Customer Reviews (500)

Mathymatical • 2025-02-20T22:23:59-07:00

I tried to open the app and nothing happens. I paid for all of the regions and now, all of a sudden, nothing. It will not open. This was a nice app but where did it go? UPDATE. I was contacted and told how to fix the problem! Voila, all is good now so back to 5 stars!

JDPHX • 2024-12-11T04:25:04-07:00

I love the Roadside America book and was looking forward to using this app for a road trip across the country. Two major issues - not being able to add an extra region of the country. I was able to add the southeast initially but can’t add any other region. In the process of doing so, the app consistently tells me that my email address is invalid but this is the only email address I’ve had. Tried several times with the same result. So I can only use this for the first region selected. I understand that I will have to pay extra for added regions but I can’t even try to add them because I’m told that my email address is invalid.

Ruyadad • 2024-09-17T16:49:52-07:00

As a full time RV’er, this is an app I can’t live without. Makes life on the road so much more interesting (not that it isn’t already interesting). Whenever I’m in a new spot, I use the attractions in the app as a tour of the city. The paid version is well worth the money even if you don’t live on the road.

Summary of Key Insights

The Roadside America app is generally well-received by users, particularly those who enjoy road trips and quirky attractions. Its core strength lies in its extensive database of unusual and interesting places, making travel more engaging and fun. However, several pain points detract from the overall experience, primarily related to the app's pricing model, technical issues, and usability. The app has a high number of 5-star reviews, but also a significant number of 1-star reviews, indicating a polarized user experience. The app needs improvement in clarity around pricing, stability, and feature enhancements.

  • Overall Sentiment: Positive, but with significant negative feedback regarding pricing and technical issues.
  • Key Strengths: Extensive database of attractions, makes road trips more fun, easy to use for finding nearby oddities.
  • Key Weaknesses: Confusing and unpopular pricing model (initial purchase only unlocks one region), technical issues (crashing, freezing, login problems), and desired features (route planning, better map functionality).
  • Overall Rating: 4.02 stars based on score distribution.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 63.2%, 4-star: 12%, 3-star: 3%, 2-star: 4.8%, 1-star: 17%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span several years, with some dating back quite a while. Some reviewers mention using the app for many years.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews based on positive, negative, or neutral tones.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently used words and phrases to pinpoint common themes and issues.
    • Topic Modeling: Grouping reviews based on the subjects they discuss (e.g., pricing, usability, features).
    • Frequency Analysis: Determining how often specific issues or feature requests are mentioned.

