Best Travel Apps for First-Time Visitors to USA
Navigate like a local with the right tools
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Stepping into America as a first time tourist is a whirlwind of excitement and maybe a dash of "where do I even start?" From the sprawling highways to the bustling cityscapes, the USA is a land of incredible diversity, and it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry! With the right tools in your pocket, you'll be navigating like a local in no time.
We've rounded up the best travel apps for the US to smooth out your journey, from finding your way around to discovering hidden gems and managing your budget. These apps will become your trusted companions, turning that initial sense of "wow, it's big" into "wow, I've got this." Here's what we'll be covering:
Travel & Navigation Apps
- Google Maps: A navigation app providing real-time directions for walking, driving, and public transport across the USA.
- Waze: A GPS navigation app with real-time traffic updates, accident reports, and speed camera alerts.
Ride Hailing Apps
- Uber: A ride-hailing app offering quick and convenient transportation with cashless payments.
- Lyft: A popular alternative to Uber for ride-hailing services in the USA, known for its competitive pricing.
Travel Activity Apps
- TripIt: An app for organizing travel itineraries, including flights, hotels, and activities, in one place.
- Klook: A platform for booking discounted tickets and tours for attractions and activities in the USA.
Currency & Payment Apps
- Wise: A multi-currency app that provides real-time exchange rates and low-fee international money transfers.
- Venmo: A peer-to-peer payment app allowing users to send and receive money instantly.
- XE Currency: A real-time currency converter app for monitoring exchange rates and converting currencies to USD.
Food Delivery & Dining Apps
- Uber Eats: A food delivery service allowing users to order from local restaurants across the USA with real-time tracking.
- Grubhub: A widely used food delivery app offering a wide range of restaurant options and cashless payments.
- Yelp: A restaurant review app to find and review dining spots, along with making reservations.
- OpenTable: A restaurant reservation app for booking tables at popular restaurants across the USA.
- DoorDash: A popular food delivery app that specializes in delivering meals from a wide range of restaurants, with a focus on fast and reliable service.
Travel & Navigation Apps
Google Maps
Google Maps is an essential navigation tool for travelers in the USA, providing reliable and comprehensive support for exploring both urban and rural areas. Its versatility and accuracy make it a valuable asset for first-time visitors seeking to navigate the country efficiently and confidently. Plus, it’s a familiar interface almost every tourist will know how to use.
Key Features:
- Efficient Navigation: Provides turn-by-turn directions for walking, driving, and utilizing public transportation, simplifying your journey from one location to another.
- Live Traffic Conditions: Delivers up-to-the-minute traffic data, enabling you to circumvent congestion and identify alternative routes.
- Downloadable Offline Maps: Allows downloading of specific map sections for use without internet, ideal for areas with limited connectivity.
- Local Discovery: Facilitates finding nearby restaurants, shops, gas stations, and attractions, supplemented by user reviews and ratings.
Why It’s Recommended: Google Maps empowers visitors to navigate any city with confidence, regardless of whether they're on foot, using public transit, or driving.
Tips for Using the App:
- Download maps of your destination before your trip to minimize roaming costs.
- Leverage the "Explore" feature to uncover local attractions and dining options in your vicinity.
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Waze
Waze is a dynamic GPS navigation app that leverages real-time, community-driven data to help drivers navigate the roads efficiently. For travelers exploring the USA by car, it's one of the best apps for USA travel to keep you ahead of traffic and road hazards.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Traffic Alerts: Receive instant updates on traffic conditions, accidents, and road closures, contributed by fellow Waze users.
- Community-Based Information: Benefit from a continuously updated stream of road conditions, speed traps, and accident reports, all shared by the Waze community.
- Route Optimization: Get the fastest routes calculated based on current traffic patterns and road conditions.
- Voice Navigation: Follow turn-by-turn directions with voice prompts, allowing for safer, hands-free navigation.
Why It’s Recommended: Waze is ideal for drivers seeking to minimize travel time by avoiding traffic congestion and road hazards, offering a more interactive navigation experience.
Tips for Using the App:
- Participate in the Waze community by reporting traffic conditions to enhance the app's accuracy.
- Customize voice guidance settings and ensure the app is up-to-date for optimal navigation.
