5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel Planning

It's hard to believe that it is the end of October and Fall is officially upon us.  The end of this month means one thing: we are officially getting closer to the holiday season! That means shopping, cooking, family get togethers, and of course, traveling! Taking a trip during the holiday season does not have to be hectic as long as you take the right steps when planning! It is important to plan ahead for travel during the holiday season no matter if you are taking a short weekend trip or spending a whole month traveling! Here are a few steps you can take to make planning your trip during the holiday season easier:

1. Book early: Prices of flights tend to go up as you get closer to your departure date.  Booking flights early is important especially if you are traveling during a peak travel time such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.

2. Plan to leave early: You never know if you'll get stuck in traffic along your route or experience inclement weather.  Leaving early is especially important when you are taking a flight.  You never know how long it will take you to find your way around an unfamiliar airport.  Also take into account that airports will be busier during the holiday season which will usually cause you to have to wait in longer lines.

3. Set price alerts using mobile apps: There are many apps that allow users to set alerts so they know when the price of a flight they are looking to book drops.  This handy feature allows users to get the best price if they are willing to wait to book their flight.  Apps such as Kayak, Airfarewatchdog, and Yapta all allow users to set an alert in order to save money when booking their flight.

4. Travel on the actual holiday if you can: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day are generally less expensive days to travel.  If your schedule allows you to travel on a holiday, it may save you money in the long run!

5.  Use mobile apps to check the status of your flight or plan for heavy traffic: Apps such as FlightView allow you to track the status of your flight in real time.  Avoid the unpleasant surprise of a delayed or cancelled flight by using the app to check out the status of your flight! If you are driving to your destination, navigation apps such as Waze allow you to plan for traffic along your route.

Traveling during the holiday season doesn't have to be hectic! Be sure to plan ahead to make your trip less stressful! Safe travels!

The Ride Revolution: Uber Edition

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It used to be that if you wanted to find your way around a city while on a trip, you had to turn to taxis or public transportation.  A couple of years ago, a new app was launched which would change the way people get around in major cities across the world.  This app called Uber has been around since 2009 and has been gaining popularity ever since.   I had an opportunity to use Uber on a recent trip to Minneapolis.  Although I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be a great way for me to get around in a city I would typically get lost in!

What exactly does Uber do and how can I start using it?  
Uber is an app that allows users to find a ride in the major cities the company serves.  It is similar to that of a cab service except that users can call for a ride using the app all over the world.  Recently, Uber expanded its services to Europe, Africa, and Asia.  This app is available for iPhone, Android, and Windows phones. 

In order to begin using the app, you must create a username or login using your Facebook credentials.  A mobile phone number must be entered so that drivers are able to reach you.  Next, you must enter your pickup location.  After this information is entered, you are able to see if drivers are located near you.  Uber shows you a map with the exact location of the drivers.  To request a driver, you simply click on the driver and submit a request. 

While you are waiting for your driver to arrive, you can enter your destination into the app.  After Uber receives this information, the app will show you approximately how long it will take for the driver to reach your destination.  If you are using Uber with a friend, you are able to split the cost of the ride with them as long as they are also a user of the app. 

Who drives for Uber?

Before I learned more about Uber, this was my first question! I wasn’t sure if anyone was allowed to drive for Uber or if there was training involved to be a driver.  You will be happy to know that all Uber drivers go through a background check before being allowed to drive.  The company wants to be sure that riders are paired with reliable drivers.  

After a rider arrives at their destination, they are able to rate their driver using the app.  Riders are encouraged to rate their drivers on a variety of factors including driving, car quality, and route.  The ratings given by users are anonymous and are used by the company to ensure the reliability of drivers.  Drivers are also able to rate their riders.  When selecting a driver, users are able to see the ratings the driver has received.  In order to make sure the rider feels safe, drivers are able to pick them up outside their door instead of on a street corner or in a parking lot.

What makes Uber stand out?

One of the main features which makes Uber stand out is that users are able to find out more information about their driver before they are picked up.  When requesting a ride, users are able to see their driver’s name, rating, and a picture of the driver.  They are also able to see which type of vehicle they should expect.  Uber prides itself on providing users with newer model vehicles that are in good condition. 

The second feature that makes Uber stand out is that users are able to pay for their rides electronically. When creating an account, a user enters credit card information to use as payment.  By using Uber, riders never have to worry about carrying cash to pay for their ride.  After using Uber, a receipt is emailed to the user informing them of the cost of the fare.  

Interested in learning more about Uber? Check out their site or download the app on your smartphone!  

MapQuest: A Blast From the Past or An App of the Future?

