These apps help you drink better while traveling
Exploring the local booze scene is a great way to get to know a destination, but the watering hole you end up at can be a crap shoot that can make or break your trip. Instead of rolling the dice, use the following apps to help you maximize your drinking experience while traveling. Note: All apps are free on iOS and Android unless otherwise stated.
1. Untappd. If you're a beer lover, this app allows you to log bars and breweries you've visited and rate beers you've tasted to remember which beers actually liked, so you can find that perfect Czech pilsner when you get back home. You can also read other reviews, search nearby beers, bars and trending venues to find cool beer-centric venues nearby.
2. Happy Hour Finder. It's always 5 o'clock with this app, which uses your location (or an address you input) to find the best deals around (U.S. only). Choose between reading deals as a list or looking at them on a real-time map, and even input dates to plan for future post-meeting cocktails later on in the week.
3. CouchSurfing. This app isn't just great for free accommodation (and avoiding annoying hotel fees), but attending and planning meetups with locals and other travelers. Find the relevant city forum for your destination and see where the locals suggest heading to get off the typical tourist trail.
4. DrinkAdvisor. Covering more than 200 cities, DrinkAdvisor is the TripAdvisor for booze hounds, helping travelers choose nearby watering holes by searching venues on criteria like "craft cocktails" and "dance bar" based on peer reviews. Cocktail recipes and facts add a fun twist, while the ability to save lists for offline use and an event planning function are also handy.
5. Bar Roulette. Sign up with Uber for this spontaneous drinking app, which incorporates Yelp to send users to surprise venues. You won´t know where you´re going until you arrive, which can make for a fun travel excursion in itself, and helps relieve the stress of planning.
6. ScoutMob. This deals-and-events app offers coupons and pop up notifications to score you up to 50% off drinks and dinner (in larger U.S. cities).
7. BottlesTonight (iOS). For those looking to do it up with table and bottle service, this app let´s you book same-day bottle service (you can actually book up to seven days in advance) and research local venues. There´s even a BottlesTonight Concierge to answer any booze-related questions you may have.
What's your favorite drinking app while traveling?
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.