So, planning on driving a long trip and happen to have a iPhone capable of making the trip easier? But don’t want to spend any extra money on “Paid Apps,” and don’t know what app could help you out? Then allow me to present, “Top 5 Apps(Free) for Driving,” a barebone list that has helped me in driving many 8 hour and more trips.
Now before you download the applications and take off down the road, I would advise you prepare for your trip as if you won’t have your phone. Let’s face it, there is no guarantee that your phone will work the whole trip, it may die or bug out. Or another likely case is that you will not have a signal for these apps to work. So that being said, Take a map, and pick places to stop and rest, along with all your normal trip taking procedures before heading out.
#1
Believe it or not, Apple included a Google Maps application that works already on your phone. You don’t even have to take the time and download it, and it works. Easy! It will come in handy if you want to see how many miles you have left before you reach your destination, or getting directions to wherever you decide to go, and to top it off, it works with the other apps automatically. So, you wont have to spend time trying to type all the addresses in.
#2
YPmobile, an amazing application that is a virtual Yellow Book in your pocket, has saved my hide in a few tight situations. This app have a business search engine, and as a added bonus if you have a lot of time to spare, you can search for any local events that may be interesting to you. Once you find your location you would like to go to, just press Get Directions and it opens up Google Maps with the directions right there for you to follow.
#3
WhitePages, you may be wondering why I have listed two apps that have similar attributes, right? Well the reason is simple, having a backup app can save your hide. YPmobile is a nice free app that does what it says, but sometimes the server could be down and leave you stranded. But wait, we have a back up application just in case already. It also allows you to find people, and do a Reverse Phone service, as a added bonus.
#4
Cheap Gas! A cheap application, but a huge money saver. I have stopped at my gas station before and decided, “Hey, I may as well see if I can save a few bucks,” and turned the app on to actually find a better deal sometimes. If you are driving a big truck, or a loaded car/minivan then even a few cents add up to a big savings fast. With that extra cash, maybe you can attend a local event that you saw in YPmobile, or get a few extra helpings when your eating(Being hungry is never good on long trips, you know).
#5 Number Five, was a tough decision. However, when I was thinking back to my past experiences, there was one app that helped me out a few times. If you don’t have a good signal, you may not be able to use the other apps, and thus why you should always have a spare map ready. If you do have a connection that is low and slow, but can give you a little bit of use. WiFi Finder is the app that could again, save your hide. Use this app to find local WiFi spots, so you can link up to wireless Internet and again be able to use your applications.
These are just the top 5 free barebone apps that actually work. They may not be as fancy as you may be looking for, but they can simply get the job done.