Ride Hailing Apps
Uber
Uber is a leading ride-hailing app in the USA, providing convenient and efficient transportation in both urban centers and more rural locations. It’s one of the best US travel apps for getting around, especially for first-time visitors who are looking for a reliable way to navigate.
Key Features:
- Ride-Hailing: Book rides on-demand and choose from various service levels like UberX (standard), UberXL (larger vehicles), and UberBlack (premium).
- Cashless Payments: Pay directly through the app using a linked credit card, PayPal, or mobile wallets (where supported).
- Real-Time Ride Tracking: Monitor your ride's progress and share trip details with contacts for added safety.
- Price Estimates: Know the estimated fare before booking to help with budgeting.
Why It’s Recommended: Uber’s widespread availability throughout the USA makes it a dependable transportation choice, particularly for those unfamiliar with local transit options.
Tips for Using the App:
- Look for promotional codes or discounts, especially when using the app for the first time.
- Verify the driver and vehicle details before entering for safety and security.
Lyft
Lyft is a widely used ride-hailing app that provides services similar to Uber, frequently offering competitive pricing in numerous cities throughout the USA. It's a strong contender among the best apps for travel in the USA for those seeking convenient and cost-effective transportation.
Key Features:
- Affordable Ride Options: Select from various ride types, including Lyft, Lyft XL (for larger groups), and Lux (for premium vehicles).
- Ride Tracking: Monitor your ride's route and location in real time.
- Cashless Payments: Securely pay for rides through the app with linked payment methods.
- Accessibility Features: Offers accessible ride options for passengers with specific needs, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Why It’s Recommended: Lyft serves as a valuable alternative to Uber, providing affordable and readily available transportation in major US cities.
Tips for Using the App:
- Ensure your payment method is linked prior to requesting a ride to avoid delays.
- Consider ride-sharing options to reduce costs when traveling with a group.
Travel Activity Apps
TripIt
TripIt simplifies travel planning by consolidating flight, hotel, and activity details into a centralized, easily accessible itinerary. It's an excellent tool for keeping your travel plans organized, making it one of the best travel apps for managing complex trips across the US.
Key Features:
- Automatic Itinerary Creation: Automatically generates detailed itineraries by processing forwarded travel confirmation emails.
- Itinerary Management: Provides a unified view of all bookings, with real-time updates on changes or cancellations.
- Offline Access: Allows access to itineraries without an internet connection.
- Sharing: Facilitates sharing travel plans with friends and family.
- Why It’s Recommended: TripIt organizes your entire trip in one location, streamlining the management of flights, accommodations, and activities.
Tips for Using the App:
- Configure automatic forwarding of booking confirmation emails to TripIt for effortless itinerary creation.
- Explore the premium version for advanced features like real-time flight alerts and seat tracking.
Klook
Klook is a valuable travel app that enables users to book tickets, tours, and activities at discounted rates throughout the USA. Great for first-time visitors eager to explore attractions and events while staying within budget.
Key Features:
- Discounted Tickets: Secure tickets for attractions like museums, theme parks, and tours at reduced prices.
- Mobile Tickets: Enjoy paperless entry to many attractions with mobile tickets.
- Exclusive Deals: Discover special promotions and limited-time offers for popular experiences.
- Tour Booking: Arrange guided tours, day trips, and local experiences to enrich your travel.
Why It’s Recommended: Klook offers substantial savings on popular attractions and activities, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Tips for Using the App:
- Book tickets ahead of time to secure optimal prices and bypass lengthy queues at attractions.
- Keep an eye out for "Flash Deals" to snag last-minute discounts on tours and activities.
Currency & Payment Apps
Wise
Wise is a multi-currency app that empowers travelers to send money internationally and convert currencies at the real exchange rate, sidestepping the hefty fees typically associated with traditional banking.
Key Features:
- Real Exchange Rates: Convert currencies to and from US dollars at the actual mid-market rate, avoiding bank markups.
- Low Fees: Offers lower fees compared to conventional money transfer services and banks.
- Multi-Currency Account: Manage funds in multiple currencies within a single account, simplifying travel budgeting.
- Fast Transfers: Facilitates rapid money transfers to bank accounts, including efficient international transactions.
Why It’s Recommended: Wise is ideal for travelers needing to manage various currencies, providing transparent and competitive rates for international money transfers.
