The Best Way To Stay Up-To-Date On Rest Stops And More When Road Tripping On A Major Interstate

One of the best things about taking a road trip is the pleasant surprises you find along the way. You're sure to stumble along many hidden gems that aren't overrun with tourists, regardless of the season. Plus, you can easily take a detour if you change your mind about what you want to do that day, or if the weather forces you to change your plans. The downside, as seasoned road trippers well know, is those long stretches when there isn't a rest stop or restaurant in sight for miles.

Well, as it turns out, there's a travel app for that! Before you embark on a road trip on a major interstate, be sure to download iExit. Designed with this exact issue in mind, the app provides a guide to upcoming exits and where you can find gas stations, grocery stores, hotels, hospitals, and even local attractions that may not have been on your radar.

Software developer Evan Metrock came up with the idea for iExit after he and his wife ran into problems finding their food of choice on road trips, he explained to DatingAdvice.com. If they were having a craving (Chick-fil-A, for example) and there was nothing to fit the bill nearby, it was a challenge to find the right place to eat. "For anyone that's been on a long road trip with a significant other, or anyone for that matter, finding a place to eat that appeals to everyone can be a challenge," Metrock said. "We have countless reviews from roadtrippers traveling with multiple people who used iExit to find food that everyone could agree on."

Metrock started by creating a Chick-fil-A finder, which quickly expanded to other restaurants, then gas stations and local attractions. iExit has also joined forces with OPIS, Yelp, and Travel Coupons so you can find the cheapest gas prices and highest-rated restaurants, and get same-day hotel deals.

As Consumer Reports pointed out, there are a few drawbacks: The app's font size is rather small, and the app itself focuses on interstate highways as opposed to lesser-known roads. Additionally, iExit should be navigated by either a passenger or when the car isn't in motion at all. Just like you shouldn't scroll through social media while driving, don't try to multitask with this app. Take it from the creator: "Like any smartphone app, iExit shouldn't be used by the driver of a vehicle," Metrock told DatingAdvice.com, noting that the person in the passenger's seat is the best choice to operate iExit.

But as long as you follow reasonable safety precautions, iExit can make for a much smoother road trip — and prevent said road trippers from getting hangry or grouchy because they've needed to use the restroom for the past hour. And since the restaurant list isn't limited to fast food, it's the perfect way to find a great restaurant to sit down, relax, and eat a high-quality meal after a long day of driving.