21 Apps for Planning a Summer Road Trip

Okay, listen. If you’re even thinking about taking a summer road trip this year, let’s talk. 

I’m not here to sell you some dreamy Instagram version of it—road trips are amazing, but they can also be a total disaster if you don’t plan even a little bit.

I’ve done the “no plan” thing. Got lost, overpaid for gas, slept in the car because I didn’t book anything. 

Fun memories, but… never again. 

That’s why I started collecting all these apps. Not just for perfect routes, but for cheap gas, hidden campgrounds, last-minute motels, stuff to do along the way.

Honestly… These 21 apps are the only reason I still love road tripping. 

They take out the annoying parts so you can actually enjoy the ride. If you’re hitting the road this summer, you’ll want these on your phone.

Let’s go through them.

1. Google Maps

If you’re planning a road trip and don’t have Google Maps on your phone… seriously, what are you even doing? 

This one’s the no-brainer. 

I’m talking real-time traffic updates, rerouting when there’s an accident, offline maps for those no-signal stretches, and multi-stop planning so you can actually see the weird giant ball of yarn in the middle of nowhere. 

I love that it tells you when places are busy and even has restaurant reviews so you don’t end up at some sad diner with microwaved fries. 

Honestly, I never leave without downloading my route offline.

2. Waze

Waze is like that friend who knows all the shortcuts—and isn’t afraid to tell you when there’s a cop up ahead. 

Seriously, it’s saved me from so many tickets. 

It’s all community-driven, so drivers share stuff in real time: traffic jams, accidents, road work, even potholes. 

If you’re the kind of person who hates sitting still on the highway behind 30 miles of brake lights, you need this. It’ll reroute you around messes faster than anything. 

Plus, it’s great for finding the cheapest gas along your route, which honestly feels like a superpower these days.

3. Roadtrippers

This is my go-to for turning just driving into an actual adventure. 

Roadtrippers isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s about everything in between. It helps you map your route and then shows you quirky roadside attractions, scenic viewpoints, local diners, national parks, you name it. 

I’m talking weird giant statues, ghost towns, hidden waterfalls. It’s like someone curated the most fun trip for you. 

If you’re even a little bit spontaneous, this app is gold. Seriously, don’t just drive—explore.

4. Wanderlog

Wanderlog is for the planners who still want things to feel chill. 

It’s perfect if you’re doing a group trip and everyone has opinions (you know the ones). You can build the whole itinerary together, add places to visit, keep track of budgets, and even export your final plan to Google Maps. 

It’s like a shared brain for your trip, so you don’t end up arguing about where to go next while parked at some gas station. 

I love that it’s super visual and easy to use—even the least organized friend can’t mess this up.

5. TripIt

TripIt is the app I use when I don’t want to think at all. Seriously. 

You just forward your confirmation emails—hotels, rental cars, tours, whatever—and it automatically builds this clean, easy timeline of your whole trip. No digging through your inbox while standing in line at check-in. 

I love that you can see your entire plan in one place, even offline. 

It’s not flashy or complicated, but if you’re hitting multiple cities or booking lots of places, it’s a lifesaver. Road trips can get messy—this keeps you sane.

6. Kayak

Kayak is the Swiss Army knife of travel apps. 

Even on a road trip, you’ll want it for finding last-minute hotels, cheap rental cars if yours dies (been there), and even flights home if the trip goes off the rails. 

I always have it on my phone because plans change, and this app is a great backup. 

Plus, you can set price alerts, so if you’re half-thinking about renting a car or grabbing a hotel, you’ll know when it’s cheaper. 

It just gives you options, and options are everything on the road.

7. Skyscanner

Okay, hear me out—even if you’re road tripping, Skyscanner is clutch. 

Ever gotten halfway across the country and thought, “I’m done driving”? Skyscanner is perfect for that emergency flight home or even snagging cheap rental cars along the way. 

It’s basically your escape hatch when the open road stops being fun. 

