TripRider Review: Meet the Cadillac of Travel Apps (+ Free Promo Codes!).

By Randy Kalp Posted in - Travel Resources & Travel Review on January 10th, 2013

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For years, I’ve wanted a moleskin notebook. That sleek black cover with its rounded corners and elastic closure calls to me every time we start planning a new trip.

But time and time again I resisted the urge. See I realized a long time ago that I don’t like journaling–in the traditional sense that is; I have always preferred typing to writing, unless I’m reporting on a story. And as much as I’d like to think I would use my moleskine for deep thoughts, notes and sketches, the truth is I knew in my heart that I never would–my handwriting is awful and my drawing skills are even worse. Plus, I’ve become hooked on using my iPhone to capture our travel stories. It has streamlined the process and there is no better example of this than TripRider [4.99/Free].

Travellers Section: Add everyone who is travelling with you, including yourself.

Over the past couple of years I tried a lot of different apps for chronicling our trips and I can say with confidence that TripRider is the most complete travel notebook app I have ever used–it is the Swiss Army Knife of travel apps. In the past to get the functionality that I get with TripRider, I would have had to use a multitude of apps to organize, manage and share my trip.

TripRider is user friendly, making it easy to pick up and start planning your next trip.

Beyond travel management tools and notebook functions, like Diary, Quick Notes, TripRider features an arrary of travel planning solutions, including Packing List and Expense sections as well as a Wallet to securely store important information–documents, credit cards and tickets, and a Maps sections to organize and add photos of all the essential maps for your journey, which can be accessed without an internet connection. In fact, one of my favorite things about TripRider is that it plays so well offline.

Other designs characteristics that I really enjoy about TripRider is its stylish vintage look and the fact that it takes up minimal space–216 mb–on your device. It’s truly a beautiful app. Additionally, the app’s Photo Album does a great job of organizing your photos into trip folders when you export them into “Photo” app. And I love that you can create and export a Trip Book to iBooks that can be easily shared with your family and friends.

TripRider Provided Us With 5 Free Promo Codes! How You Can Get One:

We’ve got some great trips lined up for this year and I can’t wait to start using TripRider to plan and capture our 2013 travels. In the meantime, we’d love to hear about where you are traveling to this year, so the first five people who comment will get a free download code for TripRider in the Apple App Store.

App Store Links:

TripRider Lite, Free (Universal)

TripRider, 4.99 (Universal)

*While TripRider provided us with review copies of its app, our thoughts and opinions are entirely our own.

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*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first. Thanks!

(60) awesome folk have had something to say...

Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) -

January 10, 2013 at 6:05 am

I have never been a very good journal keeper either, but I have diligently been keeping notes in our iPad’s “Note” app for the past five months… this sounds WAY better!

We kicked off 2013 in Singapore & have since moved to Malaysia. We’re heading to Borneo in a few days and after that, we plan to continue our northward move through South East Asia. Not sure if Thailand, Myanmar, or Vietnam will be next, but that is part of the fun!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:31 am
  
  @Steph (@ 20 Years Hence), You are going to love it Steph! I used to take notes in the “Note” App to and Catch, but TripRider blows both of those away in terms of what you can do with it.
  
  Have fun exploring SEA! 🙂 We’ve been trying to get over their for years now, and are hoping that this year may finally be the year.
Pauline -

January 10, 2013 at 7:58 am

Happy New Year, Beers & Beans!!

I LOVE journal-ing. I always set aside some time every night to write something in my travel journal. It’s an awesome feeling to read through past entries and relive the experience. Although, I wouldn’t mind trying the electronic version.. 🙂

We started 2013 in London, Amsterdam, and Dublin. I’m home now, but I’m already thinking of taking a short jaunt possibly to NYC in February. Hopefully, India or South America will happen this year (PERU!).

