Must-Have Apps for Every Journey

Travel is exciting, full of anticipation for what’s ahead. But let’s be honest: It can also trigger frustration when things don’t go as planned. Thankfully, there are a variety of apps for travel that can make your journey go more smoothly.

Many travel apps are ready with a quick download, while others require a few minutes to set up a profile. Either way, the time you invest upfront will pay off once you’re on the road.

Here are some of the best travel apps to help make your next trip easier.

Apps for road trips

Road trips are a fantastic way to travel and see the US. With the right apps, that journey can be less stressful. The best travel apps for road trips include tools that help with navigation, fuel stops, and even traffic alerts.

Of course, AAA members shouldn’t leave home without the AAA Mobile app on their phones. As a valued AAA member, you’ll have your membership card with you wherever you go—and be able to access roadside assistance quickly and conveniently. You can also book travel, including hotels, car rentals, flights, cruises, and more, directly in the app. Plus, you can create travel itineraries, find exclusive travel discounts, and locate nearby gas stations, including seeing their posted gas prices.

If you’re traveling by US interstate highways, download iExit ahead of your trip. This app lists all the exits along each interstate in the country. For each of those exits, you can see gas stations with gas prices, restaurants, hotels, automotive services, and other places of interest.

No one likes getting stuck in traffic, so download Waze to receive real-time traffic alerts to avoid wrecks and other gridlock on the road. You can input your starting point and destination, including your start time, to get driving directions that avoid major traffic backups.

Apps for airlines, cruise lines, and hotels

Pretty much every big name in travel has an app, including your go-to airlines, cruise lines, and hotels. These apps can become powerful tools for managing your trip, keeping everything at your fingertips, and saving you valuable time.

With airline apps, you can choose seats (restrictions apply to some bookings), check in for flights, track checked bags, and receive notifications of gate changes and delayed flights—and more. If your flight is delayed, you can rebook through the app. Plus, a built-in chat feature connects you with airline customer service, often quicker than waiting in line at the counter or calling a service number.

Cruise line apps store information on your booking and also offer features that go beyond that. Once on board, you can make reservations for specialty restaurants, book excursions and spa treatments, and review the daily schedule of onboard activities. Some also offer chat capabilities with fellow passengers, allowing you to stay connected during your sailing.

When it comes to accommodations, hotel apps provide the ability to review your booking information and track your loyalty points. You can also check in and check out via the app, saving you from standing in line at the front desk.

Apps for international travel

When traveling abroad, getting through customs can be time-consuming and confusing. To help reduce your wait time and streamline the process, many countries have apps where you can fill out your arrival forms and enter your passport information in advance.

Before your trip, search online to see if your destination country has its own customs and immigration app (or ask a representative with your airline to confirm). This way, you can download it, fill out forms ahead of time, and start your trip as soon as you land.

For instance, when traveling to Canada, you can submit your immigration and customs declaration in the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before your flight. Upon arrival, head to the “Advance Declaration” express lanes and confirm your declaration at a kiosk or eGate.

When returning to the US, use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to submit your travel documents, photo, and customs declaration information. Upon arrival, you’ll head to the MPC processing line instead of the regular line for processing by a Customs & Border Protection officer. Wait times are often much shorter in the MPC line—a welcome relief after a long flight.

Travel provides an opportunity to explore new destinations, reconnect with loved ones, and expand our horizons. Using the best travel apps could go a long way in making your trip that much more enjoyable.