- © Roadtrippers
- © Mapbox
- © OpenStreetMap
- Improve this map
![](http://adsite.space/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
My itinerary
This is a free demo version of our mapping software.
Create an account to save your current itinerary and get access to all our features.
Otherwise your data will be automatically deleted after one week.
- PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
- EDIT Edit this Article
- EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
- Browse Articles
- Learn Something New
- Quizzes Hot
- Happiness Hub
- This Or That Game
- Train Your Brain
- Explore More
- Support wikiHow
- About wikiHow
- Log in / Sign up
How to Make a Travel Itinerary with Google Maps
Last Updated: August 16, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty . Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 104,123 times.
If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering how to figure out where to go and in what order. Luckily, Google has a free tool that you can use in order to get a better sense of your travel plans. We’ll walk you through how to make a travel itinerary with Google Maps through its My Maps feature. In a few easy steps, you can master an excellent organizational tool that’ll help you plan the best trip possible.
Setting Up Your Map
![plan my trip on map Step 1 Sign in to My Maps on your web browser.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-1-Version-2.jpg)
- Unfortunately, as of October 2021, Google no longer supports the “My Maps” app on phones. If you’re on mobile, you’ll have to use your phone’s web browser to access the site while on the go. [2] X Research source
- If you don’t already have a Google account, setting one up is a quick process. A Google account gives you a number of benefits, including a new gmail address. Check out this link to start the set-up process: https://accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateaccount?flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp
![plan my trip on map Step 2 Create a new map through the home screen.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/56/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-2-Version-2.jpg)
- For instance, your might name your map something like “California Summer Trip 2022,” and you could enter a description like, “Places to see and eat during two-week California road trip.”
![plan my trip on map Step 4 Search for places to visit on your trip.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9f/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)
- For example, for a California road trip, you might enter “Golden Gate Bridge” into the search box. My Maps will automatically direct you to its location.
![plan my trip on map Step 5 Add the locations of any places you want to visit to your map.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/52/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)
- For instance, if you’ve searched for “Golden Gate Bridge,” there will be a white box that offers some information on the location, and even a rating from other users. Click on the “Add to map” button to send it to your saved locations.
![plan my trip on map Step 6 Add descriptions to your saved locations.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c6/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)
- For example, you might fill in the description to the “Golden Gate Bridge” box with something like, “Spend at least 1 hour here—must-see location.”
![plan my trip on map Step 7 Color-code your locations for convenience.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/87/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)
- You might consider changing the colors of your pins to match how important each location is to your trip. For example, must-see locations could be red pins, your housing spots could be green pins, and optional places to visit could remain as blue pins.
Creating an Itinerary and Planning Routes
![plan my trip on map Step 1 Organize your selected places with the “layers” function.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/58/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)
- For example, you might have a layer titled “Places to see,” one titled “Places to eat,” and one titled “Places to sleep.” You can then put sightseeing destinations, restaurants, and hotels you want to stay at in their respective layers.
![plan my trip on map Step 2 Plan your travel routes using your Google Map.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/be/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)
- You can add more than one location to a single route. For example, if you wanted to plot a route from Big Sur to the Golden Gate Bridge, and then to Palo Alto, you can add all three locations to your route layer and create a multi-stop path. [11] X Research source
- By clicking on the three dots next to the layer with your travel route, then selecting “Step-by-step directions,” My Maps will create a set of directions for your travel. Handy!
![plan my trip on map Step 3 Use your map to create a daily schedule.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/53/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)
- For example, by using My Maps, you might notice that seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, walking around San Francisco, and eating at a restaurant in Berkeley are close enough to all be doable in one day, while visiting Big Sur might be better saved for another afternoon. My Maps can help you plan out the most efficient trip possible, so you can enjoy your travels even more.
![plan my trip on map Step 4 Use the “Share” option to loop your friends in on travel plans.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8a/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-11.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-11.jpg)
- When sharing your map, you can also choose the option that allows others to edit the map as well. With this option selected, your friends can pick places that they’re interested in as well, so you can have them all on the same document. [13] X Research source
![plan my trip on map Step 5 Print your map for offline use.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b9/Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-12.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Travel-Itinerary-with-Google-Maps-Step-12.jpg)
- Although My Maps can’t be viewed offline, you can download an offline map of any areas you’re interested in on your phone. Using the Google Maps app, type in a location into the search bar, tap the name of the location, then navigate to the option “Download offline map.” [15] X Research source
Expert Q&A
You Might Also Like
![plan my trip on map Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fb/Cheat-Royal-Caribbean-Drink-Package-Step-8.jpg/-crop-342-184-245px-Cheat-Royal-Caribbean-Drink-Package-Step-8.jpg)
- ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3024925?visit_id=637744367666134651-2428484219&p=lite_addplaces&rd=1
- ↑ https://9to5google.com/2021/07/20/google-my-maps-android-shutdown/
- ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3024454?hl=en&ref_topic=3024924
- ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3024925?visit_id=637744500327517491-717751493&p=lite_addplaces&rd=1
- ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3024925?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
- ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3502610?hl=en&ref_topic=3024924
- ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3109452?hl=en
- ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS
About This Article
![plan my trip on map Stan Kats](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/55/Stan_Kats.png/-crop-100-100-97px-Stan_Kats.png)
- Send fan mail to authors
Did this article help you?
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://www.wikihow.com/images/c/ce/Excl_v03_0728x0180%402x.jpg)
Featured Articles
![plan my trip on map Enjoy Your Preteen Years](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9c/Wh_square_512_optimized.png/-crop-127-140-127px-Wh_square_512_optimized.png)
Trending Articles
![plan my trip on map Superhero Name Generator](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/85/Superhero.jpeg/-crop-127-140-127px-Superhero.jpeg)
Watch Articles
![plan my trip on map Wear a Headband](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a5/Wear-a-Headband-Step-6-Version-8.jpg/-crop-127-140-127px-Wear-a-Headband-Step-6-Version-8.jpg)
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
![plan my trip on map myscenicdrives.com: Find your next Scenic Drive](https://static.myscenicdrives.com/images/myscenicdrives.png)
- Scenic Drives
- Road Trip Planner
Road Trip Planning Made Easy
Create custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross country adventures worldwide
Powerful features for planning your epic road trips (and the shorter adventures in between)
Unlimited stops.
Add unlimited stops and sub-stops. Combine your own stops with our pre-planned routes and recommended places of interest.
Smart Scheduling
By the minute, hour, or overnight, set preferences for each stop. Export your trip to your own Calendar.
Set Vehicle Type
Car, RV, camper trailer, truck, motorcycle, pulling a boat? Get a realistic estimate of driving time. Adjust travel speed by percentages for each unique situation.
Divide Trips Into Days
Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.
Route Preferences
Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.
Use Any Device
Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.
Automated To Do List guides you through the road trip planning process.
Manage Your Budget
Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.
Gas Calculator
See the estimated fuel cost for your vehicle type.
EV Charging
Find EV charging stations along your route. Get reminders to recharge. Use Charging Ranges to display icons on the map where your vehicle will require recharging.
Export Options
We support Google Earth (KML), Garmin Communicator, BaseCamp and MapSource (GPX), Co-Pilot Live (TRP), Microsoft Streets and Trips, TomTom itineraries (ITN), TomTom Places of Interest (OV2), Comma Separated Files (CSV), and Tab Separated Files (TSV).
Directions on paper come in handy. Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary.
Is This Really Free?
Yes! It is free to use our Scenic Drive Itineraries and Road Trip Planner. Please consider purchasing your National Park or National Forest passes on myscenicdrives.com.
Why Do I Need An Account?
A free account is only required for the Road Trip Planner, enabling you to create, edit, and save your trips. Your account is secure. We never share your information.
Do I Need to Download An App or Install Software?
No app or software is needed. myscenicdrives.com works in any browser. Simply go to myscenicdrives.com
More Resources
Documentation, myscenicdrives.com, how it works.
![plan my trip on map myscenicdrives.com BBB Business Review](https://seal-alaskaoregonwesternwashington.bbb.org/seals/blue-seal-120-61-myscenicdrives-com-22572904.png)
How to Use Google Maps to Plan Your Next Road Trip (Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples)
Post summary: A comprehensive guide on how to use Google Maps to plan a road trip itinerary and why Google Maps is the best tool/app for planning a trip. Includes a road trip planning tutorial!
Author’s Note: This post was originally published in 2020 and was updated in April 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
So, you want to plan a road trip. But, where do you start? Better yet: How do you start?
I’m often asked about my trip planning process. Where to go, what to do, and how exactly to fit everything into a cohesive itinerary that, well, makes sense .
Planning a road trip can be hard. But, with the right tools and resources, it doesn’t have to be. I’ve already put together a list of my most trusted travel booking resources , and the best apps for road trips , but now I want to talk about one of my favorite road trip planning tools: Google Maps.
Google Maps is like a trip planning goldmine, and it’s always my very first step in organizing my itinerary whenever I take a trip.
Google Maps is one of the best tools for planning a cohesive and successful road trip, because it allows you to create a highly customizable, visual representation of your trip (shoutout to all my fellow visual learners out there). And its FREE!
Basically, if you’re planning a road trip, knowing how to customize Google Maps is going to make your life so much easier.
So if you’re wondering how to get started, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m breaking the entire process down into an easy to follow step-by-step tutorial on exactly how to use Google MyMaps to plan your next road trip. So, lets get started!
GOOGLE MAPS TRAVEL PLANNING OVERVIEW
Here’s exactly what we cover in this guide:
- Create a new Google Map for your trip.
- Add location pins to your map
- Customize and color code your location pins.
- Create Google Map layers to plan your day-to-day itinerary.
- Add driving directions to your map.
- Download your custom Google Map to your phone.
- Share your map with friends.
- Calculate gas milage for your road trip.
Scroll down for a super detailed step-by-step guide to planning your own travel itinerary for free using Google Maps or skip ahead with the table of contents.
Table of Contents
Need some road trip inspiration? Visit my most popular travel guides:
Las Vegas to Sedona Road Trip (3 Jam-Packed Itineraries to See it All in Less Time)
5-Day British Columbia Road Trip Itinerary
1-Day Yoho National Park Road Trip Itinerary
The Perfect 2-week Costa Rica Itinerary
. Don’t forget to grab my FREE Travel Expense Planner Download below to help you plan your next trip . Use it to easily and automatically calculate how much money you’ll spend on gas, flights, accommodation, food + more
WHY GOOGLE MAPS IS THE BEST TRAVEL PLANNING TOOL FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Google Maps is the best tool for planning your next trip , whether you’re just using it for adventure inspiration, to share ideas with your friends, or creating a detailed step-by-step road trip itinerary. Here’s why!
IT CREATES A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF YOUR ROAD TRIP
If you’re a visual learner, Google Maps is going to be your best friend. But even if you’re not a visual learning, using Google Maps to plan your trip is still going to be incredibly helpful.
Planning your trip with Google Maps is the fastest way to familiarize yourself with the layout of an area. It allows you to wrap your head around how large an area is and where everything is in relation to each other, which, in my opinion, is the best way to start planning any trip.
Here’s an example of the Google Map I created for our 4-day road trip in Iceland.
Click here to access the interactive map.
![plan my trip on map Custom road trip route using Google MyMaps](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-31-at-12.51.40-PM-800x453.png)
GOOGLE MY MAPS HELPS YOU FIGURE OUT WHERE TO SPEND YOUR TIME
Have you ever had a list of places you wanted to see, only to find out that they’re super far away from each other?
Pinning your locations to your custom Google Map will show you where your stops are. This will help you figure out where to spend your time and plan accordingly.
Are your pins clustered in one place? If so, then you might want to allocate more time to that area. Or maybe your pins are spread out all over the map? If this is the case, then it might be best to prepare yourself for a lot of driving or focus on a smaller area instead.
YOUR GOOGLE MAP IS HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE
Whether you’re touring NYC, road tripping cross country, or backpacking to Beaver Falls in the Grand Canyon , you can create a highly customizable Google Map to help plan your adventure.
Handy features like customizable locations, adding multiple stops, pinning by GPS coordinates, organizing by categories, and overlaying direction layers, all make it incredibly easy to customize your Google Map to plan your travel itinerary.
Need to remember entrance fees, operating hours, or best places to see? You can even add notes to your location pins so you don’t forget important details!
IT HELPS YOU NAVIGATE AND PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Quickly learn how to navigate between stops by adding directions between multiple locations to your map.
This is an incredibly useful tool for figuring out the best routes to take, roads to avoid, and to plan for drive time. You can even choose between walking, biking, or public transportation directions. This is especially helpful for choosing the best entrance to Yellowstone National Park , taking the scenic route on an Ecuador road trip , or mapping out the best Hudson Valley wineries .
IT’S EASY TO COLLABORATE AND SHARE YOUR TRIP
Traveling with friends? Google Maps makes it super easy to collaborate by allowing you to share your map with your travel partners. You can even give them editing access so that everyone can add their must-do’s to the map.
YOUR MAP IS EASY TO SHARE BETWEEN DEVICES
You’ll have to create your Google Map on desktop. But, luckily, you can seamlessly share your custom map straight to your iPhone or Android using the Google Maps App!
Sharing your custom map to your phone makes it super convenient to access your itinerary on the go. You can even set up your map for offline use if you’re traveling without cell phone service.
HOW TO CREATE A CUSTOM MAP IN GOOGLE MAPS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
1. create a new google map, login to google drive on your desktop.
Before you start planning your road trip using Google Maps, make sure you’re signed into your Google Drive.
- Visit www.google.com/maps from your desktop and log in .
- If you don’t have a Google Drive account, create one now.
CREATE A NEW GOOGLE MAP
To create a new map, select “Saved” in the sidebar on the left > “Maps”. You can also click on the menu (the three lines) in the upper left corner > “Saved” > “Maps”.
For now, your list is probably empty. But as you create more maps, this is where they’ll be stored.
Begin creating your first custom map by selecting “CREATE MAP”
![plan my trip on map How to create a new Google Maps for a road trip](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screenshot-2023-04-27-at-8.00.47-PM.png)
This opens a new blank map. Start by giving your map a title and a description.
Once you’ve named your map, you’re ready to start pinning stops! Keep reading to learn about adding and customizing location pins.
2. ADD LOCATIONS TO YOUR GOOGLE MAP
This is where you start adding the places you want to go!
HOW TO ADD LOCATION PINS
Add multiple stops to your Google map by pinning their locations. There are a few different ways to add location pins to your Google Map :
![plan my trip on map How to create a custom travel map with location pins](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screen-Shot-2020-02-18-at-6.22.03-PM-min.png)
- Add a pin using coordinates if you can’t find the exact location in the search bar drop down list. You may have to use this method for extremely specific or remote locations, such as a backcountry campsite or an unmarked trailhead. Simply type the location’s latitude and longitude coordinates into the search bar. .
- To pin a general area, click on the “Add Marker” button below the map search bar . You’ll be able to drop a blank pin by clicking anywhere on the map. A box will appear asking you to add a title and description
NOTE: You’re allowed to pin 10 location pins per layer. Continue reading to learn how to use layers to add more than 10 location pins to your map.
3. CUSTOMIZING LOCATION PINS
Once you save your pins to the map, they’ll be blue by default. However, you can customize a pin by changing the color, icon style, description, and title . You can even add pictures or videos if you’re feeling extra fancy.
To change the color and style , begin by clicking on your location pin (either in the list to the left or directly on the map) > “Style” (the little paint can) in the lower right hand corner of the text box. Click “More Icons” to view more options.
![plan my trip on map Edit location pins to organize your custom Google Map road trip planning tool](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-07-at-1.37.17-PM-min.png)
To change the location title , click”Edit” (the pencil icon) in the text box. You can also add notes in the “Notes” box. Use the notes box to add more details about finding trail heads, hiking logistics, packing reminders etc. I also like to use it to keep track of specific places to see within a general location, such as a National Park.
To add media (i.e. photos or videos) , click “Add Image or Video” (the camera icon) in the text box. I found this especially helpful on my first Iceland road trip to remember which waterfall was which, since they all sound the same (if you’ve been there, you know what I mean!). You can also add your own photos and videos if you want to create a map to share with others.
To delete a pin , click on it and then click on the trash can icon. .
![plan my trip on map How to edit locations and plan your road trip with google maps](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-02-27-at-3.14.57-PM-min.png)
. 4. CREATING MAP LAYERS TO PLAN YOUR TRIP IN GOOGLE MAPS
What are google map layers.
Google Map layers are a really useful tool for organizing your road trip itinerary. But, what exactly is a layer? A layer in Google Maps is, by definition, a way to contain arbitrary geospatial data.
Okay, English please ?
In other words, each layer can be used to display different types of information on your map. You can dedicate different layers to different types of places like restaurants, cafe’s, hotels, hiking trails, etc. Or you can dedicate layers to different days of your trip. Or you can stick to one layer. Its up to you.
Here’s an example of how I broke up my Iceland itinerary, using a different layer for each day of our road trip:
![plan my trip on map Google Maps is the best road trip planning tool because you can organize with layers](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screen-Shot-2020-02-27-at-2.58.08-PM-min.png)
HOW TO ADD LAYERS
When you create your map, you’re automatically using one layer (“Untitled Layer”). This is the layer that your location pins are added to by default, unless you add additional layers. You can add up to 10 location pins per layer, and 10 layers per map.
To add a new layer to your Google Map , simply click “Add Layer”. This creates a new “Untitled Layer”, which you can rename accordingly. To rename layers, click on the title name or click the 3 dots next to the title > “Rename Layer”.
To move a pin between layers , click on the location pin in the list, then drag and drop it into the desired layer.
Choose which layers to display by turning individual layers “on” and “off”. You can do this by checking/unchecking the box next to the layer’s name.
To delete a layer , click the 3 dots next to the layer’s title > “Delete this layer” > “Delete”.
![plan my trip on map How to use layers in Google Maps to create a custom travel itinerary](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-07-at-1.39.38-PM-min.png)
. TIPS FOR USING LAYERS TO PLAN YOUR ITINERARY IN GOOGLE MAPS
When planning my road trip itineraries, I usually give each day its own layer (unless the trip is longer than 10 days, in which case then I’ll combine days or make another map). Then I color code all of my pins by day.
For example, all of my stops (i.e. location pins) on day 1 (layer 1) would be orange, all of my stops on day 2 (layer 2) would be red, and all of my stops on day 3 (layer 3) would be blue. Organizing pins and layers this way makes it a lot easier to visualize your day-to-day itinerary on the map.
That’s just what works for me, so obviously you don’t have to do it that way. You can organize your pins and layers in any way that makes sense to you.
WHEN TO MAKE SEPARATE MAPS
Personally, I prefer to make a single map for my road trip itineraries whenever possible. But that won’t work for everything or for everyone.
Sometimes maps can get confusing if you have a lot of stops to make. Other times you’ll find that you need more than 10 layers or directions between more locations than Google Maps allows.
To solve these problems, you may opt to create several maps. Perhaps you’ll find it easier to create a separate map for each day of your road trip, or create one map dedicated just to a certain type of location or activity.
For example, we created two separate maps for our road trip through New Zealand. One map for the North Island and one map for the South Island.
5. ADDING DIRECTIONS TO YOUR GOOGLE MAP
. What good would a Google Maps itinerary be if you couldn’t get driving directions?
To add driving directions to your Google Map , click on “Add Directions” (the arrow icon) under the search bar. A new layer will appear (you cannot add directions without it adding a new layer).
![plan my trip on map How to add directions to plan your road trip with Google Maps](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-07-at-2.02.20-PM-min.png)
Click on “Add Directions” simply by clicking on a pinned location on the map. It will populate in point “A” . Click on a second location on the map, which will populate in point “B” . The route will show up as a blue line on the map.
