14 Helpful USA travel apps – Download them before you go

If you’re planning a trip to the USA, check this list of 14 useful apps to make travel much more convenient, from navigation to food, and attractions. Check it out now to make your trip easy and memorable!

I. Navigation and Transportation Apps (Google Maps, Uber/Lyft, Transit/Moovit)

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the most popular apps for navigation. With this app, you can easily find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services, and learn about the traffic updates as well. However, you have to be careful when using it because it may miss road closures.

Tips:

1. Download Offline Maps to access them without data.
2. Check Traffic before driving for the best route.
3. Save Key Locations like your hotel for quick access.
4. Use “Explore” to find nearby spots easily.

Uber/Lyft

Uber and Lyft provide easy rides in most U.S. cities through smartphone apps. They’re great alternatives to car rentals or public transport, however, prices rise during busy times, and service is limited in rural areas.

Tips:

• Compare Prices: Check both apps for the best deal.
• Avoid Surge Pricing: Wait or move to a less busy area.
• Use Ride Passes: Save money with frequent-use plans.
• Plan in Rural Areas: Book rides in advance to avoid delays.

Transit/Moovit

Transit and Moovit help you use public transport in U.S. cities by showing you schedules, and routes for buses, trains, and subways. That means with these two apps,  you can make city travel easier without a car. But their info can be wrong or late, especially during service problems.

Tips:

• Check Schedules Early: Review routes and schedules in advance to avoid surprises.
• Enable Alerts: Turn on notifications for service updates or disruptions.
• Explore Multiple Options: Use the app to find alternative routes if your primary route is delayed.
• Save Favorite Routes: Bookmark frequent routes for quick access.

II. Accommodation and Lodging Apps (Airbnb, Booking.com, Hotelsworld)

Airbnb

Airbnb offers unique stays in the U.S., often cheaper than hotels. You can rent whole homes or just rooms, giving you more choice in where to stay. It’s good for finding places in specific areas. However, there are downsides. 

The quality of rentals can vary widely., and some hosts might cancel at the last minute, causing problems. Also, watch out for extra fees like cleaning charges because that will make the total cost higher than expected.

Tips:

• Read Reviews and Feedback: Check previous guests’ reviews to ensure the quality of the accommodation.
• Filter for Superhosts: Choose Superhosts for more reliable stays.
• Check Fees: Look closely at the total cost, including fees, before booking.
• Communicate with Hosts: Contact your host ahead of time to confirm details and avoid surprises.

Booking.com

Booking.com is useful for U.S. trips because it offers a wide variety of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and more. It often has free cancellation options, which gives you flexibility if your plans change. Plus, it provides detailed reviews and ratings to help you choose the right place.

However, its weakness is that some properties may have hidden fees not shown upfront. Additionally, customer service can be inconsistent if issues arise.

Tips:

• Check Total Cost: Look for hidden fees, especially in the fine print.
• Filter by Rating: Use high ratings and reviews to find reliable properties.
• Use Free Cancellation: Opt for free cancellation when available to keep your plans flexible.
• Save Favorite Properties: Bookmark good options for easy comparison later.

Hostelworld

Hotelsworld offers many U.S. accommodations at good prices. Its rewards program gives a free night after 10 bookings, useful for longer trips. But some rooms might be non-refundable, and other sites may have better deals.

Tips:

• Join the rewards program for free nights.
• Choose refundable options when possible.
• Compare prices with other websites.
• Read recent reviews to check property quality.

III. Connectivity and Communication Apps (WhatsApp, Gigago eSIM)

WhatsApp

WhatsApp helps you stay in touch during U.S. trips without high SMS costs. It uses Wi-Fi for calls and messages, good if you don’t have a local SIM. But it needs the internet, which means it won’t work offline. Also, not all Americans use WhatsApp.

Tips:

1. Use Wi-Fi to save on data fees.
2. Make group chats for travel buddies.
3. Share your location to meet friends or find your way.
4. Back up your chats to keep important info safe.

Gigago: Travel eSIM & Internet

The Gigago app offers eSIM which helps you get online quickly in the US without a physical SIM card. You can use maps, send messages, and browse the internet right when you land in the US. Using eSIM is way more convenient than regular SIM, however, you should check your divides in advance because not all phones work with eSIMs.

With Gigago eSIM, you can:

1. Check if your phone works with eSIMs before your USA trip.
2. Compare different US plans to find one that suits your needs and budget.
3. Set up your eSIM before you travel to avoid unexpected issues.
4. Monitor your data usage to avoid running out during the USA trip,

Check out the link official to download the GIGAGO app: 

• for Appstore: Gigago: Travel eSIM & Internet
• for CH Play: Gigago: Travel eSIM & Internet

IV. Dining and Food Apps (Yelp, OpenTable)

Yelp

Yelp is a helpful app for U.S. trips because it shows you local places to eat, shop, and visit. It lets you read what other people think about these places, see pictures, and check their ratings. This makes it easier to choose good spots to go to.

But remember, not everything on Yelp is perfect. Some reviews might be old or unfair, and some businesses might pay to look better on the app.

To use Yelp well:

1. Look at the newest reviews first. They give you the most up-to-date information.
2. Check out the pictures people have uploaded. They show you what the place really looks like.
3. Use the app to find places with high ratings quickly.
4. Look for special deals that some businesses offer through Yelp.

OpenTable

OpenTable is a helpful app for U.S. trips because it lets you book restaurants online. You can see when tables are free, read what other people think about the food, and avoid waiting in line by booking ahead. This makes eating out easier and more fun.

But remember, not every restaurant is on OpenTable. Some small, local places might not use it, so you could miss out on trying some special restaurants.

To get the most out of OpenTable:

• Book popular restaurants early. This way, you’re sure to get a table.
• Before you book, look at the restaurant’s menu and what other people say about it.
• You can earn points when you make reservations. Later, you can use these points to get rewards.
• If a restaurant is full, you can set up alerts. The app will tell you if a table becomes free.

V. Activities and Attractions Apps (Viator, TripAdvisor)

Viator

Viator is a great app that helps you find and book fun things to do such as tours and activities. That means you can know fun places to go even before you land in the US. This means you won’t miss out on popular attractions and can plan your time better in the US thanks to Viator.

But keep in mind, that Viator isn’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes, booking directly with local tour companies can cost less. Also, popular activities might fill up quickly.

To use Viator well:

1. Compare prices. Check if booking directly with tour companies is cheaper.
2. Read what other travelers say about the activities. Look at recent reviews to get the best idea of what to expect.
3. Book popular activities early, so you’re sure to get a spot.
4. Use the app’s search tools to find activities that match what you want to do, where you want to go, and how much you want to spend..

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an app that shows you what other travelers think about hotels, restaurants, and things to do. In other words, you’re gonna read reviews and feedback from other travelers, look at pictures, and see ratings. Then you can plan your trip based on what other people liked or didn’t like and make decisions easier. 

But remember, not all reviews on TripAdvisor are perfect. Some might be old or unfair. Also, places with high ratings can get very busy because lots of people want to go there.

To use TripAdvisor well:

1. Read different kinds of reviews, both good and bad, which gives you a better idea of what to expect.
2. Look at the newest reviews first. They tell you how the place is right now.
3. Ask questions in the TripAdvisor forums, then other travelers can give you a piece of advice.
4. Make a list of places to help you organize your US trip better.

VI. Conclusions

That was all about 14 helpful apps you should download before your trip. They’ll help you navigate, find great food, and discover exciting attractions across the USA. Hope you have a wonderful journey in the US!