Tech to help your trip run more smoothly
You can even find one that will help with your towing! Here’s our pick of the best driver assistance apps
Reverse My Trailer
This driver simulator program should help you get to grips with those tricky caravan reversing manoeuvres. You’ll receive an animated tutorial before taking the controls of a 3D simulator with multiple views, to give you as realistic an experience as possible. The driving mirror views give you a clear sight of what you would see from your driving position, and you can toggle between left and right mirrors and select from a range of towing vehicles and trailers. Set autopilot mode for a demonstration of how to complete a manoeuvre.
› www.reverse mytrailer.co.uk
› IOS and Android Price Free for lite version, or 99p
Copilot Caravan Navigation
Built with caravanners in mind, this app is perfect for those who want a sat nav that works a bit harder. It has caravan-specific routing, offline maps and information on useful places, such as rest areas and fuel stations. Features include Activetraffic, which points out where potential delays might occur and gives accurate ETAS, so you can plan accordingly; maps for 150 countries; and up-to-date speed limit information and safety camera warnings.
› copilotgps.com/ en-gb/caravannavigation
› IOS
Price 14-day free trial; £25.99 for 12 months of voice-guided offline navigation, route planning and traffic
Motorway Services GB
Ideal for those who regularly tour around the UK, this app offers comprehensive details on motorway services. If you’re looking for the nearest services or want to know whether a service station offers particular brands and/or facilities, you can use the search function to find those that will best suit your needs. The app allows you to save details of your favourite services for quick access, and can find and book hotels located at motorway service stations.
› apps.apple.com/ gb/app/motorwayservices-gb/ id835376317
› IOS
Price £2.49
Petrolprices
The developers of this price comparison app claim that the average member saves £200 a year on petrol and diesel. But even if you only save half that, it’s all money in the bank. You can search by postcode, town or city, filter by individual brands and fuel types, and sort results by the cheapest stations or those nearest to you. Other features include the ‘Rant and Rave’ section, where users can offer feedback on stations they have used, and a price update facility so prices are as current as possible.
› petrolprices.com
› IOS and Android Price Free
Viamichelin GPS Route Planner
Michelin has built a reputation for the very best and this GPS route planner is no exception, particularly for Europe. It has excellent maps, routes with real-time traffic and 3D mapping GPS navigation with voice guidance. Multiple routes are available, with journey time based on traffic, and it also details distance to travel and estimated fuel costs. It will help you find the cheapest fuel station, and prices are available for each fuel station in France, Italy and Spain. Selections of hotels, restaurants and tourist sites from Michelin’s celebrated guide are also included.
› viamichelin.co.uk
› IOS and Android Price Free