New Apps Can Make Summer Travel Even More Fun

Every July or August, for as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed a summer vacation with my family. Over the years, that’s come to entail a number of wonderful traditions: certain board games, foods, activities and so forth, a host of little things that make the trips care-free, fun, and special for all of us.

Since we’ve all now joined the digital age, one of my new traditions has been to find great new smartphone apps I can recommend to everyone to help make their travels a little easier. Here are a few I’ve found this year that offer some really unique benefits, are easy to use, and are free for both Android and iPhone users.

For any long drive, you’ll be amazed at the conveniences offered by the iExit app. It uses your smartphone’s location to identify where you are on the highway, then displays upcoming exits in real time, so you know the restaurants, gas stations, campsites, hotels and more that are coming up. It’s a wonderful resource for planning those important pit stops on the way to your destination.

I’ve earned a reputation for over-packing for every trip, yet still managing to arrive without some essential item nearly every time. So, I was especially delighted to discover PackPoint, a detailed travel packing list planner that helps me get organized based on where I’m going, how long I’ll be there, the weather forecast and any activities that are planned. I’ve started using it as soon as I know I’m going on a trip; I can start preparing, save and update my list, and make sure I have everything I need once I get there!

If you love to set out and explore on foot, take Sidekix along. It not only helps you navigate to interesting places in hundreds of cities worldwide, it rewards you for using local businesses along the way. By sharing reviews of interesting spots you encounter during your travels, you earn Kix points, which can be redeemed for discounts at restaurants and shops nearby. It’s a quirky mix of information and rewards that will make any journey a little more fun.

It’s vacation time! Gas up the tank, pack your sun screen, and don’t leave home without adding these handy new smartphone travel apps to your device!

19 Thoughts on "New Apps Can Make Summer Travel Even More Fun"

  1. mary k sapp says

    I am enjoying my new phone and your company I am recently aarp member do I get a discount for that now

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      You do indeed, Mary! We just need to add your AARP member information to your account, so please give us a call at 888-345-5509 at your convenience, and we’ll get that taken care of for you. We appreciate you posting!

  2. Madeline Mc Meen says

    I am seriously thinking about switching to cellular.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      That’s great, Madeline! When you’re ready to get started, or if you have any questions, we’re happy to assist you at 888-345-5509. It’s easy to switch, and you’ll see those savings add up in no time at all. Thanks for posting!

  3. Sue Conner says

    Been with Consumer Cellular for a long time..I wouldnt switch to any other cell company. Best prices for what you want. I love it!

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      That’s great to hear, Sue, so thank you so much for sharing your kind words with us. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

  4. Marlene says

    Re: weather widget
    I love my service but the weather widget is useless, seldom accurate. I’ve tried to delete it in favor of another app but apparently it’s in the system.
    What can you do about that?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for posting, Marlene! Many popular weather apps offer a widget that you can place on your home screen. We recommend viewing the Google Play store, and looking for weather apps with good reviews. As for the weather widget on your phone, you can remove it from the home screen by touching and holding it. You should then see an option appear on the screen to delete it. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have at 888-345-5509, so please don’t hesitate to call us. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us, and we hope you have a great day!

  5. Jerry Meinke says

    When will the iphone7 be available to purchase?

    thanks

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for reaching out to us, Jerry! We’ll be updating our website as more devices become available, so we recommend checking it often to see if the phone becomes available. We can also provide updates over the phone at 888-345-5509 if you like. Thanks again for posting, and we hope you have a lovely day!

  6. Charles Davidson says

    My wife and I are currently with Boost. $75/month unlimited. Can we use our current android phones with consumer cellular?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for asking, Charles! You can use most fully unlocked GSM devices with our service, such as those used previously on the AT&T or T-Mobile networks. All you need to get started is one of our SIM cards. To take a closer look at how this works, just watch this video here. You’ll find our SIM cards at your local Target store, on our website or we can send you one if you give us a call at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you posting!

  7. Linda Clower says

    I was with T-Mobile for over 11 years but from Jan. 2017 to now I’ve had severe health problems and couldn’t make my monthly payments. August 20th this yr my house burned to the ground and i have no proof of anything but they are saying now i owe about 2,000. This can’t be possible and they won’t unlock my phone. Can i get service or what can i do? I’m elderly, disabled and AARP member but no one can help me. Can you?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for taking the time to learn about our service, Linda. We offer many affordable solutions for all types of users. We’re happy to review your options with you over the phone at 888-345-5509 at your convenience. We won’t be able to assist you in unlocking your phone, as that must be done by the original carrier. We do have a variety of devices, with some starting at just $30. We appreciate you posting, and we hope to speak with you soon.

    • Alma says

      Linda there are also government phones they are free and although you have limited talk time and text time it is a good phone. I believe that they use T-Mobile towers which don’t work for me but they would for many people. You can Google government phone and it will give you the information you need

  8. Helen F Barlow says

    how can I put a tracker on a phone?

  9. Robert Zagacki says

    Hello. What travel app, that verbally gives directions, works best with my android phone and Consumer Cellular? I have tried “WAZE” but it doesn’t “talk” to me with directions, it only displays maps and I cannot take my eyes off the road to look! Thank you.

    • Hi Robert, that’s an excellent question, thanks for asking! We don’t have a list of recommended third-party apps for these things, but most of those apps do have the option to talk to you. You can look around online though at reviews to see if there is a better one that would fit your needs, or you can use the GPS app that would have come installed on your phone as well.