Rossen Reports: Use these gadgets and apps on your next road trip

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Airfare is going up, making it harder to book a vacation for your upcoming spring break. And while gas prices are seeing a swing upward right now, the yearly national average price of gas in 2023 is forecast to drop nearly 50 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy's Fuel Outlook.

So maybe a road trip looks better for you and your family. Below are a few gadgets and apps that will help make your road trip better and more fun.

Roadtrippers website and app: This will make you a professional at road trip planning. Set your destination, and you can find things like sites and attractions, activities, camping locations, etc., along the way. You can find stuff off the beaten path or right next to your route. You can use Roadtrippers for free to find cool places and come up with some big ideas. Start plotting your route with up to seven waypoints. If you want more points or you’d like the app to connect with the other services and apps that are offered, there's a yearly subscription fee.

BringFido website and app: You can bring your pet on the road with you. It will tell you which hotels, restaurants, attractions, etc., are pet friendly. Another cool option is that BringFido has a directory of licensed veterinarians, sitters and groomers in case you need it.

Portable kettle: Don't waste time and money stopping for coffee and tea on the road. We bought a portable kettle that plugs into a car's cigarette lighter that boils water in minutes.

Road Flares: Keep yourself safe if you have to pull off the road. This set of three USB rechargeable LED flares are rated well on Amazon.

Seat gap filler: This set of two are the original patented ones. They tuck in between your seat and the console so that nothing slips down and underneath the seat. That can be annoying and dangerous.

Seat gap filler organizer: Another set of two, this product fills gap with a tray organizer. So if you don't have enough storage in your center console, you can fill the gap with more.

Vacuum for the car: The BISSELL AeroSlim handheld vacuum is cordless and can be charged via USB. People say in the reviews; this and the size of it makes it perfect to pack on a road trip to clean up after snacking and bringing dirt into the car.

Car air mattress: Need a mattress for the back seat or the trunk? There are plenty of them to buy on Amazon, like this well-rated one.

Car tray: Want a place to eat and work? This tray is for the steering wheel and/or the back seat.

Tablet mount: Don't let your kids fight over the tablet to watch a movie. This headrest mount extends the tablet to be right in the middle so everyone can watch.

Backseat organizer: Keep the car clean with this organizer that has nine pockets and a foldable tray for eating or keeping a phone or tablet on.

Dashboard phone mount: Experts have ranked this one as one of the best phone mounts for the car. It features two strong magnets that lets your phone rotate and swivel without falling.

Mirror dash cam: This rearview mirror connects to a front and back camera. It has expanded view and lets you adjust with its touchscreen. Some reviewers have said it's been helpful if you have a packed the car and need to be able to see. The cameras will also record if there's a collision.

Do you have a tool or app that you use on road trips and love? Let us know!