TripIt Blog

Favorite Apps of an Invention Hunter

Recently, I sat down with Steve Greenberg, author of Gadget Nation and host of the new kitchen gadget discovery show "Invention Hunters," which premieres tonight at 9/8c on the Food Network.

"Road warrior" does not do justice for the amount of time Steve spends on the road. And while he relies on TripIt Pro to keep him in one piece (while earning hundreds of dollars back on airfare), Steve turns to a handful of other apps to keep him entertained and informed while conquering planes, trains and automobiles. 

Here are some of Steve's go-to apps while traveling:

1. TED Talks - Not technically an app, but TED's prolific speakers can be viewed in airplane mode by downloading each episode from iTunes. Prepare to be inspired.
2. TV Food Maps - Want to dine like a pro? Sync your TripIt account, and the app will find nearby restaurants where hosts from the Food Network and the Travel Channel have ventured. If Anthony Bourdain likes it, I abide.
3. Roamz - Now that you're fed, here's an easy way to find something to do in the neighborhood. The app aggregates photos and content from social networks to help you navigate the town like a local.
4. 2CamShoot - Here's a great way to share a video message with loved ones while spotting something noteworthy during your travels. This app allows you to simultaneously shoot video from both forward and rear-facing cameras.
5. Trulia - Have you fallen in love with the destination enough to make it your second home? Or, are you simply a fantasy real estate shopper? Trulia will keep it real, by showing you nearby listings.

What apps do you use while in flight, or after you land? We'd love to hear from you.

Also, see more from Steve Greenberg on Facebook, Twitter and his blog.

TripIt Reveals Top 10 Holiday Destinations for Tech-Savvy Travelers

In honor of Independence Day, we decided to take a look at the Top 10 US Destinations that tech-savvy travelers are headed for the holiday weekend. 

These are the most popular places for TripIt travelers, which you can spot by their manila folder-free ensemble, smartphone in hand, and overall Zen-like appearance.

Image courtesy of Hyrck. on Flickr 

Top 10 US Destinations for Tech-Savvy Travelers - July 4^th Holiday Weekend (ranked by number of itineraries created in TripIt)

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. San Francisco
4. Los Angeles
5. Las Vegas
6. Boston
7. Washington DC
8. Seattle
9. Denver
10. Orlando

Those headed to New York City can trek to Coney Island to see Joey Chestnut scarf down 68 hot dogs in the Nathan’s Famous 2011 International Hot Dog Eating Contest, going strong since 1916. Don’t forget to live tweet that meat! Follow @eatingcontest on Twitter.

It’s also the 125^th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, which Macy’s is celebrating with a fireworks show on the Hudson, featuring Beyonce and airing on NBC. Catching stars of the Great White Way or Lincoln Center while you’re in town? Don’t forget to send your ticket confirmation to plans@tripit.com. 

Image courtesy of Medhead on Flickr

Chicago offers more than hot dogs at its annual foodie fest, Taste of Chicago, which wraps up July 3, and if you’re still hungry for more don’t forget to send us your OpenTable reservations too. Boston-bound travelers can catch a game (or dog) at Fenway or walk the Freedom Trail.

And since you shared your TripIt plans with your hosts in San Francisco, LA or Seattle nice and early, they’ve no doubt planned for your arrival with a swanky rooftop or cul-de-sac party to watch the fireworks. Blankets at no extra cost. 

If you’re renting a car to get a break from the heat in Vegas, Denver, or Orlando, no need to pay for navigation: use TripIt’s iPad app to get turn-by-turn directions.

There’s no better place to celebrate American history than Washington, D.C. It goes without saying that the Nation’s Capitol offers a plethora of patriotic events, including its annual concert on the Mall, “A Capitol Fourth,” also airing on PBS.  

We’ve merely scratched the surface on things to do this weekend. What do you recommend in the Top 10 cities above for the holiday?