I love that it compares tons of airlines and travel sites, so you’re not overpaying. Plus, the “Everywhere” search is fun if you’re just browsing future adventures while riding shotgun. 

Even on a road trip, it’s smart to have a backup plan in your pocket.

8. Booking.com

Honestly… I don’t even mess with fancy hotel sites anymore—Booking.com just works. 

If you’re like me and don’t always plan every stop in advance, this app is essential. It’s perfect for finding last-minute deals when you realize you’re too tired to keep driving. 

I love that you can see real reviews, filter for exactly what you want (pet-friendly? free parking?), and often cancel for free if plans change. 

Road trips are unpredictable, so having this ready means you’re never stuck sleeping in the car. Unless you want to, of course.

9. Airbnb

Sometimes the whole point of a road trip is not staying in cookie-cutter hotels, right? 

Airbnb is my go-to for finding those weird, fun, personal places—like vintage trailers, cabins in the woods, or even just a room in someone’s cool old farmhouse. 

It makes the trip feel special, not generic. 

Plus, you can often find great last-minute options if your route changes. 

I always check Airbnb if I want something with character (or if I’m traveling with friends and we want space to spread out). Way better than chain motels off the highway.

10. Komoot

This is for the adventurers who can’t just drive—they need to get out and explore. 

Komoot is amazing for finding hiking trails, bike routes, and even off-road paths you’d never know existed. Perfect if you want to break up the hours behind the wheel with something epic. 

The best part… It works offline, so if you’re somewhere remote (which, let’s be honest, is half the point of a road trip), you’re still good. 

If your idea of a perfect road trip includes side quests into the wilderness, you need Komoot.

11. Maps.me

Call me paranoid, but I never trust having just one map app. 

Maps.me is my go-to backup because it’s fully offline. No cell service? No problem. 

I download the regions I’m driving through before I leave, and it’s saved me more times than I can count. 

It also shows hiking trails, points of interest, and local businesses—even without internet. 

Seriously, if you’re planning to go anywhere a little off the grid (and you should), this is essential. Your future self, stuck on some dirt road with zero bars, will thank you.

12. OsmAnd

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes going off the beaten path—or way, way off—it doesn’t get better than OsmAnd. 

It’s open-source, fully offline, and lets you download crazy-detailed maps, even with hiking trails and Wikipedia points of interest built in. 

I use it when I know cell service will be nonexistent, which is honestly half the fun of a real road trip. 

It’s not flashy, but it’s solid. Think of it as your “I’m prepared for anything” map app. 

If you want to feel like an absolute navigation pro in the middle of nowhere, this is the one.

13. The Dyrt

Camping on your road trip? The Dyrt is essential. 

It’s basically the Yelp of campgrounds, with tons of user reviews, photos, and even offline maps if you upgrade. 

I love that it doesn’t just show big RV parks—it also has those hidden tent sites and off-the-grid gems. Nothing kills the vibe like rolling up at some sketchy, overbooked campground with no idea what you’re getting. 

This app helps you actually plan (or at least know what you’re in for). 

For me, it’s the difference between a perfect night under the stars and “why did I think camping was a good idea?”

14. Park4Night

This one’s a total lifesaver for van lifers, car campers, or anyone who just doesn’t want to pay for a hotel every night. 

Park4Night is a massive database of places you can park overnight, from free spots in nature to paid campsites with showers. 

What I love is that it’s super community-driven, so the listings are always up-to-date with honest reviews. 

You find those real hidden gems other travelers share. 

If your road trip plan is “let’s just go and figure it out,” this app is basically your best friend.

15. Campendium

Campendium is for people who want the details before they commit. 

It’s packed with campground listings all over the U.S., complete with reviews, cell signal info (so important if you need to work or just stream something at night), amenities, and photos. 

Honestly, I check it even if I’m not sure I’ll camp—just to see what’s around. 

