Summer is almost here, which means now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the beach. Before you book your vacation rental, though, there are several apps you could download to your cell phone to help you maximize your time on the coast. Below are some of the best apps to help you have a fantastic summer at the beach.

What Apps Should You Download Before Your Beach Vacation?

1. Libby

If you want to relax on the sands and enjoy the sun, Libby is an excellent app to download to your Android or iPhone. It’s a free application that pairs with local libraries to provide users with ebooks and audiobooks they can borrow and return with ease. All you need to enjoy the service is your library card and a login name. After you sign in, you can enjoy sample books or download content to enjoy while soaking up the sun.

2. Waterkeeper Swim Guide

There’s nothing worse than planning the perfect vacation with the perfect vacation rental only to discover the water at the beach you’re planning to visit is polluted. Polluted beaches can lead to illness, but the Waterkeeper Swim Guide will help you find the cleanest location. The app provides real-time updates on beaches, using data from 100 monitoring sources to alert travelers of the area’s water quality and cleanliness. It also includes additional information about the beach, including parking and local amenities.

3. TuneIn

Another way for you and your friends and family to enjoy vacation time is by using TuneIn. It’s an entertainment app that has more than 100,000 global radio stations that you can play straight from your phone. Whether you’re in the mood to listen to music across multiple genres or don’t want to miss your favorite podcast, you can get what you need through this platform.

4. QSun

No one wants to get a sunburn at the beach. They’re just uncomfortable enough to put a damper on your remaining vacation time. However, the QSun app, a vitamin D and sun exposure tracker, will help you stay sunburn-free by telling you how long you can stay outside without worrying based on your location and skin type. The app also lets you know when it’s time to apply sunscreen, as well as how much you’ll need. 

If you’re looking for a vacation rental for your summer beach trip, turn to Coastal Properties, LLC, in Orange Beach, AL. For over 19 years, this property management company has offered luxurious, cozy condos to renters throughout the area. Their vacation homes range from one to three bedrooms, and they come with amenities like tennis courts, swimming pools, and local experiences, such as beaches and deep-sea fishing along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Call (251) 981-4951 or visit them online to book your rental today.