If you’re anything like me, trip planning used to mean chaos browser tabs exploding with “best restaurants in Florence,” screenshots of hotel confirmations saved in random albums, and addresses scribbled in Notes or worse… half-remembered. I used to think that was just part of the process. Until I realized I could keep everything literally everything in Google Maps.
Over time, I started using it not just for directions but as my central travel brain. I pin all my must-visits, save food spots people recommend, and even create color-coded lists to figure out what to do and where each day. No more bouncing between apps or flipping through paper guides in the middle of a crowded street. Just one glance at the map, and my day unfolds.
It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable. And once you get into the habit, it feels like second nature. So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed planning a trip or just want to streamline how you travel here’s how I use Google Maps to plan every trip, from dreamy beach getaways to jam-packed city escapes.
Save and Organize Your Travel Spots
I usually start by saving places the moment I hear about them whether it’s a tiny bakery someone mentioned on Instagram or a boutique hotel that caught my eye on Pinterest. I tap the pin and save it into a list. That’s it. No fancy spreadsheet or travel app required.
Over time, these lists become the foundation of my trip. For every city I visit, I’ll make a new one like “Tokyo 2024” or “Croatia Summer Ideas.” Inside that list, I drop everything that looks interesting. Restaurants, museums, coffee shops, bookstores, beaches. It doesn’t matter if I’m 90% sure I’ll go or just mildly curious. I’d rather have it saved than try to find it later when I have no Wi-Fi.
One thing that makes a big difference: naming and organizing your pins. I’ll usually use emojis to visually separate them little coffee cups for cafés, stars for must-visits, beds for hotels. It sounds silly, but when you’re zoomed into a map of Barcelona trying to figure out where to eat, those little symbols are lifesavers.
It’s also kind of magical to see your map fill up with color. Suddenly, the city layout starts to make sense. You’ll notice, oh three of my favorite places are near each other, maybe that’s a good half-day itinerary. It helps your plans take shape organically, rather than trying to force everything into a rigid schedule.
Use Color-Coded Lists to Stay Organized
At first, I only used one list per destination. But when I started planning longer trips, that got messy fast. So I started breaking things up separate lists for food, sights, neighborhoods I wanted to explore, and even a “maybe” list for things I wasn’t totally sure about.
Rome was the first time I tried this properly. I had one list just for pasta spots and another for must-see ruins and piazzas. On the map, I could see clusters forming food-heavy in Trastevere, sights galore near the Colosseum. That helped me figure out how to structure each day without backtracking all over the city.
Sometimes I even build out a “Day 1,” “Day 2,” etc., list if the trip is short and I want to group things by walking distance. It’s not perfect, and I don’t always stick to the plan, but it makes me feel like I know the city before I even land.
The best part? It works offline too. Once you’ve saved everything and downloaded the area, you can wander without internet and still know exactly where that hidden courtyard café is or where you’re supposed to turn to find your hotel after dark.
Download Offline Maps
This is hands-down one of the best things you can do before an international trip and yet, I know so many travelers who skip it. I used to be one of them. I’d just hope for airport Wi-Fi or a kind stranger when I got lost. Not smart.
Now, I always download offline maps before I go anywhere abroad, even if I think I’ll have data. The process is so simple just search the place, hit download, and you’ve got the whole city (or country) in your pocket.
There was this one time in the Dolomites where I had zero signal for hours, and Google Maps still led me turn-by-turn through winding mountain roads to this tiny family-run guesthouse. Another time in Istanbul, my phone lost service right when I needed to find my Airbnb at night. But because I had offline maps, I didn’t even panic I just followed the blue dot like magic.
It’s one of those little things that takes five minutes to set up but can completely save you later. Especially if you’re the kind of traveler (like me) who prefers to wander without a rigid itinerary.
Build a Custom Itinerary With Google My Maps
If I’m going on a longer or more complex trip, like a multi-city tour or a road trip, I level up with something called Google My Maps. Not to be confused with the regular app, this is more like a DIY version of your own travel map. It’s free and part of your Google account.
With My Maps, I can drop pins just like in regular Google Maps but I get way more control. I can color-code stops by day, add notes about opening hours or entry fees, and even upload links to hotel bookings or saved guides.
On my Portugal trip, I mapped everything from Lisbon to the Algarve. Each day had its own color, and I drew lines between stops so I knew exactly how much driving we had between towns. It was oddly satisfying to build, and even more satisfying when we used it in real time and realized we’d built a pretty great route.
