and Sandy also run Road Trip Radio and a weekly twitter chat.

Back Road Ramblers

A family-themed site focused primarily on travel in the US; Back Road Ramblers emphasized taking the road less traveled at a slower pace. Look for tips on saving money, selecting gear, getting organized, camping, adventure, and getting out and about in all four seasons.

Tips for Family Trips

Website: http://tipsforfamilytrips.com/

Tips for Family Trips organizes its stories by destination as well as the type of travel: family reunion, Disney, cruises, camping, national parks, etc. Each week members of the site’s travel deals email club receive travel deals and money saving tips in their inboxes.

Drive the Nation

Website: http://drivethenation.com/

Affiliated with HotelCoupons.com, Drive the Nation is a road trip blog focused on travel tips and itineraries. Located within the Places menu is an interactive map of the United States; simply click on a state to view stories related to that destination. The site periodically runs contests for cash, gear, and travel-related giveaways.

Roadside America

Website: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

Dedicated to oddities and attractions across America, use Roadside America to locate giant pistachios, pink elephants, and whimsical sculpture parks. An app as well as a database driven website, look for reader-submitted field reports and visitor tips.

Website: http://www.weirdus.com/

A travel guide to America’s local legends and best-kept secrets, Weird U.S. is organized by state and category (ranging from bizarre beasts to unexplained phenomena). Tour guides Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman have authored several books in the same theme as their website.

100 Routes Across America

Website: http://www.100routesacrossamerica.com/

100 Routes Across America is a family-travel website dedicated to travel in regions around and across America. Look for stories on Disney, ski trips, as well as food and fitness. Based out of New Jersey, the site has many ideas and itineraries for travel in New England.

Pistops for Kids

Website: http://pitstopsforkids.com/

Emphasizing the journey as much as getting from Point A to Point B, Pitstops for Kids focuses on getting out of the car and into family-friendly attractions. Written by a seasoned outdoor writer, look for off-the-beaten-path adventures as well as gear reviews and the best towns to experience the beach, mountains, and ski slopes.

Travel 50 States With Kids

Travel 50 States with Kids is an account of the adventures of an Ohio-based family as they ventured out on countless road trips in, around, and through all 50 states. Subscribe to the site’s newsletter and receive a free copy of the e-book  How to Visit All 50 States in 12 Trips .

Road Trips for Families

Website: https://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com/

Adding our site as an honorary number eleven, we like to think Road Trips for Families is worth a bookmark in your browser window. Keep checking back as we adventure our way around America, experiencing festivals, geocaching, roadside attractions, and restaurants catering to the entire family.

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Happy Trails!

About the Author

Julie henning, related articles.

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This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more . 

Ready to have some fun in the car on your road trip? 

Whether this is your first time on the road or you’re a seasoned road trip adventurer, those long stretches on the highway can get a little monotonous. 

So if you are looking for a list of fun things to do in the car on a road trip for adults, you’ve come to the right place.

This list will give you plenty of ideas on how to enjoy your time in the car and make some travel memories.

We’ve got fun games for couples, introspective activities for the solo road warrior, and adventurous ways to make surprising uses of the technology you already have. 

Who says that doing fun things in the car on a road trip is only for kids? 

Listen to Music

If you’re headed out on a long adventure, make an exciting road trip playlist for you and your travel companions. 

Here are a few tips for making an absolute banger of a playlist that will become a memory all on its own.

• Explore new genres and artists you normally wouldn’t listen to.
• Put on some of the tunes that were big in your high school days. Finding out which songs still hold up and which should have been retired is a daring journey in itself.
• Share DJ duty. Exploring music your travel companions love will give you a chance to get to know more about them. Who knows, you might find out that French pop songs from the 50s are your thing!

Play Carpool Karaoke

Want to live your very own James Cordon’s Carpool Karaoke like you’re on The Late Late Show? Carpool Karaoke lets everyone take center stage. 

