Torn up old maps of South Lake Tahoe – stacks of coloring books filling your suitcases – screaming kids in the back seat – asking around for the nearest bathroom –
Lets face it, family vacations can turn into a nightmare in seconds.
In this blog, we discuss
10 smartphone apps that could WILL save your vacation:
1. Mom Maps – This app locates parks, playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and so much more. It even has ratings for locations made by other parents.
2. TripIt – The ultimate travel organizer. You can fill in all the blanks for your itinerary and give your brain a complete rest on vacation. Save your plane information, restaurant reservations and museum tickets all in one place.
3. Goby – So you have arrived at your final destination, South Lake Tahoe. Now What? Use this app to find any concerts or special events in the area.
4. Gas Buddy – On vacation or not, this app is a must-have! Turn on your GPS and it will locate all the gas stations in the area and show you the cheapest options around. Talk about time and money savings!
5. Urbanspoon – This one isn’t just for the adults. Let your kids pick the restaurant with this entertaining app that lets you choose your food like a slot machine. Craving Chinese food? Lock in Chinese, and shake your phone for options!
6. Free Wi-Fi Finder – Don’t find out at the end of your vacation that you used up your data plan locating restaurants. This could be a real life-saver.
7. Sit or Squat – Did you just say life-saver? Your screaming kid MUST use the bathroom RIGHT NOW, but where is the nearest bathroom? This app locates the nearest public restroom and even has reviews from other app users.
8. Sunscreen – Who knew a smartphone app could remind you to put on sunscreen? You may be thinking an alarm will do just the trick, but this app actually determines how often you need sunscreen based on your GPS location!
9. Let’s Color! – No long car ride with a backseat full of kids should be without this app. There are several just like it, but we prefer this one because its free, it’s hilarious, and it’s never-ending fun! Open up the app and let your kids create anything their imagination desires.
10. Buckingham Properties – Did you forget your Arrival Packet? Cant find the directions? Buckingham Properties has an App designed specifically for our guests. Punch in your email address and you have access to all your arrival information including South Lake Tahoe entertainment!
Check it out before your trip for useful information like ‘where’s the nearest grocery store’ or the closest restaurant to your vacation rental.
I only wish we know of Sit or Squat sooner. My daughter has done the latter in all kinds of situations snow, sand, concrete, grass, etc. BTW, having a daughter go on the side of the road means I got a little sprinkle each time as well 😛 Apps are definitely handy on road trips though!