Avoid traffic and fill up economically
Google Maps is already installed on all Android devices and available for iPhones, but road trippers should consider loading Waze. Also owned by Google, Waze is the world’s largest community-based navigation app.
By crowdsourcing traffic and road info from millions of users known as Wazers, the app gives you real-time information on the roads around you, including accidents, construction zones and speed traps. The goal is to give you the fastest and safest route to your destination.
The smart navigation app Nexit not only helps you get from point A to point B quickly, but also recommends stops along the way, such a gas station or restaurant you requested. Nexit won’t recommend a stop that’s behind you, like other mapping apps might do, even if it’s a little closer.
Nexit can save you money in addition to time. It will show you the cheapest gas and a hotel room within your specified limit. You can book your room from the app and load your loyalty cards to get rewards. Nexit is available now only for Apple devices.
Gas prices might be a deciding factor on whether you travel near or far this year. GasBuddy says it saves users an average of $340 a year on gas.
The app shows you which nearby stations have the lowest prices and provides maps if you don’t know an area. View gas stations by distance or price, plus you can see prices for regular, mid-grade, premium and diesel fuel.
GasBuddy has an optional card and rewards program that will help you save even more. It also can help you budget with a trip cost calculator, tips and tricks to use less gas, car recall info and optional in-app challenges you can accept to win free gas.
