Tech Talk: Apps for Traveling

Summertime is travel time, so you might want to know about some great apps I’ve discovered.

» Hopper is a resource for finding the best flight prices. Recently I used it to watch for the best time to buy tickets for a trip with friends. I picked two different locations and dates we were considering, and Hopper monitored the airline ticket prices for me. It will tell you if the current ticket price is the best, or if they anticipate prices to go down. Imagine our excitement when we were able to get round-trip tickets to Denver for under $200!

» Have you lost faith in the flight information on airport screens? Try FlightAware on your computer at home or on any mobile device. This site allows you to visually watch the flight pattern on a map while the plane is in the air. It is also a great way to occupy the kids while sitting in the airport!

» There are so many ways to organize your trip details. If you are a Google user, Google Trips will scan your gmail account and Google calendar to organize your trips automatically. My favorite is Tripit. The app has a nice browser version that I can easily review while planning my trip. The companion app, PackPoint, helps you plan what to take on each trip. You can customize your packing list for different activities to ensure you aren’t running to the store while on vacation for that phone charger or tie you forgot.

» This summer my family will be on the road every weekend for baseball. The challenge is to find gas stations with great gas prices and clean restrooms. I have used GasBuddy for station info near me for years (it started in 2000), and it continues to evolve over time. If you use GasBuddy, take a minute to rate the bathroom you just used. Those behind you will appreciate it!

These are just a few apps that will make your travel easier. I also plan to try Touchnote (an app that lets you create and send postcards through the mail) and Family Car Games App—after all, the summer is about creating memories and relaxing. Have fun, and safe travels!

Check Out: Keep the kids busy with a Fidget Spinner while in the car.

Try Out: Forgot the crayons? Try a Coloring Book App.

Sheila Burkett is an information technology expert and CEO of Spry Digital, an interactive design agency delivering smart digital solutions. Follow Spry Digital on Twitter @sprydigital, Facebook (facebook.com/SpryDigital), Instagram (@sprydigital) or LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/spry-digital-llc).