It wasn’t very long ago that the most convenient way of navigating our roads was with a printed map. These days, with the speed that new roads and communities are being built, maps can become obsolete soon after they’re printed, leading to confusion and getting lost on the way to your destination. But thanks to the innovations that mobile GPS navigation apps bring, you’ll never get lost again. Navigation apps for mobile devices are easy-to-use, convenient, and present a whole host of customizable options. You can plug in your destination and rely on the app to give you the best routing based on travel time, toll-free roads, or fuel efficiency. By synchronizing with satellites, navigation apps can also be set to display gas stations, tourists attractions, hotels, hospitals, and other points of interest along the way.
Choose the Best Mobile Navigation App
If you already own a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, getting connected with a mobile navigation app is simply a matter of launching a preloaded app, such as Google Maps and Apple Maps, or downloading one such as Here WeGo, MapQuest, or Waze. These apps are automatically updated, so you never have to worry about outdated information. If you’re not sure which is best for you, check out these highly rated and popular navigation apps:
- Google Maps: When you think of maps, you think of Google. This navigation app offers real-time GPS navigation, as well as transit, and traffic updates. Plan stops with marked gas stations, restaurants, and points of interest. Available for iOS and Android.
- Apple Maps: The default navigation app for Apple devices, it offers bird’s-eye, 2D, and 3D views with real-time traffic monitoring. Ask Siri for spoken directions or to bookmark locations for later reference, such as where you parked. Available for iOS devices, including Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
- Here WeGo: Enjoy turn-by-turn voice guidance, speed limit information, live traffic updates, and transit information on maps from over 100 countries. Use offline maps and navigation so you can find your way in areas with no Internet connection. Available for iOS and Android.
- MapQuest: One of the originals! MapQuest offers turn-by-turn GPS directions, live traffic, rerouting, and road closure updates, and locations where you can buy cheaper gas. Book hotels, find points of interest, and view local weather. Available for iOS and Android.
- Waze: One of the cool features in Waze is the ability to share real-time traffic updates, accidents, and other road information with other drivers. You also get turn-by-turn voice navigation, real-time rerouting, and even speed camera alerts. Available on iOS and Android.
All of these apps are free, although in some cases premium features are only available through in-app purchases. Travelling to the US? Easily switch settings to provide directions in miles and back again when you come home.
Tips for Using Mobile Navigation Apps
Here’s what you need to ensure smooth, efficient operation of your mobile navigation app while driving:
- Cellphone mount: Mount your cellphone in a place that doesn’t obstruct your view so you can quickly and safely check the map with minimal distraction from your driving
- Data plan: Driving for a few hours using a navigation app will eat up a good chunk of data, so make sure your plan has adequate coverage
- Cellphone car charger: Using your navigation app may drain your battery quickly, so keep the juice flowing by using a car charger
For optimal safety, consider having a passenger act as your navigator by watching the map to make sure you get to your destination safely and efficiently, and ensuring the best possible road trip experience!
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