mapping a road trip with multiple stops

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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

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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.

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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.

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Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.

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Export Options

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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.

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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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You will then continue to add stops along your route to get a visual of your driving route.

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.

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.

Click on “Your Places”.

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.

You now have your blank map! 

Give your map a title, and get ready to create your first custom road trip map.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

Continue to add stops until your route is complete.

Here is an example of what our Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Trip looked like.

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

Now you can view your location markers and all the customized information you added to your map.

Click on your marker to bring up basic information. For the more detailed information you added, swipe up.

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.

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.

A pop-up will appear. Keep the default of “entire map” and click “download”.

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.

Your locations will now populate in your Gaia GPS map. Make sure to click “save” .

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

You can now see all your locations on your Google My Map. Including the details, you added.

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

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• © Mapbox
• © OpenStreetMap
• Improve this map

Now you can build multi-stop road trips on Google Maps for iOS

Jul 29, 2016

[[read-time]] min read

With many people looking to sneak one more getaway into their summer plans, we’ve launched multi-stop directions for Google Maps on iOS (already available on Android). Here’s how it works: Just open the app, enter a destination, tap the corner menu, and then tap “Add stop”. To rearrange the order of your stops, tap and hold the stop you want to move and drag it to the position you want. Once you’ve added all your stops, tap “Done” and your multi-stop route is complete. When you enter navigation mode you’ll have the same seamless driving experience you’re used to, whether you’re going from errand to errand or hitting scenic spots along Route 66.

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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

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 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.

How To Route With Multiple Stops On Google Maps

Google Maps is the world's favorite mapping and navigation app for a good reason. It's free, easy to use and reliable. But what if you need to do more than get from A to B, and plan a route with multiple addresses — say for a road trip? Google Maps can do multi-stop route plans as well!

In this tutorial, we'll show you:

• Step-by-step instructions for how to use Google Maps to plan a route with multiple addresses, up to 10 stops. 
• For routes longer than 10 stops, we'll also show you how to use Google’s My Maps. 

Neither Google Maps nor My Maps does any kind of route optimization , so if you have a lot of stops you should know that you probably won’t get the most efficient route this way. If efficiency matters to you, you probably want to consider route optimization software . 

If you need to plan a delivery route, you’ll probably need a slightly more advanced approach to using Google route planner — our recommended method is laid out in our Google Route Planner for Deliveries post. 

Tutorial: How to use Google Maps as a multi stop route planner

Here’s how to use Google Maps to create a route with multiple locations. You CAN plan a route using the Google Maps app on your Android or iOS smartphone, but we recommend route planning on your desktop instead. On the desktop it’s easy to see your whole route at once, whereas on a phone it’s easy to lose track, accidentally click the wrong thing, and have to start all over again. 

So, open up your browser and let’s dive right in!

1: Go to google.com/maps

Simply open your browser and type google.com/maps in the address bar.

2: Enter a starting address

Start typing the address you want to visit as your first destination into the “Search Google Maps” bar. Google will pop up a list of suggestions. If you see the one you want, click it. If not, keep typing until you see the right destination — just check that you’re in the right city!

Alternatively, you can click anywhere on the map to set your first stop.

3: Click on Directions

Now that you have your first address set, click on the “Directions” button to open the route panel.

4: Add another address

You’ll notice that Google uses this step to set your starting point, rather than your next destination. If your route is going to be starting from home, or wherever your current location is, just click in the box to confirm “your location”, and your route will be created instantly. 

If your route will be starting somewhere else, add that address and enter – and again, Google will automatically create a route between the two places for you. At this stage, when there are just two destinations, there’s a very good chance you’ve also got the fastest route. Point to point navigation with estimated travel time and live traffic updates is where Google Maps really shines.

5: Click “Add destination”

Click on the “Add destination” button. A new box will appear ready for you to enter your next address. 

Now is a good time to check that you’ve chosen the right transport mode. If you’re traveling by car, make sure the car icon is highlighted in blue. If you’re planning a walk or bike ride, choose those modes instead. The public transit mode unfortunately doesn’t allow you to add multiple destinations. 

6: Keep adding destinations

Now just keep adding destinations until you’re done, or until you hit the limit of 10 stops. (If you need to plan a route longer than 10 stops, have a look at our advanced instructions further down this page). 

That’s great, right? You have a route! Except, you’ll notice that this route looks like a mess of tangled spaghetti. Google has kept your addresses in exactly the same order you entered them, which is not the same as the most efficient order. In the next step, you’ll see how to create a shorter, more sensible route. 

7: Rearrange your stops

If you hover your mouse over one of your addresses, you’ll see an icon with six dots and a “Drag to reorder” note. Click and hold on the dots to drag any address to a new place in the list. 

You can choose any order that makes sense to you. We’ve chosen to start with the address furthest to the west, and then finish in the east. You’ll notice that our re-ordered route is a lot simpler and avoids a long detour that goes over two bridges. The result is that instead of spending 2hr 42mins on the road, we’re only spending 1hr 37 mins — we’ve saved more than an hour! The difference won’t always be so dramatic, but you can definitely save a lot of time this way. 

8: Send your route to a phone

Now it’s easy to send these directions to your mobile device so you can get on the road to your final destination! Click on “Send directions to your phone” and choose an option from the popup menu so you can get directions.

9: Open the route on your phone

Now click the notification that will appear on your phone screen, and your route will pop up ready to navigate! 

If you’re already at your starting point, the blue button will say “Start” and you can start your trip anytime. If you’re somewhere else, it will say “Preview” until you’re in position to go.

How to share a Google Maps route with someone else

To share a Google Maps route with someone else, you need to do it from your phone. Just click the ⋯ “kebab” menu at the top right hand corner of your screen and then choose “Share directions” in the popup menu.

How to plan multi-stop routes with Google My Maps

Google’s My Maps is an interesting free alternative to Google Maps route planner. It’s best for when you’re planning a road trip  or traveling to a new destination and you want to plan activities or visits ahead of time. You can pin up to 2,000 locations, and add extra information like notes, custom icons and colors. This makes it great for mapping attractions or pit stops when you’re planning a road trip. 

