Travel Apps

Alfred aims to act like the most-plugged-in friend you've got, able to suggest restaurants and night life spots you'll love based on what you already like. But is Alfred the ultimate wingman or will he steer you wrong?

Using an app to stay awake and alert on long car trips is a great idea. Anti Drowse, however, is not a great app and seems more likely to startle a drowsy driver than revive them.

RoadAhead helps travelers find gas, food, lodging, and other important resources off the exits near them on highways. But a few bugs keep it from being the perfect travel companion.

Rest Area Finder promises to help you find facilities when you need them the most on the highway you're already traveling. But an overly simple and sometimes-confusing interface are definite drawbacks.

Rest Area is an app that uses the iPhone's built-in GPS to locate the highway rest stops nearest to you. And while it addresses some of the shortcomings of other apps, will it get you where you need to go?

Travelers are going to love iExit. Not only does it offer comprehensive information about nearby amenities and how to get to them, it offers powerful filtering options to show you only the things you're interested in. Don't leave for your trip without it.

Rest Stops Plus does a good job of helping travelers find nearby rest stops and welcome centers. However, its less-refined interface puts it a half-step behind some of its competitors.

SmartFuel uses the iPhone's GPS and an online service to help you find the cheapest nearby gas and track your savings for the year. But since it requires a subscription, is it the best app of its type?

GasBuddy is a solid gas prices app. It's not as polished as some, and doesn't have quite the degree of accuracy and breadth in its station listings as some apps. On the upside, though, it's free. So, if you don't want to pay for an app, it might merit a look.

Fuel Smart Pro offers accurate prices and comprehensive listings, but its raw and difficult interface makes it less appealing than other competing apps.

Fuel Finder offers drivers a solid package. While its station and price listings have a few errors, its polished interface and "On Fumes" feature are very strong.

Anti Sleep Pilot has a laudable goal: to keep drivers awake and alert to prevent accidents. But a number of bugs and a high price will keep it out of most cars.