Tips for Using the App:
- Watch out for good currency exchange rates prior to your trip so you can maximize the value of your dollar.
- Set up the app prior to your trip so you can exchange currency during your trip.
- Utilize the multi-currency wallet to hold funds in different currencies if your itinerary includes multiple countries.
Venmo
Overview: Venmo is a widely used peer-to-peer payment app in the USA, streamlining money transfers between individuals and businesses through linked bank accounts or debit/credit cards. For travelers needing to handle quick transactions, Venmo is among the best US travel apps for its convenience and broad acceptance.
Key Features:
- Easy Money Transfers: Instantly send and receive money from linked bank accounts or debit/credit cards.
- Social Feed: Track shared payments and notes with contacts via a social-style feed.
- No Fees for Bank Transfers: Enjoy fee-free transactions when using a linked bank account or Venmo balance.
- Mobile Payments: Utilize Venmo for payments at online stores and businesses that accept it.
Why It’s Recommended: Venmo simplifies small, everyday transactions, such as splitting bills or sharing travel costs, and is widely accepted across the USA.
Tips for Using the App:
- Link your bank account or debit card to your Venmo account so you can access funds at any time.
- Verify if businesses or establishments you plan to visit accept Venmo payments.
Xe Currency
Xe Currency is a real-time currency converter and monitoring app for travelers, great for those looking to track exchange rates when converting their money into US dollars. It is well-regarded for its accurate and up-to-date currency exchange rates.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Exchange Rates: Provides accurate, current exchange rate data for over 180 currencies.
- Currency Conversion: Easily convert your home currency into US dollars or other supported currencies.
- Offline Mode: Access saved exchange rates without internet, ideal for travel.
- Multi-Currency Support: Monitor up to 10 currencies simultaneously for easy rate comparison.
Why It’s Recommended: Xe Currency is essential for travelers looking to maximize their local currency by getting the best exchange rate.
Tips for Using the App:
- Configure preferred currencies in advance for quick access during your trip.
- Utilize the offline mode by saving recent exchange rates, especially in areas with costly data roaming.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a secure and user-friendly mobile wallet service that simplifies contactless payments via your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. For Apple users traveling in the USA, it provides a convenient, familiar and secure way to handle transactions. Plus, since the majority of the US are apple users, first-time tourists will have little trouble finding a place that accepts Apple Pay.
Key Features:
- Contactless Payments: Make payments in stores, apps, and websites using just your Apple device.
- Secure Transactions: Utilizes unique transaction codes for enhanced security compared to traditional card payments.
- No Additional Fees: Enjoy fee-free purchases and transactions with Apple Pay.
- Wide Acceptance: Accepted at numerous retailers across the USA, including major stores, restaurants, and online shops.
Why It’s Recommended: For iPhone users, Apple Pay offers a convenient and secure payment method, eliminating the need to carry cash or physical cards, especially in cities where contactless payments are prevalent.
Tips for Using the App:
- Set up Apple Pay by adding your credit card to the Wallet app before your trip.
- Look for the Apple Pay symbol at checkout to confirm payment acceptance at your destination.
Google Pay
Google Pay is a versatile digital wallet and mobile payment service that enables users to make secure, contactless payments in stores, online, and within apps using Android devices. This makes it a handy tool for Android users who want to make use of contactless payments with an interface they’re accustomed to.
Key Features:
- Mobile Payments: Securely pay with your Android phone, tablet, or smartwatch.
- Peer-to-Peer Payments: Instantly send and receive money from friends and family through Google Pay.
- Integration with Loyalty Programs: Add loyalty cards and coupons for easy access during transactions.
- Wide Acceptance: Accepted at numerous stores, online platforms, and for public transport.
Why It’s Recommended: Google Pay is widely accepted across the USA, particularly in major cities, offering a convenient, cashless payment option for Android users.
Tips for Using the App:
- Link your bank account or card to Google Pay for seamless payments.
- Watch for promotions like cashback deals offered through Google Pay at participating retailers.
Food Delivery & Dining Apps
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a premier food delivery service that brings a diverse array of culinary options directly to your location. For travelers seeking convenience and variety, Uber Eats is among the best US travel apps for exploring local cuisine without leaving your accommodation.