The original directions will only give you the option to add points “A” and “B”. To add more destinations, click on “Add destinations”. You can add up to 10 destinations.
NOTE: This may seem obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: When you connect locations, make sure to do it in the order that makes sense. Don’t just add directions between two random locations. Make sure to do it in order!
![plan my trip on map Calculate your driving route](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-07-at-4.23.26-PM-min.png)
To choose between driving, walking, or bicycle directions , click on the Directions button in the layer (the blue car icon). Then click on the appropriate mode of transportation.
VIEW STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS
To view step-by-step directions, click the three dots to the right of the little of the directions layer > click “Step-by-step directions”.
![plan my trip on map How to view step by step directions between location pins with road trip planning tools](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-10-at-2.10.21-PM-min.png)
ADJUSTING YOUR ROUTE
Google maps will automatically calculate the shortest route between locations. But you can easily change the route if you prefer to take a different one (i.e. to take the more scenic route, avoid tolls/highways, etc.).
To adjust the route between two points , hover your cursor anywhere along the blue line. Your cursor will change from a hand to an arrow over a white dot. A dialogue box will say “Drag to change route”. Click and drag the white dot to the desired road or highway on the map.
![plan my trip on map How to adjust your route in Google custom maps](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-10-at-2.59.48-PM-min.png)
. 6. HOW TO ACCESS CUSTOM GOOGLE MAPS ON YOUR PHONE
. There are two ways to access your custom Google Maps on your phone. You can (1) reference your map through the Google Maps app or (2) export the entire map for offline access using Maps.me . Which method you use depends on your personal preference.
Steps are the same for iPhone and Android.
1. To view your maps in the Google Maps app:
- You will need to download Google Maps, if you haven’t done it already
- Sign into the same Google Drive account you used to create the map
- Click on the search bar > “…More” > scroll to the right and click “Maps”
- Select your custom map
![plan my trip on map Viewing your custom map on your phone](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-11-at-12.38.46-PM-min.png)
How to view your custom Google Map on your phone using the Google Maps app .
Essential tips for using the Google Maps app:
- Accessing step-by-step directions: When you open your map in the Google Maps app, your directions layer will be visible, but you won’t be able to click on it and get the step-by-step directions. . Instead, navigate to the individual location pins on the map. Click the pin and the directions instruction will populate in the search bar. Click on the search bar and then hit “Search”. This will exit your custom map and open up the regular Google Maps navigation screen. .
- Accessing your map offline: You can’t. There is currently no way to access your custom map offline in the Google Maps app. Which is obviously not ideal if you’re traveling without cell phone service or wifi. . You can download an area for use offline by clicking on your photo (the circle in the upper right corner) > “Offline maps” > “select your own map”. However, when you do this, the map will be blank and you’ll have to repin/save all of your pins. You can repin/save locations by searching for the location > “save” > and then either add to an existing list or create a new list.
2. To export your custom map to Maps.me:
This method is quite a workaround, but (unlike the Google Maps app) it allows you to access your custom map offline without having to repin anything.
On your desktop:
- Open your map on desktop
- Click the 3 dots next to the map title > select “Export to KML” > check the box next to “Export to .KML file instead of .KMZ”.
- Make this file accessible through your phone by uploading it to Dropbox, Google Drive, email, or any other file sharing app.
On your phone:
- Download the Maps.me app
- Search for the city, state, or country your map is based in and then download
- Go to your photo sharing app and open your .KML file with Maps.me
- You’ll be directed to your custom map in Maps.me
Tips for using Maps.me
If you download your map in Maps.me, you’ll be able to use it offline. However, the major drawback is that you will only be able to access step-by-step directions from your current location. So, even though your directions layers will populate on your map, you’ll only be able to view the drive times and not the actual directions, unless one of those points is your current location.
That being said, I am not a Maps.me expert. So, if you have an update or workaround for this issue, please reach out and let me know :)
7. CREATE A SHARED GOOGLE MAP
You might want to share your map if you’re planning a trip with someone else, collaborating on an itinerary, or sharing your map on a website.
To share your Google Map , open the map > click “share” in the gray bar above the layers. Make sure the slider for “Anyone with this link can view” is set to blue. Then copy the link and send it to friends!
To embed your map on a website , check that your sharing sliders are set to “Anyone with this link can view” and “Let others search for and find this map on the internet”. Next, click the menu (the three dots) next to the map title > then click “Embed on my site”. Copy the HTML and paste it in the source code for your page.
8. BONUS: CALCULATE GAS MILEAGE
. Download my customizable Travel Expense Planner below for free . Use it to easily and automatically calculate how much money you’ll spend on gas, using your custom Google Map!
And there you have it! All the tips, tricks, and general instructions on how to use Google Maps as a road trip planning tool . As always, if you have any questions or have anything to add, leave a comment below. I love to hear from you!
Happy adventuring!
Did you find this Google Maps road trip planning tutorial helpful? Don’t forget to pin it for later!
![plan my trip on map How to plan your road trip with Google Maps](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-21-at-8.05.53-AM-min.png)
Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m a travel photographer and content creator based near the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. I’m also a millennial who works full-time, yet I still find ways to travel frequently without breaking the bank, because traveling is what makes me feel most alive. Now I help fellow travelers who also work 9-5 and are looking for ways to travel more with limited PTO.
Related Posts
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1Y7A0079.jpg)
15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DSCF4420-min-1.jpg)
All You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Belize | Cost, Tips, FAQs – Updated Guide 2023
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_4016.jpg)
19 Important Things to Know About Ecuador Before You Go
28 comments.
[…] Krawiecki, J. (n.d.). How To Plan Your Road Trip With Google Maps. The Adventure Atlas. Retrieved from How To Plan Your Road Trip With Google Maps (Tutorial With Examples) | The Adventures Atlas […]
[…] that an SUV or an RV is better suited for the whole family. Once you’ve secured your vehicle, map out your route, research the stops that you want to make, and make a list of the things that you’ll need to […]
[…] You won’t have service once you get there though, so I suggest downloading offline Google Maps of the area before you go. To learn how to download offline Google Maps, visit my blog post on How To Plan Your Road Trip Using Google Maps […]
[…] How to Plan Your Road Trip Using Google Maps […]
[…] How to Plan Your Trip Using Google Maps […]
All I needed when I googled “how to plan a trip in google maps” was to be pointed in the right direction of where to look for the feature. This went WAY beyond what I could have ever asked for and helped SO MUCH! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
![plan my trip on map ' src=](https://theadventuresatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1Y7A2641.jpg)
Hi Nicole – I’m SO glad to hear you found this post helpful!
[…] How to plan a road trip using Google Maps […]
Hello Jackie, and thanks for the very informative article! It was well written and I used Google Maps on my last trip to the Baja in Mexico. One other tool I used was the free trip planner from Geovea https://geovea.com/trip_plan/new_trip to create and share my trip, and estimate my trip budget. You can also take your itinerary with you on your phone for navigation. I really appreciate all of the great travel guides and already planning my next trip :-)
Thank you for sharing all of this valuable information! I see how to view the turn-by-turn directions, but is there a way to start the route so you can follow it while driving? Thanks!!
[…] How to Plan Your Road Trip using Google Maps […]
This literally just changed my life! Thank you for sharing how to use google maps to plan a road trip. I will use this all the time now!
Hey there – so happy to hear you found this post useful!
[…] Planning a Costa Rica road trip? Read: How To Plan Your Road Trip With Google Maps (Tutorial With Examples) […]
[…] a large geographical area you need to give your trip a bit of structure. You can start by using Google Maps to plot and plan your journey so you can make a note of all the destinations you are interested in. You can then agree on a few […]
[…] Read next: How To Plan Your Road Trip With Google Maps (Tutorial With Examples) […]
said no driving directions from point a to point b, so i couldn’t get started. E.G. Badland SD to Mt Rushmore to Custer Nat. Park, I need a little more direction, i’m not to good with comp. thanks
Hey Billy – Sometimes Google Maps won’t recognize directions to very general areas because it wants you to use something more specific. This most often happens with National Parks and wilderness areas. In those cases, Google Maps will generally present you with a list of specific locations you can choose from, such as the park’s ranger stations, visitors centers, etc. However, in your situation, I was able to pull up directions using “Badlands National Park”, “Mount Rushmore National Memorial”, and “Custer National Forest”. Hope that helps!
[…] necessary than you suppose to sleep, bathe and plan for slower days. A very good rule of thumb is to plan in rest time each three days. That method, you possibly can push your self however forestall exhaustion in your […]
[…] essential than you assume to sleep, bathe and plan for slower days. An excellent rule of thumb is to plan in rest time each three days. That means, you possibly can push your self however stop exhaustion in your […]
I’ve been a user of paper maps, since before the Internet, or color TV for that matter. For an up coming trip, basically Texas to FL, and back, I decided to make better use of Google Maps. A google search brought me to this page. Super helpful, and the pins per layer note answered a long standing confusion of mine. Thank you. I do have one question. Is there a way to to add waypoints based on distance or travel time? For example, this is going to be a two day trip. I want to find the halfway point (easily)? Or in the case of a longer trip, I want to drive X miles or Y hours? I know I can trial and error it, but what if I want the half-way point? What’s the easiest way to find it? Or where will I be in 8 hours of driving? Thank so much! Cheers, Eric
Hey Eric – thanks so much for your comment! Unfortunately, I don’t know of an easy way to calculate your half way point or location after x amount of hours. I typically eyeball it, which might be the only way to find your answer
Thanks very much, it is really helpful
This was most helpful for creating a personal map. I tried it and created a practice map on my laptop; named it and accessed it exactly like your instructions indicate. The part that has me puzzled is the accessing it from your phone. I have used Google maps on my phone for a long time and believe I am signed in using the same account. The Google Maps app on the phone identifies me (the right end if the search bar has my initial and shows the account when tapped.) When I tap the search bar I get to the … More but that is it. All I then see is the opportunity to set my Home and Work Locations but no listing of My Maps.
On the laptop going to the Menu (bars at left side of Search) allows access to Lists, Labeled, Visited, and Maps. (Maps is the one, as you indicate, to get to your personal Maps.) On my phone the only thing that seems to be available is the Labeled option. What am I missing to get to the Maps? I feel like there must be a switch somewhere to have the Maps come through … but I can’t seem to find it! Hoping you or someone can point me in the right direction. Thank you.
Without creating a custom map, is there a way to display a route in Google Maps and show attractions at the same time?
You’ve written a terrific guide and I’m learning a lot more about Google maps. Is there some way to print this guide or download a printable copy? Thanks.
Hey so this is the most amazing thing ive ever seen, however i wasnt able to access the travel expense planner or gas mileage calculator things, i was wondering if there was another way to access those:)
Leave A Comment Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
WANT TO SAVE MONEY TRAVELING?
Check out the travel resources →
Check out my list of reliable budget-friendly travel resources that are guaranteed to save you the most money, without compromising your experience.
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841400792270379.
Get in touch
Contact Portfolio Let’s work together
Explore the blog
Destinations Guides and itineraries Travel planning tips
Let’s connect
Never miss an adventure, privacy policy | terms of service | disclaimer | by zazen designs.
Back to top
How To Plan A Trip With Google Maps: 7 Easy Steps
This page may contain affiliate links which earn us a commission at no extra cost to you to support the site. Thank you!
Wondering how to plan a trip with Google Maps? Below, we’ll show you how we plan all our trips on Google Maps – get ready for every Google Maps hack you’ll ever need!
There is a lot that goes into planning the perfect trip. What are you going to do? Where will you stay? How are you going to plan your days? How long do you even need to see everything? It’s overwhelming!
I love travel planning. As you can see on this website, I kind of made my career out of it. Because I want to make the most out of my trips (and write the best possible guides about the destinations I visit), I take travel planning pretty seriously.
There is so much research that goes into it, and I couldn’t do it without my favourite travel planning tool: Google Maps. In this guide, I’m sharing how I use Google Maps as a trip planner, along with some handy hacks to help you on your next adventure. Let’s take a look!
Add Directions
Embed your map on your site, 3. it is easy to plan your driving miles/time.
![plan my trip on map google maps shibuya crossing](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-shibuya-crossing.jpg)
7 Steps to Plan a Trip With Google Maps
Here is how to use Google Maps trip planner:
1. Create a Map
To create a map on Google, you do need a Google account. Once signed up/logged in, go to this page .
Click on “ Saved” >> “My Maps “, which will take you to your maps. If you have created any maps in the past, you will also find them here. As you can see in the screenshots below, I’ve already created quite a few!
Alternatively, you can go to this page , where you see and access your maps in an instant.
![plan my trip on map google maps planner](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-planner-1024x561.jpg)
To create a new map, click on “ Create Map ”. This will open a new tab with an empty map.
![plan my trip on map my maps google](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Japan-google-maps-1024x561.jpg)
By clicking on “ Untitled Map ”, you can give your map a name and a description. And ta-da! You’re ready for some travel planning on Google Maps. Time to create the perfect itinerary .
![plan my trip on map trip plan on google maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-trip-planner-1-1024x561.jpg)
2. Add Locations
Now it’s time to start brainstorming. What do you want to do and see on your trip? There are so many ways to find the best places to visit.
For starters, you can find things to do by reading travel guides, blog posts , and itineraries from other travel bloggers. It’s also a good idea to go through Instagram hashtags and location tags. And, of course, good old printed travel guides (by Lonely Planet and Rough Guides, for example) are always a good shout too.
You don’t have to worry about how to plan out your days in detail. For now, you simply want to get an idea of what you want to do on your trip.
Whenever you find something that seems interesting, you can add these to your map by typing the location into the search bar. This can be the name of the location or the address, or you can use the coordinates. Usually, you’ll see a drop-down menu with suggestions as you type.
![plan my trip on map google maps planner](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-planning-trip-1024x561.jpg)
By pressing enter or selecting one of the options, Google Maps will take you to the location. Here, you can add these locations to your maps. Simply click on “ Add to map ”. Afterwards, you’ll see it appear on the Untitled Layer .
![plan my trip on map Google maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-1024x561.jpg)
Alternatively, you can use the “ Add Market ” tool (shown in the screenshot below) to add a marker on the map. You can use this when a location isn’t on the map but you don’t have the coordinates, for example.
![plan my trip on map Google maps marker tool](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-1-1024x561.jpg)
Before adding all your locations, make sure to read step 3. We explain how to customize your pins on Google Maps, making it much easier to plan your daily itineraries later on.
![plan my trip on map heads up](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/heads-up.png)
Planning a road trip on Google Maps? Start by adding the places you want to see/visit. Later on (see step 5), you can add directions to help you find the fastest routes. You can create on Google Maps for the overall road trip, and make another map for daily itineraries of your road trip.
3. Customise Your Categories (Icons and Colours)
The customisation options are another reason why planning trips on Google Maps is one of the best travel planning tools out there. By using colours, icons, pictures and notes, your map will be even easier to navigate.
These options let you break down your locations into categories, such as things to do, photography spots, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, etc.
You can change the colour of your pin and add an icon under the “ Style ” option – it looks like a paint bucket. There are hundreds of different icons to choose from.
At this stage, it’s best to stick to changing the icons for now. I normally change the colours to divide the days on my itineraries. Obviously, you can completely style this the way you want.
![plan my trip on map google maps customisation](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-trip-planner-2-1024x561.jpg)
You can also change the colour and icon of your pins in the side menu.
![plan my trip on map Google maps holiday planner](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-holiday-planner-1024x561.jpg)
When clicking on the “ Edit ” icon, you can change the title and add a description for your location. This can be handy to help yourself remember any specifics about this place, such as good photography spots, opening times and whether you need to book a ticket in advance or not.
![plan my trip on map google my maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-planning-trip-1-1024x561.jpg)
You can add an image or video to your pins, too. And lastly, you can delete the pin by clicking on the trash icon.
![plan my trip on map google maps options](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-options-1024x561.jpg)
4. Create Layers
Now you’ve added all the things you want to do and given them some icons, it’s time to take a look at the layers. You can add a layer by clicking the “Add layer” option in the sidebar. This automatically creates a brand new untitled layer on your map.
![plan my trip on map google maps layers](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-layers-1024x561.jpg)
You can rename and delete the layers by clicking on the three dots next to the name of the layer.
![plan my trip on map google maps new layer](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-new-layer-1024x561.jpg)
You can make layers invisible by unchecking the box next to the name of your layer.
![plan my trip on map google maps layers](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-layers-1-1024x561.jpg)
To move points of interest from one layer to another, you can simply drag them over with your mouse.
Layers are an easy way to categorize and organise the locations on your map. There are multiple ways to do this, and you can choose a way that works best for your trip. For example, you can create one layer for restaurant options in Tokyo, one for sightseeing in Tokyo, one for hotels in Tokyo , etc.
When I’m planning a big trip, I like to use layers to break down my individual days or cities. This way, I can quickly see what I’m doing every day while I’m travelling. To make it even clearer, I change the colours of all my pins to match the different layers.
5. Plan Your Itinerary (with Directions)
After following these steps, we should have a good overview of all the things we want to do and see during our trip. This will make it much easier to break down the trip into days.
For the Tokyo itinerary I’ve been planning as part of this Google Maps tutorial, I’m going to spread it out over two days.
I created two layers to match my time in Tokyo in Google Maps.
![plan my trip on map google maps trip planner](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-layers-planner-1024x561.jpg)
Because I can see where all my hotspots are located, I can see which activities and sights I want to pair together. This way, I can efficiently plan what I want to see each day. You can even make squares to group things together with the “ Line Drawing ” tool.
For example, it makes sense to group these pins together per day – this will save me a ton of time travelling from one place to the other.
![plan my trip on map google maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-2-1024x561.jpg)
Always check whether these things actually work together, though. Sometimes, a ton of restaurants are located near each other, but there’s no point in planning to visit four restaurants on the same day.
Sometimes, there are museums that take way too long to visit alongside other sights or you can combine certain parts of the city in one day.
Take a look at your itinerary and plan it accordingly. As mentioned before, I like to use the colour tool to add the same colour per day to make it even easier to spot. My Google Map itinerary turned out like this:
![plan my trip on map itinerary on google maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/tokyo-itinerary-google-maps-1024x561.jpg)
If you’re planning a road trip on Google Maps or want directions for walking from one point to another, you can use the direction tools. Click on one of the locations and select “ Directions to here ”.
![plan my trip on map google maps directions](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-directions-1024x561.jpg)
This will create a new layer on your map. From here, you can add different locations to create a route. You can select points of interest on your map to easily add them to your route. Click on “ Add Destination ” to add more stops.
You can also change whether you want directions by car, bike, or on foot by clicking on the car icon. This opens up a small window with a car, bike and pedestrian. Changing the mode of transport will automatically change the directions to find the best route for you.
This tool allows you to create road trip itineraries or city walks with just a few clicks. I find this especially handy to plan a road trip with Google Maps, as it allows me to estimate the driving time and the amount of money I’ll have to spend on petrol.
![plan my trip on map adding directions in google maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-directions-1-1024x561.jpg)
By clicking on the three dots next to the name of this direction layer, you can click on “ Step-by-step directions ”. This will give you detailed directions, distances, and an estimation of how long it’ll take for you to get there. Super handy!
![plan my trip on map Google Maps direction planner](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-directions-planner-1024x561.jpg)
6. Book Your Hotels
Now you know exactly what your daily plans are for our trip, it makes it much easier to pick the perfect location for your accommodation . Since you know what parts of the city you’ll be visiting, you can pick a spot that’s near these locations. This will save you so much time (and money), as you won’t have to travel too far to go to start your daily itinerary.
