In this day and age, there is no shortage of travel apps that can help you organize your trip. From localized services to airline booking apps to nifty programs that work offline, a quick search for useful travel apps will bring up hundreds of options. That being said, it can be difficult to sift through the dominant generic information to find suggestions for local, ethical and authentic travel experiences. Every location has its unique charms, but that uniqueness can get lost in the mass of information. That’s where the following apps come in.
Here are some of the best apps for finding authentic travel experiences:
1. Spotted by Locals
Who better to tell you how to explore a place than the people who actually live there? Spotted by Locals features easy-to-follow travel advice for all kinds of cities, compiled by locals. Use this app to find places you wouldn’t hear about otherwise, recommended by people who really know their stuff.
2. Roadtrippers
One of those classic travel experiences is the American road trip. Whether you’re a resident or not, there is so much to discover by driving across the US. Specifically designed for travelers with a car and some time on their hands, Roadtrippers helps you plan your US road trip, from mapping out your route to finding tiny details and places of interest along the way.
3. Foodspotting
Perfect for when you’re in a new location and desperately want to try their signature dish, Foodspotting works in the opposite way to most food apps. Instead of searching by restaurant, this handy app lets you search by dish in your location. For instance, next time you’re in Fez and searching for the best nearby couscous, Foodspotting can help you out.
4. Localeur
This sleek little app offers exactly what its name suggests: Localeur is filled with locals’ suggestions for food, culture, nightlife, shopping and accommodation. Only residents of each location are invited to contribute suggestions, though travelers can vote up or down on each item, so you can see what fellow travelers have appreciated before you.
5. Party with a Local
If you’re in a new city and looking for someone to head out on the town with, Party with a Local can match you up with a local who can show you the nightlife in their home city. You can either head out with them for a drink at their favorite venue or just ask them for tips over the app if you already have some friends on hand to help you paint the town.
