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With winter in full force, families may want to hit the road for a mountain getaway or plan ahead for springtime road trips. To help in every aspect of planning, FamilyFun Magazine has compiled a list of the best go-to apps for family travel! We appreciate FamilyFun (which we love the magazine BTW) sharing this information with our readers. I know I’m going to be using a couple (or few) apps. The book creator is the first app I’m going to download. We are going on a few road trips this summer and so the USA REST STOPS and OH, RANGER! PARKFINDER will be downloaded too!
Please check out the apps below and also visit FamilyFun Magazine
From keeping track of details and choosing activities, to sharing photos and memories, these tools are sure to turn a smartphone into a family’s own personal travel agent (and range from only $0-$5!).
Get organized
This app automatically combines details plucked from your confirmation e-mails to create a single vacation itinerary that’s accessible from any device. It also allows you to share travel plans via e-mail or social media, and securely store data from IDs and passports. Free; iOS and Android
Extensive sample lists and a bevy of special features make this a go-to planner for any trip. Create customized packing and to-do lists for every family member (including pets!), set alerts, mark off completed tasks, and share up-to-date information among devices. Super-organized types watch out: It’s addictive! $3; iOS
An excellent tool for planning ahead, this app lets you search nationwide by state and highway number to find the rest areas (including amenities) that are on your route. Free; iOS
Find fun
- LOCALSCOPE
You’ll get instant access to a host of search engines and social-media sites with reviews, ratings, descriptions, directions, and links to nearby attractions and amenities—all in one click. Save results to your contacts, share links and locations, set reminders, and more. $3; iOS
- VIATOR TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Viator lets you find and arrange organized tours in favorite hot spots with a few quick clicks. Filter search results by location, tour type, or hotel pickup options; see reviews, schedules, and prices; and book instantly. Free; iOS and Android
- OH, RANGER! PARKFINDER
Use this database of parks and public lands to zero in on places to play anywhere in the country. Choose your favorite activities or facilities (swimming, playground, wildlife watching, etc.), and search by location for details. Free; iOS and Android
Make memories
- 360 PANORAMA
Take panoramas to a whole new level with this photo fun tool, which automatically snaps and stitches together shots as you turn, creating a dynamic 360-degree image. Add a comment and share it via e-mail or social media. $2; iOS
- POSTAGRAM POSTCARDS
This service that lets you send custom postcards right from your smartphone. Simply snap a photo, type a personal message, and choose a recipient from your contacts. Postagram does the rest: printing and mailing a real paper card. Free to download, $1 per card to U.S. addresses, $2 international; Android
Easily combine photos, videos, and sound clips with word balloons, text, and illustrations to create shareable e-books of your trip. Upload finished books to the cloud, where friends and family can view them. $5; iPad