The disadvantages are that My Maps is not great at actual route planning, and you definitely won't get optimized routes. You also still have to work in groups of 10 locations at a time, and it doesn’t give live driving directions. But it’s still worth knowing how to do it!

1: Open My Maps

There are two ways to open My Maps:

• Open My Maps directly from this link
• Find it from Google Maps by clicking on the ‘hamburger’ menu icon ☰, then Your Places > Maps > Create a New Map.

2: Add stops

Once you have your map set up, just click in the search bar, start typing the name of the place you want, and select it from the pop-up list to add it to your map. You can also click on any existing place on the map to add it.

You can add up to 2,000 separate places to each map you create in My Maps. That makes it a great choice if your route is going to exceed the Google Maps limit of 10 stops.

3: Start drawing a route

Now it’s time to plan some routes! One of the neat things about My Maps is the ability to create separate driving, walking and cycling routes on the same map, so to illustrate we’re going to start with a cycling route. Click on the “Draw a line” icon at the top of your screen, and then choose the type of route you want to create. Click on your starting point, then on the next place you want to go, and My Maps will draw the route for you.

4: Add places to your route

Notice on the left hand side of your screen that My Maps has created a new layer containing your route. Click “Add destination” to keep adding stops along your route.  If you’ve chosen a cycling route, you’ll see cycle paths highlighted in green. 

5: Create a new route using a different mode

Now we follow exactly the same steps to create a driving route. In the picture below you’ll see we have two completed routes in two different layers, one for cycling and one for driving.

6: View route details

Unlike Google Maps, My Maps doesn’t display time and distance information right on the route. To see this, click the three dots next to your layer name and choose “Step-by-step directions”. That will pop up a detailed breakdown of your route, with a time and distance estimate at the top. 

If things start getting complicated, you can hide or show layers using the checkboxes next to their names. 

There’s no need to save these routes, by the way – they've been saved automatically, and you can come back to your map anytime. 

7: Share your map

Sharing your map is easy. Once you’ve set up all your places, just click on “Share”, choose the level of sharing you want and copy the resulting URL. “Anyone with this link can view” is the easiest (but don’t put your home or your kids’ school on this map!) Now you can share it with anyone via email or text.

8: View your map on your phone

To use the map on your own phone, just open Google Maps and click on “Saved” at the bottom of your screen. Now click on “Maps” and finally on the map you’ve just created. You’ll see all the stops you’ve saved and the routes you’ve created. 

9: Navigate your route

Unfortunately, this is where things get tricky. There’s no My Maps mobile app, so if you’ve created a route in My Maps you can’t just open it and start navigating in the same way you’d use a Google Maps route. There’s an easy workaround, though. When you get to your starting point, just open your map, click on the next point you want to visit, then click on Directions — and your route will be mapped out for you with all the usual Google Maps features. Just repeat this step at every stop.

10: (Advanced) Customize your Google route planner

In the example above we created two layers, one for each different mode of transport. You can do a lot more with layers, though. For example, you could create a layer with the places you want to visit each day, or group different kinds of places together in layers. You can easily drag and drop places between up to 10 layers to help keep your plans organized.

My Maps also gives you the ability to add more information to your places, including color codes and notes. 

To add extra information to a place, just click on it and then on one of the icons along the bottom. Here we’ve added a custom icon and color to identify this as a place to eat, and also created a layer that contains all the parks we want to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an app for mapping a route.

With Google Maps you can map a route with up to 10 stops for free. If you need a longer route or have specific needs — for example if you want to map a hiking, running or cycling route, a delivery route or a trucking route, you will probably need a more specialized app.

Can I plan a route with unlimited stops in Google Maps?

The longest route you can plan in Google Maps is 10 stops. If you need a larger number of stops, your best bet is to use a free trial of a route planning app like Routific.

Related articles

Liked this article? See below for more recommended reading!

Google Maps Route Planner For Deliveries

How To Optimize Multi-Stop Routes With Google Maps (2024)

3 Ways To Plan A Delivery Route With Excel (With FREE Template)

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.

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”

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 :

• 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.

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. .

. 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: 

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”.

. 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).

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!

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”.

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.

. 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

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!

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.

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27 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!

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.

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How-To Geek

How to optimize multiple stops into a round trip on google maps.

Make the most efficient round trip in Google Maps with this extension.

Quick Links

How to create a route on google maps with routora, how to send directions from google maps on desktop to your phone.

When you have a handful of stops to make, you don't want to waste time and gas going from place to place randomly. A tool called "Routora" makes finding efficient routes super easy, and it works with Google Maps.

Organizing stops into a route that makes sense can be cumbersome in Google Maps. First, you have to find all the places on the map, then map out the best order in which to make the stops. Routora  allows you to simply enter all your stops in Google Maps, then click a button to have it sorted and optimized cleanly. From there, you can send the directions to your phone and go on your way.

First, install the Routora extension for Google Chrome  ( also worsk with Microsoft Edge ) and sign in with your Google account.

Next, we're going to enter all the stops in Google Maps . Head on over to  Google Maps in the same browser. Click the "Directions" icon---diamond with a turn arrow---to the right of the search bar.

Google Maps will pre-fill your device's location for the starting point. If you want this to be a different location, go ahead and change it.

Next, enter the location of your first destination into the text box below, and then hit Enter. Alternatively, you can click any location on the map to get the same results.

To add another destination, click "Add Destination" and then start typing a new location. You can repeat this to add up to nine total stops. Don't worry about the order of the stops, just add them all.

The one special thing you need to do for Routora is make sure to put your starting position as the last stop as well. This completes the "circle" of the route.

Now all you have to do is click the Routora extension to run it. The tool will do its thing and open up a new Google Maps tab with the stops rearranged into a perfectly optimized route.

