Use These Mobile Apps To Plan Your Next Florida Vacation

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Planning a trip to Florida doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right apps, you can have a safe, relaxing, hassle-free time in the Sunshine State. Whether you’re planning an LGBT-friendly getaway or a modern family vacation, here are some of the best apps you can use:

1. Visit Florida

Visit Florida is an app managed by the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. It contains everything you need to plan the perfect trip, such as information on Florida’s beautiful beaches, cool places to go, things to do, and more. It even has a list of deals and discounts from the company’s partners, such as Hilton hotels, Universal Orlando, Disney Seaworld, and Walt Disney World.

To help ensure that you have a fun and safe vacation, the app also provides information on existing COVID-19 safety protocols. But what makes it truly special is that it also has a special section for the LGBT community. There, you can find the lowdown on LGBT-friendly destinations and events.

2. Allstays Camp and RV

Planning a camping trip to Florida is easy with Allstays Camp and RV. The app includes a map of places where you can park your motorhome, trailer, or tent right on the sand.

One of the key benefits of using the app is that campgrounds don’t pay to be listed, so you can trust that the information you’re getting is real and unbiased. It also includes both private and state campgrounds, while other lists only include parks that fall under one of these categories. Simply filter what type of park you want to visit, to get a list of options.

Along with a detailed list of campgrounds, the app also shares details about amenities you’ll find on your travel routes, such as gas stations and rest areas. It even includes information for people who are looking for pet-friendly locations.

3. Outdoor Florida

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then the Outdoor Florida app is a must-have. It’s a free and all-inclusive guide to the state’s national parks, complete with photo galleries and park descriptions. Moreover, the app contains up-to-date information on park advisories, policies, and events.

4. Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is a mobile app managed by the Official Tourism Association for Orlando. The app allows you to purchase discounted tickets to theme parks and attractions, consult with a guide in real-time, and search for an extensive list of things to do in the state. The app also contains information on how to travel safely within the city.

5. Next Exit History

One of the most compelling reasons to travel is to learn more about the local culture and history. If that sounds right up your alley, download Next Exit History. This unique travel app shares information about the historical sites in the vicinity.

That’s not all: the app even has a History Hunters game that allows you to collect badges for checking out historic sites, answering trivia, and completing scavenger hunts.

The app was developed by researchers from the University of West Florida in partnership with Historical Research Associates. With that said, you can expect the app to contain in-depth information about the state.

6. Booking.com

Booking.com is one of the leading websites for people looking for safe and comfortable accommodations around the world. It has a sleek, user-friendly interface that allows you to find a nice place to stay, no matter your destination. Plus, not only does the company guarantee to offer the best price to travelers, but it also has a price match guarantee if you find cheaper deals online.

Like the website, the Booking.com app contains all the reservation and booking management features you need for your stay. Cancellations are usually free and easy, and prices are clearly stated in your local currency.

The company also awards a Travel Proud badge to properties that are committed to providing service to everyone, especially members of the LGBT community. The badge is given to properties where hospitality staff is specially trained to offer inclusive stays and use the right language in interactions.

Booking.com

7. Lyft

Ride-sharing apps like Lyft makes traveling around Florida easy and convenient, especially if you’re staying in urban centers. Lyft will take you directly to your hotel or to your travel destination and is also available at the Orlando International Airport.

One reason to choose Lyft over other ride-sharing apps is that the company is committed to creating an inclusive community. The app allows passengers to specify preferred pronouns and also gives people the option to keep this information private. The company also offers several LGBT support programs that support transgender and nonbinary communities.

8. Yelp

Yelp is one of the most popular apps for finding local restaurants and tourist attractions. Users can post reviews and rate businesses so that you can easily find the best place to visit in town.

In the last couple of years, Yelp has also added search features that make it easy to find LGBTQ-owned businesses in the community. If you’re looking for LGBT-friendly shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, then Yelp is the way to go!

9. Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is one of the most popular apps for travel planning. It contains everything you need to plan the perfect vacation: a list of hotels, vacation rentals, activities, and restaurants. Like Yelp, users can leave reviews on each destination so that you can easily find out what to expect.

Tripadvisor has specific sections for each state in the United States, and Florida is no exception. You’ll find must-see destinations as well as places that are off the beaten path. Tripadvisor also provides information on LGBTQ-friendly activities and a catalog of LGBTQ-owned businesses.

10. Florida 511

If you prefer to drive during your out-of-town trip to Florida, then you need the Florida 511 mobile app. It offers real-time information on traffic conditions and incident information in the state. It also gives you insight into the local traffic conditions statewide.

To make it easy for you to navigate while driving, Florida511 allows you to make voice commands and request information regarding a specific city or county. Plus, the app will show you a list of important destinations, parking locations, and availability.

11. Misterb&b

Misterb&b is a one-of-a-kind listing app that focuses on helping people book LGBTQ-friendly accommodations. Here, you can find private rooms, apartments, and hotels. The app also contains verified reviews from LGBTQ travelers. Hosts are usually part of the LGBTQ+ community or verified allies who offer gay-friendly accommodations.

12. Go Paddling

LGBTQ travelers who want to learn the best places to paddle around Florida should download the Go Paddling app. It contains detailed information for people interested in kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling around the state. Whether you want to check out the Black River in North Florida or the Crystal River in Central Florida, you can plan your trip using Go Paddling.

13. My Disney Experience

My Disney Experience is the official Walt Disney World app. It allows users to plan and share vacation details, make dining reservations, and search maps for all theme parks. With this, you’ll have no trouble creating a personalized itinerary. The app also contains information on health and safety protocols that you need to follow in the park.

Start Planning Your Dream Florida Getaway Today

Everyone deserves to have a safe and relaxing vacation. With the tools and apps listed here, you won’t have problems finding LGBT-friendly accommodations and transportation. These apps can also help you find the hottest LGBTQ events and destinations in town. Download them now and start planning your next getaway!

***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

View All Post By Rachel Covello