Essential Google Maps Hacks for a Relaxing Vacation Adventure

Whether you’re traveling across your city or across states this week, your journey will improve if you allow Google Maps to be your co-navigator. Whether you’re struggling to locate your hotel or need to make a swift dinner reservation, Google’s navigation tool is prepared to assist you, even without internet connectivity.

There are numerous methods by which Google Maps can facilitate your journey—from guiding you through airports to securing restaurant reservations. Below, explore some of the app’s most helpful features for travelers.

For additional travel recommendations, check out the optimal time to purchase airline tickets and tips for discovering budget-friendly flights.

1. Seamlessly navigate through airports and train stations

If you need to quickly locate a shop in a spacious mall or transit hub, Google Maps includes a Directory tab for all airports, shopping centers, and transit terminals. This feature is particularly useful when you’re dashing through the airport in search of a place to eat or picking up a last-minute keepsake before your flight.

Access this tab by searching for an airport, for instance, and then tapping on the Directory tab at the bottom to view a location’s operating hours and its respective floor. You can browse restaurants, shops, lounges, and parking areas.

2. Discover how crowded a place is prior to your visit

To gauge how busy a location is, utilize Google Maps’ Busyness function. You can already search for a venue, like a store, to view a graph displaying the popularity of that place at the specific time you’re inquiring about. A function called Area Busyness lets you observe when entire map sections are overwhelmed with visitors or quieter than usual.

To implement this, launch the Google Maps app on your Android or iPhone (or via your computer’s browser) and navigate around the map to identify a general vicinity, such as downtown, a riverside walkway, or a charming local town. The busyness data will automatically display on the map, eliminating the need for a specific search to determine crowd levels. Google Maps might indicate “Busy Area,” and by clicking for more details, you might see something like: “As busy as it gets” or “Not too busy.”

You can also look up the target location and scroll down to see busy periods compared to quieter times.

3. Reserve a table at a restaurant without making a call

1. In Maps, press the Restaurants button at the top of the screen to view a list of dining establishments.

2. Choose a restaurant that appeals to you, and in the pop-up window, reserve a table or join a waitlist, if available (not all establishments offer this).

Keep in mind you can utilize the busyness feature mentioned earlier to select the least crowded option. Additionally, some restaurants not open for dine-in may still permit delivery, curbside pickup, or outdoor seating.

4. Utilize Google Maps when lacking cellular signal

Traveling to a remote location where you might lose a mobile network connection? Google Maps can still provide directions while offline.

1. Before departing, search in Maps for the destination where you’ll require directions.

2. In the location window, access the menu and swipe until you reveal a menu at the bottom with a More tab.

3. Select Download offline map, and in the subsequent window confirm this is the area you wish to obtain a map for, then tap Download again. Maps will download a map for your chosen area onto your phone.

Now, while using Google Maps for navigation in the area you’ve downloaded, when you lose your cellular service, Maps will revert to the offline map to assist you. Be aware that being offline means Maps won’t be able to provide real-time traffic updates.

5. Locate nearby EV charging stations

If you’re taking your electric vehicle for shopping, dining, or a getaway, Google Maps can assist you in finding EV charging stations along your route, as well as estimated wait times for a charging point. You can also refine your search by connector type—such as J1772, CCS (Combo 1 or 2), and Tesla—to view only the stations suitable for your EV. Also, note that you can search for gas stations by following the same procedure. (Here’s how to save money at the gas pump.)

1. In Maps, scroll through the tabs at the top of the screen and select More.

2. Scroll down to the Services section and choose Charging stations.

3. Maps will display nearby—or in the area you’re examining—charging stations and the number of available ports.

4. Tap a charging station on the map to have Maps add it as a stop on your journey.

This same trick can be employed to search for other spots along your route, like a coffee shop.

6. Share your whereabouts with friends and family

Is there anything more exasperating during a group outing than when the group becomes separated, and no one can locate one another? Google Maps can help reunite you all.

1. In Google Maps, tap your profile icon in the upper right corner and select Location sharing.

2. Tap Share location, and choose whom you wish to share your location with and for how long.

3. Tap Share, and Google Maps will dispatch your location to all selected contacts.

4. If you want to view someone else’s location, tap that person’s icon at the top of the window and then select Request.

7. Curating, sharing, and viewing personalized lists

How can you ensure you don’t miss any attractions during your trip? By creating a list in Google Maps, you’ll be able to save future destinations and have them all at your fingertips.

Simply navigate to the You tab and click the + New list button. You can assign a name and description to the list and select an icon. Whenever you spot a location on the map that you’d like to revisit later, you can add it to your new list by swiping right through the tabs and tapping the Save button. You may also share this list with your fellow travelers and even invite them to collaborate.

For additional resources, check out our traveler’s preparation checklist and advice on enhancing your chances of avoiding flight cancellations or delays.