That's all there is to it! Now, you probably want to get this route on your phone to use while you're driving. So let's do that.

Related: How to Plan a Road Trip with Multiple Destinations in Google Maps

You can send directions to a single location or a multi-stop trip from Google Maps on the desktop to your phone. For the purposes of this article, we'll be showing the multi-stop method.

After Routora spits out your optimized route, click the "Send Directions to Your Phone" button underneath the list of stops.

A menu will appear with a list of devices associated with your Google account, including iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. Tap the device you want to send the directions to.

Now you'll have the option to text or email the directions to yourself if you have your phone number or email address connected to your Google account.

This is what the notification looks like when it appears on an Android device. Tap it to open the directions in Google Maps.

And here's what it looks like on an iPhone or iPad.

Routora is super simple to use, but it can be a big time saver if you have to make a bunch of stops. At the time of writing in June 2023, Routora is working on a mobile app for Android and iPhone, and you can join the waitlist . Make sure you're taking advantage of  everything Google Maps has to offer .

Related: 10 Google Maps Features You Should Be Using

How to Plan a Trip With Multiple Stops: Road trip tools and tips

Do you enjoy the freedom of traveling by car to get off the beaten track? Planning a road trip with multiple stops is an easy and fun way to explore the world! Here are the best free apps and tips for planning your trip.

Going on a long road trip and needing to break up the journey? Or maybe you're excited by the freedom of exploring by car rather than having your route dictated by train stations and bus stops. Planning a road trip with multiple stops can be great fun.

There are many free resources to help you plan your journey, such as these  top travel apps  and  essential packing lists . I'll share my top five picks for route planner apps in this article with you. I'll also share my top ten tips for ensuring your trip goes smoothly so you can make some great memories on the road.

Planning a Trip With Multiple Stops

You can plan a trip with a desired destination in mind and decide on multiple stops en route from your starting point. Search for exciting things to see along the way and add them to your route. Remember to also flag up service stations and plan pit stops for gas.

Of course, you don't always have to be at the wheel. You can make reservations at cafes and restaurants along the way for meals or coffee breaks. Or if you want to spend more time in a specific area, book accommodation in advance. This also gives you a few days off the road to relax so you can continue your journey feeling re-energized. 

When planning your route, estimate your driving time realistically, considering speed limits and traffic. Of course, traffic can always be unpredictable, and this is where route planner apps come in handy.

Route planner apps are more than just maps. They let you key in your desired destination and find the best route from A to B or A to B to C to Z in the case of multiple stops. Such apps often give you several options, such as the fastest routes or ones without tolls. 

5 Best Free Route Planner Apps

These are my top five apps for planning a trip with multiple stops. They all have desktop and app versions that sync with one another. So you can plan your trip on your computer at home, then implement it with your smartphone in the car. 

They all allow you to download your map to consult offline, which is vital if you lose connectivity. All their features help you minimize the time spent on driving and logistics. This way, you can maximize your time exploring your surroundings on a road trip with multiple stops!

5. Google Maps

Google Maps is the best-known route planner and the app most people will use to plan a trip. It redirects you to the best route if you miss a turning or spot something exciting you want to check out.  

Since it's powered by a great big search engine, it has abundant data to find where you want to go and points of interest. With a cell phone connection, you can use voice commands and go completely hands-free in your car. You can ask Google what road you're on or to divert you to the nearest McDonald's for a snack stop.

If you need help remembering where you parked your car, save your parking location on Google Maps before you wander off. You can then use your phone to navigate back to your vehicle later. If parking is timed, you can also have the app remind you when to move your car.

You can use the app to share your location with someone you trust if you're worried about safety in a particular area. With multiple stops, Street View mode can be helpful when you're struggling to match where you are on the map. The app will also track your journey, so you can go back and review it later.

4. MapQuest Route Planner

MapQuest has been around for more than 25 years and is trusted by many "old school" drivers who spend much time on the road. This deceptively simple application offers plenty of features for more complex route planning.

Say you prefer to make your own decisions on traffic routes and the best places to get gas. Rather than choosing for you, Mapquest can overlay data on your map, giving you all the information you need to plan your route.

If you let MapQuest do the work, it can help you find the fastest route or the one with the least tolls. You can also ask for route suggestions that will maximize your fuel efficiency.

MapQuest offers more detailed directions than many route planner apps. This is useful if you're driving in an area that you aren't familiar with. It can alert you to landmarks that will let you know if you're on track or have gone too far. You can even view real-time traffic cameras.

3. Waze Route Planner

Waze was bought by Google back in 2013, so how is it different from their flagship route planner tool?

Waze feels more personal and interactive as it uses real-time data from other users to inform you of road conditions. This also means you can get info that Google doesn't include, such as police stops. 

Waze can advise you on the best departure times based on current and past traffic data. The app also pulls up suggestions as needed, such as gas stations and parking. Essential information is available as shortcuts from the main navigation screen. 

If you want company on the road or need help with gas money, you can switch to carpool mode in Waze. The app will find other users who are heading in the same direction. This feature may come to your rescue if something happens and you find yourself stranded!

2. inRoute Planner

inRoute lets you plan a journey with up to 150 stops. You can organize your route manually or ask the app to optimize one for you. Once you've planned your trip, you can export it to navigation apps such as Google and Waze.

inRoute stands out among route planners and map apps because it offers live weather alerts while you're driving. This is helpful if you're nervous about driving in big storms or want to avoid getting caught on icy roads.

inRoute has a free version, but many features only kick in when you pay for the Pro version. Getting a temporary subscription can be worth it if you know you'll be driving around an area where the weather is a concern. inRoute planner is currently only available on iOS.

1. Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is an app for adventurers rather than people who just want to get from A to B as quickly as possible. You can plan routes with up to 150 stops.

Once you have your primary locations, Roadtrippers will do most of the work for you and recommend exciting places along your route. These are curated by the app and often include reviews from other travelers. 

The app will also mark gas stations where you'll likely need them. It also estimates how much you'll spend on gas, which is extremely useful when budgeting your trip.

