Some of us work through the summer and never get to truly enjoy it. Others wish for the summer never to end. Whichever group you belong to, chances are that you’ll want to find a warm place for your vacation. These 5 travel apps will be extremely helpful to find your dream destination!
Nowadays, anyone can have a travel agent’s expertise when you need to escape the winter cold. Where you once had to collect maps and brochures, today you only need a travel app. Below you’ll find five favorite warm US destinations along with travel apps that help you get the most out of your sunny vacation.
- Virgin Islands
These islands are only 129 miles from Miami, but offer some of the most peaceful and beautiful surroundings imaginable. The Islands include St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, which is accessible only by ferry. Each has white sand beaches, coral reefs, and temperatures in the 80s year-round. There are several historical sites to visit while you absorb the charming Caribbean culture. The area is also renowned for fishing, scuba diving – and terrific barbecue.
iOS: Virgin Islands-USA Offline Map Travel Guide (free)
The Travel Guide is designed for offline use to save on roaming charges. It provides interactive maps so you can zoom in on points of interest such as museums, landmarks, and beaches. For each one you can consult interactive tourist guides and check driving routes or local safety tips. When it’s time to eat, you can look up the hours, menus, and prices of local restaurants.
Android: Island eGuide – Virgin Islands (free)
You can view lists of special activities, the best shopping and restaurants, and consult maps to find the way. The app also provides you with price specials and coupons specific to the Virgin Islands. You can stay updated on local events and even post your own vacation ideas.
- Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers not just an average temperature of 82 degrees, but also breathtakingly beautiful beaches and scenery, plus all the modern conveniences of San Juan. This city includes a historic district where you can visit sites from the colonial era, but stroll to five-star hotels and upscale shopping boutiques. At the same time, the island preserves its Spanish heritage and culture.
iOS: Puerto Rico Trip Planner, Travel Guide & Offline City Map (free)
You can find stunning photos, business hours of operation, and numerous travel fees from your phone. Getting around Puerto Rico becomes easier with local transport schedules and detailed walking maps. The app allows you to find and book a hotel based on the sites and activities you enjoy most.
Android: Puerto Rico – Travel Guide
Find details on local cultural experiences, dining, lodgings, and more using Puerto Rico – Travel Guide. You can track your location offline via GPS maps that load into memory. Resources include a list of the top 10 attractions, travel tips, and recommended restaurants plotted on the map. The app also provides Spanish phrasebooks.
- Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs lies in the arid countryside, yet with natural water sources to form a sprawling oasis. With 350 days of sun each year, there are plenty of activities to choose from, such as golf, hiking on Mount San Jacinto, and horseback riding. Forget about snow and enjoy parks filled with palm trees and a festive city culture honoring its Native American origins.
iOS and Android: Visit Palm Springs
This app provides continually updated information on places to stay, dine, shop, or have fun. You can get real-time info the BUZZ Trolley, Palm Springs’ latest attraction. An interactive map display makes it easy to select a destination, view augmented-reality video, and find the best traveling route.
- Hawaii
The stunning islands of Hawaii are probably on everyone’s vacation list with their gorgeous natural scenery and sunny climate. Experience the friendly aloha spirit, visit beautiful beaches, take tours, and enjoy the Hawaiian culture. If you’re the outdoor type, enjoy the activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, or hiking through lush forests and volcanic landscapes.
iOS and Android: Hawaii Travel Guide (free)
With this app, you get complete city guides for Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, and other cities. The app includes a sightseeing section with event dates for things you don’t want to miss. The app works offline, so you can study maps of Hawaii at your convenience.
- Key West, Florida
With mild tropical temperatures, Key West has been famous for decades as a vacation spot with a laid-back “off the grid” atmosphere. The downtown party scene is surrounded by family-friendly alternatives like a maritime museum, water parks, and scuba diving, fishing, or swimming with the dolphins.
iOS: Key West Travel Guide and Offline Street Map (free)
Based on input from actual travelers, the offline app offers different sightseeing routes. The app allows you to easily navigate the city, locate shops, restaurants, and more. An interactive map provides 6x magnification, with indicators for bus stops, landmarks, hospitals, and other useful facilities.
Android: Key West City Guide (free)
With this app you can search by category to locate restaurants, hotels, merchants, hospitals, ATMs and popular attractions. The app will enable you to view the results based on your location, and let you know if bars and shops are open or closed.
In conclusion, winter may have its charms, but most of us prefer the summer sun. You can always escape the winter by traveling to warmer climates, even within the US. When you plan your own exotic getaway, make sure to download an app that can guide you and help you turn your summer retreat into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Author Bio: Lisa is a twenty-something travel and food lover who enjoys sharing her travel tips and experiences with the world. When she doesn’t travel, she pretends to be a sociology student. In her spare time, you can find Lisa perfecting her macaron baking skills or reading a book on women’s issues across different cultures.
