Keeping Track of the Family: There's an App for That

Photo via New York Times Travel

New York Times Travel just posted an article on the recent growth in family tracking apps, technology's answer to keeping tabs on each family member while on vacation. Up until now, my family has always stuck together while traveling - there are only four of us, and the kids aren't yet young enough to go off on their own; even if we do split into two teams, a quick text keeps my husband and me updated on each others' whereabouts. 

However, for larger clans who come together (and then spread out all over town) on family vacation, or for older kids who set off on their own to explore for a couple hours, I could see the benefit of tracking apps. Instead of depending on a flurry of calls and texts, these apps let you see everyone's location on a map: simple. 

Here's the full NYT Travel article, and I'd love to hear what you think. Have you tried one of these apps? Would you, or do they seem unnecessary to you?