Btw, Beth – I won the street photo contest you held this past summer and I finally used the transfer voucher with Suntransfer last week. Again, thank you!! They were so easy to work with and it definitely added smiles on our faces to know that we didn’t need to worry about arranging transportation for our 9AM flight out of Dublin.
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:36 am
  
  @Pauline, Beth does more journaling than me, but it’s something I going to try to do more of in 2013, especially now that I’ve found the TripRider app.
  
  Have fun on all your travels this year, it looks like 2013 is going one great big journey. 🙂
  
  Beth and I are really happy the voucher worked out for you guys! Nothing better than not having to worry about early morning transportation, especially when you have a flight to catch.
Chetan Bhati -

January 10, 2013 at 8:14 am

Adios Beers and beans,
Me and my amigos went to the tomatino fest last year and had the most amazing time. We here in India have a similar festival called Holi, the festival of colors which is celebrated to rejoice the victory of good over bad which is a lot fun too but tomatino was a lot more energetic, indulgent and ‘organic’ 🙂
Hoping to catch the Rio carnival next year 🙂
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:49 am
  
  @Chetan Bhati, Glad you got to experience the Tomatino festival! We haven’t been yet, but it is definitely on our short list of things to do.
  
  Thanks for the heads up about Holi, I hadn’t heard of that before. 🙂
Andrea -

January 10, 2013 at 8:14 am

Would love to try this. Just came back from Africa and would start with some entries about Africa. Have plans for India later this year and several shorter trips in between. Would be great!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:50 am
  
  @Andrea, Have fun entering your entries for Africa! I think you are really going to enjoy using TripRider.
Melanie Machado -

January 10, 2013 at 8:16 am

I have traveled to many places and always hated carrying many things. This app looks amazing. I have a couple of trips to North Carolina, Vancouver, Banff and Iceland and this app looks like that it would help me out greatly in keeping everything organized.
Keeping a journal with your thoughts helps with pronunciation and locations – so helpful.
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:52 am
  
  @Melanie Machado, I try to keep things to a minimum too. So, I think you’ll find that the app will help you keep things more organized while saving space.
  
  Have fun on your adventures this year! 🙂
Andrea -

January 10, 2013 at 8:18 am

Would love to try this. Just came back from Africa and would start with putting in some entries about Africa. Planning a trip to India for later this year with several trips in between. Looks like a great app.
Diana -

January 10, 2013 at 8:23 am

I’m planning two major trips this year, one to Italy and one to Hawaii. After the last few years of no travel (stupid economy), I can’t wait to bring my travel planning up to the 21st century!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:54 am
  
  @Diana, Nice! I can’t think of two better locations to travel to in 2013. Have fun! 🙂
Daryle -

January 10, 2013 at 8:34 am

I am always on the lookout for a good app to document my travels. I’m also not great at keeping a journal, so I’ll give this one a try!

I’m looking forward to escaping the chilly, wet Pacific Northwest winter with a trip to Mexico in March. Specifically the Yucatan, which will be a new destination for me. I’m excited for some sunshine and amazing tacos.

I enjoy reading your blog!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:59 am
  
  @Daryle, Oh yeah, Mexico in March sounds perfect. I haven’t been to the Yucatan either yet, but I’ve heard great things about it. I feel you on the sunshine and tacos too, especially the tacos. 🙂
Sam M -

January 10, 2013 at 8:34 am

My plan for next month is to head back to Qatar (where I lived for the last 2 years), drop in on some friends there before heading off to explore more of the Gulf region. I’m especially looking forward to visting beautiful Oman. Other than that, I’d like to make my first trip to the Scandinavian countries later this year, starting with Sweden.
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:04 am
  
  @Sam M, Very cool! Sounds like you got a great February ahead of you. Hope you make it up to the Scandinavian countries this year, I’ve heard a lot of great things about that region.
Anubha Charan -

January 10, 2013 at 8:37 am

Sigh! Every time we go on a trip, I promise my husband that he will soon get a curated selection of our best memories from the journey. But that just never happens, even though I was an avid scrapbooker in my younger days. And I think it’s even more important to create these kind of keepsakes with all our data being digital – with images being so easy and cheap to take, we just end up shooting thousands and then they languish on the hard disc unseen for years. This app seems to be the perfect meeting point between vintage scrapbooking and modern technology, so thanks a ton for the info!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:12 am
  
