When I moved back to the States from New Zealand I was so certain that I wouldn't need a smartphone. During the past year abroad I didn't, but I also wasn't traveling constantly. I had a solid Internet connection in my apartment and data wasn't necessary.
I finally caved and got a month-to-month T-Mobile plan ($40 for 3GB of high-speed data and unlimited data after that; plus unlimited talk and text), and I'm so glad. I use my phone and data almost constantly during travel days.
From saving on gas to staying safe alone, here are some of my must-have apps for the road. (PS: I am in no way affiliated with any of these apps, I just love and use 'em regularly!)
GAS GURU
Gas Guru finds the cheapest gas near your location. Pretty straightforward. I love it! I also like to check my route for the day to see where the cheapest gas is and plan my refills around that. If I see it'll be cheaper 200 miles away, I'll just refill just enough to get there.
GROUPON
Great for finding cheap oil changes or any other little indulgences on a budget while passing through places.
ASANA
A task-managing app that's absolutely crucial to staying organized in my business. They also just launched offline capabilities, so now you don't need to use data or be on wifi to access your to-do list and project goals. Yeehaw!
VOICE MEMOS
This might be my most-used app. It's like magic — as soon as I hit the road and get in motion, the ideas begin to flood my mind. Recording voice memos is a great way of taking notes safely while driving. It's also a means to practice communicating thoughts into words — something I've always struggled with. I've become more confident of a speaker just by using Voice Memos. Crazy!
STARBUCKS
If you go to Starbucks regularly, become a rewards member now! I wish I did it sooner. I have a monthly coffee shop budget so I just load my card up in the app and stay on track with how much I'm spending. It also gives me access to free drinks and other goodies. I love visiting local coffee shops as well, but I can always rely on Starbucks for strong wifi and power outlets.
SAFETREK
This is a new one that I downloaded after the one time I was followed. It's simple. You hold your finger down in the app when you start to feel unsafe, and after you let go you have four seconds to enter your pin. If you fail to do so local police and your emergency contact will be notified. I haven't had to use this, but it's great to know it's there.
What are you must-have apps? I'd love to hear if you have recommendations that might help on the road or are just plain fun! Cheers! -Amanda