I usually book hotels on Booking.com . The website’s map feature makes it perfect for choosing the location. Because I have my itinerary ready on Google Maps, I know exactly what area of the city I prefer to stay in.
Once you’ve booked your accommodation, you can add the location to your map too.
7. Share Your Trip & Access it on Your Phone
Once you’ve finished your map, you can share it with your travel buddies and download it onto your phone. Here is how to do it.
Access Your Map on Your Phone
To view the map on your phone (with an internet connection), simply download the Google Maps app. Log into your account and click on the “ Saved ” button at the bottom.
Then scroll down and click on “ Maps ”. This will take you to all the maps you created. Click on the map you want to access, and all your saved spots will appear.
![plan my trip on map google maps on phone](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-phone-1024x561.jpg)
Share Your Map
To share your map with your travel company or friends, click on the “ Share ” button. Make sure to enable link sharing , which will allow you to copy the shareable link. You can share this link with friends, who can then access your map and download it themselves.
![plan my trip on map google maps share options](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-share-option-planning-1024x561.jpg)
If you’ve read any of my itineraries or travel guides , you have probably noticed some Google Maps. As I always use these maps for my own trips, I try to include them in my articles for you to use. If you want to embed your map onto your site, click on the three dots >> “Embed on site” .
![plan my trip on map plan a trip with google maps](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/google-maps-embed-on-site-1024x561.jpg)
This will give you a code that you can include on any site for an interactive map to appear.
Why Use Google Maps for Trip Planning?
Google Maps is one the best travel tools because it’s so easy to use for both planning your trip and using it during your trip. We use it for planning city trip itineraries and road trip routes, plus it allows us to save our favourite locations and hotspots.
Whenever we come across a location on social media that we’d like to check out, we add it to a bigger map so we can organise it into smaller itineraries when we’re ready to visit.
Here are some of the main reasons to use Google Maps:
1. It Allows You to Access Your Maps Anywhere
You can access Google Maps anywhere you want. After creating a map on your desktop, you can open it on your phone or tablet. Plus, you can download it so you can access it without being connected to the internet. This is especially handy when you’re abroad and internet access isn’t a given.
2. It Makes it Easy to Find the Best Hotel Location
Using Google Maps to plan my city breaks gives me insight on the perfect location for my accommodation. Because I have a visual representation of all the things I plan to do during my holiday, I know exactly what the best hotel spot is. I compare the map from Booking.com and my own map, and ta-da!
When planning road trip routes on Google Maps, you can easily estimate the time it takes to drive from one place to the next. You can use this to properly budget your trip in terms of petrol cost, too. And when on the road, you can use the directions from your own map while driving.
Conclusion: Using Google Maps Trip Planner
That concludes my tutorial on how to plan a trip with Google Maps. I hope this has shown you all the amazing features this tool offers and how easy it is to use when planning a road trip or city break.
Ever since I started using it, I’ve never looked back. It has saved me so much time and always takes away a ton of travel planning stress. I hope it can do the same for you!
Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .
10 thoughts on “How To Plan A Trip With Google Maps: 7 Easy Steps”
WOW!! I had no idea this resource existed. Your detailed steps and screenshots make it easy for me to take the plunge and start using this tool. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Anne! So glad the post was able to teach you a few things – it’s such a great tool to use for planning trips!
Hi, Thank you for sharing this interesting feature. I was looking for a hard copy of a plan for my travel in Malaysia.
Great guide, exactly what I was looking for, Great work, Thank you!
- Pingback: Blogs To Read This September - Bournemouth Girl
This was very helpful. Thank you 🙂
Amazing tutorial! I am so glad you came up in Google search just as I was looking for this kind of resource. And best of all its free and a tool that I am so used to. How did I not know this before about G Maps?!
So glad to hear the tutorial was helpful! It’s been such a useful tool in my travels, hopefully you can use it on your next trip too!
Very detailed explanation and very well explained too. Thanks for making this blog…
Great post! I recently planned a trip to a nearby city using Google Maps, and it was incredibly helpful in navigating unfamiliar roads and finding the best routes. I especially appreciated the feature that allowed me to save my route and share it with friends. Will definitely be using this method for future trips!
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
Must-Read Articles
![plan my trip on map akihabara tokyo](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/akihabara-things-to-do-in-japan-150x150.jpg)
50+ Best Things To Do In Japan
![plan my trip on map Japan rail pass, is it worth it](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/japan-rail-pass-is-it-worth-it-150x150.jpeg)
Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth it?
![plan my trip on map itsukushima torii gate](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/itsukushima-torii-gate-japan-150x150.jpg)
The Perfect Three Week Japan Itinerary
Japan Travel Tips Group
![plan my trip on map Japan travel group](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Japan-Travel-Tips.jpg)
The Japan Travel Newsletter
Sign up to get inspired! Receive insider tips, special discounts and more to plan your perfect Japan trip.
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
japan travel Blog
Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Hiroshima Hakone Kobe Nikko Nara Kyushu All Japan Content
Plan Your Trip
Best Things To Do Japan Rail Pass 2 Week Itinerary 3 Week Itinerary Accommodation Japanese Phrases
About The Navigatio Work With Us
![plan my trip on map The Winding Road Tripper](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TWRT_logo_full-01.png)
How to Plan a Road Trip with Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases. Read more .
This post was originally published on August 8, 2021, and updated on February 16, 2023.
Ready to start planning your road trip using the power of Google Maps?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
Google has two amazing tools to help you plan your road trip: Google Maps and Google My Maps.
Google Maps is a great tool for plotting out your route, while Google My Maps is an amazing tool for road trip planning and organization.
In this post, I’ll teach you how and when to use each of these powerful free tools.
Let’s start by looking at Google Maps since it’s the simpler of the two.
But if you are looking for how to use Google My Maps, then click here .
How to Use Google Maps to Plot Your Road Trip Route
Google Maps is a great tool if you want to plot out your road trip route.
We use it as a starting point for all of our road trip planning to get a sense of how long our trip will be or what we can accomplish in the time we have.
Step 1: Open Google Maps
Start by opening up Google Maps on your desktop or phone.
When trip planning, we like to use our desktop computers to make use of the bigger screen.
![plan my trip on map Image of google search screen with Google Maps as an option to click on.](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-1-Open-Google-Maps.jpg)
Step 2: Plot Your Road Trip Route
To start plotting your road trip route, click on directions.
![plan my trip on map Image of google maps with instructions to click on directions](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-2a-click-on-Directions.jpg)
Then enter your starting point and your first destination.
![plan my trip on map Image of google maps with two destinations on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-2b-Starting-Point-and-First-Stop.jpg)
Continue to add stops to your road trip by clicking on the (+) to add destinations.
![plan my trip on map Image of google maps with instructions to add destinations.](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-2c-Add-More-destinations.jpg)
Stop when you have all your road trip stops added to your map. Google Maps allows you to add up to 10 points to your map. If you want to add more, then Google My Maps is the tool for you.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-2d-Add-More-destinations.jpg)
Step 3: Reorder Road Trips Stops
If you want to play around with your route and reorder your stops, Google Maps makes it easy to do so.
On the left, where your stops are listed, you can drag and drop the stops to reorder them.
![plan my trip on map Image of Google Maps with directions to reorder road trip stops](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-3a-Reorder-stops.jpg)
Step 4: Move the Driving Route
Google Maps will choose the fastest route between your road trip stops. But sometimes, there may be a scenic route you want to take.
You can easily move your driving route as desired by dragging and dropping your route.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-4-Change-Driving-Route.jpg)
Step 5: Send the Driving Route to Your Phone
Once you plan your road trip, you can send the directions to your phone for easy access during your trip. Directions can be sent via text message or email.
Note: You will have to have a Google Account to send directions to your phone.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-to-Plan-a-Trip-in-Google-Maps-Step-5-Send-Route-to-Phone.jpg)
Google Maps is a great starting point for planning a road trip.
But if you want to harness the power of Google and use it to plan your road trip and as a resource throughout your trip, Google My Maps is the choice for you.
Google My Maps: The Best Road Trip Planning Tool
Planning a road trip can be a daunting task. It’s hard to know where to start, and all the research can feel overwhelming. But that is where the ultimate road trip planning tool, Google My Maps, comes to the rescue.
Google My Maps is a very similar tool to traditional Google Maps, but it’s much more powerful and customizable.
In this section, we’ll start with detailed information on the features of Google My Maps. And then, we’ll get into exactly how we use Google My Maps to plan each one of our road trips.
Using this tool will help you seamlessly organize and plan your road trip.
Once we tried it, we never looked back.
Let’s start by giving you a little introduction to Google My Maps.
What is Google My Maps?
Google My Maps utilizes all of the data in Google Maps to allow you to create your very own custom map for your road trip. It’s a way for you to create a map containing the places important to you .
Once you create your map, you can access all of the personalized information you’ve added, so you never miss a beat while on the road.
Why is Google My Maps the Ultimate Road Trip Planning Tool?
Google My Maps is our favorite tool for planning a road trip. Here is why:
- It Helps You Visualize Your Trip Plotting all of your points of interest on a map helps see how your road trip may take shape. At the start of road trip planning, we typically have no idea what route we may take until we see all of the things we want to do on a map. And this is where Google My Maps can help.
- It Helps Organize Your Research When planning a road trip, you are likely gathering information from many sources, including websites, tourist bureaus, and recommendations from friends and family. Google My Maps can help you organize all of your research so you can more easily plan your road trip itinerary.
- It Consolidates Your Entire Itinerary Using Google My Maps allows you to have all of your road trip information in one place. There will be no need for a separate spreadsheet with your day-to-day itinerary or to bring your travel books with you.
What Are the Limitations of Google My Maps?
- Google My Maps Can Not Be Used Offline You will need access to wifi or cellular data to use your map on your road trip. But don’t let that stop you from using it to plan your road trip. There are ways to download your map to other apps for offline use, which I’ll take you through in the tutorial.
- You Can Only Add 2,000 Locations to Your Map Likely, you will not need over 2,000 locations when planning your road trip. And if you do, you can make separate maps, possibly divided by days or weeks, to get around this limitation.
- You Can Only Add 10 Layers to Your Map Layers are ways to categorize your location points. When using Google My Maps, you can only have ten layers per map.
- Planned Routes Can Not Be Accessed for Driving Directions on Google Maps When planning your trip, you may add a direction layer on your map to display the route you plan to take. Unfortunately, you can not use those directions to give you turn-by-turn navigation on your road trip. You’ll have to use Google Maps or click on a destination point on your custom Google My Map to bring up directions. I go through this in detail here .
How to Use Google My Maps to Plan a Road Trip
Now that you know why Google My Maps is the best road trip planning tool, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of Google My Maps.
We’ll start with an in-depth overview and then show you exactly how we use Google My Maps to plan our road trips. Use the screenshots I’ve provided to help guide you through all of the steps.
Overview of Google My Maps
If you want to know how we use Google My Maps to plan our road trips, then feel free to skip down to the step-by-step guide for planning a road trip here .
But if you want to learn the ins and out of Google My Maps, this is where to start.
You can start from the beginning or jump to the section you want to learn more about by clicking on the links below.
Here is what we will cover to familiarize you with how Google My Maps works so you can start road trip planning like a boss.
Google My Maps Layout
- Markers/Locations
Google My Maps allows you to add locations and driving directions to your map while allowing you to organize them as you wish.
To get started, let’s get familiar with the layout of Google My Maps.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_12-20-24.png)
I suggest creating your first Google My Map and playing around with the functions of the map to help you get familiar with them.
Note: You must either create a Google Account or sign in to your Google account to start using Google My Maps .
Location Markers
Location markers are points that you add to a map. They can be things like restaurants, hotels, sights-to-see, bathroom stops, etc.
Find things to do along your route with our Favorite Tools to Find Things to Do Along Your Road Trip Route .
Each point you add to a map will include any information that Google already has for that point.
These include things like:
- GPS coordinates
- Website address
- Phone Number
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_13-43-39-1024x480.png)
Three Ways to Add Markers to Your Google My Map
You can add markers to your road trip map in three ways:
- Using the search function
- Selecting a Point already on Google Maps to add to your own map
- Add a point manually
Let’s look at how to do all three.
Search Function
You can find a marker by typing in the name, address, or GPS coordinates into the search bar.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_13-53-24-1-1024x476.png)
Adding a Marker That is Already on Google Maps
Google Maps already has many markers in its database. When you zoom into an area, many points of interest will start to show up. If any of these markers look appealing to you, you can add them to your own map by clicking on them.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-19_6-52-35-1024x480.png)
Adding a Marker Manually
You may need to add markers manually when you can not find them via the search function and don’t have the location’s GPS coordinates.
For example, sometimes, I struggle to find the exact location of a trailhead via the search bar. In these cases, I find the location of the trailhead via a different resource and plot it on the map myself.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-19_7-06-30-1024x480.png)
Color Code and Change the Icons of Your Markers
To keep your map organized, you’ll want to customize and color-code your icons to help you group locations together.
Luckily, Google lets you fully customize your markers.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Style-Location-Marker-Google-Maps.png)
Map layers are a great way to organize your maps.
But before we dive into adding layers, let’s talk about map layers.
What are Map Layers?
A map layer is a set of markers that are layered on top of an existing map. You can see your different layers on the left-hand side of your map.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_11-46-56-a-1024x480.png)
When you add a marker to a map, Google My Maps will add it to a layer. You can then use these layers to organize your map.
The added marker will appear on the selected layer. If you want to move a marker to a different layer, click and drag that marker to the desired layer.
For example, I made a map of Wisconsin Campgrounds to help me find campgrounds nearby during our road trips.
I have chosen to use separate layers for different types of campgrounds; National Forests, State Parks, and County Parks.
The benefit of using separate layers versus adding all of the campgrounds to a single layer is that I can check and uncheck specific layers depending on what information I want to see on my map.
If I don’t want to see the State Parks on my map, I can uncheck “Wisconsin State Parks,” and they will not be plotted on my map until I recheck the box.
How to Add Layers
Within Google My Maps, you can have up to 10 layers on a single map.
To add layers, click on “add layer” on the left-hand side of your map just below the map title and description.
![plan my trip on map Image showing how to add layer to Google Map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_11-56-08-1024x480.png)
Google My Maps then adds an “untitled layer” to your map.
To change the title, click on “Untitled layer,” and it will give you the option to rename the layer.
The current layer selected will have a solid vertical blue bar on the left side of the layer panel. Any new markers created will be added to the selected layer.
![plan my trip on map Image of how to change Layer title](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_11-59-06-1024x480.png)
You can use Google My Maps to plot your driving route. Unfortunately, you can’t use these routes for navigation in Google Maps. This is one of the downfalls of Google My Maps.
But that is not to say that adding driving directions to your Google road trip map isn’t helpful. Adding driving directions helps you visualize your route so you can better understand where you are going while on your road trip. It also will help you figure out how long you can drive in one day .
Here’s how to add and use Directions on your Google Map:
Start by clicking on the direction icon located below the search bar.
![plan my trip on map Screen shot of adding driving directions to Google Map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Creating-Route-Michigan-Road-trip.png)
You will then continue to add stops along your route to get a visual of your driving route.
![plan my trip on map Screen shot of creating a driving route in google maps](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Add-desitinations-to-Road-Trip-Route.png)
Google Maps will default to the quickest route when creating your driving route. The quickest driving route will likely be the main highways and not always the most scenic. Therefore, there may be times you want to deviate from the quickest route and take a more scenic route.
Fortunately, you can adjust your route by dragging it to where you want it to go.
Start by clicking on the route, and a small circle will appear.
![plan my trip on map Screen shot of how to change route on google my maps](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Change-Driving-Route-on-Google-My-Maps.png)
Then drag this route to where you want the route to go.
How to Plan a Road Trip with Google My Maps – A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Now that we know the ins and outs of Google My Maps let’s learn how to use it to create your very own customized road trip map.
- Create a New Google Map
- Add Layers for Different Types of Locations
- Add Locations to Your Map
- Plan Your Road Trip Route
Step 1: Create a New Google Map
You will need to sign in to your Google Account or create a new account to create your own Google My Map.
Once you’re logged into Google, follow this link to bring you to Google Maps .
Click on the hamburger ( 𝄘 ) in the top left-hand corner of Google Maps.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-17_14-57-03-1024x480.png)
Click on “Your Places”.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-17_15-03-06-1024x480.png)
This brings up any saved information you’ve stored in Google maps, like your favorites
Now it’s time to bring up your very first map.
Click on Maps on the top left →, then click “create map” on the bottom left.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-17_15-05-34-1024x480.png)
You now have your blank map!
Give your map a title, and get ready to create your first custom road trip map.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-17_15-11-41-1024x524.png)
Step 2: Create Layers for Different Types of Markers
I like to start trip planning by creating different layers for the types of markers I plan to add to my map.
The layers I typically use are: – Places to Sleep – Places to Eat – Places to Drink – Things to Do
You can always add layers while you plan. But I find it easier to stay organized if I start with some layers on my map before adding locations.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Create-Your-Layers.png)
Step 3. Add Markers to Your Map
This is the best part of planning your road trip with Google My Maps.
Whether you are in your brainstorming stage of travel prep or you already know where you want to go, this step is where your trip starts to come together.
To start, you’ll research your destinations to find markers to add to your map.
I like to use the following resources for trip research:
- Google: Search for things to do, places to eat, places to stay, etc., in the areas you plan to visit or pass through
- Visitor Centers: Find tourism information online or request info from your destinations’ tourism bureaus to be mailed to you
- Travel books: We like to get ours from the library
- Facebook groups: Join a Facebook Group for the area you are traveling to. They are filled with tons of suggestions on the best things to do in the area.
When you find a location you want to make note of, add it to your map.
Do this by entering it into the search bar.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-17_16-07-01-1024x480.png)
The great thing about Google Maps is that it pulls up all of the information on a location that Google has. If available, you can find the exact address, reviews, and website address.
If the location looks good, you can then add it as a marker to your map by clicking “add to map”.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-17_16-10-24-1-1024x480.png)
Once added to your map, you can customize your marker by changing your icon’s color and/or shape by clicking on the paint bucket icon labeled “style”.
I like picking a specific color and icon for each marker category. For example, my “restaurants” may all be blue with a fork and spoon icon, while my “sights to see” will be yellow with a binocular icon.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_8-43-18-1024x482.png)
One of my favorite features of Google My Maps is that I can add my own info to the marker. Typically, this info comes from the research I’ve done on the location. If I found a blog post recommending a specific restaurant, I’ll add that to the marker, so I have that info at my fingertips when we are on the road.
Add any info you want to your marker and click save.
![plan my trip on map Google My Map image changing the location description](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-18_10-21-29-1024x480.png)
Your marker will now be added to your map.
You can see your marker in two places: one on the map and the other in the layer it was added to in the layers menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
Continue to add locations until your map starts to take shape.
Here is an example of a map we made for a West Virginia Road Trip .
![plan my trip on map Map of locations added to West Virginia Road Trip Map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/West-Virginia-Road-Trip-Map.png)
Step 4: Determine Your Route / Itinerary
Now that you have location markers on your map, you can determine your route and day-to-day itinerary.
Take a look at where all your location markers are situated and start planning your route.
Start by creating a directions layer on your map.
Once you have your directions layer, rename it, and begin plotting your route.
First, you will need to enter your starting point. This can be done by either entering an address manually or clicking on a marker on your map.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Creating-Route-Michigan-Road-trip.png)
Continue to add stops until your route is complete.
![plan my trip on map google map image of driving route for road trip](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Add-desitinations-to-Road-Trip-Route.png)
Here is an example of what our Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Trip looked like.
![plan my trip on map Google map image or Michigan Road Trip Route](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Michigan-Road-Trip-Route.png)
Google Maps will default to the quickest route from two points. If you want to go a different route than the one suggested, you can drag the route to force it to go a different way than it was originally displayed.
