The One App You Need for Every Road Trip

This driving app is so popular that Google bought it for over $1 billion (yes, that’s billion with a “b”). So what makes Waze so amazing that almost 50 million people use it? Its community aspect—users report traffic jams, accidents, and police speed traps, so you’ll always get real-time information on what’s ahead. Here’s why you need to download Waze before you embark on any road trip:

The Price

It’s totally free—you won’t have to pay extra to get any of the features. (And no, Waze isn’t paying us to write this article either, we just really love using it.)

RELATED: Five Free Apps to Keep You Out of Jail on Vacation

Community-Edited Maps

Waze is like Wikipedia for maps—community editors are constantly updating the app’s maps, so hopefully you’ll never run into a dead end or closed street again.

RELATED: How the Sharing Economy Opens New Doors for Travelers

Find Cheaper Gas

Users update fuel prices in real time at gas stations, so you’ll be able to see exactly where you should fill up for the cheapest tank.

RELATED: The Best One-Tank Road Trips for Summer

Real-Time Traffic and Road Information

Waze uses data from people who are driving with the app open, as well as user-reports, to alert you to traffic jams or road hazards. The app will also automatically reroute you if there’s a major delay up ahead and a faster route is available. It can also alert you to speed traps lurking up the road.

RELATED: Seven Safety Tips for Road Trips

Voice Navigation

The app uses turn-by-turn voice navigation so you won’t have to take your eyes off the road to check directions. To make your ride even more fun, you can turn on special voice packs and have a celebrity (like Arnold Schwarzenegger) guide you to your destination. (Our favorite: the “boy band” setting, which sings your directions.)

RELATED: 10 Best Secret US Road Trips

Customize Your Route

Just washed your car and don’t want to go down any dirt roads? You can set your route to avoid them, or customize your drive to stay off freeways or avoid tolls.
You can download Waze for Android, Apple, or Microsoft.

Do you love or hate Waze? Tell us in the comments.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Best Apps for Road Trips
• Don’t Leave Home Without These Road-Trip Essentials
• Seven Scenic Roads Too Terrifying to Drive