Route Planning Programs
The days of getting lost trying to follow a confusing and large map are over. Route planning programs allow you to pre-program routes and travel efficiently. Free online applications can work well for the casual traveler, though there are options for businesses and frequent travelers as well.
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TripTik
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TripTik is a free, online program from AAA, though you do not need to be a AAA member to use it. Enter your start and end destinations at OurAAA.com. While viewing the final map, you can add destinations, reorder the route and learn about attractions along the way.
Microsoft Streets & Tips
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Connect your laptop to your GPS for spoken directions. According to Microsoft, as of 2010, its Streets & Tips had been rated the top travel and map planning software for nine years in a row. Potential customers can try the program for free for 60 days, prior to purchasing the full version. Your maps can be easily customized for detours, you can add comments and notes to the map and you can share your itinerary with your office or family members. If compatible, your existing GPS can be attached to your laptop for verbal directions.
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Dashfly
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The best delivery route can be customized for efficiency. Dashfly is an option for the busy mom, delivery person, truck driver or anyone else making multiple stops every day. It allows you to input 25 different locations and it will plot them in the most efficient order. You can rearrange the stops if they do not suit your plans. Maps and schedules can be saved, mileage is trackable and data for the nearest, cheapest gas is available. Dashfly is web-based, which means it can be accessed from any computer or smartphone with mobile browsing.
TripIt and TripIt Pro
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If your flight is delayed, you will be informed. TripIt offers a free, basic version, as well as a TripIt Pro version requiring an annual payment. It is ideal for business or frequent travelers, as it combines all of your travel plans --- car, flight, hotel --- into one itinerary.
The Pro version keeps track of your various travel points, ensures that your mobile phone is sent the most up-to-date information about flight delays and cancellations and gives you access to discounted car rentals.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Map or Atlas with keys image by steven Husk from Fotolia.com gps image by AlcelVision from Fotolia.com delivery red trucks image by JoLin from Fotolia.com arriving flights image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