Key Features:
- Wide Range of Choices: Offers everything from fast food to fine dining, including local favorites and international chains.
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitor your order's journey from the restaurant to your doorstep.
- Cashless Payments: Seamlessly pay via credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Promotions and Discounts: Frequent discounts and special promotions, especially for new users.
Why It’s Recommended: Uber Eats is ideal for first-time visitors looking for convenient and varied food delivery options, particularly when exploring new or unfamiliar areas.
Tips for Using the App:
- Utilize first-order discounts and explore local dining establishments.
- Use the "Group Order" feature when traveling with others for easy bill splitting.
Grubhub
Grubhub is a widely used food delivery app in the USA, celebrated for its broad selection of local eateries and exclusive delivery services. For travelers looking for reliable food delivery with extensive restaurant choices, Grubhub is a strong contender amongst the various food delivery app options.
Key Features:
- Extensive Restaurant Listings: Showcases both local and chain restaurants with various delivery and pick-up options.
- Real-Time Order Tracking: Monitor your order's progress from preparation to delivery.
- Loyalty Rewards: Accumulate points with each order, redeemable for discounts and rewards.
- Flexible Payment Methods: Offers payment via credit cards, PayPal, and gift cards.
Why It’s Recommended: Grubhub is perfect for those seeking a dependable delivery service with a vast array of restaurant options.
Tips for Using the App:
- Look for seasonal or special offers to maximize savings.
- Utilize the "Save for Later" feature to quickly reorder favorite meals.
DoorDash
Overview: DoorDash is a leading food delivery app that specializes in delivering meals from a wide array of restaurants, emphasizing speed and reliability. As a key player in the food delivery app space, it’s a great choice for travelers prioritizing fast and efficient food delivery.
Key Features:
- Fast Delivery: Focuses on delivering meals quickly and reliably, often within an hour.
- Wide Selection: Offers a broad range of dining options, from local favorites to national chains.
- Subscription Service (DashPass): Provides exclusive discounts and reduced delivery fees through its subscription service.
- Real-Time Delivery Tracking: Tracks your food delivery in real-time.
Why It’s Recommended: DoorDash is ideal for travelers seeking fast, reliable, and affordable food delivery with diverse restaurant choices.
Tips for Using the App:
- Consider temporarily subscribing to DashPass for the duration of your trip if you will be ordering frequently to save on delivery fees.
- Utilize the "Favorites" feature to quickly access your preferred restaurants.
Yelp
Yelp is the go-to review and discovery app in the USA, providing comprehensive reviews and ratings for restaurants, cafes, and bars. Beyond reviews, it also offers reservation and ordering features, making it an essential tool for travelers seeking the best local dining experiences.
Key Features:
- Restaurant Reviews: Access detailed reviews, photos, and ratings for dining establishments across the USA.
- Restaurant Discovery: Find restaurants by type, location, cuisine, or price range.
- Reservation Booking: Directly book tables at popular restaurants through Yelp’s integrated system.
- Delivery/Takeout: Discover delivery and takeout options from your favorite restaurants.
Why It’s Recommended: Yelp is a must-have app for travelers looking to explore the local food scene and make informed dining decisions based on reliable reviews and ratings.
Tips for Using the App:
- Utilize filter options to sort restaurants by rating, distance, or cuisine.
- Check recent reviews for the latest feedback on food quality and service.
OpenTable
OpenTable is a widely recognized reservation app that simplifies booking tables at a diverse range of restaurants, from casual eateries to high-end, fine-dining establishments. It's a key tool for travelers looking to secure dining reservations at popular places.
Key Features:
- Instant Reservations: Quickly book restaurant tables with real-time availability and confirmations.
- Restaurant Search: Find restaurants by location, cuisine, price range, and customer ratings.
- Loyalty Points: Earn OpenTable points for each reservation, redeemable for discounts at participating restaurants.
- Customer Reviews: Read detailed customer reviews to ensure a satisfying dining experience.
Why It’s Recommended: OpenTable is essential for securing tables at popular restaurants, particularly for travelers seeking premium dining experiences.
Tips for Using the App:
- Book reservations in advance during peak dining hours or weekends to avoid long waits.
- Look for OpenTable exclusives for access to special reservations and deals.
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