Carpool Karaoke gets better the more people you have on the ride. If you got a full van full of friends, then you were traveling with the band.

You can even throw in one of these Bluetooth microphones to take your carpool karaoke experience to the next level. 

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are contemporary radio. You’ve got episodic fiction podcasts that keep you on the edge of your seat. And also informative shows that give you insight into the world you’re driving through. There’s a podcast out there for you, no matter what your tastes are. 

Here are a few exciting podcasts that you can take on the road with you.

• The Black Tapes — This serialized fiction podcast takes a thriller spin on the NPR formula. You’ll follow a journalist as she explores not only her past but a globe-spanning mystery that gets more intense with each episode.
• Working People — This is a down-to-earth show with an eye towards important social issues. Journalist Maximilian Alvarez interviews everyday people, from construction workers to college professors, about their jobs and what’s important to them in their lives.
• This Paranormal Life — Join two “professional” paranormal investigators as they explore everything from UFO sightings to mysterious disappearances in this irreverent comedy podcast.

For even more podcast recommendations for a boredom-free road trip check out: Best Podcasts to Listen to on a Road Trip

Get Artistic

Even if you’re no Rembrandt, a road trip is a surprisingly good place to start exploring your artistic side.

Here’s a game with a spooky title that everyone on your road trip can enjoy: Exquisite Corpse. Each player takes a turn either writing a section of a story or drawing a section of a picture before passing it off to the next player, who then adds their contribution. 

When it’s all said and done, you’ve got a unique piece of artwork made by everyone on the ride.

The Museum of Modern Art has a great primer on the history of the Exquisite corpse . 

You can also pull over on the shoulder of the road and try your hand painting a beautiful sunset or pull out your phone and get in touch with your photographic side.

No matter which way you go, your next road trip is a great way to explore your hidden love of the arts.

If none of these podcasts strike your fancy, open up your favorite podcast app and take this as an opportunity to start exploring new shows you wouldn’t normally listen to. 

Listen to an Audiobook

The open road is one of the best places to throw on an audiobook. 

A little secret about audiobooks and road trips is that they give you something interesting to listen to as well as give everybody in the car a little break from socializing.

Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential is a great book for road trips. This book shares a chef’s behind-the-scenes view of restaurants. You’ll get to explore the unseen parts of the restaurant world while you explore the countryside. 

For more audiobooks that will keep you entertained throughout your long drive check out our list of the best audiobooks for road trips .

Play a Trivia Game

Trivia games never get old when you’re on the road.

There are countless trivia games out there. When picking a trivia game, a solid piece of advice is to find a game or subject where no one is the clear expert. 

These games are a fun way to test your knowledge and pick up new and exciting facts. They’re also a great way to start conversations.

There are some exciting trivia apps available on our smartphones that you can check out our list of the best road trip game apps .

Or if you want to test your road trip trivia knowledge, check out our 20 Intriguing Road Trip Trivia Questions .

Play the Question Game to Spark Conversations

If you’re looking to fill the silence, you can always try some fun and deep road trip questions.

Games like Table Topics present you with interesting questions designed to fire up a memorable conversation. Table Topics has a wide variety of additions, including one specifically for couples.

We also created an amazing list of road trip questions that both couples and friends can use.

Check it out here: Road Trip Questions: 149 Fun and Deep Conversation Starters

Play a Classic Road Trip Game

Now let’s talk about some classic road trip games.

These are timeless hits for a reason. When your phone is running low on batteries and you’re getting a little tired of The Epic Road Trip Playlist, you can always rely on these old throwbacks.

Games like 21 Questions and the License Plate Game are iconic staples of entertainment while on the road. They’re also a great way to relive the nostalgia of going on road trips as a kid.

Check out our list of 15 Ridiculously Fun Road Trip Games for more games to keep you entertained.

Find Fun Places to Stop on Your Road Trip

Part of the excitement of being on a road trip is giving yourself the freedom to stop whenever you want. While you’re out there on the road, your co-pilot can be looking for exciting places to stop.

