These are what I consider as "must have" travel apps. These apps can make your trip safer and more enjoyable. These are all for an Android smartphone and all available for downloading from Google Play. If there is an Apple iPhone version it's listed. If not, there's plenty of similar substitutes that you can search for. Of course the list doesn't include standard apps such as camera, browser and other apps. You probably have your own favorite apps to add to this list. If you know of an app that you consider helpful tell me and others about it by leaving a comment.
The below list is not in priority order.
The Weather Channel. Provides current weather conditions (temperature, barometric pressure, visibility, humidity, sunrise and sunset) based on your location, hourly forecast (temperature, precipitation chance, and expected wind speed), extended forecast, and weather radar. Helpful in avoiding rain and storms. Free. IOS available.
Wind Alert. Shows current wind speed and direction for your current location and over a large geographical area. Helpful in finding dust and wind storms. Nothing worse than driving or camping in strong winds. Free. IOS available.
Gas Buddy. Shows current gas prices, gas station address, map, distance to, and amenities found at the station (times open, ATM, restrooms, food, groceries, etc.). When out of town the app has a convenient "Find Gas Near Me" button. When traveling in remote locations gas stations may unexpectedly close. Free. IOS available.
WSDOT. Information on Washington State road conditions (traffic, alerts, pass information, ferries, and border wait times). Other states have similar apps such as ID 511 for Idaho. Free. IOS available.
Google Maps. Map of current location, directions. Can add layers of traffic and Google Earth. Free.
GPS Status. Displays latitude and longitude of current location, speed, direction (compass) and elevation. Helpful when in remote locations and you might need to tell someone exactly where you are at. Free.
My Tracks. This app records your travel as you go so you can see where you have been. You can easily add pictures and annotations to points in your route. Great app if you're going off road or hiking. Free.
Allstays. A "full service" app that lists campgrounds, RV repairs, and fuel stops. Amenities per site are listed as well as address and contact information. Directions to sites are available. A nice map app shows the sites. Lists private and public campgrounds. App costs $9.99. IOS available.
Trimble Pro Navigator. If you trip involves using gravel roads or hiking this app allows you to download topo maps and use them later when there's no cell service or wifi. You can mark or record your route, make annotations and add pics. USFS topo maps can be downloaded for free from USGS website. Other maps are available for a nominal fee. App costs $4.99. IOS available.
Pocket Ranger. Shows information about Washington State Parks (amenities, alerts, park maps, campground availability, and more.). Can make campsite reservations. Many other states have similar Pocket Ranger apps. Free. IOS available.
Puget Sound Fresh. Information on public markets, farms, currently available fruits and vegetables, farm products, and events for Washington, particularly Puget Sound area. Has a map mode so you can see what's near you. Many other states have similar apps. Great app if you are into farm fresh foods. Free. IOS available.
TripAdvisor. Get information on lodging, restaurants and attractions (cost, location/address, member reviews). Can make lodging reservations right from app. Has a handy "Near Me Now" button to find lodging, restaurants, and things to do. I prefer this over the similar app Yelp because it has lodging and "things to do" information. Free. IOS available.
AAA. If you have AAA this app provides you quick access to emergency and member services. You can also use the app to find out about variou discounts and reserve lodging. Free but requires AAA membership. IOS available.
FillUp. Records fuel purchases and gives you miles per gallon information. The statistics are helpful in estimating fuel costs and how far you can go between gas fill ups. You can enter data for multiple vehicles. Free.
B-Folders. Secure important personal information (insurance, vehicle info, credit/debit cards, medications, etc.). If you lose your wallet you will still have essential information as well as important phone numbers. Data on your phone is encrypted if your phone is lost or stolen. Free.
ColorNote. Helpful notepadd app. Can choose various colors for different notes. Can easily email note. Free
ConvertPad. Convenient when needing to convert kilometers into miles or other conversions such as temperature or weight. Free.
Stopwatch & Timer. Handy to have a stopwatch or timer. Free.
List Master. Create to do or packing lists. Free.
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