You now have your own customizable Google Map for your road trip.
We use these maps for both planning our trip and for reference during our trip.
Now let’s look at how to use your awesome map during your trip.
How to View Your Google My Map on Your Phone
Now that you have your map customized, you’ll likely want to be able to view it on your phone.
You will first need to download the Google Maps app from your phone’s app store.
Once you have the Google Map app, here is how you access your map:
- Click on “Saved” on the lower toolbar on your phone
- Click on “Maps” on the lower right
- Select your customized map
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Google-Maps-Phone-Screen-Shot-Saved.png)
Now you can view your location markers and all the customized information you added to your map.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Google-Maps-Phone-Screen-Shot-Markers.png)
Click on your marker to bring up basic information. For the more detailed information you added, swipe up.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Google-Maps-Phone-Screen-Shot-10.png)
How to Use Your Google Map to Get Directions During Your Road Trip
Unfortunately, you can’t use the turn-by-turn directions you may have added to your map for actual driving instructions for your trip.
But not all is lost; you can still get directions to the next stop by using your customized map and Google Maps.
To do this, click on the location you want directions to and click on directions.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Google-Maps-Phone-Screen-Shot-Directions.png)
This will launch your Google Map app and allow you to get turn-by-turn directions to your next stop.
How to Export Your Map for Offline Access
Google My Maps works great when you have cell phone service on your trip. Unfortunately, you will not always have service, and you can’t download your Google My Map for offline use like you can in Google Maps.
Thankfully, there are ways to export your map for use offline.
To do this, we use Gaia GPS .
Let’s walk you through downloading your Google My Map for importing into Gaia GPS, an offline mapping app.
On your computer, click on the ( ⋮ ) in the top left corner by the map’s name. Then click on Export to KML/KMZ.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Exporting-Google-My-Map.png)
A pop-up will appear. Keep the default of “entire map” and click “download”.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Exporting-Google-My-Map-Download.png)
Now you can import this map into Gaia GPS.
Start by creating a Gaia GPS account .
Once logged in, click “Import Data” and select the .KMZ file you downloaded from Google My Maps.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Importing-google-Map-into-Gaia-GPS.png)
Your locations will now populate in your Gaia GPS map. Make sure to click “save” .
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Importing-google-Map-into-Gaia-GPS-Save.png)
You can now access your map locations offline on your phone via Gaia GPS.
To do this, download the Gaia GPS App on your phone and log in.
Once logged in, you will see a notification that you have a saved location available.
Click on the Saved folder
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Import-Map-to-Gaia-1.png)
You can now see all your locations on your Google My Map. Including the details, you added.
![plan my trip on map](https://thewindingroadtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Import-Map-to-Gaia-4.png)
More Road Trip Tips: Road Trip Hacks for a Stress-free Trip Road Trip Activities for a Long Car Ride Road Trip Meal and Snack Ideas Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Road Trip How to Budget for a Road Trip
![plan my trip on map Roaming the Americas](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Roaming-the-Americas-Alt-Logo-blue.png)
How to Use Google My Maps to Plan a Trip (Ultimate Guide)
Note: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. More details are here .
I love a good map. I’ve got maps hanging on my walls. I go to the bookstore to read maps. Whenever I navigate my way home using only a map, I feel like I must have some innate bushcraft skills. And if you’ve read my posts about traveling in Maine , you’re probably sick of me talking about the DeLorme Atlas by now.
But while reading paper maps will always inspire a sense of get-up-and-go adventure for me, I’m not totally opposed to using tech for planning my trips and navigating on the ground.
And one of my favorite techy solutions? A secret little trip planner called Google My Maps, buried inside of everyone’s favorite map tool.
Google My Maps lets you create shareable custom maps with multiple layers, plus location pins with icons and notes. It’s a great way to brainstorm travel plans or create a trip itinerary from a desktop. And since the map can be viewed in the Google Maps app, you can use it to navigate on the go.
To give you an example of what this post will show you how to do, here’s one of the custom Google Maps I’ve created for a trip.
Keep reading for an overview of how to use Google My Maps to plan a trip, plus a video tutorial of how to set it up—all updated in 2023. I’ll also share answers to commonly asked questions and some lesser known tips to help you get the most out of this tool.
A quick note: Creating a custom map in Google My Maps is distinct from Google Lists of saved places. Check out our Google My Maps vs Lists comparison to see all the differences and our full guide to using Google Maps Lists .
8 Top Google My Maps Features
(AKA Why It’s Awesome)
Google My Maps allows you to see your trip itinerary.
This is so helpful, especially if you’re a visual person or enjoy using maps. But even if you’re not, it’s still really useful to see where everything is in relation to each other as you plan your trip, vacation, or holiday because it helps you be realistic about your plans.
It connects with other Google apps.
Setting aside my (ahem, very rational) fear that they may take over the world soon, I love all things Google. My Maps stores a copy of the map in whatever Google Drive account you’re using. (Am I the only one who has six of these?) So if you like to create Google Docs or folders to store trip planning information, documents, photos, or itineraries, it’s nice to have your map easily accessible in the same folder.
You get additional location information since it’s part of Google Maps.
If a location is on Google, you can see their website, phone number, address, reviews, and website when you add it to your custom map. (Note that you can’t see this information when clicking on your saved pin from the Google Maps app, but you can from desktop.)
You can add your own extra notes and photos.
Customize your map even more by adding notes, photos, or videos. Use the notes during planning to add website, hours, or tips. If I hear about the location from a particular website, I usually add that link and what was noted in the article about the location (e.g., it’s a great sunset spot, which dish on the menu is recommended) so I can reference it later.
You can view your route by creating a layer with directions.
When I traveled to Burlington, Vermont, I wanted to see the length of the bike trail on the map, so I used the directions feature to show the whole route. (Check out the Burlington travel guide for an example of the travel map I created that includes the bike path route.) And while I haven’t done this yet, you could also use Google My Maps to plan a road trip itinerary for a longer adventure.
Caveat: As I’ll discuss later, you can’t use directions layers to get turn-by-turn directions (but I mention an alternative below). For this reason, I only use these layers to visualize my route.
It’s highly customizable.
Don’t mind me while I swoon over the color coding and organization options over here. Use custom icons, layers, and colors so it’s easy to see what things are at a glance. For example, you can give different locations individual styles: a coffee cup icon for cafes, a bed icon for hotels, and a swimming icon for beaches. You can also use layers in many different ways, such as one layer for each day of your trip or one layer for each category (like dining, lodging, and things to do).
In-depth planning on your computer. Easy, on-the-go access from your phone.
While you can’t edit the maps from the Google Maps app on iPhone or Android, you (and anyone you’ve shared them with) can view them. You can click on icons and see your notes, as well as navigate to those locations.
Note that there used to be a dedicated My Maps app on Android, but this has been deprecated.
It’s easy to share it with a friend or with the world.
If you’re planning a trip with other people, it’s easy to share the map with others . And if it’s something you want to make available to everyone (like I do on my travel guide posts), just change the privacy setting and share the link or embed it on a website.
3 Ways to Use Google My Maps
Brainstorm and store ideas for future “maybe” trips.
I often come across a really interesting hotel, restaurant, or fun thing to do in destinations I want to travel to in the future, and I want to make sure I don’t forget about them. I have so many bookmarks in so many places (Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram), but Google My Maps is the place I’ve started storing ideas for future trips.
Plan your trip itinerary.
Want to use Google Maps for route planning? When you’re ready to plan an upcoming trip, plot it out visually by using Google My Maps to create your itinerary. If you like structured itineraries, you can easily create a detailed day-to-day plan.
Or, you can use a looser itinerary structure like we usually do by adding all the places you might like to go.
For example, on a day trip to NYC, we added tons of places to eat on the map (thank you, Tiktok). As we were walking around doing other activities and started to get hungry, we were able to easily see which saved restaurants were closest to us.
Navigate on the go.
Whether you’re using your map loosely for ideas or for a structured itinerary, you can pull it up on your phone anytime and get directions to your next location.
Not sure what you want to do today, or want to see what the closest restaurant from your list is for dinner? Pop into your custom map to jog your memory from the notes you made or to get directions to your next location.
Recommended: Need an organized backpack to take on the road? Check out my favorite luggage for camping, road trips, and flying: the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L and Allpa 35L !
How to Use Google My Maps to Plan a Trip
How to create a new custom map.
Go to Google My Maps from your desktop browser . Check the Google icon in the top right corner to make sure you’re using the Google account you want to. Click “Create A New Map” and a window will open with a blank map. To give your map a name and description , click the map name (“Untitled Map”).
![plan my trip on map Google My Maps Create New Map](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/29-2366-post/Google-My-Maps-Trip-Planning-1024x542.jpg)
You can also change the color and style of the base map if desired. At the bottom of the layer panel on the left, click the arrow next to “Base Map.” You’ll get a window with nine options, including terrain, light political (a very light version of the standard Google Maps), satellite, and some different colored versions. Note that changing the base map style on desktop won’t change anything when viewing on mobile in Google Maps.
How to Add and Edit Layers
When you create a new map, the first layer will already be created, so you’ll probably want to rename it. To give your first layer a title , click directly on the title name like you did with the map name, or click the 3 dots next to “Untitled Layer” and then click “Rename Layer.” Clicking these 3 dots next to a layer title is also how you can delete a layer if you add one accidentally or change your mind. In this example, I’m changing my first layer to “dining” and will add all restaurants to this layer.
You can use layers any way you want to, or simply stick to one layer if you don’t need multiple. To add new layers , simply click “Add Layer” in the gray section below the map title and description.
To move a pin between layers , click the pin on the layer and hold down the mouse, and then drag it to the desired layer.
![plan my trip on map Google My Maps Create New Map](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/29-2460-pp_gallery/Google-My-Maps-Trip-Change-Layer-Title.jpg)
How to Add Location Pins
There are various ways to add location pins to a layer. First, make sure the correct layer is chosen by clicking anywhere in the white area on the layer. You’ll see which layer is selected by looking for the blue bar on the left of the layer.
- In the map search bar, type either a place name or an address. Click “Add to Map” to add a pin for this location . This is how I add most pins.
- If you don’t need an exact location or don’t have an address , you can click the pin marker button below the map search bar (“Add Marker”). It will turn your mouse into a T and you can click anywhere on the map to add a blank pin. You’ll immediately be prompted to add the pin title and description.
- If you’re dealing with very remote locations (or you just like geeky map stuff), you can also use latitude and longitude coordinates in the search bar.
To delete a pin , simply click on it and click the trash icon.
![plan my trip on map Google My Maps selected layer](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/29-2466-pp_gallery/Google-My-Maps-selected-layer-1024x497.jpg)
A few tips and best practices for adding pins:
- If the place you’re searching for does not have a listing on Google, you’ll have to use an address. One thing to note is that sometimes Google Maps listings aren’t correct or don’t take you to the right place, so you may want to double check the location if you’re not using a street address to add the pin (especially if it’s a small business without a website).
- I have also found that hiking trail heads are frequently on Google Maps, but they’re not always correct in terms of navigating there by car. I usually add them to my map to get a basic idea of where they are while planning, but I use a paper map or atlas to find them while traveling.
How to Customize Location Pins
To change the title and add notes to your listing, click on the pin on the map, and then click the pencil icon (“Edit”).
To change the color and icon of the pin , click the paint bucket icon (from the pin itself or directly in the layer). Click “More Icons” to view all the icon options. You can color code by type of activity, by layer, or any way that makes sense to you.
To add photos or videos to a pin , click on the pin on the map, and then click the camera icon (“Add Image or Video”). This is another way to make your map interactive, especially after you’ve visited a location and want to share it with others.
![plan my trip on map Google My Maps Change Title & Notes](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/29-2423-pp_gallery/Google-My-Maps-Notes-1.jpg)
How to Add A Directions Layer
I find that directions layers are helpful for showing the route of a walking tour, bike path, or road trip you want to take, but I don’t find them useful for directions while traveling since I can simply use the maps app to navigate.
I use directions layers whenever I want to show an entire route on a map , rather than a specific location. Think of this as the 2024 version of mapping out a trip with AAA paper maps and a highlighter (if you’re old enough to remember).
Click the arrow icon underneath the search bar, which will create a new directions layer. On the legend, click “Driving” if you want to change this to walking or biking directions. Add a location name or address to Points A and B in the legend. If you find that the pins are not exactly where they should be, you can drag the points on the map.
Continue adding points by clicking “Add Destination” on the map. You can either type the information into the legend or hover your mouse to a spot on the map and double click it. (This is especially useful if you’re tracing a route on something like a bike path or hiking trail that won’t have an address.)
Rearrange the order by dragging the items around in the legend. Just like altering directions on Google Maps navigation, you can click on part of the route and drag it to a different road if you want to change part of the route after it is complete.
If you need to access the directions so you can see the distance of your route or the time it will take, click the three dots on the layer and click “Step-by-Step Directions.” Note that you can’t actually use this to get turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
![plan my trip on map Google My Maps Add Directions](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/29-2474-pp_gallery/Google-My-Maps-Add-Directions-1024x497.jpg)
How to Share A Google My Map
There are several options for sharing your Google Maps trip plan.
Open up your map, then click the share button in the gray bar above your layers. To allow others to view your map (which includes embedding on your website), click “change” under the section “Who has access.” For embedding, you will need to make this setting public.
Otherwise, if you want to allow others to edit your map, add their email address in the “invite people” section.
![plan my trip on map Google My Maps Trip Planner - Sharing a Map](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/19-4448-pp_gallery/google-maps-trip-planner-sharing2-1-1024x488.jpg)
How to View Your Custom Map in Google Maps (iPhone or Android)
Open Google Maps and go to the Saved icon at the bottom. Scroll to the bottom of this screen and click “Maps.” Choose the My Map you want to view. The layers with your custom icons will now be visible on your Google Map. You can click on any pin to view your details (such as description or photos), as well as to navigate there.
To close a map, click on a pin and then click “View Map Legend.” There, you can click the Close icon.
From the Map Legend, you can also toggle layers on and off, and then backing out to the main map (don’t click Close—just the back arrow or back button).
![](http://adsite.space/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
How to Navigate with a Custom My Map (iPhone or Android)
To navigate to one of your pins, open your map, find the pin for where you want to go, click it, and then click “directions.” When you do this, you won’t see your custom map anymore but will be looking at the regular navigation of Google Maps.
You can’t use a My Maps “directions layer” for navigation. If you’re looking for that functionality, I recommend just creating a route in Google Maps and sending it to your phone (or sharing with others). See here for more details.
How to Import Locations from Google Sheets, CSV, or Excel
Importing locations to a My Maps layer can be helpful in a few scenarios:
- You have a significant amount of locations to add to your layer
- Your data is already in the form of a spreadsheet
- You want additional fields included besides the default Name and Description
- You want to create groupings of pins (for example, a list of 50 restaurants could have a column for “Cuisine,” which will give you the option to group and style the pins by cuisine)
The process is simple, and you can import a variety of file types, including CSV, Excel (XLSX), or directly from Google Sheets. There are also special file formats that import map data from other programs, but this section is focused on spreadsheet-type files that you create and format.
Create a spreadsheet with the desired column headers. At a minimum, you need place names and either addresses or latitude-longitude information .
If you want to group your pins by some type of categorization, you should include that as a column. Other columns you could include: website, phone number, description, or notes. While Google Sheets allows you to include photos in a cell, Google My Maps will not import photos in this way (it will include the column as a field, but will be blank).
Once your spreadsheet file is ready, click “Import” on a blank layer (if your map already has layers, you will need to add a new layer to see this option). If uploading a CSV or XLSX, do this from the Upload tab. If using a Google Sheet, click the Google Drive tab and choose your file.
Choose which column has location data (address or latitude-longitude) and click “Continue.” Choose the location name column next and click “Finish.”
To change the icons individually, click “Uniform Style” next to the paintbrush on your layer. Under “Group Places By,” choose “Individual Styles.”
To change styles by a category column (such as Cuisine), click the link next to the paintbrush and choose to group places by the desired column. You can then give each category its own color or icon.
You can manually add new pins to this layer, and they will include all the fields you imported from the spreadsheet columns.
You can also add more items to your spreadsheet, and import this new data. Click the three dots on your layer. Under “Reimport and Merge,” click “Add More Items” and choose your file. It will add the new rows to your layer.
How to Import a Route from Google Maps Timeline History (KML) or GPS Data From a Fitness App (GPX)
Google My Maps can import routes and locations you’ve already traveled to via special file types that are very easy to download from certain apps. This could be useful if you want to share a walking, biking, or driving route that you’ve taken without having to recreate it on a directions layer.
Note that this only works as well as the GPS satellites were able to track your location while you were traveling.
If there are a lot of clouds, dense forest, buildings, or anything else blocking the GPS signal, your tracked route will be much less precise. I’ve noticed that Google Maps sometimes has my route showing somewhere I couldn’t have walked or driven.
If you have your location history turned on in Google Maps, you can download a KML file from a trip, which will include the route traveled and location pins for any stops. Sometimes it misses a location name or adds a pin in the wrong place, but overall it’s pretty good.
Go to your Google Maps Timeline and locate the day you want to export. Click on it, and you should now see your route highlighted along with any stops you made. Now click the gear icon on the bottom of your map, and click “Export this day to KML.” Go to your My Map and on a new layer, click “Import.” Choose the KML file you just downloaded. You can now edit each portion as needed—changing the color and thickness of the route line, changing the location icons, as well as adjusting the route where desired.
If you have other apps that track your location, such as fitness apps, you may be able to download a GPX file that shows the route you took. The instructions for doing this will vary from app to app, but I was able to easily find it in Samsung Health by looking at the detail of a particular workout/walk and clicking the three dots to download a GPX. The import process to Google My Maps is the same as above.
With both methods, you can make adjustments to points/stops along the way or even add more pins. With the Google Maps KML file, you can also adjust your route by moving the small white dots.
Google My Maps Tutorial
Here’s a walk through video to show you how to use Google Maps to plan a trip, along with several of my own Google My Maps itinerary examples. Coming soon: a 2024 update!
Google My Maps Examples
Here are a few more examples of My Maps I’ve created for sharing recommendations, trip ideas, and actual vacation planning.
![plan my trip on map Screen shot of desktop view of a custom My Map for Hawai'i](https://roamingtheamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/google-my-maps-desktop-scaled-e1684858603852-1024x525.jpg)
Google My Maps FAQs and Tips
As great as Google My Maps is for planning a trip, there are some limitations to using it. Lots of questions have also come up about more specific uses and ways to use its features. Thanks to all the readers who have asked or shared tips in the comments as I’m always looking to make this a more robust guide. I’ve organized the questions and tips here since it makes it easier than scrolling through the comments.
How many layers can you add to a map?
Google My Maps limits you to 10 layers. If you are planning a longer road trip and want to create a layer for each day, this limitation may prove frustrating.
Here are a couple of workaround ideas: You can create 2 maps, and have the entire master route as 1 layer on each (showing the very basic route for all 12 days—say from city to city) as a reference. Then build individual layers for each day. As a second option, you could add multiple days to 1 layer and change the titles to start with the day they correspond to (so it would be “1 – Name of Place” instead of just “Name of Place.”) However, this option may not be ideal since you can’t see the titles until you click when you’re on the phone.
How many location pins can you add to each layer?
You can add up to 2,000 pins per layer, and the entire map cannot exceed 10,000 lines, shapes, or places total. I haven’t tested the limits, and it’s possible adding this amount of items could slow things down. My guess is that most travelers wouldn’t need anything so large, but it is possible according to Google .
Are custom Google My Maps available offline?
No, but keep reading for a workaround and alternative.