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Most of us probably remember using MapQuest.  My earliest memory of MapQuest was when I first got the Internet at my childhood home in elementary school.  My family and I were getting ready to leave on vacation when my Dad suggested that I print off some directions.  I waited for my Internet to dial-up, pulled up directions on MapQuest, and printed them out.  After a few years, GPS devices and smartphones were introduced and direction/map websites seemed to fizzle out.

I'll admit that I still use MapQuest directions for my longer road trips.  Recently, I was traveling and my phone conveniently decided to lose service while I was in the the middle of nowhere.  When this happened, I was very thankful that I had my MapQuest directions because my iPhone navigation wasn't working.  This incident led me to wonder: Does MapQuest have an app or is their service only available on the website? After doing a little bit of searching, I discovered that MapQuest not only offers an app for directions, but also offers other types of apps to help those who are traveling.  Here's a look at the different apps MapQuest offers:

1. MapQuest: This app allows users to see maps and get directions to a destination.  When users are looking to get directions, they are able to select options to make the directions fit their needs! For example, if a user does not want to drive on toll roads they are able to select this option and receive a list of directions which avoid toll roads.  The MapQuest app also allows users to see restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and shopping near their destination.

2. Commute: Traveling in a large metropolitan area and worried about traffic? Commute is here to help! This powerful app allows its users to see traffic updates in real time.  Simply enter your home address, what time you are leaving, work address, and what time you are leaving from work.  Commute then notifies you of traffic updates 15 minutes before you leave.  This app even allows you to use MapQuest to take the fastest route to your destination. Commute can also give you an update on the weather in your current location.

3. MapQuest Gas Prices: This app accesses a user's location and displays a list of the best gas prices with the distance from your location.  The list of gas prices can be sorted both by distance and price.  Users have ability to select which type of fuel they wish to use and can also save "favorite" gas stations on the app.

4. MapQuest Travel Blogs: Are you a traveler who is looking to share your adventures with others? MapQuest Travel Blogs is perfect for you! This app allows its users to share photos and information about their trips with other users.  Simply create an account and everything can be uploaded to the app when you are away from your computer.  The app even works offline so users who don't have an Internet connection on their trip don't have to worry! Uploaded blogs can then be shared with friends and family who use the app.  MapQuest Travel Blogs even features a "Featured Blogs" section where users are able to read blogs published by other users of the app.

Although some may think that MapQuest is a site of the past, the company is working hard to come out with new apps to meet the needs of their users.  These four apps can help anyone from avid travelers to those simply trying to commute to work.  I would recommend checking out these apps for help when planning or taking part in your next travel adventure.  These apps by MapQuest are available for iPhone and are worth a try for anyone who is looking for new apps to try out.  

Avoid getting lost on your next road trip with the help of MapQuest!

Five New Apps To Make Your Next Trip A Breeze

Ever since I started blogging, I have been taking more time to research and test out new travel apps.  I have to admit, it was hard for me to branch out from the apps I am used to using.  After taking some time to download some new apps on my iPhone, I discovered 5 new apps which can be useful for traveling.

1. TripIt: This app helps organize your travel schedule.  After receiving an itinerary from any travel site, simply forward it on to TripIt. The app will then keep all aspects of your trip in one place.  Worried about juggling flight times and meeting times? TripIt can help you stay on task whether you are traveling for business or leisure!

2. PackPoint: Do you struggle with exactly what to pack every time you leave home? PackPoint can help solve this problem.  Put your travel location, date, and type of activities you will be doing into the app and a packing list will be generated for you! PackPoint also checks the weather of the city you are traveling to so you are able to receive a more accurate packing list! If there is an item not included in the list PackPoint gave, it can be added! PackPoint allows you to save packing lists for multiple trips if you are a frequent traveler.

3. Hotel Tonight: Need a hotel at the last minute? Hotel Tonight can help! Find hotel rooms for the evening of your stay or book a room for up to 7 days later.  Hotel Tonight helps you find the best prices for hotel rooms and also displays amenities of each hotel!

4. Waze: Let's admit it, we all hate getting stuck in traffic! Waze is not only a navigation app but also an app which helps drivers avoid getting stuck in traffic.  Users of the app are able to send updates to other users if there is an issue slowing down traffic.  Find the best route to your destination by using Waze!

5. FlightAware: If you travel frequently for business or leisure, FlightAware can be beneficial to you! This app allows users to search for their flight so they can be prepared if there is a delay.  If you are curious as to if a flight is en route, you can use the app to see which planes are currently in the air.  Another great feature of the app is that it allows you to view airport information.

These five apps can be beneficial to all types of travelers. Be sure to check them out when planning your next trip! They can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android and are free of charge!
Bon Voyage!