Localeur

This app offers travel tips from locals who discover and rediscover their cities as if they were on a hunt for hidden treasure.

» Available for: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

» What it does: Provides ideas on art and culture, entertainment, fitness and outdoors, food and dining, neighborhoods, night life and shopping in Austin, Texas; Houston; Los Angeles; New York City and San Francisco

» Cost: Free

» What’s hot: There is a terrific mix of tips for foodies, nature lovers, culture seekers and more. I was drawn to "Slurp Across L.A.: The City’s Best Ramen Spots," "Sneaker Shops to Step Up Your Footwear Game" in New York and "Upgrade Your Nightlife with Museums After Dark" in San Francisco. I love that I can keep a running list of my favorite destinations and get directions by pressing the address, which then pops up in my maps app. The tips come only from locals (not travelers), and the only way you can become a "localeur" is by being recommended by another localeur. So far there are 20 active localeurs in each city, with more to come in the bigger cities. Dallas, Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta and Chicago are launching in the near term.

» What’s not: I wanted to select a few categories, not one or all. Also, the localeurs tend to be young and hip. The app’s audience is aimed at early adopters of social media, but I think the content is relevant to travelers of any age who are willing to become familiar with the app.

» Worth it?: For me, yes. I crave these kinds of tips, but I don’t think I’ll stop checking Yelp.

Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times