One of the biggest complaints about Google My Maps is that you can’t download your custom map and pins to use offline, unlike the rest of Google Maps.
However, I have been able to use it in areas with spotty reception. I pulled the map up when I did have reception, and I left it running in the background. It would stay loaded in the app and I was able to pull it up to look at it later when I was out of reception. I’m not sure I would rely on this as a surefire workaround, but it can work in a pinch.
Another alternative, especially if you’ll be traveling in another country where you’ll be completely offline, is to use Google Maps Lists, which can be edited from desktop or your phone but don’t offer the option for separate layers, unique icons, or adding photos.
Is there an app for Google My Maps?
There is no separate Google My Maps app, but you can view your maps within Google Maps. Just make sure you’re signed into the same account, and all your maps will sync.
(There used to be a dedicated My Maps app on Android, but this was deprecated in 2021.)
Can you create or edit maps from your phone?
No, the maps cannot be edited from the Google Maps app. Google My Maps can only be created or edited from the desktop version of the site. This is another huge advantage Google Lists has over Google My Maps because Lists allow you to add new places or entire lists from any device—iPhone, Android, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
Is there a bridge height filter?
No. For RVers and others who need to plan ahead for height limitations, there is no bridge height filter available in Google Maps. Since I haven’t had to use this feature myself, I am not confident in an alternative to recommend. However, from a bit of digging around, there are some apps and GPS units for truckers that may be a good place to start looking if you have an oversize vehicle.
What is the difference between Google Maps Lists and Google My Maps?
They both allow you to create custom maps with pins, but there are some key differences, such as offline access, layer capabilities, customizable pins, and creating/editing within the app. Check out the details on how Google My Maps compares to Lists (including a features comparison table).
How many stops can you add on a directions layer?
You can only add 10 stops per directions layer. This is also the maximum number of stops you can add for navigation in Google Maps. As some readers have pointed out, this can be limiting when you want to use this feature for a long road trip.
Can you use the directions layers on your phone for navigation purposes?
No, you cannot create a directions layer and then access those turn-by-turn directions for navigation in the Google Maps app.
So…are directions layers totally useless? What’s the point of having a Driving Directions layer in My Maps?
Personally, I still like to use these layers, but only to show a route for my very visual brain, rather than to actually create custom directions.
Can you send a custom created route (layer) to someone else so that the other person will take that specific driving route on google maps?
No, you can’t do this from My Maps, but there’s a workaround I can suggest.
Forget My Maps, and use Google Maps from desktop or mobile to plot a route. You can add up to 10 stops, and then you will be able to share your custom directions.
From desktop, there’s an extra step in first sending the directions to your phone. If you’ve created the directions in the mobile app or once you have them pulled up there, you can share them with anyone by clicking the 3 dots next to your list of locations (sharing must be done before clicking “Start”—if you’re already in the navigation, you need to back out of it to share). When you share, it will list all the steps as well as send a link for the other person to open the directions in Google Maps directly.
An important caveat to sharing custom routes: Google Maps will reroute the directions as it normally does according to current traffic at the time of driving, so this method cannot be relied upon if you’ve mapped a specific route for bridge clearances. As a workaround, you can add “stops” on the desired interstate (zoom in and add this literally on the road itself so navigation doesn’t try to take you off an exit), which will force Google Maps to take the driver that way. This is what I do when driving south from Connecticut to PA because Google Maps always wants me to take its beloved George Washington Bridge and I always don’t want to. I add a stop to force my route across the Tappan Zee Bridge. However, I’m not sure I would rely on this workaround as a sole method for RVs or truckers.
Can you see how much time the directions will take?
Yes, on desktop you can view the details if you want to know the distance or how long a route will take. To view distance and time for a directions layer, click the 3 dots on the laye, then click Step-by-Step Directions.
Of course, this doesn’t really help when you want to get this information on your phone or use the directions for navigation. As mentioned elsewhere, the “directions” layer functions best as a way to visualize a route. If you need turn-by-turn directions, see the steps mentioned above to save and send directions in Google Maps.
This post was originally published on July 27, 2017 and has been updated in May 2023.
Travel Photographer | FAA Certified Drone Pilot
Naomi is the coffee-loving, crazy-about-Latin-America writer and photographer behind everything here. She's guided by curiosity and a belief that every place has a story to tell–whether it’s through the intricate details of nature, history that has shaped a culture, or the people who call a place home. Learn More
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Website-Logo.png)
How to Plan a Road Trip with Google Maps | A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide
By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience
- Last Updated on June 3, 2024
- Published on March 25, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .
My road trip planning always begins with Google Maps. In less than half an hour, I can create a new map, add a driving route, and fill layers with markers. Once completed, I sit back with a fully visualized road trip in front of me.
All of this is made possible with Google My Maps – a component of Google Maps that allows users to create customized maps. After years of road tripping, I have built an archive of over a hundred custom maps. It’s great for planning a road trip – and remembering my favorite moments years later.
Follow this step-by-step illustrated guide to learn how you can create custom maps, load them in Google Maps, and create the perfect road trip itinerary.
Google Maps vs Google My Maps
Google Maps has become one of the most popular navigation apps available on mobile devices and online. Users can get turn-by-turn voice navigation, search for points of interest, and save them to lists. However, that’s where the usability ends. It’s not the ideal way for planning a road trip.
Google My Maps is a tool for creating a custom map with layers, stylized markers, and routes.
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas on Your Next Road Trip
This helps visualize a road trip, place destinations in the correct order, and make sense of the grand scale of the road trip. After creating a customized map, users can open it in Google Maps on any mobile device, plug into a compatible vehicle, and let the road trip adventure begin.
Here are three primary differences between Google Maps and Google My Maps:
- Google Maps cannot be shared with friends and family, but Google My Maps can be shared
- Google Maps cannot stylize the markers, but Google My Maps can style colors and icons
- Google Maps has an app for mobile devices, but Google My Maps can only be used in a web browser
Google Maps lists is a great way to build your road trip wish list, and Google My Maps is a great way to build your road trip itinerary. Used together, these are powerful tools for planning every moment of your road trip adventure.
Google My Map Example
“Wish, however, that you had added a road map that I could use on my GPS,” Karen commented on Road Trip: Exploring the Tennessee Mountains From Knoxville to Chattanooga . She wasn’t the first person to request a map to download to mobile devices and take on the road with them.
I listened.
One of the benefits of using Google My Maps is the ability to share the map with friends, family, and fellow road trippers. But after posting a story about a road trip, I would delete the Google My Map. Eek! I wish I hadn’t done that.
I am in the process of recreating all the road trip itineraries I’ve posted in Google My Maps. In the future, when you see a road trip itinerary, “things to do” post about a destination, or roundup of coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants, you will see a link to a custom Google My Map. You can download the map to your Google account and take it with you!
For now, here is an example to help you with this tutorial: Road Trip to the Southern Sixers at Google My Maps .
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 01
Create a custom map.
To begin creating a custom map, visit the Google My Maps website. You’ll need a Google account if you don’t already have one – there are lots of travel benefits to having an account.
Google My Maps requires a web browser – Google recommends Safari, Firefox, or Chrome. It’s possible to create these custom maps a browser on a tablet, but the ideal situation would be desktop or laptop computer.
1. Create a New Map
Click the “Create a New Map” button.
2. Give the Map a Name
Initially, the map will be named “Untitled map.” Not exactly memorable or descriptive. Click on the map’s name to change it and make is something you can easily identify later.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 02
Edit the first layer.
By default, an “Untitled Layer” is already present in any new map. This is the starting point for creating a custom map.
1. Rename the Layer
Click the title of the layer and change it to “Destinations.” This will always be the first layer when creating a road trip map. In this instance, destinations are cities, towns, or parks used for creating the route of your road trip. You will create additional layers later for attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3-1800x1121.png)
2. Add Markers to the Layer
The next step is to lay out the road trip route. You may not yet know the exact route you want to drive, but you’ll likely know the destinations you want to visit.
Always begin by adding your home address as the first marker. You will need this when creating the driving route.
Using the search bar, search for the name of the destination. It can be a city or town, state or national park, or any type of business listed in Google Maps. Add each destination to the layer, and then drag the markers into the order you wish to visit them.
Layers can have an unlimited number of markers. But keep this first layer to strictly the destinations you want to visit.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/4-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 03
Create a route between destinations.
The hardest part of planning a road trip is determining the route to drive. Sometimes, it’s easy if there is only one way to get from one destination to another. Fortunately, creating a route with a Google Map presents options.
1. Create a Driving Route
In the Map Tools area, click on the icon to “Add Directions.” Clicking this tool will create a new, untitled layer. The default directions are for driving, however it’s possible to change the transportation mode to bicycling or hiking.
2. Enter the Start and End Points
Two empty boxes appear in the driving route. In Box A, begin typing the name of the first marker saved in the Destinations layer – most likely your home address, unless you’re on a multi-stop road trip. It will appear in a dropdown menu. Select the name of the destination to add it to Box A. Do the same with Box B, choosing the end point of your road trip.
An initial route will appear on the map. Like planning a route in Google Maps, this is Google’s default route based on traffic conditions, road closures, and speed limits. It’s just a suggestion. It’s possible to change this route depending on your personal preferences.
If you want to create a loop, simply enter the start point again as the end point. Google Maps will automatically create a loop connecting all the destinations.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/7-1800x1121.png)
3. Add Additional Stops
If you want to add additional stops to the driving route, click “Add Destination” at the bottom of the layer. Another empty box will appear. Begin typing the name of a destination and select it from the dropdown list.
Driving layers can have a maximum of 10 stops. If you’re road trip is longer than ten stops, consider dividing the route into multiple layers. One option would be to create a driving layer for each day of the road trip. Another option is to divide the road trip into segments.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6-1800x1121.png)
4. Customize the Route
Click on any point along the route. With the route highlighted – a faint white line surrounding the bright blue line – you can now edit the route. Click on any point along the route and drag it in a different direction. Let go, and the route automatically adjusts to your preference.
Customizing the route must be the last step in the process of creating a driving layer. If you add another stop to the layer, it will reset the custom route and you’ll have to start over again.
Customizing the route gives you the option to avoid interstate highways, take the scenic route along national scenic byways, or to select country roads for a long summer drive.
5. Rename the Driving Layer
When a route is created, Google My Maps automatically generates a name for the layer. However, you may want to rename this layer something easier to remember. “Route” is always a good option.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8-1800x1121.png)
6. Route Information
One of the neatest features of Google My Maps is the step-by-step directions with driving, biking, or hiking routes. Click the three dots beside the layer name and select “Step-by-Step Directions” in the dropdown menu. At the very top of the directions, you’ll find the total miles and suggested drive time for the route. This can be valuable information for budgeting gas and planning how long to drive each day of your road trip.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/9-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 04
Add additional layers and markers.
With the route finished, now comes the fun part. Adding the markers! Layers and markers are a good way to visualize your road trip adventure, adding places you don’t want to miss and roadside attractions you need to visit.
1. Create a New Layer
Click “Add Layer” to add a new layer to the custom map. Custom maps can have a maximum of 10 layers, including driving layers. Make use of this limit to organize your road trip information.
What kind of information would you want to save into layers?
Hotels, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and Airbnb rooms. It can help to save the place where you’ll spend each night of your road trip into a “Lodging” layer.
Restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert cafes. Everybody needs to eat. Creating a “Restaurants” layer can help you remember all those places your friends told you to visit.
Points of interest. Friends inevitably bombard you with tips on places you shouldn’t miss. The best way to keep up with that information is to drop a marker onto the map in a “POI” layer.
Layers can be organized by theme, date, location, or any way you could possibly think to organize the content. The purpose of layers is to organize the markers to make them easier to show or hide on the map while traveling.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/10-1800x1121.png)
2. Add Markers
There are three ways to add markers to any layer. The first is visually as you scroll through the map. Like Google Maps, Google My Maps allows users to click on business names to see more information.
The popup box includes a wealth of information. Typically, each marker will include “Details from Google Maps” like the street address, website, and phone number. Clicking the website will open it in a new tab or window in your browser.
At the bottom of the popup box, click “Add to Map” to add the marker to the current layer.
A second way to add markers is with the search box. After entering a search, lime green markers appear on the map and a list appears at the top of the layers. Clicking on the markers or names in the list will display the popup box and the option to add it to the current layer.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/11-1800x1121.png)
The final way to add a marker to the map is to create a custom marker. In the Map Tools menu, click “Add Marker.” The cursor changes to a crosshair. Wherever you click on the map, a new marker will be created.
A popup appears asking for information about the new marker. Enter a name for the marker in the top box. You can add a description in the second box, if needed. Click “Save” to add the marker to the layer.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/12-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 05
Stylize the markers.
After adding a route and dozens – perhaps hundreds – of markers, the data can be overwhelming to view on a single map. This is where Google My Maps differs the most from Google Maps: the ability to stylize the markers.
There are three ways to stylize markers in a custom map: Individual Styles, Uniform Styles, and Sequence of Numbers.
1. Individual Styles
By default, Individual Styles is selected. With this option, you can change the color and icon for each marker individually. This is helpful if you want to color code markers or create groups of icons within a single layer.
2. Uniform Style
The second option is to create a Uniform Style. This collapses the list of markers and allows you to choose a custom color and icon for all the markers in that layer at once. The markers are still viewable if you want to see them, but not editable. Uniform Style is a great way of grouping all the markers in a layer by subject like restaurants, hotels, or museums.
3. Sequence of Numbers
The third option is to create a Sequence of Numbers. This is a great option for creating an itinerary for the markers in the layer. The markers are still visible in the list and draggable to reorder them, automatically updating the number sequence. Changing the color of any of the markers will automatically pass that color to all the markers in the sequence.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/13-1800x1121.png)
4. Style Options
After clicking the edit button for any marker, a popup menu shows a color palette and popular icons. Unfortunately, Google My Maps does not support custom colors. But with 30 colors to choose from, you’re certain to find something that will work for your road trip.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/14-1800x1121.png)
Clicking “More Icons” at the bottom of the popup menu opens the full list of 432 available icons. A search bar makes it easy to find what you need for the markers on your road trip map. Here are some common icons you may want to use:
- Shopping Cart
- Information
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/15-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 06
Open the custom map in google maps.
Every change made to a custom map in Google My Maps is automatically saved. Once you have finished customizing the map, it’s time to open it on your mobile device. If you created a new Google account, you will need to use that same login information with the mobile app.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/16-1800x1121.png)
1. Load a Custom Map on a Phone
Open the Google Maps app. Tap “Saved” on the bottom menu bar. Tap “Maps” underneath your lists. Here, you will see the custom map you created earlier. Tap on the map you want to open.
To begin using the map, tap “Go” in the bottom menu bar. You can now scroll through the custom map, zoom in and out, and tap on any of the markers you added earlier.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/17-1800x1121.png)
2. Load a Custom Map on a Tablet
Open the Google Maps app. On tablets, tap the three-line “hamburger” menu icon in the search bar and then tap “Your Places.” Tap “Maps” in the new menu along the top of the lists. You will now see the same list of custom maps you see in the phone menu. Tap on the map you want to open.
Once this map opens in Google Maps on a tablet, it is ready to use.
![plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20-1800x1121.png)
Step No. 07
Navigation with a custom map.
Although you can create driving directions with a custom map, you cannot use that route for turn-by-turn voice navigation.
So, what’s the point in doing all this work?
Long before Facebook was invented, in the era of Napster and Road Rules on MTV, pioneering road trippers used maps printed on paper. Using a custom map created in Google My Maps, loaded into Google Maps, would be a similar experience but in a digital format.
With the custom map loaded, users can zoom in and out to get more details of the route ahead. Like using Google Maps, your location is pinpointed with a blue circle – if you have location services enabled on your mobile device. Although it won’t be voice navigation, you will still be able to see where you need to make turns to follow the route you created earlier.
Quasi-Voice Navigation
It is possible to get turn-by-turn voice navigation, but it comes with a caveat. Tap on the next marker along the driving route, and then tap on the blue circle to get directions. Tap “Start” and turn-by-turn voice navigation starts.
However, you will notice the driving route may no longer match your customized route. That’s because this method creates a new “initial” route.
If you customized the driving route to use national scenic byways or avoid interstates, you lose that customization using this method. But, depending on how you customized your route, it may not matter anyway.
5 Responses
If you’re using your custom map without turn by turn navigation, it is a small headache to keep the phone from auto-locking. The best I was able to find was that you’d have to make a change in developer mode and even then it would only stay open if the phone was charging, not all the time.
Very helpful in creating the map and the layer with destintaions. Was able to see the map on the phone. When opening the map on the phone however there was no option to “go” so the map was useless.
That’s strange. I just tested it again on my iPhone 14 with Google Maps. I loaded the custom map I had created for places to eat brunch in Columbia, South Carolina, I tapped one of the pins I dropped on the map to a restaurant, and I was given the option to tap “Start” and it began voice navigation. You didn’t see that option on your phone?
MyMaps unfortunately is limited to ten stops on a trip route. So it’s rather useless for long road trips…
This is true. But that’s why this is only for PLANNING a road trip, not executing it. Google My Maps helps you visualize the stops and choose the best route. After that, I think you should use a Garmin automotive GPS for navigation.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
- share this article
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 Jason Barnette | All rights reserved | Seriously, don’t steal my stuff
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Pinterest-3-6-173x260.png)
Share this Article
Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, then share it with your friends. Sharing is caring, after all.
Plan epic road trips
Plan multi-stop routes.
Easily plan your trip itinerary on an interactive map and see distances and driving times
Find places along the route
Find attractions, restaurants or accomodation along your driving route
Find inspiration
Explore our growing collections of ready-made road trip routes.
Share your itinerary
Invite family and friends to plan your route together. Or share your trip itinerary as a neat document
![plan my trip on map Example route collections](https://roadietripplanner.com/_next/static/images/collections-4b6813ef871ed1f01baadc063b90ee98.jpg)
Discover Inspiring Routes
Explore our curated selection of epic road trips for every taste. Get inspired and use our guides as templates for your own planning.
![plan my trip on map Roadie App Screenshots](https://roadietripplanner.com/_next/static/images/screenshots-28b3294afa363a4747e88d3405de4061.png)
Plan Your Road Trip
Build the perfect trip itinerary and pin as many locations on the map as you like. You’ll see distances connecting the waypoints and know the driving times between multiple stops. Search points of interest like attractions, trails, or national parks. Choose if you’re traveling by car or RV to optimize your route accordingly.
- Plan a Road Trip
- Plan a Flight
- Find an Airport
- Where to Stay
- All Questions
![plan my trip on map Trippy](https://aiollmesio.cloudimg.io/v7/_trippy_/trippy-logo.png)
"Trippy is the best road trip planner"
Get advice from real travelers who have done the same trip:, recent questions.
