Enhance Your Road Trip with GPS-Based Tour Apps

Feb 18

Written By Mandy

Posted August 27, 2021

Updated October 9, 2023

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Are you tired of boring, uninspired road trips where you have no idea what you're looking at? If so, it's time to bring along a tour guide on your next journey. With the rise of GPS-based tour apps, exploring an area has never been easier or more educational. These apps are low to no cost and will enhance any scenic byway, national park, or drive from here to there. In this post, we'll explore some of the best tour guide apps out there, including GuideAlong, Autio, TravelStorys, Just Ahead, and Spectrum Travel.

GuideAlong (formerly GyPSy Guide)

First up, GuideAlong is an app that uses GPS technology to provide an interactive tour experience. The app features professional tour guides who will provide commentary on the local area, history, and attractions. The app uses real-time location tracking to ensure that you are always up to date on the best places to visit even when you don’t have a cell signal. With GuideAlong, you can learn about the local flora and fauna, the area's geology, and the region's history. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices and is a great tool for those who want to explore the outdoors in a more meaningful way.

I like to describe GuideAlong as a super knowledgeable tour guide who’s hanging out in the backseat to make sure you get the best information possible but doesn’t overdo it. If you are going to Maui anytime soon GuideAlong is a MUST for the Road to Hana and do not turn it off on your way back.

Autio (formerly HearHere)

Next on the list is Autio (formerly HearHere). Autio is an app that provides thousands of location-based audio stories and experiences. Unlike any of the other apps on this list, Autio is nationwide, meaning you could be anywhere in the US and a story is probably nearby. With Autio, you can learn about the history of an area, the people who lived there, and the events that shaped the local culture. The app features a wide and diverse range of stories, from local legends and myths to historical events and notable figures. And even a few narrated by co-founder Kevin Costner. With Autio, you can explore an area on your own terms, taking in the stories and experiences that interest you the most. The app is available for download on iOS devices only (for now) and is a great tool for those who want to explore an area in a more immersive way.

I describe Autio as if it’s like having a really knowledgeable grandpa sitting in the backseat telling you all sorts of different stories about the spot you’re in. The stories in Texas are especially funny.

TravelStorys

TravelStorys is another GPS-based tour app that is worth checking out. With TravelStorys, you can explore an area with the help of a local expert. It’s one of the best ways to discover the richness of unknown areas in our country. We came upon TravelStorys in Southern Colorado and learned so much more during a tour of the Cuchara Valley than we would have ever been able to understand without it. It made the drive so much more special. The app features audio tours narrated by professional guides, who will provide commentary on the local history, culture, and attractions. With TravelStorys, you can learn about the local flora and fauna, the area's geology, and the region's history. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices and is an excellent tool for those who want to explore an area from a local's perspective.

I like to describe TravelStorys as having a longtime local in the car with you - they want to teach you all about the area and the little-known tales about a place they obviously love.

JustAhead

Just Ahead is a GPS-based tour app that is perfect for exploring mostly national parks with a few other outdoor areas. With Just Ahead, you can learn from various authors who have studied the area extensively and created the tour. The app features audio tours narrated by professional guides, who will provide commentary on the local history, culture, and attractions. JustAhead is possibly the most detailed of all the apps, for example, Yellowstone has over 600 stories alone! The app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices and is an excellent tool for those who want to explore the great outdoors in a more educational way.

I like to describe JustAhead as having a National Park Ranger in the car with you. So much information and so educational!!

Spectrum Travel

Last but not least Spectrum Travel is a tour app that I discovered on the Apple App Store one day without much fanfare, but with very high user ratings. The app features a wide range of audio and visual content, including photos, videos, and audio commentary. Though the developer mainly focuses on the US Southwest, there are also tours for Chicago and Houston. This brand is available for download on iOS devices only. It looks like Spectrum is affiliated with Action Tour Guide which has tons of different tours, be sure to check them out too. Note: We haven’t used Spectrum Travel or Action Tour yet, but the reviews are excellent, so I had to include them on this list.

I truly believe bringing a tour guide along on your next road trip can be an incredible way to enhance your experience and learn more about the local area. With the help of GPS-based tour apps like GuideAlong, Autio, TravelStorys, Just Ahead, and Spectrum Travel, you can explore an area in a more meaningful and educational way. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or all of the above, these apps have something for everyone. So next time you're out exploring, be sure to bring along a tour guide in your car and see what you've been missing out on.