Smartphones: They're more than just a distraction to help us find funny cat videos. Your smartphone can become an invaluable tool when traveling if you use the right apps. That's where things can get complicated, though, as hundreds of "travel" apps flood both the Google Play and iOS app stores.

But which apps are actually helpful when you are on vacation or on the road for business? AAA breaks down our favorite travel apps that will make your trip less stressful and more fun!

Google Translate

Instant translation technology may seem like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie, but it's here!

Available on both Android and iOS, Google Translate can translate between 103 languages by typing and 32 languages through speech recognition.

You can translate text in photos, handwriting, and if you travel somewhere without Internet service, you don't even need to be online to access text translations in 59 languages.

One neat feature is Google Translate's ability to help you have a conversation with someone you don't share a language with. Take turns speaking and watch the app talk aloud in the language your companion will understand!

Download Google Translate on Google Play or iOS.

PackPoint

Vacations should be as stress-free as possible, but for some reason, we always tend to procrastinate and worry about packing. Are we bringing too much stuff, or did we forget something we'll regret not having later? It's a recurring issue.

PackPoint makes sure you have exactly what you need by creating a profile based on your destination, length of stay, reason for trip and other key information. It will then create a custom packing list for you, allowing you to check off each item as you pack.

The app is free, but a premium paid version integrates with other apps.

Download PackPoint on Android and iOS.

Polarsteps - Travel Tracker

When you are traveling and taking in your new surroundings, it's not always easy to keep a record of your experiences. Polarsteps does the work for you, just bring your smartphone along for the trip. The app will create a dynamic visualization of your journey, including photos you took, that you can share with family and friends.

Polarsteps can easily turn your trip into a high-quality printed photo album, and the app is great for observing your friend's or family's travels as well, giving you a real time view of their adventures.

Download Polarsteps on Android and iOS.

Roadside America

The only iOS-exclusive app on our list, Roadside America comes highly recommended as a resource for unique landmarks and quirky sites around the U.S. and Canada. You can search by destination, or let the app's GPS tracking kick in to find nearby attractions during your journey.

Users supply reports, photos, reviews and tips to help guide you on your way, and new attractions are constantly being added!

Download Roadside America on iOS. 

AAA Mobile

Of course, we aren't going to forget our own app! AAA Mobile includes many of the AAA services you've come to count on in a convenient mobile format. One popular feature is the mobile version of AAA’s TripTik® Travel Planner, which helps you find and get directions to AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels, restaurants and attractions, and lets you create and share trips between your desktop and mobile devices.

The app also includes hotel and rental car booking, gas price listings, member discounts, and locations for AAA Approved Auto Repair® facilities and AAA office locations. You can even use the app to request Roadside Assistance!

Looking for an app with a full suite of travel and discount tools to help you on the road or at home? Download the AAA Mobile app today on Android and iOS.

GET AAA MOBILE APP