Key User Pain Points

  • Confusing and Unpopular Pricing Model: This is the most significant pain point. Users are frequently frustrated by the fact that the initial purchase only unlocks one region, and they must pay extra to access other regions or the entire US. Many feel this is misleading and a "rip-off."
    • Impact: Leads to negative reviews, refund requests, and user dissatisfaction.
  • Technical Issues (Crashing/Freezing/Not Opening): Many users report the app crashing, freezing, or failing to open at all, especially after updates or on new devices. Some report "no network connection" errors even when connected.
    • Impact: Prevents users from using the app, leading to extreme frustration and negative reviews.
  • Login/Account Recovery Problems: Some users have trouble logging in, recovering their accounts, or restoring previous purchases, particularly after updating their email addresses.
    • Impact: Blocks access to purchased content, leading to frustration and the perception of lost value.
  • Navigation and Map Issues: Users want better map functionality, including the ability to scroll around the map and see all attractions, and the ability to plan routes with multiple stops. Some report directions being inaccurate or unavailable.
    • Impact: Makes it harder to discover attractions and plan trips, reducing the app's usefulness.
  • Outdated Information: Some users report that attraction information is out of date, including closures or inaccurate details.
    • Impact: Leads to wasted trips and a loss of trust in the app's accuracy.
  • Accessibility Issues: One user who is blind reported that the app is not accessible, with unlabeled buttons and an inaccessible map.
    • Impact: Excludes users with disabilities, limiting the app's reach and inclusivity.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Route Planning: The most requested feature is the ability to input a start and end point and have the app automatically find attractions along the route or within a specified radius.
  • Improved Map Functionality: Users want to be able to scroll around the map and see all attractions in an area without having to manually search.
  • User Reviews/Comments/Photos: Users want the ability to leave reviews, comments, and photos for attractions, similar to Yelp or TripAdvisor.
  • Offline Access: Users want the ability to access attraction information and maps offline, especially in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
  • Notifications: Users want notifications when they are near saved attractions or attractions along their route.
  • Syncing Across Devices: Users who use the app on multiple devices (e.g., iPhone and iPad) want their saved attractions and "been there" lists to sync across devices.
  • Dog-Friendly Indicator: Users want an indicator of whether attractions are dog-friendly.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Extensive Database of Attractions: Users consistently praise the app's comprehensive database of unusual and interesting places.
  • Makes Road Trips More Fun: The app is seen as a valuable tool for making road trips more engaging and enjoyable, especially for families.
  • Easy to Use (for Basic Functions): Many users find the app easy to use for finding nearby attractions and accessing basic information.
  • Unique and Quirky Content: Users appreciate the app's focus on offbeat and unusual attractions, providing a different travel experience than traditional guidebooks.
  • Helpful User Tips: Users find the tips and comments from other travelers to be helpful in planning their trips.
  • Responsive Customer Service: Some users have reported positive experiences with the app's customer service, particularly in resolving technical issues.
  • Integration with Mapping Apps: Users appreciate the ability to send attraction locations to Maps or other popular routing apps.
  • "Been There" and "Save" Features: Users find the ability to mark attractions as "been there" or save them for later to be useful for planning and tracking their travels.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Revamp Pricing Model: This is the most critical issue. Consider offering a single price for full access to all regions, or explore a subscription model. Clearly communicate the pricing structure upfront to avoid user frustration.
  • Improve App Stability and Fix Technical Issues: Address the reported crashing, freezing, and login problems. Thoroughly test updates before release.
  • Enhance Map Functionality: Implement the requested map improvements, including the ability to scroll and see all attractions, and to plan routes with multiple stops.
  • Improve Account Recovery Process: Streamline the account recovery process and provide clear instructions for restoring purchases.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement User Reviews/Comments/Photos: Add a feature that allows users to leave reviews, comments, and photos for attractions.
  • Implement Route Planning Feature: Allow users to input a start and end point and find attractions along the route.
  • Address Outdated Information: Implement a system for verifying and updating attraction information regularly. Encourage user submissions of updates and corrections.
  • Improve Accessibility: Ensure the app is accessible to users with disabilities, including labeling buttons and providing alternative text for images.

Low Priority:

  • Implement Offline Access: Provide the ability to access attraction information and maps offline.
  • Add Notifications: Implement notifications when users are near saved attractions or attractions along their route.
  • Implement Syncing Across Devices: Allow users to sync their saved attractions and "been there" lists across multiple devices.
  • Add Dog-Friendly Indicator: Include an indicator of whether attractions are dog-friendly.
  • Update UI Design: Modernize the user interface to improve the app's overall look and feel.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyperlocal "Hidden Gem" Discovery App: A new app focused on finding and sharing hidden gems in local areas, going beyond roadside attractions to include unique shops, restaurants, and events.
  • Road Trip Planning App with Integrated Reviews: An app that combines route planning with user reviews and ratings for attractions, allowing users to create personalized road trip itineraries.
  • Accessible Travel App for People with Disabilities: An app specifically designed to help people with disabilities find accessible attractions and plan trips, including information on accessibility features and user reviews.
  • Subscription-Based Travel App with Exclusive Content: A travel app that offers a subscription-based model with access to exclusive content, such as curated itineraries, insider tips, and discounts on attractions.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment Towards Core Functionality: Users consistently praise the app's extensive database of attractions and its ability to make road trips more fun.
  • Frustration with Pricing Model: The pricing model is a major source of negative feedback, suggesting a need for a change.
  • Desire for Enhanced Features: Users are actively requesting new features, such as route planning, user reviews, and offline access, indicating a desire for a more comprehensive travel app.
  • Technical Issues Impact User Experience: Technical issues such as crashing and freezing significantly detract from the user experience and lead to negative reviews.
  • Importance of Up-to-Date Information: Users value accurate and up-to-date information on attractions, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and updates.
  • Accessibility is an Overlooked Area: The lack of accessibility features is a significant oversight that excludes a portion of the user base.

Conclusion

The Roadside America app has a strong foundation with its extensive database of unusual attractions and its ability to enhance road trips. However, the confusing pricing model, technical issues, and lack of key features are detracting from the overall user experience. By addressing these pain points and implementing the requested features, the app can significantly improve user satisfaction and attract a wider audience. A shift towards a more transparent pricing model and a focus on app stability and usability are crucial for the app's long-term success.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize addressing the pricing model and technical issues, followed by implementing the most requested features. This will improve user satisfaction and position the app for continued growth.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roadside-america/id347393479?uo=2