Hi friends!
Exploring Dumaguete’s Boardwalk with my family. The photo was taken by Mama. Google Maps is my most used travel app.
But I observe most use it strictly as a navigation app (as Waze for the province). If this is you, then you are missing out. Google Maps is more powerful than you think.
Here are some ways I use Google Maps that you may not:
Shortlist accommodations by location, price point, and rating. From here, I like to message each on Facebook. Not only are prices cheaper when you have a direct conversation, but you can also ask them to help you plan your itinerary.
Shortlist things to do. The worst part of traveling is leaving a place and missing out on something you didn’t know existed. Google Maps is perfect because every destination is paired with pictures and reviews from people who visited recently.
Google Maps is my go-to for finding the best restaurants within your vicinity. You can check photos, menus, prices, and reviews in one place. You can even filter search results to 4.5 stars and above.
Activate Satellite View so you can scout an area before you arrive. In this case, you can see where corals are most abundant in Dauin’s Marine Sanctuary. This is extremely helpful when you’re snorkeling or diving.
Plan your itinerary by adding multiple destinations. This was a summary of our weekend trip to Dumaguete. Libjo was where we met Lola Pacing, Gamping Dome was where we stayed, and Bacong Pier was where we dove.
Add flexibility to your itinerary by tagging places as ‘Want to go.’ Once done, the pin color of these places automatically changes to green, so it’s easy to remember when you’re in the area. I love looking for restaurants and tagging them for later.
Download your map to your phone, so you never get lost.
Give back to the community by leaving reviews on where you’ve been. It’s a great way to look back at your trip too.
In time, Google Timeline will give you this amazing trace of where you’ve been. Google then uses this personalized information to give you better restaurant recommendations and suggestions for a faster commute. But honestly, I’m a stats guy. I just love seeing my stats.
There’s a pro tool embedded in Google Maps where you can create and share your own maps. I discovered it while writing this piece, so I’m still playing around with it. If you want to learn more, I suggest going through this guide .
Did I miss out on any features or tips?
Or would you have an app that could rival Google Maps?
Please, please share! I only learn as much as you do.
Until next week, Atom
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