If you’re heading out of town for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to download the Map the World iPad app before you go.  It’s free, its fun, its educational and it”s a great app for traveling since it will keep the whole family entertained.

This new iPad app, launched as part of Travelzoo‘s 15th birthday celebration, offers up nine puzzles for kids and adults to hone their geography knowledge.  You simply drag the colorful puzzle pieces into the matching spot while recordings of the place’s names help you learn how to pronounce them.

I did a few puzzles and they were quite challenging (I’m talking to you Oceans and Seas).  I really thought it would be too hard for my 4-year old but when I set her up with the United States puzzle, I was pleasantly surprised to see her finish it (in 10 minutes but still…).  If you’re traveling with grandparents, I think this would be an easy app to get them working on their techie skills since its pretty self explanatory and they’ll enjoy the congratulatory prompts along the way.

The new iPad game also introduces players to one of the world’s poorest countries, Malawi.  Through a giving-back program, Travelzoo is encouraging parents to donate $1 or more to Open Arms Malawi, a charitable organization that provides medical attention, shelter, education, food and love to some of Malawi’s 1,000,000 orphaned and abandoned children.  A nice touch to go along with giving thanks this season.

What’s your favorite app for traveling?