Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do.”
Planning a trip can be such a hassle. Strollers, car seats, laptops, car rentals, ski equipment. Do I need a swim suit, a light jacket? What to wear, how many outfits? From hotel accommodations to activities, the list is endless. Almost too much to bear. But with certain online websites and apps working in your favor, these tools can make trip planning a breeze.
Pre-planning the Trip
Packing Pro is an app that creates packing lists based on the number of people in your party and length of the trip. It packs for road trips, RV trips, international meetings, deployment, ski trips, cruise vacations. Whether you’re headed to Grandma’s or Vegas, it’s got you covered.
Trip It organizes your trip by combining all your tickets, hotel bookings, confirmations, car reservations into one quick itinerary, allowing you to share your travel plans via email or text.
TripAdvisor.com offers real life reviews and opinions of travelers who’ve visited those specific locations. From restaurants, activities, hotels, and accommodations, you’ll read what people say and think, to help you plan your trip accordingly.
Finding Hotel/Vacation Rental Accommodations
Some of these websites offer rewards for using their service. Hotels.com gives you a free hotel stay for every 10 nights booked.
Hotels.com
Expedia.com
All Stays App for (Campground & RV Locations)
VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) – Rent a home in any city in the world.
Airbnb (rent a house, rent a room)
Transportation Apps 
Lyft Click the app and a car will transport you across town, or to the airport within minutes.
Google Maps for Metro/Train Stop Information – Good in Europe as well.
On the Journey
Roadtrippers.com – With the slogan “Discover Your Next Adventure,” Roadtrippers offers Trip Guides like: A Rebel’s Guide to Tripping the Pacific Northwest & The Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park.
Input your start/destination and click Points of Interest. You’ll find everything from the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas to the World’s Largest Pickle in Texas. You can also click “Camping” and find campgrounds along the way. It’s great for kids, as it identifies fun stops, along the way.
Hikingguy.com With over 13K Facebook followers, Cris Hazzard created Hiking Guy for hikers to easily navigate trails throughout many Western States. From directions and reviews, rating difficulty and trail length to tips and reviews on hiking gear, he’s your guy for all things hiking.
Google Maps – Click Explore Food & Drinks Near You. You’ll find breakfast, lunch, dinner & coffee shops categorized under Best Eats & Cheap Eats, by price, 5 star reviews and distance from your current location.
iExit App gives you a heads up on what coffee shops, restaurants and gas stations you’ll encounter at each exit on almost any interstate in the country. Using GPS, it will map out all facilities at each exit, including that Carl’s Jr, a Starbucks or Exxon Mobil.
Savings
AAA Card typically saves 10% at most all campgrounds and many tours and activities.
Groupon.com is a website that connects local merchants to people looking for a discount on gyms, restaurants, water parks, transportation, admissions to museums and more. Surf up to Groupon and enter your zip code or city to find discounts in the area.
Overseas Assistance
Google Translate – Surf up to the website and begin speaking in your language, then click what language you want it translated to and voila, you have a conversation going with a foreigner.
“Travel, whether for business or pleasure, is the only activity you buy, that makes you richer.” Share what apps and tools you use to make travel more fun and efficient.
Here’s to Living the Best Version of You.