If you upgrade to the app's Pro version, you can get discount deals and additional features such as planning the best route for an RV. Read this full  Roadtrippers review  to decide if it's right for you.

10 Top Tips for Planning a Multi-Stop Road Trip

What else can you do to get as much enjoyment as possible out of your multi-stop road trip? As well as using a good route planner app to map out your journey, here are some of my top tips:

• Take your car for a check-up with your mechanic before you go. This way, you can avoid getting stuck on the side of the road due to something easily preventable.
• Pack a first aid kit for yourself and for your car. This should include a spare tire, a monkey wrench, and essential engine replacement parts. If your car breaks down, you can often find good Samaritans who will know how to get it running again. All you need is to have the right tools on hand.
• Join a roadside rescue plan active in the area you're traveling in case your car has a breakdown.
• Download essentials such as maps and playlists before you go. Even with good cell phone coverage, you'll likely encounter dead zones on the road and may have to pass a few hours without reception. Plus, this helps you save your data for more important things.
• Bring a paper map. Even if you download everything and bring a phone charger, there's no guarantee that you'll always have access to your online maps. Be prepared with a paper map in the hope you won't need it.
• Download a range of playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks to keep you entertained on the road.  Autio  is an app that delivers road trip stories based on your travel location. These make the time pass quicker and help you stay focused and awake longer while driving.
• Be realistic about how much time you plan to spend driving each day. Spending hours behind the wheel can be tiring, so plan enough rest stops in your itinerary. You should also provide ample buffer time for how long it'll take to get to each destination.
• Pack food and beverages if you need help finding good places to get a snack. A small cooler at the base of the front passenger seat can be a lifesaver. You can get creative with the finger foods you bring along on your journey.
• Plan accommodation along the way to have a safe place to pull over for the night. Avoid sleeping in your car overnight, as you're unlikely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day on the road. But do pack a pillow in case you need a quick nap.
• Have a thorough itinerary, but leave space for flexibility. You never know what exciting things you might encounter on the road. Locals might tell you about nearby waterfalls and must-see museums you didn't find in your research. If you pack your schedule too tight, you won't have time for these treats. A little spontaneity is what road trips are all about.

Looking for more tips? Read this beginner's guide on  how to plan a driving trip stress-free .

Road Trip With Pilot

Planning a road trip with multiple stops is similar to planning any other type of trip. You just need to make a few more reservations along the way. You'll want to take advantage of travel apps to make sure you get everything essential for your trip. So start planning your multi-stop road trip with Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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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 …

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.

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 .

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5 Google Maps Tips You Need To Know When Planning Your Next Trip

W hether a brief weekend escape or an extensive expedition across continents, planning a trip can be a daunting task. The challenge of selecting the ideal destinations, navigating through unfamiliar territories, and ensuring that you experience all the essential sights without overlooking anything, can quickly become overwhelming for any traveler. This is where online maps come into play, and one prominent tool that almost everyone has used at some point is Google Maps.

Google Maps goes beyond basic directions . It offers a suite of features designed to make trip planning not just easier, but also more enjoyable. You can map out itineraries, discover new attractions, get insights into local restaurants and services, and even find electric vehicle charging stations . The platform's real-time updates, user reviews, and detailed information on points of interest can help you make informed decisions while exploring new destinations. Moreover, its customization features allow you to create personalized maps that cater specifically to your travel plans, which are also shareable. Here are five essential Google Maps tips that every traveler should know. These tips will not only help you streamline your trip-planning process but also ensure that your travels are as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

Utilizing Offline Maps

When you're heading out on a trip, one thing you definitely don't want to worry about is losing access to your maps when your signal drops. That's where offline maps come in handy. Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, ensuring you never get lost even when you're off the grid.

Downloading maps for offline use is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

• Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet. 
• Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• Choose Offline maps.
• Tap Select your own map in the following window.
• Drag the map window to your desired area.
• Select Download.

Depending on the size of the area you're downloading and your internet connection speed, this process may take a few moments.

Once the download is complete, you'll be able to access the map even without an internet connection. Offline maps are not only convenient, but they can also save you time and frustration. Imagine hiking in a remote area and losing your cell signal — having the offline map ensures you can still navigate your way back to your starting point without any hassle. This is also one of the many secret Google Maps features that can come in handy.

Customizing Your Route With Multiple Stops

We all have days packed with errands or sightseeing, where we just wish we could plan the routes efficiently. Google Maps allows you to do that by customizing your route with multiple stops. It's a nifty feature that can save you time and make your trips more organized.

Follow these steps:

• Open Google Maps on your device and enter your final destination.
• Click on the three buttons next to your starting point and select Add stop. 
• You can add multiple stops by repeating this step. 
• Rearrange stops by dragging the three lines next to each destination.

Now, Google Maps will calculate the most efficient route for you, taking into account all your stops along the way. This is perfect for those days when you have several places to visit or errands to run, but you want to make sure you're not zigzagging all over town. It can also save you time and fuel. Plus, it's a great way to ensure you don't forget any important stops along the way. 

When customizing your route with multiple stops on Google Maps, keep in mind to arrange your stops in a logical order to minimize backtracking and optimize efficiency. Additionally, consider traffic conditions and estimated travel times between each stop to plan your schedule accordingly. Lastly, ensure that all stops are accurately inputted to avoid any confusion or missed destinations along the way.

Taking Advantage Of Live Traffic Updates

This feature provides real-time information about traffic conditions, allowing you to avoid packed routes and save valuable time.

As you navigate with Google Maps, the app constantly monitors traffic conditions along your route. If there is heavy traffic, accidents, or road closures ahead, Google Maps will highlight the problematic area on the map using yellow or red markers.

To enable live traffic updates, open the Google Maps app and enter your destination. Once your route is set, Google Maps will display real-time traffic information along the way, including any incidents or slowdowns. You can then choose to follow the suggested route or explore alternative options based on the traffic conditions. 