It’s not something I use for every single trip, but when I know I want structure or if I’m traveling with someone else and want to make sure we’re aligned it’s incredibly helpful.
Plan Collaboratively With Travel Buddies
I love planning solo, but let’s be honest, when you’re traveling with someone else, group coordination can become… messy.
That’s where Google Maps really shines. You can share your saved lists with a travel buddy, and both of you can start dropping in places you’re excited about. Maybe your friend adds vintage stores, you add rooftop bars, and suddenly you’ve got a shared vision of what your trip could look like.
On a recent girls’ trip to Savannah, we built a joint map. Each of us had our own color (yes, I’m that kind of planner), and it helped us balance our interests. We didn’t always stick to the plan, but having that shared list kept us from forgetting about that cool wine bar or the ice cream shop someone swore by.
It also helped us avoid the “What do you want to do now?” conversations that can drag out and waste precious travel time. We’d just pull up the map and see what was nearby. Easy.
Use Real-Time Navigation on the Go
Even once I’ve landed, I’m still opening Google Maps ten times a day.
Sometimes I just need to figure out the best subway line to take. Other times, I’m walking through an unfamiliar neighborhood and wondering if I’m heading in the right direction. Or I’ll be in a cab in a country where I don’t speak the language, quietly watching the little blue dot to make sure we’re not taking the scenic route.
One of my go-to habits is starring my hotel or Airbnb the moment I check in. That way, I always have a “home base” to navigate back to. Late-night walk? Day trip to a nearby town? Doesn’t matter I can always get back without fumbling for the address.
And it’s not just about directions. Real-time features like live traffic or public transport updates have helped me catch trains I would’ve otherwise missed. I’ve even used the “Depart at…” feature to figure out what time I need to leave a museum to make a dinner reservation on time.
It’s like having a travel assistant in your pocket.
Bonus: How I Use It During the Trip
Even once the planning is done, I’m still using Google Maps every single day of the trip. Sometimes more than I even expected.
If I’m in a new city with time to kill, I’ll hit the “Explore Nearby” button. That’s how I ended up in the most charming hole-in-the-wall bakery in Kyoto. I wasn’t looking for anything specific just browsing. The algorithm somehow knew I needed a fluffy matcha bun at that exact moment.
I also use Maps like a digital journal. After I visit a place, I’ll sometimes go back and add a little note “Great view at sunset!” or “Skip this one, super crowded.” You can even upload photos directly to the location if you want a visual memory.
It’s subtle, but over time, it becomes this beautiful trail of places you’ve been. And when friends ask for recommendations later, you’ve got a ready-made list to share with notes and all.
A Few Tips I’ve Learned the Hard Way
You don’t need to be a Type A planner to get the most out of Google Maps, but I’ve definitely picked up a few little habits over the years that have made a big difference.
First off name your lists clearly. I used to just save everything into “Favorites,” and after a few trips, it became a mess. Now, I always name them things like “Tokyo Coffee Spots” or “Portugal Summer 2024.” Even adding a tiny emoji helps keep things organized when you’re scanning your map.
Another simple one? Use the notes section. If someone gives you a restaurant rec, jot down who told you, what to order, or why it’s worth visiting. I once saved a spot in Rome with the note “Anna says the tiramisu changed her life” and yes, I went, and yes, it delivered.
Also, don’t forget that places change. Double-check opening hours before heading out, especially in smaller towns or on Sundays. I’ve shown up more than once to find a closed gate and a handwritten “back next week” sign taped to the door.
And finally don’t overplan. Google Maps is amazing, but you don’t have to pin every moment of your day. Some of the best travel memories come from the unpinned, unplanned detours. Just use the app as a loose framework, and let your trip unfold from there.
Final Thoughts
At this point, I honestly can’t imagine planning a trip without Google Maps. What started as a simple way to get directions has become my go-to travel tool part scrapbook, part itinerary, part safety net.
It doesn’t matter whether I’m hopping between Paris neighborhoods or road-tripping through the Utah desert being able to see everything I want to do, where it is, and how it fits together makes travel feel less overwhelming. And more fun.
So if you’ve been planning in scattered notes and saved screenshots (no shame I’ve been there), maybe try building your next trip inside Google Maps instead. I think you’ll love the simplicity. And who knows? It might just become your new favorite travel habit.
