Charge up your iPhone and take advantage of these convenient apps to make family travel more fun and convenient. Whether you're looking for a map, directions or a nearby restaurant, or need an activity to entertain the kids, here are just a few favorites to get you started.
Navigation Apps
It's usually not much fun to get lost, especially when you're on vacation. With the iPhone apps available, you can download maps, directions and a directory of nearby points of interest, restaurants or gas stations. You'll be on the right path and having fun in no time with these recommended apps.
- UrbanQ (Free): Find local restaurants, activities, events, attractions or kids activities with this app. It includes addresses, directions and price.
- Goby (Free): Find adventures, entertainment, family fun, or places of interest in the location you're at with this easy-to-use app. Includes relevance, distance, maps, reviews, and photos.
- Mom Maps (Free): Even when you're on vacation, the kids might just want to go to a park. This app will help you find places that are essential, like parks, playgrounds, museums, and indoor play areas.
- DC Essential Family Guide ($1.99): For those visiting the nation's capital, this app will allow you to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C. Find somewhere to eat, a favorite museum, playgrounds or lodging. Includes insider tips for parents.
- Ultra Chicago (Free): If your family vacation includes a trip to Chicago, you'll want to download this app. You'll find hundreds of activities that kids will enjoy, including culture, outdoor fun, indoor fun, restaurants, and shopping in the windy city.
Games for Kids
While there are numerous games available for kids, here are a few fun ones that will keep them entertained while on the road, waiting for dinner, or when you need a moment of peace for yourself.
- My Little Suitcase ($.99): Kids can practice packing for various types of trips and then choose what to play once they arrive at their destination.
- Family Car Games ($1.99): This app gives you a variety of games to choose from, including memory games, singing games, and radio games.
- Dream Travel Agency ($2.99): Manage your own virtual travel agency in Busan, Korea.
- iSpy Game $.99: Classic iSpy game updated for the modern age. Choose from over 200 items that you'd you like to "spy" and let the competition begin.
- Travel Bingo ($.99): This game will make parents nostalgic for their childhood. With this bingo game, players need to search out street signs and vehicles they might see while on the road.
Utilities on the iPhone
Snap a photo, keep a journal, or create a packing list. The iPhone has the capability to keep you organized, in touch and on track with these apps that will make family travel smooth sailing and enjoyable.
- Pack & Go Deluxe ($2.99): With this app, you won't be wondering if you forgot to pack something important. You can create a custom packing list for each family member, as well as important itinerary information.
- Camera Professional ($.99): Why lug your heavy camera with you when you have an iPhone. With this app, you can modify your existing iPhone camera to take even better photos using a zoom functional, as well as cropping and editing tools.
- Travel Budget Tracker ($1.99): Don't overspend while on vacation. With this app, you can easily track your expenses so you can stick to your budget.
- Diary Journal Pro ($4.99): A great way for kids or adults to track their experiences while on family vacation. Upload photos, write notes, post videos...all securely so that no one else can read it.
Wherever your family vacation takes you, be sure to make the most of it. Plan ahead, enjoy the moment, and savor the experiences with your family.
Sharael Kolberg - With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Hawaii, Sharael combines her interest in family travel with her passion for ...
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