When using live traffic updates on Google Maps, keep in mind to regularly check for updates throughout your journey to stay informed about changing road conditions. You can also report problems on the road yourself on Google Maps . Lastly, be flexible with your travel plans and prepared to follow alternative routes suggested by Google Maps to avoid congestion and minimize travel time.

By taking advantage of live traffic updates, you can make informed decisions about your route and avoid getting stuck in gridlock. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, this feature can help you reach your destination more efficiently.

Exploring Nearby Attractions And Restaurants

When you're in a new area, or even just exploring your own neighborhood, Google Maps can be a great tool for discovering nearby attractions and restaurants. 

To start exploring:

• Open Google Maps and zoom in on the area of your interest. You should see several options below the search bar, including Restaurants, Gas, Coffee, Shopping, ATMs, and more. 
• Click on the option you want to explore. For instance, if you are looking for places to eat nearby, select Restaurants to see a list of dining options in the area. Each restaurant will be marked with its location on the map, along with details such as the establishment's name, its rating, and sometimes photos or reviews. 
• Refine your search further by applying filters for rating and distance. 
• After selecting a restaurant that catches your interest, click on it to view more detailed information, including its address, hours of operation, contact details, and directions on how to get there. 

Google Maps also allows you to call the restaurant directly from the app if you wish to make a reservation or inquire about menu items.

You can explore all these categories by swiping right on the options pane below the search bar. To view the full list, click on the More button (three dots) at the very end.

Create A Custom Map To Share With Friends And Family

You can also easily create a custom map and share it with whoever you want on Google Maps. It's a great way to collaborate on travel plans, recommend must-visit places, or simply share your favorite local hangouts.

• Open Google Maps on your computer and sign into your Google account. 
• Click on the menu icon and choose Saved > Maps > Open My Maps. 
• Start a new map by clicking the Create A New Map button. 
• Give your map a title and a description that encapsulates the essence of your adventure or theme. This could be anything from "Family Road Trip to Yellowstone" to "Best Coffee Shops in New York City." 
• Populate your map with markers. Click on the marker icon, then click on the location on the map you wish to mark. For each marker, you can add a detailed description, upload photos, and even include links for more information. 
• Additionally, Google My Maps allows you to draw paths and shapes, perfect for outlining routes or highlighting areas of interest. 
• Once your map is ready, click on the Share button. Here, you'll be prompted to set the map's privacy settings. You can choose to make it public, share it with specific people, or keep it private with a link.
• Finally, invite your friends via email or simply send them the link.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

How to Plan an Epic (Eco-Friendly) Road Trip

4 November 2022 · In: Sustainable Travel , Travel

Looking for tips and advice on how to plan an epic road trip with multiple stops? Here is a complete guide to creating the perfect eco-friendly experience on the road, including how to budget your trip, find accommodations and map your itinerary to ensure you see the best of your destination. It contains everything you need to live unforgettable eco-adventures across the globe.

I love road trips – it is my favourite way of travelling as it allows me to move around freely and stop wherever I want – and I enjoy this idea of freedom.

I also find that road trips allow me to deepen my knowledge of my destination and its culture, as I can get off the beaten tracks and discover remote locations and authentic places where I can connect with the locals.

So if like me, you love road trips (or are a first-timer) – you have come to the right place!

Since I know that planning a road trip is challenging, especially when exploring sustainably, I created this article to help you.

This ultimate “how to plan a road trip” guide is ideal for better organising yourself, making the most of your time away and enjoying your holiday stress-free! It is perfect for planning solo, family or friends’ road trip adventures.

Plus, do not forget to check out the sustainable tips at the end. Enjoy 🙂

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, read our full affiliate disclosure  here .

• 4- The travel buddy 
• 6- Group or private guide 

4- Keep notes & record

4- activities & attractions, 2- packing eco-tips, 4- forgetting the busy seasons, overview: plan a road trip with multiple stops.

• Brainstorm your road trip
• Choose your transportation
• Research your route
• Budget your trip
• Create your itinerary
• Make bookings
• Get ready & pack

Your guide to planning an epic road trip

Part i – brainstorm your road trip.

Before you start designing your road trip itinerary, taking the time to brainstorm your ideas is essential. It will allow you to write down all your thoughts and options and see what works best for your schedule and budget.

1- The destination

Brainstorming your road trip starts with  where you want to go . 

Think about your destination and the adventures you want to experience: is it a road trip through the USA, around Iceland or in Vietnam? 

The possibilities are endless, so choose which country you want to discover and which parts of this country are the ones you want to focus on and see. Research as much as possible using Google, travel blogs, magazines, books, social media, recommendations from friends, etc.

Personal experience: Pinterest and travel blogs are my favourite ways to find inspiration for road trip ideas. 

Here are some of my favourite road trips:

• South Tunisia Road Trip: Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
• 9 Perfect Days in Iceland: Ring Road Itinerary
• North Vietnam Travel Guide: 2-Week Itinerary
• London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops

South of France Road Trip: 1-Week Itinerary

2- the timescale.

Once you have chosen your destination and know where you want to go for a road trip, decide  how long you have , in other words, your timescale.

Would you like to road trip for a month, two weeks or a weekend? 

Again, anything is possible, but be flexible and realistic as it will depend on how many things you want to see and your budget – we will get to that in a bit. 

If you only have fixed dates, no worries: you can fit and adapt your road trip according to these dates.

3- The season

Now, decide  which time of the year  you will road trip.

If you know which dates you are travelling on, then choosing the season will not matter. 

But if you have decided on your timescale, you will have the opportunity to select the season in which you want to road trip. 

The season matters a lot, as each period of the year will bring out something different from your destination and impact your budget, accessibility and activity level. For example, consider bank holidays and festivals: these events will increase prices and attract more tourists. 

Of course, the seasons will also influence the weather – and it is necessary to do your research. For example, if you are travelling to Iceland, this is important as the weather in winter can be harsh and driving on icy roads is not easy – but possible with good preparation. 

