50 Hacks for Smarter Last-Minute Travel Planning

A spontaneous trip means you'll likely be unable to get reservations at the city's hottest restaurants. OpenTable is the go-to booking app for reservations in dozens of cities around the world, though not every restaurant uses it. Rezhound.com will alert you when a slot becomes available on OpenTable. Also check out Resy if you're visiting New York City, Washington, D.C., Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. "If you can't find a desired time, sign up for an alert," says Paola Graham, destination manager for American Express Travel. "This tactic once scored me a last-minute reservation at coveted Japanese spot N/Naka in L.A."

The 50 Best New Travel Apps for 2017

Sidekix

This urban route planner will help you find the best way to get somewhere — which doesn’t necessarily mean the shortest route. Sidekix will choose the best walking directions based on your interests and preferences. Looking for a trendy cafe for a lunch on your way to an art gallery? The app is filled with curated suggestions from in-the-know locals. Currently available for use in more than 100 major cities, with more coming each week.