  @Anubha Charan, I couldn’t agree with you more about TripRider being a great meeting point between scrap booking and modern technology. I think this will be perfect for your needs, especially because you can then compile your trip and memories into a Trip Book.
Kristy Chen -

January 10, 2013 at 8:52 am

This app looks awesome! I am terrible at keeping a journal! I wish I would have had this for my trip to Dublin last year!! I’m thinking a trip to Australia is in order! It’s next on my list!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:30 am
  
  @Kristy Chen, I know I wish I would have had this in the fall for our travels in Europe. Definitely agree with you about that trip to Australia! 🙂
Laura -

January 10, 2013 at 8:57 am

I would love to try this! I have purchased many moleskin journals over the years, unfortunately, due to the constraints you yourself have faced, I have never used them. This is wonderful! Thank you!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:32 am
  
  @Laura, No problem! It’s nice to meet other travelers who face similar issues with moleskine journaling. )
E -

January 10, 2013 at 9:10 am

Way cool! I’ve been looking for something like this!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:43 am
  
  @E, My thoughts exactly! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Christy Boyce -

January 10, 2013 at 9:22 am

I’m so techy challenged, but I got a new iPad for Christmas and have been trying to find some great apps, particularly travel related, that are really good. I love reading about your travels, and since I’m a Travel Consultant, it’s great to hear about the places you’ve visited as it helps open my eyes to new destinations i’ve not yet been to. I’d love to try out this app, it sounds very cool and would be very useful for my own travel notes, and blog posts (which I need to do more of this year! lol)
Happy New Year!! 🙂
- Chetan Bhati -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 8:52 am
  
  @Christy Boyce, I have received a code but sadly I am not an iOS user. You mentioned that you use an ipad so I’d like to gift you the code 🙂 send me a blank mail at rockonchetan@gmail.com and I’d mail it on you.
  - Randy -
    
    January 11, 2013 at 9:33 am
    
    @Chetan Bhati, Thanks Chetan! That’s really kind of you. 🙂
  - Christy Boyce -
    
    January 11, 2013 at 11:12 am
    
    @Chetan Bhati, Thanks Chetan! That is so nice!! I’m sending you an email now. 🙂
Katie Rae -

January 10, 2013 at 9:34 am

How exciting, perfect timing before my europe trip!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:34 am
  
  @Katie Rae, That’s great! Have fun in Europe. 🙂
Taylor -

January 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

This app looks really neat. Hopefully I’ll get to study abroad for a month next year and this app would be perfect for organizing since I’m so lazy!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:37 am
  
  @Taylor, Yeah, I think TripRider would be ideal for a trip abroad to study. By the end of the month, you’d have all your memories, stories and connections in one place.
Christina -

January 10, 2013 at 9:50 am

I would like one!!
- Christina -
  
  January 10, 2013 at 10:08 am
  
  @Christina, Oops, it cut me off from my phone! We just returned from Europe for a few months and are still “recovering,” so no concrete big plans this year, YET. We really want to return to Hawaii and we also have Thailand high on our list!
  - Randy -
    
    January 11, 2013 at 9:40 am
    
    @Christina, It’s like you read my mind. We are currently recovering/catching up from our time in Europe, and making plans for a possible trip back to Hawaii this year. 🙂 Enjoy your time at home!
Michelle Craven -

January 10, 2013 at 9:52 am

I would like one also!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:42 am
  
  @Michelle Craven, Sorry, unfortunately I only had five codes, which I gave to the first five people who commented. However, you can checkout the lite version of TripRider for free here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/triprider-lite/id569853759?mt=8
Michele Watson -

January 10, 2013 at 10:03 am

thanks for showcasing this app!!
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:43 am
  
  @Michele Watson, No problem! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Cassie -

January 10, 2013 at 10:11 am

Sounds great, I’d like to give this a try
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:46 am
  
