Now that small businesses are starting to re-open all around us, it is time that we get out and support them. Below, your favorite Orange County Bookkeepers have listed some Apps that will help you navigate towards the small business of your choice.
Google Maps
Google Maps is the all-around favorite, whether you own an iPhone or an Android. The default navigation system on the iPhone is Apple Maps, so you will need to download Google Maps to get it.
The database is robust, mostly up-to-date, and shows not only places but also traffic congestion.
Waze
Waze is a crowd-sourced app that is useful to view current traffic conditions. The App helps you chose the most advantageous route to navigate you to your destination quickest. It has some fun features, such as the speed limit of the road you are on. You can even set it to warn you when you are speeding. Waze users let others know where local police are checking for speeders, although this is a bit of a controversial use of the software. Other user reports include the locations of construction, road hazards, gas stations, and toll roads. A carpooling feature is also available.
At this time, Google Maps and Waze, both owned by Google, are the only apps available for Auto navigation on Android phones.
Komoot
Do you prefer to cycle or hike? If so, Komoot’s AllTrails App maps all of the hiking and cycling trails around your town. It lets you know the distance, elevation, and suggested fitness level of each trail so you can plan accordingly. You can set routes and save them as well as favorite your local trails.
There are no fees to use the above apps. The following apps require a fee to use.
Bird and Lime
Don’t have your own ride? You may have seen people riding on motorized scooters or simply seen scooters parked on sidewalks scattered here and there. Welcome to the new field of micromobility. If you need to get somewhere that is too short a distance for a car but too long to walk, you can unlock one of these rides with an app and hop on. A couple of companies in this space include Bird Rides Inc. (bird.co) and Lime (li.me), and Lyft.
Uber and Lyft
Of course, if you want to travel by car, you can get a quick ride via Uber or Lyft as well as rent a car at all the traditional places.
Which Apps are your favorite to use while traveling? Please share your thoughts with your favorite Orange County Bookkeepers at Team One Accounting.