- 25 minutes ago someone asked : about Santa Fe (New Mexico) " Santa Fe, NM "
- 30 minutes ago someone asked : about Los Feliz and Anaheim " distance from los feliz to anaheim "
- 30 minutes ago someone asked : about Billings and Devils Tower " billings to devils tower to spearfish "
- 40 minutes ago someone asked : about Tampa and Harrisburg " Tampa fl to Harrisburg pa "
- 1 hour ago someone asked : about Utah " utah "
- 1 hour ago someone asked : about Barcelona and Positano " Barcelona to positano "
- 1 hour ago someone asked : about South Lake Tahoe " distance dixon to south lake tahoe "
- 1 hour ago someone asked : about Nice and Positano " Drive from nice to positano "
- 1 hour ago someone asked : about Houston and Fort Davis " houston to fort davis "
- 1 hour ago someone asked : about Jane and Berryville (Arkansas) " Jane mo to berryville "
- 2 hours ago someone asked : about Wagga Wagga and Kiama " wagga wagga to Kiama? "
- 2 hours ago someone asked : about Kenilworth and Las Vegas " Driving from Kenilworth NJ to Las Vegas NV "
- 2 hours ago someone asked : about Prescott and Tehachapi " Prescott to Tehachapi "
- 2 hours ago someone asked : about Roanoke and Albuquerque NM " Roanoke Va to Albuquerque nm "
- 13 hours ago someone asked : about Rylstone and Brisbane " Brisbane to NSW "
- 13 hours ago someone asked : about Gold Coast and Doncaster " Planned Trips "
- Trip Planner
Trip Planner | Travel Itinerary Planner | Plan a Trip
Are you looking for an itinerary planner to plan your next trip? We know creating a customized travel itinerary manually is an overwhelming task. You have to put a lot of time into selecting destinations, booking hotels, flights, and comparing prices. On top of that calculating budgets & booking hotels and flights is another challenge that makes itinerary planning tough.
But what if all of this is done within a few minutes for you? Yes with TripHobo trip planner you can do this smartly. We have observed that many travelers end up spending more time in researching information than enjoying the actual trip. Not only first-time travelers but also experienced travelers struggle in creating perfect travel plans.
Even though it is a tedious task to create a customized itinerary, everyone agrees on the importance of itinerary for an enjoyable holiday. So Triphobo came up with this easy to use automatic itinerary planner.
How Trip Planner Works / Steps to Plan a Trip
Do you want to create your travel itinerary quickly & easily? Are you ready to use this tool now? TripHobo's trip planner plays a major role to ease the itinerary creation process and helps you overcome the pain in the trip planning . Follow these 4 simple steps to plan a trip & let us know your experience.
1) Choose Your Destination & Dates when you want to travel
Visual algorithmic trip planner lets you choose destinations you want to travel to. You have the freedom to choose the real dates from the calendar. After selecting travel dates, planner runs algorithms to optimize a trip. It starts suggesting activities, sightseeing spots, tours and transport options with the details. For every attraction, it suggests open/close timings, time to spend, and nearby restaurants.
You can drag & drop activities and complete your itinerary within a matter of minutes. You can book yourself a nice vacation once you are sure of all the details, making you plan your trip very easily.
2) Refer to User Created Itineraries
If you have a lot of travel ideas but confused about where to start? Don't worry. Thousands of other people have visited the same destination before and created itineraries with us. Choose from a pool of more than 1 million user-generated itineraries around the globe. You can view other travelers’ itineraries for any location and duration to inspire yourself and then customize them to suit your own preferences.
3) Book Hotels and Flights
TripHobo always tries to offer the best from the travel industry to our valued planners. It has formed alliances with Expedia , Skyscanner, Zomato and Booking.com. Its ratings and reviews come courtesy of TripAdvisor whereas Google (as well as other partners) powers its location data.
TripHobo aims to cater to travelers at every stage of the travel planning process. It provides one platform to create personalized itineraries and hassle-free bookings .
4) Get Ready with a Perfect Itinerary
Once you’ve created your customized itinerary, you can print it. Save your plan for future reference or share it with your friends. When you’re ready, you can finalize and have a perfect travel itinerary ready.
Why Is TripHobo a Smart Trip planner?
There are few things included in the Triphobo planner algorithm & app which builds itinerary within minutes.
- A free virtual map-based trip planner with a smart algorithm
- International trip planner with about 1,50,000 popular destinations
- The largest repository of user-generated itineraries
- Hassle-free booking options for hotels, tours & flights
- Provides local transit options like metro, rail, bus, and car
- Calculates an estimated budget
- Provides options to save, print and share itinerary
- Strategic Partnerships with leading travel companies
TripHobo: Around the Web
- Trip of Your Own
- Traveling made easier with TripHobo
- Making The Southeast Asian Travel Connection
- Ex-HCL employee’s led ‘TripHobo’ is on a mission to become a global brand – a goto place for travel planning!
- Interview: Praveen Kumar, Founder & CEO of TripHobo
- TripHobo inks partnership with Zomato
- How a trip planning startup can succeed
- Karthik Ramachandram Co-Founder COO, TripHobo - Phocuswright Conference
Here's what travelers have to say about our travel planner
- Excellent 238
![plan my trip on map user-avatar](https://ak.jogurucdn.com/resources_version/desktop/img/default/user/t2/default_1_new.webp)
Great and genuinely wonderful website that makes a proper vacation plan simple, like it should. All reviews are 5 stars. The only suggestion I have to enhance this fantastic website is to include a mobile application. Even paying for a version without ads wouldn't bother me.
Every traveller should use this!
So much easier & more helpful than a travel agency, given lots of fantastic ideas, and was extremely helpful for planning the trip. Would strongly advise my family and friends to use this!
Great tool for trip planning. Impportantly it's free and automatically tailors travel plans to your preferences and is completely customisable. The integration with skyscanner and booking.com, and other OTA like priceline and expedia makes it very easy to plan the whole trip along with the bookings in one place.
road trip planner
Miss the turns on your terms.
Use real dates, find interesting places, book hotels with ease.
Welcome to Furkot
Hello ,
Nice to see you again! Please sign in.
Plan a trip
Nickname or Email
Keep me signed in
By clicking Sign Up below, you agree to Furkot Terms and Conditions of Use including Privacy Policy
If you already have an account click here to sign in.
To sign in as a different user click here
Dates, distances and directions
Always wanted to travel across US but were not sure if you have enough time for that? Did you ever try to figure out how long it takes to drive from Yosemite to Yellowstone or from Lisbon to Rome?
Start clicking on the map. Choose your destination and have Furkot calculate how much time you need to get there. Set daily limits on the travel time so none of your sightseeing has to be done under moonlight — unless, of course, that's what you want.
Don't worry about putting stops in order. Furkot attempts to plan a route for your trip in the most efficient way. If you don't want efficient, you can drag your stops around or even reverse your itinerary .
Tell us how long you want to drive every day, and we will show you where to stop for the night Furkot suggests overnight stops along the route based on your schedule and preferences.
Furkot can help you with all your travel plans: a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a continent-crossing road trip. And driving is not the only option . You can also schedule motorcycle rides, biking excursions and walking tours with Furkot.
Read more …
![plan my trip on map Trip map](https://static.furkot.com/img/welcome/NmwaFCKKt0-trip.png)
It's not just about driving
It's also about all the things you do on the way. Leave your car parked for a couple of hours and hike one of the trails from the vast Everytrail collection.
Need some hints? Make sure to check interesting places described on Wikipedia . They are one click away from ending up on your road trip stop list.
If your car resembles ours you can't drive on water, but Furkot will route you to the closest dry land point for those spots that do require a boat ride. You can drive and dive with Furkot.
Are you after fresh powder? Or maybe shredding corduroy is your thing? Trees or bowls? Skis or snowboard? Regardless of the answer, you can use Furkot to find ski resorts — courtesy of Liftopia .
You can even plan meal stops and add gas stations to your itinerary. Not to mention biking paths, museums, monuments, climbing routes , national parks, scenic views — add as many as you want. Furkot will keep you on track. You just need to show up.
![plan my trip on map Attractions search](https://static.furkot.com/img/welcome/CaZt6XGAIM-attractions.png)
Campgrounds? Motels? Hotels? Staying with friends?
Whatever your lodging preference is — hotel, campground, apartment — Furkot will show you scores of accommodations on the map and will help you find the perfect place for every night of your trip.
Furkot makes it easy to decide which hotels offer the best combination of cost, amenities and convenient location. Whenever available, Furkot displays exactly what you are going to pay (including taxes and service fees). You are in charge of what they charge.
When you are ready to book, Furkot will take you directly to your favorite booking site and pre-fill the check-in and check-out dates so that you don't have to worry about reserving that hard found lodging on the wrong night.
Booking all hotels for your trip can be a daunting experience: multiple cities, multiple booking sites and many dates and details to mistype? Let Furkot help with that. We will take you through the whole process page by page and hotel by hotel. All you need to do is to keep pressing Next until you are Done .
![plan my trip on map Lodging search](https://static.furkot.com/img/welcome/pn6E9kPbdc-lodging.png)
This website receives commission when a visitor makes a reservation or a purchase after clicking on the link to: Amazon, Best Western, Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Good Sam Club, Hotels.com, InterContinental Hotels Group, liftopia, Lonely Planet, Marriott International, onX Offroad, Orbitz, Passport America, Rentalcars.com,
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com .
This website uses the list of ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada from pure-gas.org licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported with the explicit permission of the rights holder.
This website uses data from OpenStreetMap ® , open data , licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF).
This website uses icons licensed under their respective licenses as follows
Icons from Meteocons Free License
Icons by Ionic MIT License
Icons from Noun Project . The original work has been modified CC BY 3.0
Icons from IcoMoon-Free . The original work has been modified CC BY 4.0
Icons from Noun Project Public Domain
Icons from Maki CC0 1.0 Universal
Icons from SVG Repo Public Domain
Icons in Public Domain
Icons of trademarks under Nominative fair use Licenses per copyright owners
Icons by Google Material Design from Iconify . The original work has been modified Apache License 2.0
![plan my trip on map Trip Planner AI Logo](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Flogo%2Flogo.webp&w=64&q=75)
Trip Planner AI
- Community Trips
Your Next Journey, Optimized
Build, personalize, and optimize your itineraries with our free AI trip planner. Designed for vacations, workations, and everyday adventures.
![plan my trip on map Hawaii Illustration](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Fillustrations%2Fhawaii-illustration.png&w=3840&q=75)
Your AI-Powered Trip
The most optimal.
Craft your perfect itinerary with Trip Planner AI. Our advanced algorithms take into account your selected explore-sights, dining, and lodging preferences to create the optimal travel plan tailored just for you.
![plan my trip on map The most optimal](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Fillustrations%2Fdestinations2.webp&w=640&q=75)
Get Inspired
Extract valuable travel insights from Instagram reels and TikToks, explore the mentioned explore-sights, and effortlessly include them in your own adventure with Trip Planner AI.
TRIP PLANNER AI
The only tool youll ever need.
Say goodbye to the stress of planning and hello to personalized recommendations, efficient itineraries, and seamless dining experiences.
![plan my trip on map](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Fillustrations%2Fmap.webp&w=640&q=75)
Optimal Route Planning
Our AI algorithms analyze your preferences to craft the most efficient route, saving you time and effort.
![plan my trip on map](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Fillustrations%2Fstory.webp&w=640&q=75)
Personalize Your Adventure
Shape your journey by freely adding, editing, or deleting activities from your itinerary.
![plan my trip on map](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Fillustrations%2Ffood.webp&w=640&q=75)
Local Cuisine Recommendations
Discover local cuisines and hidden gems recommended by our AI, tailored to your taste buds.
Dont take our word for it
See what our users have to say about revolutionizing their travel experiences with Trip Planner AI.
![plan my trip on map Review by David Jordan](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Flanding%2Fimages%2Freviews%2Fdavid_jordan.webp&w=256&q=75)
Trip Planner AI saves time and stress by aiding travel planning, relieving indecision or uncertainty.
![plan my trip on map Review by Tushar](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Flanding%2Fimages%2Freviews%2Ftushar.webp&w=256&q=75)
Trip Planner AI offers diverse planning options in a user-friendly interface. Simplifies travel planning for enthusiasts.
![plan my trip on map Review by Steve J](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Flanding%2Fimages%2Freviews%2Fsteve_j.webp&w=256&q=75)
I love traveling but hate planning. This app quickly organizes trip agendas, reducing decision fatigue.
Our Trusted Partners
![plan my trip on map Booking](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=%2Fshared%2Fplatforms%2Fbooking-logo.webp&w=640&q=75)
Journey Inspirations from Travelers
Dive into unique trip itineraries crafted by our global travelers. Find your next adventure and share your own journey with fellow explorers.
![plan my trip on map Trip to Tokyo](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.pexels.com%2Fphotos%2F2389171%2Fpexels-photo-2389171.jpeg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26w%3D1260%26h%3D750%26dpr%3D1&w=2048&q=75)
Trip to Tokyo
Join me on an exciting 10-day journey through Tokyo, where we'll visit iconic landmarks, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Japan's capital city.
![plan my trip on map Trip to Tokyo](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.pexels.com%2Fphotos%2F3873672%2Fpexels-photo-3873672.jpeg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26w%3D600&w=2048&q=75)
Trip to Dubai
Embark on a thrilling 6-day journey through Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Explore vibrant souks, iconic landmarks, world-class shopping, and enchanting attractions. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that Dubai has to offer.
![plan my trip on map Trip to Tokyo](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.pexels.com%2Fphotos%2F944690%2Fpexels-photo-944690.jpeg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26w%3D1260%26h%3D750%26dpr%3D1&w=2048&q=75)
Trip to New York
Experience the best of New York City in just 7 days! Explore iconic landmarks, indulge in delicious meals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city that never sleeps.
![plan my trip on map Trip to Tokyo](https://tripplanner.ai/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.pexels.com%2Fphotos%2F532263%2Fpexels-photo-532263.jpeg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26w%3D1260%26h%3D750%26dpr%3D1&w=2048&q=75)
Trip to Rome
Join me on a thrilling 5-day adventure in Rome, where we'll explore ancient ruins, marvel at stunning architecture, and indulge in mouthwatering pizza. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Customized Itineraries for Every Travel Dream
Trip Planner AI is your ultimate companion for any travel scenario. Whether it's a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a group expedition, our app tailors every aspect of your journey. Experience the convenience of:
AI-Powered Route Optimization
Utilize AI for optimal travel routes. Our app ensures a seamless journey, calculating the best paths, travel times, and distances for city tours or cross-country road trips.
All-in-One Travel Organizer
Simplify travel planning with our all-in-one platform. Trip Planner AI consolidates hotel and flight details, manages bookings, and imports tips and guides. Organize all trip details in one place.
Collaborative Group Planning Made Easy
Collaborate on itineraries with companions. Our real-time feature makes group travel planning effortless, ensuring everyone stays informed and involved in the process.
![AAA Logo AAA Logo](https://www.aaa.com/img/AAALogo.png)
AAA Travel Information:
Aaa triptik travel planner - more than maps & directions.
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://www.aaa.com/img/travel/card_images/card_maps_directions_1.png)
Everything You Need to Make Trip Planning Simpler
Plan a road trip online with AAA TripTik Travel Planner, and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app . Along with trip planning maps and traveling directions, you can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated places to stay and dine . Use the booking feature to make hotel reservations. Find nearby gas stations and get updated fuel prices . Locate electric vehicle charging stations. Calculate your driving distance and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app. Learn More
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://www.aaa.com/img/travel/card_images/card_maps_directions_2.png)
Accompanying Maps You Can Print
Complete your AAA travel package with printable maps from AAA Map Gallery on AAA.com. Map Gallery has full-color maps of more than 400 popular destination areas across North America from Miami Beach to British Columbia. If you're a member, stop by your local AAA office. AAA's team of knowledgeable travel professionals will create a TripTik Travel Planner routing for you, provide information on vacation packages, help you find the best travel deals and even help you rent a car for the trip.
Orlando, FL
Organize your trip today
Create an itinerary, map your route, and organize your travel plan. Start your next adventure with confidence and leave the hassle behind.
Where are you starting?
Bring your plan together
Organized trip planning.
Update your itinerary without rebuilding your calendar and trip map - everything works together.
Plan with friends & family
Share with others or collaboratively build a trip in real-time with live updates.
Everything in one place
Gather the pieces of your plan: itinerary, budget, & important documents.
Plan That Trip is here to take the hassle out of your trip planning process.
We eliminate the clutter of traditional planning methods by combining various planning aspects into one intuitive interface.
You're in good company
Check out these examples, utah outdoors.
Explore the diverse and stunning natural wonders that Utah has to offer.
Ireland Sightseeing
Traverse Ireland, see must-visit destinations, and experience classic Irish charm.
Italian Adventure
Embark on a journey through Italy's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking art.
Your ticket to efficient planning
Skip the data entry.
Automatically add flights to your trip itinerary from confirmation emails or other documents.
Plan on your terms
Access anywhere, anytime. Export a PDF for convenient offline access, or use our mobile-ready web app.
Kick-start your research
City-level information about locations. Find out average temperatures during your visit, currency, time zone difference, and more.
Collect your ideas
Keep track of all the possibilities of your trip before committing to an itinerary. Move your ideas into your plan when you are ready. No more losing track of your options!
Budgeting made simple
Easily manage your travel expenses. Track spending, split costs among travelers, and view a comprehensive breakdown of expenses to keep within your budget.
Your travel documents, organized
Access all your trip-related documents. From tickets to hotel bookings, keep everything in one secure, accessible place. Forward confirmation emails to a synced address, and we'll include them with your trip-planning documents.
How it works
Gather your ideas.
Organize your ideas and decide what you want to do.
Chart your course
Plot your destinations and build your itinerary.
Fill in the details
Add your stays, activities, travel documents, and notes.
See your plan come together!
Can i plan trips for free.
Yes! Our free plan offers you everything you need to plan a trip. Trips with itinerary, calendar, and map views are saved for a year. You can also track expenses and attach notes. However, there are no sharing or collaboration tools with the free plan.
Can I share my trip plan?
Absolutely! Plan That Trip allows you to invite friends, family, or colleagues to collaborate on your travel plans. They can view, edit, and add to the itinerary in real-time, ensuring everyone involved has the latest information. Collaboration and sharing require a Premium plan.
How do I add flights?
Plan That Trip lets you add flights in lots of ways. You can specify the destination and arrival location, or flight number and date. With the Premium plan, you can automatically load flights from any document.
Can I track my spending and budget?
You can assign a cost to any part of your itinerary, and we'll tracks all expenses across the entire trip. Cost splitting lets you determine who owes what for various activities and is a good way of keeping tabs on individual expenses.
Is my data secure with Plan That Trip?
We take your data security very seriously. All your information, including personal details and travel documents, is stored securely and is only accessible to you and those you choose to share your itinerary with. We also give you the ability to download your data or delete your account, so you are always in charge.
![plan my trip on map Screenshot of Plan That Trip](https://planthattrip.com/app.webp)
Want to learn more?
Filter by Keywords
How to Create the Perfect Itinerary For Your Trip
Sudarshan Somanathan
Head of Content
September 1, 2024
Start using ClickUp today
- Manage all your work in one place
- Collaborate with your team
- Use ClickUp for FREE—forever
Tired of vacationing aimlessly without a plan? It’s time to balance spontaneity with planning and embrace the power of the itinerary. Think of it as your GPS but for your adventures, saving you from missed flights, overspent budgets, and those ‘I wish I had seen that’ moments.
An itinerary is a detailed map that outlines your destinations, activities, accommodations, and transportation. It helps you stay organized, save money, and make the most of your time.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a travel expert to create one. With the right tools and a little planning, anyone can learn how to make an itinerary quickly.
1. Select your destination
2. create a rough structure for your travel itinerary, 3. identify major attractions and activities , 4. plan transportation and accommodation options, 5. leave room for spontaneity and relaxation, 1. divide the city into sections for better planning, 2. research, research, research, 3. maintain a balance between sightseeing and rest, 4. incorporate local culture and cuisine, 5. adapt to unexpected changes, unique itinerary examples, 1. create a comprehensive travel document, 2. map out your travel itinerary, 3. use pre-built itineraries for different types of travels, final tips and suggestions , travel at ease with clickup.