4- The travel buddy 

Finally, last but not least,  with who are you travelling : are you travelling alone, with your family or a friend (or friends)? 

You will have to adapt and tailor your itinerary to your travel companion, as touring with a friend is not the same as touring with a child – they will have different needs for the activities they want to do. 

For the purpose of this brainstorming, it is good to know what your travel companion likes and dislikes and what they expect from this road trip. It would also be great to know their budget so you can adjust. 

Shop the printable road trip planner

Create your dream adventure & live an unforgettable green experience on the road.

Part II – Choose your road trip transport

Now that you know where you are going, for how long, in what season and with whom, you can finally start planning your road trip.

The first step is to decide which transport you will use. 

Reminders – choose your mode of transport based on your destination and the season and what is the most convenient way for you to get around.

The method of transport you choose to reach your destination will play a crucial role in the overall footprint of your holiday. Therefore, try to select the greenest form of transportation possible, such as public transport, bike or electric car. 

In addition, whatever you choose, use  EcoPassenger  to calculate the environmental effect of your journey. It will allow you to become aware of your impact and offset your carbon footprint when you return home. 

1- Your own car

If you plan your road trip not far from your home, you will have the opportunity to travel in your own car. It could be a great idea as it will reduce your (car rental) expenses and give you peace of mind as you already know your vehicle. 

Travelling by car has many benefits: you can move at your own pace, make as many spontaneous stops as you want, store as much as you want in the boot and decide on your schedule.

• Advantages: simplicity, money saver, flexibility
• Disadvantages: not eco-friendly, can breakdown

2- Caravan & motorhome

One of the road trippers’ favourite ways of travelling! 

Caravans and motorhomes are perfect for discovering a place at your own pace, providing you with comfort and stability throughout your road trip and allowing you to save money. It is an ideal way to travel as a solo adventurer or for families with children. 

For your road trip, you can venture out with your own caravan or motorhome or easily rent one at your destination. 

• Advantages: practical, comfortable, money saver
• Disadvantages: hard to manoeuver, not for every destination

3- Car rental

If you prefer to travel by car but can not bring your own, renting one is your next option, and you can do that at any airport or city – even in remote places. Car rental is great and convenient for a road trip but will add more expense to your budget (price per day + insurance). 

If you need to rent a car for your self-drive trip, I recommend using  rentalcar.com . From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to compare and offer a great selection of rental agents and different pick-up and drop-off options.

Eco-tips: choose the smallest vehicle possible, travel with friends or select an electric car.

• Advantages: accessibility, timer saver
• Disadvantages: more expensive, strict terms

4- Bike & motorbike

Yes, accomplishing a road trip by bike is possible and an incredible way to discover your destination! It will allow you to experience the place from another perspective and travel slowly. Plus, our planet will thank you! 

I know travelling by bike can be physical and not for everybody, but why not consider this option for a weekend getaway? 

Otherwise, road-tripping with a motorbike is another option. It will not be as physical and can be incredibly practicable in some destinations, such as Asia. However, remember that travelling that way is still more tiring than travelling by car.

• Advantages: slow travel, freedom, thrill
• Disadvantages: physical, tiring, less storage

5- Public transport

I know travelling by public transport is not technically road-tripping, but it can be a great way to move around whilst reducing impact. 

Yes, planning a road trip by bus and train is possible! It requires a bit of organisation – but what better way to save money and lower your carbon footprint? Plus, as for motorbikes, some destinations are easier to discover that way. 

For example, during my road trip through northern Vietnam , my friend and I only travelled by bus – and it was great! We rented a motorbike from time to time to discover the surroundings where we were staying, but we only moved around by bus as I could not imagine driving a car.

• Advantages: reduce carbon footprint, save money
• Disadvantages: more organisation needed, strict schedule

6- Group or private guide 

Finally, another way to road trip is by using a group or private guide. It is not my favourite, but it can be exceptionally convenient! You will not have to plan much – you can sit back and relax as someone takes you around and shows you the best spots. As a result, it will save you time and energy. 

On the other hand, if you travel with a group, you will lose a bit of freedom as you will not be able to stop where you want or do what you want each day. But you will meet new people and make friends along the way. 

• Advantages: convenience, time and energy saver
• Disadvantages: less freedom and flexibility

Part III – Research & plan your road trip route

The next step in planning your perfect road trip is to explore your possible stops and map your route. In that order, you will need to narrow it down and get a bit more specific.

Firstly,  write a list of all the places you want to stop and things you want to see and do  (on your computer, phone or paper). Put down everything that seems interesting or exciting to you. And again, take inspiration from Google, travel blogs, social media, magazines, books and more.

For now, do not look at what is possible or not: research and write it down. It can be places, restaurants, landmarks, activities or attractions – anything you want.

Then  plan where you might want to stay each night . Find the best locations and choose the type of accommodation best suited for you: camping, hotel, Airbnb, guesthouse, etc.

To go further in your research,  use Google maps . You can use filters to look for a specific activity or location and save it to your list. 

From there, I like to look at my notes and  gather what is nearby and possible to do in one day  (using colour codes) – or what makes the most sense to do together. 

Use Google Maps again and circle or rewrite each activity, attraction and place according to their location.

For example, if you are planning a road trip around Iceland, it would make sense to combine the three attractions of the Golden Circle or Skaftafell with Jökulsárlón. On the other hand, do not plan the Golden Circle with Húsavík on the same day.

Now, you have a better overview of your activities and things to do – and what might be possible! 

Part IV – Budget your road trip

One of the most challenging parts of planning a road trip is budgeting. 

Budgeting a road trip is not easy as it can be tricky to know how much you will spend – and how much to save. 

On the other hand, building a budget will help you better prepare, make a savings plan and record your expenses to stay within your goal. It is the ideal way to organise yourself and make the most of your time away whilst enjoying your holiday stress-free.

Here are a few ideas to help you: 

First, decide on an overall budget . How much would you like to spend on this road trip, or how much have you saved?