It’s also integrated with Roadtrippers, which makes planning easier if you’re using both. If you don’t want surprises when you roll in late and tired, Campendium will save you so much hassle.

16. GasBuddy

If you’re road tripping without GasBuddy on your phone, you’re just leaving money on the table. 

Gas prices can swing wildly from town to town, and this app shows you real-time prices so you know exactly where to fill up cheaper. 

It even includes EV charging stations now, which is great if you’re rolling electric. 

I’ve saved a stupid amount of money using this over the years. 

Plus, it’s perfect for avoiding those terrifying “20 miles to empty and no idea where the next station is” moments. Honestly, it’s a must.

17. iExit

This is the kind of app you don’t know you need until you’re halfway down the interstate, starving, and trying to figure out if the next exit has anything but gas stations. 

iExit is amazing because it shows you exactly what’s coming up: restaurants, gas prices, hotels, even amenities like restrooms and Wi-Fi. No more random sketchy stops or driving ten extra miles for a meal. 

It’s also perfect for planning ahead—like, “Okay, we’ll stop at Exit 142 because it has that diner everyone loves.” 

Road trips are all about the journey, but let’s be honest—the right stops make it better.

18. HotelTonight

You know, not every night on a road trip is going to end with camping under the stars. 

Sometimes you just want a real bed and a shower without paying a fortune. HotelTonight is perfect for that. 

It specializes in last-minute deals, so you can roll into town at 8 pm, open the app, and actually find something affordable and decent. 

I’ve scored amazing hotel rooms I’d never normally pay for just because it was so cheap last-minute. 

It’s basically your safety net for those nights when “let’s just keep driving” turns into “nope, I’m done.”

19. Citymapper

This one’s for the city stops on your trip—because let’s face it, you’re not driving everywhere once you’re downtown. 

Citymapper is hands-down the best for navigating public transit, walking routes, bike shares, and even ride-hailing in tons of cities worldwide. 

I love that it’s super clear about transit times, delays, and costs. 

If you’re hitting a big city for a day or two during your road trip, you don’t want to be fumbling with maps or guessing which bus to take. 

Citymapper makes you look like you actually know what you’re doing.

20. PackPoint

If you’ve ever realized you forgot something important about 300 miles too late—welcome to my world. 

PackPoint is my go-to packing list app because it’s smarter than just a checklist. 

You tell it where you’re going, for how long, what you’re doing (hiking? swimming? business?), and it suggests exactly what to pack—even accounting for the weather. 

No more forgetting your charger or showing up at the campsite without a jacket because you “didn’t think it’d get cold.” 

It’s basically the mom friend you didn’t know you needed.

21. Libby

Okay, so this one’s not technically for planning your road trip, but hear me out—it will absolutely save your sanity during it. 

Libby lets you borrow audiobooks and ebooks for free from your local library. Perfect for those endless stretches of highway where you need something to keep you awake and entertained. 

I always download a few audiobooks before I leave, so I’m not stuck listening to the same playlist for the hundredth time. 

Honestly… Best road trip companion you’ll find that doesn’t complain about bathroom stops.

Wrap Up

So there you go—21 apps that’ll turn your road trip from “let’s hope for the best” into something you’ll actually want to remember. 

I know it’s easy to romanticize just jumping in the car and going, but honestly? A little planning doesn’t kill the magic. 

It makes sure you don’t end up stranded, broke, or sleeping somewhere sketchy because everything decent was booked.

I’ve used pretty much all of these at one time or another. 

Some saved me money. Some saved my sanity. Some just made everything easier so I could actually enjoy where I was going instead of stressing about the next stop.

Anyway—take what you want, leave what you don’t. 

But if you’re even half serious about hitting the road this summer, trust me: load up a few of these before you go. 

Your future road-tripping self will thank you.

Drive safe. Have fun. And if you find any apps you swear by that I didn’t mention? Tell me—I’m always looking for new excuses to plan my next trip.