How to Use Google Maps to Make My Vacations Better

It offers many tools to be used in planning a successful vacation. Inasmuch as I have many alternatives with these tools, there is one which I constantly end up with and that applies to Google Maps: the one application which is underused most of the time by people. The versatility of this tool is really helpful from pre-trip planning right down to the navigation during the vacation.

Given the investment in and emotional importance of vacations, poor planning can result in severe disappointment and regret. Getting the most out of a vacation, in other words, is critical business. Enter Google Maps-part of the solution to realize the potential of a well-planned, personally experienced, memorable vacation.

A good vacation begins with finding the right accommodation. This is made easy within Google Maps, where one can zoom into areas of preference to look up hotels. When one zooms into a city, the good thing is that a long list is given, with the probable rates, star ratings, reviews from customers, and whether it is available.

Once you settle for a hotel you might want to check other booking websites to be sure of the prices. Booking from the hotel's website can save you a lot of money since at other booking websites they have to also include their fees.

Plan Your Itinerary

One of the main features or applications of my vacation planning is listed under Google Maps as the "List Feature." This allows me to list out the main, general key attractions; eating places; nightlife places; and shopping places. You can make a master list for everything or create different lists as the need arises, but I prefer the first option to make it simpler when moving about.

Simply zoom in on places of interest and with the search function of Google Maps, populate your list. On top of the map, you have categories and the More button for what seems like a list of infinite selection. You can sort the results better with the use of the average price and customer rating filters.

Plan the Route in and Out of the City

While securing hotel and transportation arrangements can be easily done, accommodating efficient flow in and out of your destination—especially cities—is easily done using the capabilities of Google Maps. Checking the airport or bus station to our hotel, the application generates at least five alternative options, together with the estimated costs.

For a more detailed view, you can zoom to find individual public transit stops. One just has to click on such a stop to get real time departure information related to it.

Using Google Maps To Get Directions while On Vacation

You have everything planned up and are now on the road, but Google Maps will be your guiding source while you are on vacation.

Get Real-time Directions

Google Maps is one of those applications that Google seriously made a lot better. This indispensable tool enables users to navigate to their respective destinations. All you have to do is locate your destination in their mapped-out elements, click on Directions, then input your location and your selected mode of transport to see your way there.

One Bluetooth earbud to listen to directions will prove most helpful for picking your way through hectic urban centres. Since this method is hands-free, there is no need to constantly look down at your phone, which will result in a decreased likelihood of theft. It will also make you seem non-touristy.

For long-term stays at a specific location, Google Maps can provide great insights into the locality. Zoom out a bit from your base to learn what lies around. If you're traveling on the coast, you can find out which are the closest islands that you can jump on to from boats. For reference, it also shows shipping lanes.

You can even share your real-time location through Google Maps with your family or loved ones in unfamiliar or crowded places to assure them of your security. This feature can be even applied by individuals who don't have a Google account.

The steps to share my location are explicitly given on the Google Maps Help page. Basically, the user can predefine people, set how long this will be shared, and can even select an indefinite option for the entire trip.

Using Google Maps After Coming Back from Vacation

Even after returning back, Google Maps will prove to be a useful tool. Though it will not directly help you while on vacation, it will add to any future traveler's experiences in your vacation location.

Add Reviews to Places Visited

I return to Google Maps to write reviews of the places I have been to, usually after I come back from a holiday and reflect upon my experiences. Like I had discussed in my earlier blog, reviews benefit everyone: personal satisfaction, input to the owner of the business as feedback, and aiding future visitors in making informed decisions.

To get around writing powerful Google Maps reviews, I prefer to write them only after the vacation is over and reflect on the experiences.

Therefore, by the mentioned examples, it is evident that Google Maps is a multi-use tool that facilitates vacations from planning to post-travel reflection. This is not mentioned without saying that pre-travel organization as seen above has also encompassed travel itinerary and navigation, exploration of attractions or new places for learning and experiencing safety updates, and fellow traveler recommendations.