When you were a kid your parents probably used folding road maps to navigate on long car trips. In addition to being cumbersome to use, those maps couldn’t alert drivers about closed roads or impending traffic backups. Being late and getting lost was common, and many drivers dreamed of a day when travel delays would be easier to avoid. Fortunately, that time has now come, as there are several driving navigation apps available that simplify getting around. Here are 5 of the better ones.
Every iPhone now comes with Apple Maps built into it, which makes it the default system when tapping on map links inside other opened apps. The nice thing about Apple Maps is that it works flawlessly in the screen’s background, and that it can continue providing you with updates even on your Lock screen.
Although older versions of Maps did sometimes lead drivers astray, the newer iOS 10 has a complete redesign with Hooked apps right into Maps which can further be integrated with Siri for voice-aided travel assistance. And, with or without Siri’s reassuring voice, you can even book a reservation or request a ride directly through the Maps app.
Because Google’s the largest and most-detailed search engine in the world, Google Maps is also one of the best apps for showing various routes to the same destination, complete with an ETA for each. Google Maps affords those traveling by car, foot, bicycle, or public transit voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, including the locations of nearby businesses and attractions. As of 2019, all these GPS-enhanced Google Maps features are now easily accessible by travelers in hundreds of countries worldwide.
Available in the App Store, MAPS.ME was developed by My.com and is completely free of charge. So far MAPS.ME has been very positively embraced by users because it features highly reliable and detailed maps complete with turn-by-turn navigation instructions. It also shows the locations for points of interest, like restaurants and historic sites, which can be bookmarked and shared later with others via social media or text message.
And finally, MAPS.ME also allows you to book hotel reservations through Booking.com, which makes this navigation app the perfect traveling companion!
Boasting over 50 million users, Sygic is an offline GPS navigation app with several unique user-
friendly tools. To get started, a traveler needs to install and run the Sygic app on their mobile device. After doing so, they’ll be asked to download maps specific to their location, including detailed versions provided by TomTom for many parts of the world. Some of the interesting Sygic features available to drivers, hikers, and other travelers include:
Waze is a powerful, community-based GPS navigation smart app that allows users to share traffic updates for roads they’re traveling on with other drivers, along with informative details about local attractions and businesses. It’s very effective at helping drivers avoid congested or closed roads, while providing the shortest alternative routes available. Status updates that Waze shares include impending travel delays like accidents, speed traps and construction zones. To use Waze, you’ll simply need to activate the data connection and GPS on your mobile device.
Although these navigation apps help drivers arrive more safely at their destinations, accidents can still happen. When you’re involved in one, the Carwise app can help you locate a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby in minutes by simply searching your zip code. All the shops featured in the nationwide Carwise network employ I-CAR and ASE-certified technicians with the training, equipment and experience to restore your vehicle like new again promptly and reliably.
Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.
