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6 ways social media can improve your road trip

Do you bring along your smartphone when you hit the road?

SOCIAL MEDIA HAS changed the way we live our lives.

It’s changed how we connect with friends, organise plans – and it can even change the way you drive. Are you planning any trips around the country over the summer? Well check out how your smartphone can enhance the road trip. (And of course, it goes without saying that you should never use your phone while actually driving!)

1. Get traffic updates on Twitter

You can follow news sources, Garda Traffic, AA Roadwatch or just your fellow drivers out there on the road – and receive minute for minute, extremely accurate traffic advice. Sure, it beats getting stuck on the N11.

2. Post your trip photos on Instagram

Ah, the best part of all. Shooting the scenery from a brief lay-by pit-stop and letting everyone stuck in work know that you’re living the life.

Image: Fiona Hyde/TheJournal.ie

3. Create a playlist on Spotify

Road trips are nothing without an accompanying soundtrack. You can share your tunes with everyone by creating a special playlist on Spotify. If Spotify isn’t your thing, YouTube also lets you create playlists of your favourite videos.

4. Document it all on Facebook

Facebook connects you to almost everyone in your life these days. That’s why it’s the ideal place to send out updates, share some quick snaps and get in touch with your friends around the country – who knows? They might even want to come along on the road trip.

5. Share your route with Glympse

Glympse is a ground-breaking social network that enables you to share your location with selected people for a specified period of time. Share your location from your smartphone and then give the link to whoever you choose.

Glympse is used to enable spontaneous meet-ups, for safety, or for checking in with people. It’s perfect for letting your friends and family where you are along your drive.

Image: the AA

6. Ask for advice on TripAdvisor

Are you going to the farflung back of nowhere? No idea where to stay? You should definitely be checking hotel and venue review sites. The incomparable wisdom of the travellers who have been there, done that and declined the novelty T-shirt will steer you right every time.

Image: Imgur

And if Mars isn’t your destination of choice, you can always try AA Hotels to find the nearest and best hotel or B&B to you while you’re on the road. You see, for every aspect of road trips, the AA really do have you covered. Check out the latest offers and find out more at theAA.ie.

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