Time to kick back and have some fun with the help of hand selected apps to make your summer sublime. Find the hottest concerts in your ‘hood, name the stars you see in the summer sky or download the app that creates the perfect roadtrip. There’s a little something for everyone on my summer apps list.
1. If it is all about the ride, not the destination then check out Roadtrippers
While I love the Roadtrippers website the most for its story telling and ability to choose ventures at places they call “weird stuff” or “natural wonders,” the app is super simple too. It doesn’t ask for much out of you: just your start and end point and any stops you want to hit along the way. Then, poof, it magically creates a route for you with a full itinerary of stops to make your journey a road trip. Clever features include the ability to work with your favorite GPS app, directing you to independent, off-the-beaten path stops and practical things like estimate gas usage.
Get it here: on iOS and Android
2. Dubsmash your way to a good time at your next summer soiree
One of the most popular apps on iTunes and Google Play right now and one of the biggest crazes out there – Dubsmash is “hilariously amazing,” in the words of one reviewer. It is a craze growing around the world, check out these latest celeb Dubsmashes. The app lets you take famous voice overs, songs or whatever and dubs it over a homemade selfie videos. As one user notes, “The app can only be as funny as you are, so inventive ideas and cool lip syncing can make this app your favorite one,” so get a few drinks going first before you start rolling. You’re welcome on this one – and email me your Dubsmash!
Get it here: on iOS and Android
3. Stargaze the night away and know what you’re talk about with SkyView
“If you’ve ever wanted to know what you’re looking at in the night sky, this app is the perfect stargazer’s companion, ” so says CNET. I usually find myself spotting no fewer than 7 Big Dippers in the night sky and, thus, this app is well suited for me. Simply point your device’s camera at the sky to identify galaxies, stars, constellations and whatnot. The app will even illustrate certain constellations, so they become visually clear. You can set reminders when certain celestial events happen, so you won’t miss them. One nice perk for camping, boating or even in the air is that WiFi is NOT required and so you don’t need any sort of signal to use it, which means you can use it anywhere.
4. Watch your favorite band in concert – or discover your next favorite band – with the help of Bandsintown
Concerts and summer time just go together – but I never seem to get my act together to see as many concerts as I’d like. With the help of Bandsintown, it finds artists based on my tastes and my music selection, sets a reminder when tickets go on sale and allows me to invite friends. It even alerts you when the bands you like are close to you. It doesn’t limit self to headliners, the app also suggests local events and venues, so you can find something to do on an ordinary summer night for cheap.
Get it here: On iOS and Android
Honorable Mention:
5. Be the Glamourpuss you are, all summer long, with GLAMSQUAD, which brings a beauty crew to your doorstep
Let’s face it – there are too many places to be seen this summer and there’s never enough time for pampering. Don’t risk not looking your best for that party in Southampton and don’t run all over town doing it. Thanks to GlamSquad, you can get a trained beauty pro at your place for a blow out, a mani and makeup for a reasonable price. The company, headed by my classmate Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, formerly of Gilt, brings on-demand beauty to your doorstep. The difference here is expertly trained pros that undergo “character assessment and education” so you have a top notch experience. Simple interface, easy to understand pricing, Lucky gals in NYC, LA, Miami (and expanding), get on board.
Get it here: for iOS only