Once you have decided on a (rough) number, write down your main categories , such as transportation, accommodation, food & drink and activities, and break down your budget . (Add more categories, if needed, such as miscellaneous, eating out, etc)

Then break down each category even more .

For transportation, for example, write down the estimated cost of car rental, petrol, tolls and insurance. 

Yes, it is an estimate! 

It is hard to know beforehand how much things will cost, so write down the estimation and keep track of everything whilst travelling. How to do that? Just record your expenses on your phone, computer or paper.

Tip: to calculate the petrol, you can use online websites or do the math yourself: miles / miles per tank x cost per tank = fuel cost. (it will give you an estimate and not a precise amount!)

Another tip would be to set a daily budget for each category , so you can estimate what to spend each day and monitor with your expense tracker once on the road.

Part V – Create your road trip itinerary

Now that you have chosen your destination, decided on your transportation, done your research, planned the best things to do and created a budget, it is time to complete your itinerary!

1- Perfect your route 

With your research (part III) and your budget (part IV), perfect your stops and start drawing your route. 

In part III (Research and Plan), I advised you to group attractions and activities by location so you can do them in one day. From there, narrow down even more – and this step will depend on you! It will depend on what you can afford, what time you have and how much you want to see in one day (your energy and activity level). 

Highlight the activities, attractions or places you absolutely want to do and see, and fit the rest around them – if distance or time allows. 

For example, if you plan a trip around Iceland, select the main things you want to do, such as the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón. Then, look at other possible attractions around those places. 

In this stage, you will have to make sacrifices. You can not do everything in one day or on one road trip. You need to decide on your priorities and remember that you can return any other time.

2- Use Google Maps

To perfect your route, even more, head to Google Maps and create your itinerary . It will help you know how long you will need to travel between each stop, and you can map your entire road trip that way. 

You can also go to “My Maps” to personalise and save each of your itineraries.

Or, if you prefer, you can also print a map of the country you are visiting and draw your itinerary on it by hand. It is what I did on my first trip to Iceland. I used colour codes for each day – it was fun to do. 

3- Select your accommodation

Google Maps will also allow you to research where to sleep each night -but choose what works best for you! Either stay in the same area as your activities for the day (which I did in Vietnam ) or sleep somewhere halfway to the next day’s attractions (which I did in Iceland ).

Compare accommodations according to what you prefer (hotel, camping, guesthouse) and your budget . Use websites such as Booking.com , and if possible, select a place with flexible cancellation. 

In addition, keep notes on your computer or paper. For each day, write down the estimated budget, major stops (with time and distance between each) and where you plan to stay for the night. 

Part VI – Make bookings for your road trip 

The serious part is here: book your perfect adventure.

The booking order is up to you, but I would recommend: flight ⇢ transport ⇢ accommodation ⇢ activities.

If you start your road trip from your home, then great, you will not have to book any flight. 

But if your destination is further away, you might need to book a flight, and for that, I recommend using  Skyscanner  – my favourite platform to compare, find the best deals and book tickets (the only one I have used for the past seven years). 

How to get to your destination without harming our planet? 

That is a question I have asked myself a lot, considering how much I travel by plane. Whilst doing some research, I discovered (without surprise) that transportation pollution is a significant issue caused by tourism. Air pollution has steadily increased with the number of tourists travelling by planes each year, severely affecting local air quality and contributing to climate change. 

If you use a plane, take direct flights as much as possible to reduce your carbon footprint, as landing and take-off have the worst effect. You can also choose greener flights with  Skyscanner . It has an option that only displays flights with lower CO2 emissions. 

And if you can, prioritise reaching your destination by public transport, train or carpool . 

2- Transport

Now that you know when you will arrive and depart from your destination, it will be easier to book your mode of transportation, whether it is a rental car, motorbike or caravan. 

I recommend using  rentalcar.com . From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to compare and have a great selection of rental agents and different pick-up and drop-off options.

Eco-tips: choose the smallest vehicle possible, travel with friends or select an electric/hybrid car.

3- Accommodation

The following booking step is accommodation and where you will stay each night. I suggest using  Booking.com  and  Airbnb  to search, compare and reserve, and if possible, select a place with flexible cancellation – in case of emergency or if things do not go as planned. 

Also, try to stay with locals as much as possible. It will allow you to connect with people and learn more about the culture of your destination.

Prioritise eco-friendly accommodation . It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but as guidance, read the hotel description, look for green certification or statement committing to sustainability, or search for places locally owned. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide. And if possible, go camping!

Now that your road trip is taking shape, you can consider booking the activities and attractions you want to do on your itinerary. Reserve through their website and ask questions if you need. Also, pay attention to the opening and closing times. 

When travelling, being mindful of the activity you choose and the travel agent you select is very important for helping reduce impact. A sustainable tour operator offers travel products or services complying with high social and environmental standards. They focus on creating benefits for local communities, protecting the environment using conservation projects, and prioritising animal welfare. 

It is essential that you do your research before booking an activity or tour. Only get involved in activities that benefit the environment, locals and wildlife . Also, try using local guides and look for authentic experiences to ensure your money goes into the local economy. Most importantly, never participate in activities that do not seem right (like involving wildlife)! 

For more ecotourism activity ideas, check out this article:  Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World .

Part VII – Packing for your road trip

Woop Woop! You are now ready to go. After choosing your destination and booking your trip, what you pack is the next step in preparing for your road trip.

1- Essential road trip packing list

Each suitcase will look different to everyone, depending on where you are going and for how long, but here are some road trip essentials: 

• Phone and tablet (to listen to music or watch movies)
• Camera (to capture your incredible adventure)
• All chargers (indispensable)
• Passport, driving licence, and any necessary visas
• Credit card and cash (you will want to bring souvenirs)
• A map or GPS (so you do not get lost)
• Travel books and guides (to discover the best of your destination)
• Road trip snacks (a crucial item)
• A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated on the go)
• Notebook or travel diary (to record your thoughts)
• Glasses and sunglasses (to better see where you drive)
• Travel games (for fun)

IMPORTANT – do not let any significant belongings in your car! Take them with you as they can get stolen. 