![plan my trip on map Avatar of person using AI](https://images.ctfassets.net/w8fc6tgspyjz/3HpcGsS4tgza39AAiD0iBQ/da83171e45b3e6bb5ab2bd3320e18aba/ai-widget-avatar.png)
Essential Elements of a Travel Itinerary
With the right itinerary, your dream vacation can become a reality. Here’s what you need to craft the perfect travel plan with all the details:
Consider your interests, budget, and the time of year you want to travel. Are you seeking adventure, relaxation, or the best places to be a digital nomad ? Research the local customs, climate, and any potential visa requirements. You could also get tips from seasoned travel bloggers on choosing the right places.
A Quora user, Angela Becker, says,
I just go wherever I can go the cheapest. Or, as some people like to put it, I let the destination choose me. I go to SkyScanner, fill out the dates I want to travel and my local airport as departure. I leave the destination blank and click search. Then SkyScanner gives me an overview of where I can fly to on these dates for which price. Whichever destination is the cheapest, that’s where I’m going. This way I ended up in many unexpected places but I’ve never been disappointed. Neither has my wallet, I can travel for very little money. The fun of it is that the cheapest destination is always somewhere else, flight ticket prices vary all the time so I always end up in a different destination.
Once you’ve determined the duration of your trip, divide your time between major cities or regions. Reserve enough time in the day for non-sightseeing activities, such as commuting from one attraction to another, taking your meals, pausing for rest and recharge, etc. A flexible itinerary also allows for spontaneous adventures.
Feel free to leave some days open for unexpected discoveries or to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Use travel management software to create a rough itinerary layout.
While popular attractions are worth exploring, consider venturing off the beaten path. Research lesser-known gems, local festivals, or unique experiences that align with your interests. This will make your trip truly unique and memorable:
- Talk to locals: Ask locals for recommendations on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path activities
- Join a tour: Guided tours can be a great way to learn about a destination’s history and culture
- Consider volunteering: Research how to work remotely and travel . If you want to give back, consider volunteering for a local organization. You can check out platforms like Workaway that offer travelers a chance to stay with local families in exchange for skills and volunteer work that helps the family
Choose transportation options that suit your budget and travel style. Check out prices for flights, trains, buses, or even renting a car in advance as part of a road trip itinerary.
For accommodations, explore hotels, hostels, homestays, or vacation rentals. Research reviews and compare prices to find the best fit. You can also go for unconventional stay options like Couchsurfing, which allows people to connect with locals worldwide and stay on their couches or spare rooms for free while experiencing a new culture, meeting like-minded people, and saving money on accommodation.
- Consider the distance between destinations: If you’re planning to visit multiple cities, it’s important to factor in the distance between them when choosing transportation
- Think about your comfort level: If you’re not comfortable driving in a foreign country, you may want to consider taking public transportation or booking a tour
- Research different accommodation options: There are a variety of accommodation options available, so it’s essential to do your research to find the best fit for your budget and preferences
While a well-planned and detailed itinerary provides structure, it leaves room for spontaneity. Allow for unplanned adventures, unexpected encounters, and moments of relaxation. Embrace the flexibility that travel offers and let the journey unfold naturally.
A Quora user, Bob Swindell , says,
Keep it simple each day. Designate travel days (getting from city A to city B) and don’t plan activities on those days. If you have extra time at the end of your destination that day after travel and travel and getting settled into your accommodations, do something spontaneous that you may have wanted to do but didn’t plan to do. That way if you don’t have the time because travel took too long or you were feeling tired or sick at your hotel and need a day to recover, you won’t feel stressed and disappointed for missing one of your planned items.
Also Read: 10 Best Travel & Expense Software to Use in 2024
Making a Comprehensive Travel Itinerary
Planning a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many destinations and countless activities to consider, it’s easy to feel lost in the planning process. Let’s see how to incorporate all the essential elements of an itinerary when planning for your next trip.
Think of your destination as a city divided into neighborhoods. By organizing it this way, you can create a more manageable itinerary.
For example, you might divide a city into historical, cultural, shopping, and natural areas. This will help you plan your activities more efficiently and avoid backtracking.
Imagine you’re a detective on a mission to uncover the hidden gems of your destination. Access online resources such as travel channels on YouTube and Instagram for expert opinions, travel vlogs, and things to keep in mind.
Travel guides and forums may also prove helpful in gathering information and insights.
Guidebooks, especially, can be invaluable tools for trip planning, offering a wealth of information on destinations, attractions, accommodations, transportation, and local culture.
Here are some scenarios where they can be particularly beneficial:
- Initial research: When you’re just starting to plan your trip, guidebooks provide a comprehensive overview of destinations, including must-see attractions, cultural insights, and practical information like transportation and accommodations
- Offline access: If you’re traveling to areas with limited internet access, having a physical or PDF guidebook ensures you have reliable information at your fingertips without needing Wi-Fi
- Curated recommendations: Guidebooks are often written by experienced travelers or locals with firsthand area knowledge. This can be more reliable than some online sources, which might be outdated or biased
- In-depth information: For detailed historical, cultural, and practical information, guidebooks often go beyond what you might find in a quick online search. They can provide context that enhances your travel experience
- Personal souvenir: A guidebook can become a personal memento of your trip, filled with notes, highlights, and memories
In addition to relying on these resources, consider taking tips from family and friends who may have visited the same places before you.
Thorough research on everything from local attractions to travel dates and accommodations will help you create a clear picture of your trip and avoid nasty surprises.
Remember, travel isn’t all about reaching the destination; it’s equally about enjoying the journey. While it’s tempting to pack your itinerary with activities, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between sightseeing and rest.
Overexertion can lead to fatigue and reduce your enjoyment of the trip. Incorporate downtime into your schedule to relax, recharge, and savor your experiences.
A Reddit user, bmblbe2007 , says,
I plan stops and rest periods throughout the day and no more than 4 activities in a day. I also try to rest at least 30 minutes between activities. For instance, on my next trip to London, one of the days will look like: Visiting Buckingham Palace in the morning, Full sit down lunch for at least an hour, Shopping in and near Hatchards for 1.5 hours, Rest for tea for 30 minutes, National gallery for 2 hours, Pub dinner for 1 hour, Ghost bus tour 2 hours, Drinks and card games at hotel lobby til bed time.
Think of your trip as an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes. By immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the destination.
Visit local markets, try traditional dishes, attend cultural events, and interact with locals.
A Reddit user, travelerf1902 , says,
I really like to go in local markets. I like to see what people buy and what are the products of that place. I also like to visit parks and squares and go to a church for mass.
Life is full of surprises, and so is travel. To prepare for potential disruptions, build flexibility into your itinerary.
Leave some days open for spontaneous activities or to adjust your plans if necessary. Also, consider having backup options for attractions or accommodations in case of unforeseen circumstances like bad weather or tour cancellations.
By being mindful of these factors, you’ll be able to make the most of those hard-earned vacations!
Looking for pre-planned itineraries to inspire your own? Let’s explore different travel itineraries, from family trips to adventure expeditions and everything in between:
1. Family trip itinerary
The purpose of a family trip is to create an enjoyable experience for all ages and interests. Key elements to include would be educational activities, kid-friendly attractions, family member accommodations, and opportunities for relaxation. For example, a trip to Disney World or a national park with a mix of theme park activities, nature walks, and family-friendly dining.
![plan my trip on map Family Trip Itinerary](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-645.png)
This free Holiday Itinerary Template by Template.net is designed to help you organize every aspect of your family journey, from flight details to hotel reservations and other relevant information.
This versatile template is available in multiple printable formats, including Word and Google Docs, ensuring a seamless planning process. Simply fill in your personal information, flight details, lodging information, and a detailed list of activities. With everything in one place, you can stay organized and avoid unexpected hiccups.
2. Adventure trip itinerary
From hiking and camping to rock climbing and white-water rafting, there’s an adventure for every thrill-seeker. Explore remote and unspoiled locations where you can truly connect with nature and escape the crowds.
![plan my trip on map Adventure trip itinerary](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-646-1400x907.png)
Planning a thrilling trip can be exhilarating, but it can also feel overwhelming. Get your handcrafted adventure tour guide with Adventure Trip Itinerary by Template.net.
Packed with pre-written, original content, the template significantly reduces the need for time-consuming research. Each piece of information has been thoroughly vetted and uniquely written to ensure a seamless planning experience.
This itinerary template boasts a flexible design you can customize with your favorite colors and fonts. It can be easily modified for use in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The structured layout has two essential sections:
- Trip details: This section provides a dedicated space for your name, contact information, and the type of adventure you’re planning. You can also specify your chosen destination
- Day-by-day itinerary: Break down your trip day by day, outlining the specific activities you have planned. Each day will have dedicated sections for time, activity, and detailed descriptions. This allows you to visualize your itinerary and ensure you’re relishing every moment of your adventure
3. Leisure and relaxation trip itinerary
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? A leisure and relaxation trip should be on your bucket list. Imagine indulging in luxurious spa treatments, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, finding inner peace through yoga, and exploring beautiful landscapes at your own pace.
For example, if you’re traveling to Bali, your travel itinerary may look like this:
- Stay at a beachfront villa in Ubud, surrounded by lush rice terraces and tranquil gardens
- Experience traditional Balinese massages, facials, and body scrubs at a luxurious spa
- Practice yoga in a serene rice paddy setting or on the beach at Canggu
- Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Uluwatu Temple, and the Monkey Forest in Ubud
4. Solo trip itinerary
Traveling solo can be a liberating and empowering experience. It allows you to set your own pace, explore at your leisure, and discover new aspects of yourself.
![plan my trip on map Solo trip itinerary](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-647.png)
This free My Travel Planner Template by Canva has an attractive layout and a well-organized structure. It can be downloaded in multiple formats, and it is available on desktop and mobile devices. It has sections for destination, transportation, date and time, hotel, places to visit, budget estimation, and notes so that you can find all the travel details in one place.
Tools for Travel Itinerary Creation
Tired of juggling multiple spreadsheets, scribbled notes, and scattered documents for your next adventure? What if you could organize everything in one place and access it from anywhere?
ClickUp , your one-stop daily planner app , makes it possible. It puts all your travel info in one place, helps you visualize your itinerary better, and creates travel planning templates that you can reuse for any trip!
Here’s how:
ClickUp Docs acts as your travel assistant, helping you plan, track, and collaborate on your trip with ease.
Here’s how ClickUp Docs can simplify your itinerary creation:
- Nested pages: Organize your itinerary into subpages for a clear structure. For example, create a main page for your trip overview, then nest pages for each day or destination
- Style with ease: Customize the appearance of your document with various formatting options, including fonts, colors, and headings
- Visualize your data: Use widgets to add charts, graphs, or other visual elements to your document. This helps you understand your itinerary at a glance
- Banners: Highlight important information using color-coded banners. For example, use a green banner to emphasize must-see attractions or a red banner to indicate potential challenges
- Tables: Organize your itinerary data into clear and concise tables. This is especially helpful for tracking expenses, activities, and transportation details
Use ClickUp Brain ’s AI-powered suggestions within Docs to create travel itinerary templates, generate travel ideas, proofread your itinerary, research locations you’ll visit, and more.
![plan my trip on map ClickUp Brain](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-648-1226x1400.png)
Here are some things you can use Brain to do for you:
- Generate activity ideas: Tell it to suggest unique and off-the-beaten-path activities in your destination
- Create a detailed daily itinerary: Provide AI tools with your interests and preferences, and it can generate a structured itinerary for each day of your trip
- Find hidden gems: Discover lesser-known attractions and local experiences with prompts
- Research transportation options: Get suggestions for flights, trains, buses, or other transportation options based on your travel preferences
- Create a budget: Ask AI to estimate expenses based on your chosen activities, accommodations, and dining options
Also Read: 10 Best AI Travel Planner Tools for Your Next Vacation
![plan my trip on map ClickUp Map's View](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ClickUp-Maps-View-Dashboard-Image.png)
ClickUp’s Map View can help you visualize your travel itinerary and gain a better understanding of your destinations.
By combining the Map View with the Location Custom Field , you can create a dynamic and interactive map that displays your destinations to visit, restaurants to dine in, hotels to stay in, and other relevant locations for your trip:
- Create a new list: Start by creating a new list in ClickUp and name it ‘Travel Itinerary’
- Add tasks: Add tasks for your entire trip, including travel days, accommodation, activities, and transportation
- Add Location Custom Fields: Enter the geographic address of the location associated with that task
- Use Map View: Your tasks will be displayed on a map based on the location data you entered
- Customize pins: This helps you quickly identify the importance and status of each task
- Filter tasks: Use filters to organize your itinerary by region, assignee, or other criteria. This allows you to focus on specific areas of your trip and easily find relevant tasks
- Explore your itinerary: Zoom in and out on the map to explore different regions. Click on individual pins to view the corresponding task details
These features are why Reddit users like KevintaylorHam suggest using ClickUp as a comprehensive travel planning app.
![plan my trip on map Reddit User Feedback](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-649.png)
Leverage a free trip itinerary template to help you fast-track your planning process the next time you take off for a trip:
The ClickUp Trip Planner Template
![plan my trip on map Organize, visualize, and access all your trip details in one place with the ClickUp Trip Planner Template](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-650.png)
Planning a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many details, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. That’s where the ClickUp Trip Planner Template simplifies the planning process, allowing you to organize your itinerary, track progress, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
The template includes a:
- List of activities view: Create and save a comprehensive list of all the activities you’d like to do during your trip
- Activity board view: Organize and track progress on each activity, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
- Travel calendar view: Visualize your trip with a clear timeline, helping you plan your days effectively
- Travel guide view: Create a detailed guide for your trip, including transportation, accommodation, and essential information
- Getting Started guide view: Get step-by-step guidance on how to use the template and plan your trip with ease
The ClickUp Business Travel Itinerary Template
![plan my trip on map Plan business travels ahead of time so that ravel anxiety never gets in the way of work with the ClickUp Business Travel Itinerary Template](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-651.png)
The ClickUp Business Travel Itinerary Template is designed to simplify the official travel planning process by providing a consistent standard itinerary that can be used repeatedly.
With this template, you can:
- Gather essential information: Collect contact information for each event or activity included in your itinerary in a pre-formatted doc
- Use Custom Fields: Create Custom Fields in ClickUp to record and easily access contact information, keeping everything organized in one place
- Visualize your itinerary: Use the Calendar view to organize your events and connect them to key Lists, Docs, and tasks, providing a clear visual representation of your trip
- Plan your accommodation: Factors such as price, location, and amenities should be taken into account to ensure a comfortable and productive stay
- Track transportation arrangements: Create tasks in ClickUp to track your progress in arranging transportation for your business trip
The ClickUp Vacation Planning Template
![plan my trip on map Plan a stress-free vacation by organizing your day-wise schedule, hotel bookings, and flight details with the ClickUp Vacation Planning Template](https://clickup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-652.png)
The ClickUp Vacation Planning Template is your perfect companion for pre-trip planning and post-trip relationship-building with the people you met on the trip.
Here’s what’s in the template:
- Five visual views: Gain a comprehensive overview of your trip details with five distinct views: List, Embed, Docs, Board, and Travel Calendar
- Pre-built lists: Organize your planning with pre-built Lists for Lodging, Events, Restaurants, and a Packing List
- Customizable fields: Add key information to your itinerary using pre-built Custom Fields, including lodging prices, hotel amenities, and contact information
- Collaborative doc: Plan activities, cuisine recommendations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with a dedicated collaborative Doc
- Notepad for memories: Capture the names, numbers, and social media handles of the amazing people you meet during your trip to stay in touch with them
Bonus: 10 free event planning templates and checklists .
Besides using free itinerary templates, there are many more things you can do within ClickUp and leverage it as a strong digital planner app .
- Automate travel reminders: Use ClickUp Automation to automate repetitive tasks, such as sending reminders or updating task statuses, to save time and reduce errors. For example, set up automations to send you reminders about your flight times, departure dates, and activity schedules
- Collaborate with travel companions: If you’re traveling with others, invite them to your ClickUp Workspace and collaborate on planning your itinerary
- Take group opinions easily: Gather feedback and preferences from your travel companions using ClickUp Forms . Create forms to collect information about their interests, dietary restrictions, and desired activities
- Set up task dependencies: Establish dependencies between tasks to ensure that certain activities are completed before others. For example, you could set a dependency between booking accommodations and purchasing flight tickets
Once your trip is over, take some time to reflect on your experiences and identify areas for improvement in future planning . By reviewing your itinerary and gathering feedback from your travel companions, you can gain valuable insights and enhance your future travel adventures.
Consider the following questions:
- What worked well in your itinerary?
- What could have been improved?
- Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises?
- What did you learn about planning a trip?
An itinerary is more than just a list of places; it’s your roadmap to adventure.
An itinerary ensures you make the most of your time and avoid wasting precious hours. It also helps you save money by optimizing your route and booking accommodations in advance. And let’s not forget the peace of mind that comes with knowing your plans in advance and being prepared for challenges.
But, creating an entire itinerary can be daunting. That’s where ClickUp comes in. It’s your digital travel assistant, helping you organize plans, track progress, and collaborate with travel companions. You can use it to create a personalized itinerary easily, add activities, set reminders, and track expenses.
Sign up to ClickUp and step out for your next adventure!
Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.
Receive the latest WriteClick Newsletter updates.
Thanks for subscribing to our blog!
Please enter a valid email
- Free training & 24-hour support
- Serious about security & privacy
- 99.99% uptime the last 12 months
How to Plan a U.S. National Park Road Trip | Build the Ultimate Itinerary
At Alice’s Adventures on Earth, we’ve planned and taken a lot of national park road trips — from plotting the best routes, trails, and activities for awe-inspiring views to hand-picking parks that are worth venturing across the U.S. to visit.
I started thinking recently about how to plan a U.S. national park road trip (logistics, activities, travel dates, etc.) and realized it would be helpful to break down the steps to creating a complete game plan and itinerary that perfectly suits your travel style and goals.
Planning a U.S. national park road trip might seem a little overwhelming at first, purely because there are so many options (63 national parks!) and each park’s landscapes, trails, amenities, and activities are a little different.
You’ll find it so much easier to get started on your custom national park road trip itinerary when you follow the 6 steps laid out below. Hit the highlights of the parks you’re most excited to visit and keep to an adventure-filled itinerary that packs plenty of fun and relaxation into your trip!
- Choose Your National Parks
- Plan Your Road Trip Dates
- Map Out Your Route
- Pick Your Trails & Activities
- Book Your Accommodations & Rental Car
- Pack & Prep for Your Trip
1. Choose Your National Parks
With 63 parks as potential stops on your road trip, start by picking the region you want to visit by looking at differences in scenery, terrain, and activities. Then, browse parks in the region and start looking at entrance fees, permit requirements, and lodging/camping options.
Pick Your Road Trip Region
You might want to start your road trip from home, visiting parks in your own region. Maybe you’ll be flying or driving to another city, renting a car, and road tripping from park to park in another part of the country.
There are more parks in the western U.S., but some really incredible parks in the eastern and northern U.S. can make these regions well worth a national parks road trip. Find a list of parks here .
What scenery are you looking for? Breathtaking mountains, deep forests, wild islands , pristine beaches, glittering lakes, rushing waterfalls, peaceful meadows — no matter what you’re looking for, there’s a national park in the U.S. that’ll be a perfect fit.
The terrain of the parks you’re considering should be taken into account. Research any vehicle requirements – high clearance, 4WD, etc. to make sure your vehicle can handle the terrain!
Another consideration is your hiking fitness level. Difficult terrain makes for challenging hikes. Consider park altitude and any acclimation requirements, too.
Browse Nearby Parks
With your chosen region in mind, you can start honing in on nearby parks that interest you most. Research the regional parks’ entrance fees, required passes or permits for areas you want to visit, and available lodging/camping options to choose the best parks for your trip.
Some parks require entrance passes and fees. The fee to enter or get a park entrance pass varies by park, so check this page to find out what you’ll need to pay (if anything). Entrance fees typically range from $20-$35 per vehicle.