Google Maps is a good place to start, but if you really want to see what’s out there, make sure to download the Roadtrippers app before you leave home. 

Roadtrippers will help you find everything from great mom-and-pop diners to historic destinations that you can swing by on your road trip.

The whole point of a road trip is to get out there and explore and make memories. Years down the road, that photograph of the two of you standing in front of The World’s Largest Candle in Indiana is going to be worth its weight in gold.

Turn Off the Radio

Turning off the radio may be the opposite of what you think of when you are looking for activities to keep you entertained on a road trip. 

Our lives have never been busier. And we don’t have many opportunities just to be. 

So if you find those long stretches starting to get a little monotonous, turn off the radio and sit with your thoughts. 

There’s something about the open road with the scenery rolling by that allows us to be honest with ourselves. Turning off the radio gives you the mental space to puzzle through those lingering thoughts.

While we love the quirky tourist traps and the adventures along the way, a road trip is also an opportunity to explore yourself and/or get to know your traveling companion.

Find More Road Trip Fun Here: 15 Ridiculously Fun Road Trip Games for Two People Road Trip Questions For Couples: 149 Fun and Deep Conversation Starters

23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

Attention road trippers! These apps play vacation planner, make life on the road a dream

For many people, the classic American road trip is a rite of passage.

The 48 states on the continental U.S. are home to rolling hills, mountains, rivers, oceans and countless other attractions. And thanks to modern technology, planning the perfect road trip is easier than ever.

Just juice up your phone, make sure your car is ready to roll , grab your go-to road snacks, and let your smartphone do the hard work.  

Apps, like Roadtrippers or InRoute, can do most of the route planning for you.

Begin by inputting your starting and ending point, then let it suggest fun places to check out, whether you're taking the direct route via the highways or the winding roads less traveled.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Watch this video to learn more about some of the apps you need for your next road trip.   

Roadtrip essentials

A good road trip needs these three things: Good snacks, an excellent playlist, and plenty of gas. 

If you’re driving through an unfamiliar area, fill up your gas tank sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of getting stranded on empty.

Check out these apps to keep your car juiced up along the route: 

• Gas Buddy  

Gas Buddy helps you find gas stations near you and tells you how much the gas costs. 

Prices are put in by other users, so there is a chance prices may have changed by the time you arrive. If that happens, you can report the price change in the app. 

PlugShare helps you locate EV charging stations that are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles. 

And just in case you need it, because you almost certainly will, Toilet Finder can help you find a nearby facility to take a comfort break.

The app also tells you if the toilet can be used without charge and if it's wheelchair accessible. 

Taking a road trip with a pet

If your copilot has fur and paws, BringFido will help you find dog-friendly places to stay, eat, visit, and more. 

It even includes reviews from other users to help you make the best decision for you and your pet. 

On the road again

By the way, before you hit play and take the wide-open road, download your car insurance app on your phone.

Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it can make it much easier to file a claim or call for roadside assistance. 

Reviewed-approved car recommendations 

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.  

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of experts test everything from waterproof speakers to air purifiers so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• Customer-loved portable car vacuum: ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner  
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder  
• A clutch jump-start box: N OCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box  
• This well-reviewed dash cam: RedTiger Dash Cam  
• A handy USB C charger: Anker USB C Car Charger  

More problems, solved

• Breeze through security: 6 tips to quickly get through airport security
• Expand workspace: Transform your iPad into a second monitor
• Pre-travel checklist:  4 things you need to do before your next trip
• Fly easier: 4 travel tips to make flying easier
• Get inspired:   3 tips to plan your next trip using social media
• Be prepared:   3 travel apps to download before your next trip
• Carry on:   5 tips to travel safely with your tech like phones and laptops
• Easily get around:  4 tech tips to easily explore a new city
• Stream offline: How to watch TV shows, movies offline
• Speak in any language: 5 ways to use Google Translate on your phone