6 Top Travel Apps to Download for Your Next Trip

Traveling definitely has its perks, but it also has its pitfalls: Delayed flights, time changes, packing crises—by the time you reach your destination, you’ve most likely journeyed into stress mode. Shake off travel anxiety by planning a bit more technology into your travel itinerary. Here’s a list of six travel apps we suggest downloading to your smartphone, stat.

GasBuddy – Find Cheap Gas Prices: Ideal for road trippers, this free app allows you to find the cheapest gas nearby (though only in the U.S. and Canada) and share prices with your fellow drivers (the latter action can earn you points and rewards). Compatible with Android, Blackberry, and iPhone.

Google Maps: This download-for-free app, designed for both the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch and Android, definitely comes in handy—it features voice-guided GPS navigation; accurate maps in 220 countries and territories; live traffic conditions; transit directions for 15,000-plus cities and towns; and more.

iStone Travel Translation: A great resource for travelers, this app is a multi-language translation phrasebook boasting 300 daily expressions categorized under greetings, transportation, shopping, asking for help, etc. Basic app is free; compatible with iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.

Seat Alerts By ExpertFlyer.com: This travel tool is an asset for anyone who’s been stuck in a middle seat on an airplane—set up a seat alert and be notified if your preferred seat is available, right up until the flight departs. Free; available for Android and iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.

TripList: Pretty much everything you need to prepare for an upcoming trip is at your fingertips, thanks to the TripList app. Generate an unlimited packing list that you can check off (who doesn’t love that?) for as many trips as you’d like; add deadlines, notes, and reminders; and customize an items catalog. Compatible with the iPhone/iPad; free. (Search TripList PRO $2.99 if you desire an ad-free app.)

Uber: Available for both the iPhone and Android, the Uber app puts traveling into full throttle: Request a ride via the app (skip the reservations or taxi lines!) and get picked up in minutes. Compare rates for different cars; set your pickup location on the map; connect with your drive; add a form of payment to the app; and be on your way.