On a recent trip to DC for the Army Ten MilerI used travel apps on my iPhone to check my hotel reservations, find places to eat and shop, and get me to and from my destinations. For the most part the apps were spot on accurate (with the exception of a few Yelpers). But when they weren’t I could always count on a human for a more natural experience
So, if you’re getting ready to explore the urban jungle check out these apps to make your life a wee bit easier.
Driving
Co-Pilot Live USA by ALK (iTunes | Android | $9.99). For ten bucks you get a high-end app and all its features including: turn-by-turn voice guidance; 2D/3D visuals; offline maps, multi-stop and pre-trip planning; 5-day weather forecasts; and in-app Facebook updating. Despite the plethora of submenus Co-Pilot Live is relatively easy to use. What I like most is the fact that maps are stored locally (and updated for free). Just keep in mind that stored locally means an app size > 1GB.
I got the app when it was a mere $5. If you’re lucky you’ll catch it on sale too. If you don’t want to wait then perhaps you should check out some less expensive GPS alternatives. Either way, a GPS app is a must when traveling.
Public Transportation
DC Rider by The Washington Post (iTunes | Android | free). Whether you’re a Washingtonian or a DC visitor DC Rider is the perfect way to navigate the DC Metro subway system. Get train times and Metro alerts; find out when the next train will arrive; find the nearest station from wherever you are and view its entrances on a street map; plan your route; and see fare info using the app’s Trip Planner.
When I was browsing the App store for the Metro I was only hoping for a map, but when I came across DC Rider I wasted no time downloading it. Wherever I was I could locate the nearest station, plan a trip to my next destination, and figure out how much the fare would be for the trip. For real, if you’re headed to (or live in) DC you need this app. And, if you are traveling to a different destination that has a public transportation system chances are they have an app. Don’t kill yourself trying to learn the routes especially if the work is already done for you.
Walking
MapQuest 4 Mobile by AOL (iTunes | Android | free). For the price of free you can get MapQuest 4 Mobile and all of its features: spoken street names, access to your address book, online syncing, re-routing, and the ability to run in the background. The app is accurate and will quickly reroute you if you take a wrong turn. As you navigate to your destination you can access restaurants, shops, gas stations, schools, post offices and a few other places along the way. It’s simple. It’s easy. And if you go to SXSWi you totally need to go to their shindig. I digress…
When my wife and I went shopping in Georgetown I used MapQuest to get us back to our hotel in Dupont Circle via the walking option. Using the app saved us about 10 minutes (from what the native Maps app suggested and allowed us to see a greener side of DC via the Rock Creek Park Trail.
Shopping and Eating
AroundMe by TweakerSoft (iTunes | Android | free). My wife and I were just bumming around the district when she got the itch to go shopping at Banana Republic. I asked a few folks and they hadn’t a clue where the nearest one was so I fired up AroundMe and within seconds I had a location in Georgetown.
ProTip: Tapping the address opens up the Maps app, but copying the location and using MapQuest 4 Mobile will get you there faster.
Yelp By Yelp (iTunes | Android | Windows | free). I’m not a big Yelper, but I do enjoy eating. If you travel to places you’ve never been you should be both. After a day at the National Zoo my wife requested Argentine eats. I searched and found several including an empanada joint that received mostly good reviews. My wife agreed and off we went. We got to the location and both of us were taken aback by the limited menu and less than knowledgeable staff. I thought about being a raging Yelper, but opted just to complain to my wife instead. In spite of this less-than-perfect example, the app was quite helpful in locating the majority of the restaurants we ate at.
Itinerary
WorldMate Gold By WorldMate (iTunes | Android | $9.99). Prior to leaving for DC I booked two hotels. One in Crystal City and the other in DuPont Circle. When I received the itineraries I forwarded them to WorldMate where they were automatically entered into the app and synced with Google Calendar. Address. Directions. Check in/out times. Very nice! But $10 nice? Yes. I’ve been using it for over a year and am lost without it.
Final Thoughts
Having a smartphone when traveling is great. There really is an app for everything. And using ‘em makes wandering aimlessly with map in hand looking up and pointing whilst waiting to be mugged a thing of the past. Of course, should your apps let you down you can always rely on human interaction. Seriously, download these apps and try them out the next time you go on vacation. You will not be disappointed.
I recognize that my list is not the definitive list but it is comprehensive enough to get you around major metropolitan areas. If you have thoughts on my Urban Travel App list or have a few of your own favs to add share ‘em below or send me an e-mail at TiTy@y2kemo.com. Should you need other apps check out my essential list.
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