Take a look at each park’s available lodging and camping options and think about the activities you want to do while you’re visiting each park to narrow down your options a bit more.
Consider Your Trip Length
Are you able to travel for a weekend? Four days? Two weeks? The amount of time you have will help you start bringing your national park road trip plans to life and decide how many parks to visit.
While it’s always fun to stick around in a park for 4+ days to do some thorough exploring, that’s not the point of a national park road trip — the idea is enjoying the highlights in a few different parks, and that means moving on after a few days to see what the next park has to offer!
2. Plan Your Road Trip Dates
What time of year is best to plan a U.S. national parks road trip? Visiting a national park during peak season is a completely different experience than going during the low season or shoulder season.
Every park’s peak season is slightly different, but in general, here’s what you can expect:
- Peak/high season: Most parks are busiest in the summer months between July and August, when roads are clear and open, weather is warm, and camping is in full swing
- Shoulder season: You may find slightly smaller crowds during the spring/summer (May-June) and fall (September-October) shoulder seasons
- Low/off season: Most, but not all, parks see the fewest visitors between November and April, when colder weather and low tourism numbers can mean road/trail/amenity/activity closures
Take Seasonal Changes Into Account
The season you visit national parks during will affect the landscapes you see during your road trip. It can be the difference between seeing bare trees, lush green canopies, or fiery fall foliage, dealing with dense, view-obscuring fog or clear views, witnessing trickling or gushing waterfalls, or wandering meadows in sepia tones or a rainbow of wildflower color.
Peak runoff season after snowmelt occurs in many parks means waterfalls are flowing mightily. Wildflower meadows begin to bloom at lower elevations and deciduous trees begin regaining their buds and leaves.
Fog can interrupt mountain views on brisk spring mornings. Some parks, especially those at higher elevations, see snow and cold temperatures well into spring with road and trail closures as a result. Others may see mild temperatures and rainy conditions.
Warm weather, perfect opportunities for swimming, lush greenery, and wildflowers in bloom make summertime the most popular time to visit national parks across the U.S. People fill parks across the U.S. to go camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and more.
Afternoon thunderstorms may be more common in some regions during summer, but many parks see the driest weather during these months. It’s a great time to visit to ensure high-elevation roads, trails, and full park amenities (like shuttles and lodging) are open.
Gorgeous, warm shades of gold, red, and purple transform even basic landscapes into something spectacular during fall, with mountainous areas offering incredible views of the fall foliage as deciduous trees blanket the slopes in an array of autumnal color.
Parks are typically less crowded this season as temperatures begin to drop, offering a peaceful chance to hike or bike trails, canoe or kayak around lakes and rivers, and camp. Fog can create visibility issues on fall mornings in mountainous areas, and road/trail/amenity closures may begin in colder or high-elevation parks.
Winter
Bare deciduous trees can offer a better view of mountains and surrounding landscapes with snow blanketing some areas for a beautiful, wintry scene. Dense evergreen forests look especially captivating with snow on the ground! Crowds are typically low during winter if you want a secluded feel in more popular parks.
Crampons, microspikes, or snowshoes may be required for winter hikes in some parks. Winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are fun options this time of year.
3. Map Out Your Route
Once you know which parks you want to visit and when, you can start mapping out your route. I always use Google Maps to create a logical route — it really helps to have the address for the park entrance station you plan to use for the most accurate mapping.
Make sure to check park websites for any road closures or temporarily closed sections of the park due to wildfires, construction, etc. Add any additional stops you’re planning to make to your route to develop a clear-cut plan for your travel!
You might modify your route to take you through specific cities you’d like to visit on your road trip , or choose a scenic route over the fastest one. That’s the beauty of planning your own road trip.
4. Pick Your Trails & Activities
What are you up for during your national park road trip? You’ll probably want to do lots of hiking, but depending on the season you visit during and which parks are on your list, your activity list will vary.
Make sure to check out towns and cities you pass from park to park and stop by local shops, museums, and restaurants to round out your trip. You never know what you might find!
Do some research on each park on your list and figure out what the must-do activities are at each one. Here are some ideas to keep an eye out for as you’re building your daily plans and activities:
- Scenic drives & notable overlooks
- Hiking & biking trails
- Hanging out on beaches, riverbanks & lakeshores
- Waterfalls & natural swimming holes
- Boating, cruises, canoeing & kayaking
- Cave tours (guided/self-guided)
- Historic sites, visitor centers & museums
- Notable natural features & rock formations
- Rock climbing
- Winter sports (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.)
Pick the activities that interest you most at each park and find out when these activities are available. Some will need to be booked in advance (like cave tours, boat cruises, or kayak rentals), while others can be squeezed into your itinerary wherever they fit best (like hiking and swimming).
Don’t overbook your days with activities — leave plenty of time to enjoy the parks and relax a little. Even the best-laid plans can change last-minute, so having wiggle room is important.
Choosing National Park Hiking Trails
Consider your hiking fitness level when you’re planning a national park road trip. Are you ready for easy, moderate, or hard trails? There are a few ways that trails get labeled as easy, moderate, or hard/strenuous, but here’s what the National Parks Service says:
- Easy: Usually relatively flat, short trails under 3 miles on level ground that may be paved; best choice for beginning hikers with limited experience on longer or more challenging trails; some may be appropriate for children, seniors, and people with limited mobility
- Moderate: Trails with easy, moderate, and/or hard sections that may feature some steep zones and elevation changes that require a moderate hiking fitness level; appropriate for hikers with some skill and may range from 5-8 miles
- Hard/Strenuous: Challenging hikes generally 5-10+ miles with steep inclines, stream crossings, rock scrambles, and other sections that require high hiking fitness and skill levels to complete
AllTrails.com is really helpful to find the most popular trails in a given park, user-submitted photos and comments on current trail conditions, estimated hike duration, and trail layouts.
Consider how long each hike will take you (leaving a little extra time for resting, taking photos, and admiring the views). Pick trails that won’t exhaust you when you have more hiking days and exploring ahead of you!
Want help planning your National Park roadtrip. I’m an expert in parks, and would love to help you plan the trip of your dreams. Drop a line with where youre heading and when.
Email Address
5. Book Your Accommodations & Rental Car
Whether you’ll be staying in park lodges, campgrounds, or nearby hotels, getting your accommodations sorted out for each leg of your trip is the next step to making your national park road trip a reality.
Some parks allow or require you to make campsite reservations or buy backcountry permits in advance. Other parks offer first-come, first-served campsites and permits (a challenge to snag during the peak summer months).
A word of advice: Book or reserve everything you can in advance!
If you’ll be camping outside of a park’s campgrounds, you might need a backcountry camping permit .
Some parks require timed entry permits to go into specific areas of the park during peak visit times (like Paradise in Mount Rainier). Check the park website for details on how to obtain permits (free in some parks).
If you plan on staying in a park lodge or nearby hotel , now’s the time to book your room online. Try to pick lodging that puts you close to the areas you’ll be hiking and exploring during your trip — national parks can be massive!
Make your rental car reservations now (if you’re not driving your own vehicle). Remember to research any vehicle requirements for the parks you’re visiting to ensure your wheels can handle the terrain!
6. Pack & Prep for Your Trip
Packing and getting ready for your trip can be a lot of fun! Download a complete packing list if you’ll be doing longer, overnight hikes to make sure you’re not leaving essentials behind (or bringing unnecessary items that’ll weigh you down).
Even if you’re sticking to shorter trails and other activities, you’ll still want to ensure you’ve got everything you need:
- Comfortable hiking clothes, hat & footwear
- Outerwear for cold/rainy weather
- Water bottle
- Swimwear & towel
- Sunscreen, bug spray & travel toiletries
- Trail snacks
- First aid kit
- Emergency supplies (whistle, headlamp, firestarter, etc.)
- Phone & charger, cash/card, ID & keys
Your planned road trip length, terrain, trail length, and activities will play into your packing list, so be thorough when you’re reviewing what to bring.
Here are some of our National Park essentials.
Make sure you have digital proof or a printed copy of any permit, campsite/lodging reservation, or entrance pass you’ve purchased in advance with you.
Take care of any at-home needs before you go on your road trip — pausing mail, arranging pet care if needed, adjusting the thermostat, setting light timers, etc. Plug your route into GPS, load up the car, and get on the road!
Set Out on the Road Trip of a Lifetime
With your route mapped and activities planned, your reservations, permits, and bookings taken care of, and your rental car picked up, you’re ready to embark on the road trip of a lifetime!
Gorgeous scenery, exhilarating hikes, and endless exploration in some of the country’s best national parks lie ahead. You can take pride in the fact that this memorable adventure was dreamt up, planned, and flawlessly executed by you!
Need a little inspiration for your national park road trip? Here are some adventurous ideas to read next and get you started!
- The Ultimate 2-Week National Park Road Trip from Coast to Coast
- 7-Day Northwestern National Park Road Trip | Glaciers, Geysers & Waterfalls
- 10-Day Alaska National Parks Road Trip | 3 Awe-Inspiring Parks
- My Epic 7-Day California National Parks Road Trip
- 7-Day Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip
Pin this article!
- Print This Page
- Text Size
- Scroll To Top
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://images.clubexpress.com/146576/graphics/toplogo_2077760712.png)
- Interactive Map
- Business Directory
- Current Brochure
- Trail Ride with GPS
- Plan Your Trip
- Support the Trail
- News and Events
- New Member Signup
News / Articles
Trip planning tips, from gemini.
![plan my trip on map plan my trip on map](https://images.clubexpress.com/146576/graphics/Screenshot_2024-08-26_160530_1451352255.png)
We asked Gemini, Can you help me plan an Ohio to Erie Trail Trip?
Planning Your Ohio to Erie Trail Adventure
Great choice! The Ohio to Erie Trail is a fantastic journey through Ohio's diverse landscapes. Here's a breakdown to help you plan your trip:
1. Determine Your Starting Point and Duration:
Starting Point: Choose between Cincinnati (Ohio River) or Cleveland (Lake Erie).
Duration: Consider your fitness level and available time. The entire trail is approximately 326 miles, so plan accordingly.
2. Research Trail Conditions and Weather:
Trail Conditions: Check the official Ohio to Erie Trail website for updates on trail closures, construction, and surface conditions.
Weather: Monitor weather forecasts for your travel dates. Pack accordingly and be prepared for potential changes.
3. Plan Your Route and Accommodations:
Route: Use the Ohio to Erie Trail website's interactive map and GPS files to plan your route. Consider breaking it down into manageable sections.
Accommodations: Decide if you'll camp, stay in hotels, or a combination of both. Many towns along the trail offer lodging options.
4. Pack Essentials:
Equipment: Bike, helmet, appropriate clothing, water bottles, snacks, first-aid kit, and any necessary tools.
Documents: Trail maps, GPS files, identification, and any necessary permits.
5. Consider Transportation:
Bike Transportation: If you're starting in a different city, research options for transporting your bike.
Luggage Transportation: If you're not carrying all your gear on your bike, consider using a luggage transfer service.
6. Plan for Rest and Resupply:
Rest Stops: Look for designated rest areas along the trail for breaks, water refills, and snacks.
Resupply: Plan your stops for resupplying food, water, and other essentials. Many towns along the trail have grocery stores and restaurants.
7. Enjoy the Journey!
Explore: Take time to explore the towns and attractions along the trail.
Connect with Nature: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Meet Fellow Trail Users: Share your experiences and make new friends.
Helpful Resources:
Ohio to Erie Trail Website: https://ohiotoerietrail.org/interactive-map
Trail Maps and GPS Files: https://ohiotoerietrail.org/interactive-map
Trail Guides and Brochures: https://ohiotoerietrail.org/planOTET
Would you like more specific information, such as recommended accommodations or points of interest along the trail?
Planning Your Ohio to Erie Trail Adventure: More Specific Information
Recommended Accommodations and Points of Interest
* Cincinnati:
* Accommodations: Numerous hotels in downtown Cincinnati.
* Points of Interest: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, American Sign Museum, Smale Riverfront Park.
* Dayton:
* Accommodations: Hotels and motels in downtown Dayton.
* Points of Interest: National Museum of the United States Air Force, Carillon Park, Boonsville Covered Bridge.
* Columbus:
* Accommodations: Wide range of hotels in downtown Columbus.
* Points of Interest: Ohio State University, COSI Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
* Akron:
* Accommodations: Hotels and motels in downtown Akron.
* Points of Interest: Akron Art Museum, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Summit County Metro Parks.
* Canton:
* Accommodations: Hotels and motels in downtown Canton.
* Points of Interest: Pro Football Hall of Fame, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton Museum of Art.
* Cleveland:
* Accommodations: Many hotels in downtown Cleveland.
* Points of Interest: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, Great Lakes Science Center.
Additional Tips:
* Campgrounds: Many state and local parks along the trail offer campgrounds for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
* Local Food: Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and farmers' markets along the trail.
* Side Trips: Explore nearby towns and attractions that are off the main trail.
* Trail Communities: Connect with local trail communities for information and support.
Would you like more information on specific sections of the trail, or do you have any other questions?
![plan my trip on map](https://images.clubexpress.com/146576/graphics/copyright_2113489588.png)
![](http://adsite.space/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
COMMENTS
Provide up to 26 locations and Route Planner will optimize, based on your preferences, to save you time and gas money. Find the shortest routes between multiple stops and get times and distances for your work or a road trip. Easily enter stops on a map or by uploading a file. Save gas and time on your next trip.
Roadtrippers offers an automated road trip planner. Let us do the planning for you! Enter in a few key details and we'll craft a custom tailored trip just for you. All plans include access to curated trip guides, Extraordinary Places, and 5 million points of interest. Test drive the best features of Roadtrippers Premium for free!
The best group itinerary planner. Use Wanderlog to share your itinerary with tripmates, friends, and families and collaborate in real time, so everyone stays in the loop. Plan your road trip or vacation with the best free itinerary and road trip planner. Wanderlog lets you to make itineraries with friends, mark routes, and optimize maps — on ...
Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over... Ready for navigation and good times! Search. The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map.
The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more. Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing ...
Add your travel destinations on a map, select your transport modes, visualize and share your itinerary for free. My itinerary This is a free demo version of our mapping software. Create an account to save your current itinerary and get access to all our features. ...
2. Create a new map through the home screen. At the top left of the "My Maps" home screen, you'll see a red box with the text "+Create a New Map.". Click on it to be redirected to a map screen. [3] 3. Give your map a descriptive name. To keep yourself organized, give your map a name to remind you what it contains.
Our free road trip planner is easy to use. Create personalized trips with multiple stops, automatically divide multi-day trips into manageable days, export to GPS or print directions, import from your favorite tools, edit, share and more. ... Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary ...
Plan your next trip, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with the #1 trip planner. Every trip is a road trip. Mobile Menu Roadtrippers Roadtrippers. Memberships. ... Look for the illustrations on our maps and read our takes on what make these places so special. We've been there, and we think you should go, too. Yellowstone ...
Marco Island - Florida. The Best 2024 Free Road Trip & Vacation Travel Itinerary Planner App for Multiple Stop Routes, Driving Directions Map, Trip Sharing, Cost Tracking & Inspiration.
Post summary: A comprehensive guide on how to use Google Maps to plan a road trip itinerary and why Google Maps is the best tool/app for planning a trip.Includes a road trip planning tutorial! Author's Note: This post was originally published in 2020 and was updated in April 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
7 Steps to Plan a Trip With Google Maps. Here is how to use Google Maps trip planner: 1. Create a Map. To create a map on Google, you do need a Google account. Once signed up/logged in, go to this page. Click on " Saved" >> "My Maps ", which will take you to your maps. If you have created any maps in the past, you will also find them here.
Organize flights & hotels and map your trips in a free travel app designed for vacation planning & road trips, powered by AI and Google Maps. ... So much easier to visualize and plan a road trip to my favourite rock climbing destinations and explore the area around. L. Lydia Yang, Founder.
Step 2: Plot Your Road Trip Route. To start plotting your road trip route, click on directions. Then enter your starting point and your first destination. Continue to add stops to your road trip by clicking on the (+) to add destinations. Stop when you have all your road trip stops added to your map.
Check the Google icon in the top right corner to make sure you're using the Google account you want to. Click "Create A New Map" and a window will open with a blank map. To give your map a name and description, click the map name ("Untitled Map"). You can also change the color and style of the base map if desired.
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas on Your Next Road Trip This helps visualize a road trip, place destinations in the correct order, and make sense of the grand scale of the road trip. After creating a customized map, users can open it in Google Maps on any mobile device, plug into a compatible vehicle, and let the road trip adventure begin.
Plan Your Road Trip. Build the perfect trip itinerary and pin as many locations on the map as you like. You'll see distances connecting the waypoints and know the driving times between multiple stops. Search points of interest like attractions, trails, or national parks. Choose if you're traveling by car or RV to optimize your route ...
2 hours ago someone asked about Gold Coast and Doncaster. "Planned Trips". Plan a better road trip using advice from experienced travelers on Trippy who can help you figure out the best route and places to stop along the way.
TripHobo's trip planner plays a major role to ease the itinerary creation process and Follow these 4 simple steps to plan a trip & let us know your experience. 1) Choose Your Destination & Dates when you want to travel. lets you choose destinations you want to travel to. You have the freedom to choose the real dates from the calendar.
Start clicking on the map. Choose your destination and have Furkot calculate how much time you need to get there. Set daily limits on the travel time so none of your sightseeing has to be done under moonlight — unless, of course, that's what you want. Don't worry about putting stops in order. Furkot attempts to plan a route for your trip in ...
Revolutionize your travel itineraries with Trip Planner AI, the ultimate tool for modern travelers. Our advanced AI trip and travel planner capabilities ensure seamless itinerary planning. Experience the ease of crafting AI-optimized itineraries tailored to your preferences. Plan your trip effortlessly with our innovative technology and start exploring smarter today!
How to embed a map on your travel blog. Jobs. ... Trip planners by destination. Explore cities and countries. Road trips by destination. Best places to visit by category. Popular search terms by destination. Weather around the world. Travel questions & answers. Travel itinerary guides.
Read Next: The 6 Best Ways to Use Google Maps to Plan Your Trip. Google Maps takes all the information from Google and displays it on a map - but it's much more than that. It has step-by-step walking directions, live public transit information, hotel data, location photos from street level, and 3D satellite images of nearly every inch of the ...
Plan a road trip online with AAA TripTik Travel Planner, and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app. Along with trip planning maps and traveling directions, you can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated places to stay and dine. Use the booking feature to make hotel reservations. Find nearby gas stations and get updated fuel prices ...
Gather the pieces of your plan: itinerary, budget, & important documents. Plan That Trip is here to take the hassle out of your trip planning process. We eliminate the clutter of traditional planning methods by combining various planning aspects into one intuitive interface. We love to travel: Join users planning trips to more than. 120.
Planning a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many destinations and countless activities to consider, it's easy to feel lost in the planning process. Let's see how to incorporate all the essential elements of an itinerary when planning for your next trip. 1. Divide the city into sections for better planning
Plan Your Road Trip Dates; Map Out Your Route; Pick Your Trails & Activities; Book Your Accommodations & Rental Car; Pack & Prep for Your Trip; 1. Choose Your National Parks.
Here's a breakdown to help you plan your trip: 1. Determine Your Starting Point and Duration: Starting Point: Choose between Cincinnati (Ohio River) or Cleveland (Lake Erie). Duration: Consider your fitness level and available time. The entire trail is approximately 326 miles, so plan accordingly. 2. Research Trail Conditions and Weather:
Plan your journey across the TfL network. Journey planner for Bus, Tube, London Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, National Rail, Tram, River Bus, IFS Cloud Cable Car, Coach