  @Cassie, It’s a really cool app. If you are on the fence about it, I highly recommend checking out the lite version, which is free: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/triprider-lite/id569853759?mt=8
Vera Marie Badertscher -

January 10, 2013 at 12:13 pm

I think this looks beautiful, but (sigh) none available for Smart Phone! Guess I will stick with my pseudo Moleskin, and remind myself, that you can’t tuck ticket stubs and other mementos into an app.
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:48 am
  
  @Vera Marie Badertscher, So true about tucking things into an app. 🙂 Hopefully they’ll release a version of TripRider for other smart phones in the future. Until then, happy journaling!
Diane -

January 10, 2013 at 12:16 pm

Journaling has always seemed like a chore for me, but I think this app would make it easy, plus I love the idea of the Photo Album. 🙂 Hoping to travel to the East coast this year.
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:51 am
  
  @Diane, The photo album feature was one of my favorites too. Hope you make it to the East Coast this year, if you do let us know. 🙂
Wendy -

January 10, 2013 at 2:29 pm

We started 2013 with a trip to Singapore & Philippines with our two boys (5 and 1). Excited that we are traveling again after 3 years. An app like this would be perfect for our next family travel. Thinking now of Philippines and Korea. Happy Trails!…
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:53 am
  
  @Wendy, Oh wow, that’s awesome! You guys are off to great start. I think TripRider would be a great way to chronicle your family adventures. Have fun on your travels! 🙂
Maria -

January 10, 2013 at 2:59 pm

Thank you, this sounds so interesting. I had no idea this type of thing existed!? It’s true what they say I guess, “yea, there’s an app for that”
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:57 am
  
  @Maria, Hahaha, so true! 🙂
Sarah -

January 10, 2013 at 7:15 pm

Philly & NYC next month for business & pleasure, San Diego for Spring Break with the kids, extended East coast summer adventure – Boston/NYC/Hamptons/Nantucket & Asia (countries not finalized) in the Fall. Busy travel year 😀
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 9:59 am
  
  @Sarah, Wow, 2013 is shaping up to be a fantastic year of travel for you guys. 🙂 Definitely jealous that you’ll be spending spring break in San Diego. Hoping to get back there this summer.
Sofie -

January 10, 2013 at 11:41 pm

Planned for this year: London, Versailles, Portugal (a lot of it:-)), Los Angeles and Rome or Barcelona (Boyfriend gets to decide).
Not yet planned: a lot, I hope:D

Would like to give this app a try, will check out if it’s available on Android…
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 10:01 am
  
  @Sofie, Sadly, I don’t think there’s an android version yet, but hopefully they’ll come out with one in the future. In the mean time enjoy your travels, it sounds like you got a great year ahead of you. 🙂
  - Sofie -
    
    January 14, 2013 at 5:10 am
    
    @Randy,
    
    Thanks!
Sara -

January 11, 2013 at 3:46 am

This looks like a great app! I’m a sucker for Moleskines, but when I was in Turkey I got a “Kineskine” (basically the exact same thing without the name behind it) for about a tenth of the price, so I’ve dropped off a little on my brand loyalty…

Looks like TripRider isn’t available yet for Droid. Sad face.
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 10:05 am
  
  @Sara, Sad face indeed. 🙁 (We have an Android Tablet that I would like to use it on). I like the sound of the Kineskine–the price of the Moleskine has always been hard for me to swallow. I’ll definitely look for the kineskine next time we are in Turkey.
Suzzane from Travel Universally -

January 11, 2013 at 3:51 am

This App is cool and much useful, I need to check for it’s Android version because I am using Nexus! Thanks
- Randy -
  
  January 11, 2013 at 10:06 am
  
  @Suzzane from Travel Universally, Sadly they don’t have an Android version yet, but I’ve got my fingers crossed that one will hit the store in the future. 🙂
Justin @ True Nomads -

March 28, 2015 at 11:17 am

I keep telling my girlfriend to get an Iphone for our travels, thanks for giving me more reasons to give her!