Meet the Best Car Travel Apps

Whether you’ve been on multiple road trips or you're planning your first, these car travel apps will come in handy! The perfect navigator, an entertaining storyteller, savvy ways to save — download these apps before you set out for more fun and less stress on the open road.

Getting Started

Waze (Free on the (Opens in a new tab)Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). This crowd-sourced navigation app not only gives real-time traffic updates, but includes speed traps and allows you to compare gas prices. With so many features in one place, this app sounds like one of the best Waze to go when it comes to navigation.

Google Maps (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and preloaded on Android devices). Good old reliable Google Maps, provides turn-by-turn, lane-by-lane navigation and notifies you once a faster route becomes available.

GasBuddy™ (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). Here’s another crowd-sourced app that helps you find the lowest gas prices in your vicinity. The updated prices are accompanied with timestamps so you never drive out of the way based on outdated information.

On the Road

RoadTrippers (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). Put in your start location and end destination, and based on your interest, RoadTrippers will map out attractions along the way for you to stop and enjoy. It will also calculate estimated time, gas mileage and expense. And, don’t forget to rate, review and save your favorite stops.

Spotify® (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). No road trip is complete without tunes. Make as many playlists as you like or listen to suggested playlists based on your interest. If you’re not a fan of shuffle play or ads, upgrade to Spotify Premium for a fee, but either way, you’ll find the perfect soundtrack for your trip.

Audible (On the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). A long car ride is one of the best times to catch up on your reading. Or should we say, listening? Audible offers thousands of audiobooks from classics to new releases. A membership is required, but your first month is free, and every month after comes with a credit for one book plus savings on any other books you purchase.

Take a Break

iExit™ (On the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). No more hoping the next exit comes soon, or has what you need. Know when an exit is coming and what restaurants, gas stations, hotels and other amenities are there. See how far off route a stop will take you, and if you’re a planner, select a highway and map out stops in advance.

SitOrSquat (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). Good public restrooms are so hard to find. But with this simple app, plan restroom breaks in advance or along the way based on reviews and photos. Filter the results to your needs (baby changing station, handicap accessible), save your favorites for the trip back and even add new locations to the database.

Hotel Tonight (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). Whether your reservations fell through, or you didn’t make any to begin with, Hotel Tonight will help you find and book a last-minute room in hotels that range from luxury to budget.

Safe Driving

KnowYourDrive® (Free on the Apple App Store (Opens in a new tab) and Google Play (Opens in a new tab)). Being safe behind the wheel is your responsibility as a driver. And with American Family's KnowYourDrive app, you can get rewarded for your safe driving habits. The app monitors things like distracted driving, speeding and other risky behaviors. The safer you drive, the more you can save! In fact, you can earn a discount of up to 20%* and you'll get a 10% discount just for signing up. Check out more about KnowYourDrive and how it can help you make safe choices behind the wheel on your road trip. (Note that to save up to 20% with this app you have to be an American Family auto policy customer.)

With these convenient car travel apps in your back pocket, you’ll be set for a great adventure! Now, time to hit the road!

*Program discounts will vary based on driving behavior. The KnowYourDrive discount applies only to the following variable coverages, which are typical for most auto policies: bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision and comprehensive, medical expense, underinsured and uninsured and personal injury protection. Additionally, the discount does not apply to fixed fees that are part of your policy.