I wrote a short guest blog post a few years ago about using two iPhone apps for my micro-adventures…which I think needs a bit of an update.
2014 is the year of the micro-adventure and I’m using the heck out a few different apps to make sure I get from Point A to Point B, can find a decent lunch, and have some fun in between. Maybe I’m not thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, backpacking through Europe, or going on an epic road trip across America, but I am making the most out of my year! I already shared my trips to San Francisco, Mammoth, Austin, San Diego, and New York City…there are more trips and micro-adventures in the works.
What is the one thing I have with me no mater where I go? My phone. So I make sure to have a few different apps available to keep me entertained and on the go:
Yelp - Tried and true, the Yelp app is my go-to app for locating the closest place with vegetarian ramen, know what the “must try” item on a menu is, and to get a good deal. If I have a chance before a trip, I bookmark places to visit — mostly comic book shops and breakfast spots. I don’t share my check-ins while I’m traveling, but I check in to get deals (coupons for Yelp users, usually a free drink!) and so I can remember when and where I visited while traveling.
Google Maps – I use Google Maps quite a bit when in new places to better be able to use public transportation. I found it was super easy to navigate the subway in New York using the app and when we were in Portland, I knew how many minutes I had before I needed to race outside to the MAX to head into downtown.
Geocaching - The digital treasure hunt app helps you take a much closer look at your surroundings. This app is great for killing a few minutes between getting off of work and heading to happy hour with your work friends and for getting off the beaten path when you need to venture away from tourist traps. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road/trail and make good choices when using this app. Safety first.
Yonder - This newer app is “like Instagram for the outdoors”. You can upload photos of your adventures and geo-tag them to specific areas, just like on Instagram. What’s the difference? You can find things to do in your immediate area with a handy-dandy map! Simply open the map and see what photos were uploaded in the area. It’s pretty neat and isn’t specific to just the ‘great outdoors’ you will find many local micro-adventures to take on.
Doughbot - You need fuel on your adventures and sometimes Yelp is too overwhelming…let’s stop pretending and get down to what we really want when we’re discovering new neighborhoods: a damn good doughnut. This app will show you all the doughnut shops around you! Magic.
Classified Day Trips - The new app from Ethos Adventures will take you on a great adventure! Maybe you’ll start the day with a bike ride along the beach and end up catching the sunset on a beautiful hilltop. Here’s a recent post about the app…you can also get your very own customized 1 or 2-day trip from Ethos Adventures set up for you if you’re in California.
LA’s Best Hikes by Modern Hiker - If you’re in Los Angeles and are looking for a hike, check out Casey’s app. Need a ranger station number? It’s there! Looking for a short hike? It’s there! Looking for a longer hike to condition for your trip up Mt. Whitney? It’s there, too.
So here’s to the year of micro-adventures!
What apps would you add to this list?
The post iPhone Apps for Your Next Micro-Adventure appeared first on Campfire Chic.
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