Love reading on the road? Check out this article: 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure .

The best way to avoid waste and plastic when travelling is to arrive prepared. That is why considering what you bring with you is so important. Here are some clothing and gear ideas for your road trip:

• Sustainable backpack : It is hard to road trip without a good backpack . It is essential for any type of adventure, no matter the duration and level, and it will last forever if you choose the right one. Check out  Osprey  and  Lowe Alpine .
• Ethical clothing : What you wear will depend on the season and weather, but try selecting sustainable and eco-friendly clothing that respects the environment. Check out  Rab  and  North Face .
• Reusable food containers : Reusable containers are essential for packing your meals or snacks and reducing waste. Get a reusable meal kit, collapsible containers and bamboo cutleries to say goodbye to unwanted trash. Check out  Bambaw  and  Light My Fire .
• Filtered water bottle : Stay hydrated on the go with a water bottle that contains a purifier filter. It will provide healthy and clean water anywhere you hike whilst avoiding waste and single-use plastic. Check out  Grayl  and  Epic Water Filters .
• Portable solar charger : Having gear charged on your road trip is essential to capture your beautiful adventure and come home with unforgettable memories. However, it can sometimes be trouble when you are on the road. Check out  Goal Zero  and  Anker .

More ideas:

• Eco-friendly tote bags (reduce single-use plastic)
• Travel towels (reduce water usage)
• Reusable straws (reduce single-use plastic)
• Biodegradable shampoos (reduce toxic chemicals)
• Zero-waste sunscreens  (reduce single-use plastic & toxic chemicals)
• Solid toiletries (reduce water usage) 

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Shop the editable travel packing list

Mistakes to avoid when planning a road trip

We all make mistakes, and that is how we learn! Here are some of the ones I have made along the way and my advice for avoiding them:

1- Over-planning and adding too much

One of the easiest mistakes to make when planning a road trip is adding too many things and not giving yourself enough time to do them all. 

Remember that road-tripping takes time and energy. Do not over-plan or you will quickly feel overwhelmed by the things to do and see. It starts with preparation, so give yourself free space when mapping your road trip.

2- Ignoring traffic and breaks

We easily forget this one! I know it’s hard to predict how busy the road will be during your trip, but try considering traffic jams and pauses. Do not think you can travel an 8-hour journey all in one go – break down your route and organise stopovers! 

Again, a road trip is tiring and driving that long can be exhausting – so be prepared, do not be hard on yourself and take your time. 

3- Thinking everything will go as planned

It could be! But that might not be the case – so keep an open mind and leave room for the unexpected. Anything can happen on a road trip: car breakdown, illness or injury, change of itinerary, accommodation cancellation and more. Be ready and open to adapting your plans, and be ok with missing things if necessary! 

Plus, the beauty of road-tripping is to wander and go off the beaten tracks, so leave space for exploration and adventure! 

Each country has its own busy period depending on the season and cultural events such as bank holidays, festivals and more. Therefore, do your research beforehand, as this will impact your road trip through prices and crowds. 

In addition, research the weather at your destination as much as possible. The weather can be extreme in some countries, so you do not want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  

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How to reduce your eco-impact on the road

Are you looking forward to your amazing road trip? I understand! Road trips are a fantastic way of travelling as they allow us to move freely and discover so many incredible places at our own pace. However, they can also have negative environmental impacts. That is why considering our carbon footprint and adopting  eco-responsible habits  is essential.

Here are some sustainable tips on making your road trip more eco-friendly and having a positive impact on the places you visit. 

PREPARE YOUR ROUTE

I know getting lost on a road trip can feel fun and exciting. But when trying to minimise your footprint, it is best to plan your route to avoid unnecessary travel. In addition, the shorter the distance you travel, the less fuel you will use and the less harmful emissions you will produce. Tip: Get offline maps to stay on track even if you lose signal. 

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Another great way to reduce your impact on the road is to plan your meals. Throughout your journey, try to find local restaurants or eco-friendly facilities. You can try the local cuisine or wander through local markets and buy fresh produce. 

MAKE YOUR TRIP PLASTIC-FREE

As you might know, plastic packaging is a significant environmental issue and causes concerns for wildlife and the preservation of natural landscapes. Therefore, avoid plastic as much as possible and bring reusable items instead. Choose  eco-friendly alternatives , like reusable tote bags, cutlery, plates, etc. Tip: you can also buy  filtered water bottles  to refill your water anywhere. 

CHECK YOUR CAR

Make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition for the road: check the engine, oil level and tire pressure before your trip. In addition, use the available features in your car, like cruise control, to help you maintain your speed and reduce excess emissions. And even better, drive an electric vehicle if possible! (Or a bike for the most courageous).

LEAVE NO TRACE

Aim to leave a place better than you found it. For example, dispose of your litter appropriately and pick up any trash you encounter. Be respectful of the land and do not drive over protected areas. And finally, stay on the marked trails when hiking, as going off can be dangerous for flora and fauna. 

RESPECT WILDLIFE

Be mindful of your surroundings and adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife, on land and in the sea. Do not come close to, feed or touch animals and corals. Remember that you are only a guest in their home.

Want more inspiration?

• Sustainable Travel Guide: What, Why & How
• 10 Best Zero-Waste & Reef-Safe Sunscreens
• Sustainable Beach Guide: 10 Easy Eco-Tips

Download your  FREE sustainable travel checklist  ↓

Best apps & websites for your road trip 

I have mentioned many different apps and software in this article, but I thought I would also put them in one place to make it easier for you. 

PLANNING + ON THE ROAD

• Roadtrippers (best road trip planner app)
• TripIt (best itinerary organisation app)
• Google Maps (an all-time favourite)
• Waze (get the best road and avoid traffic)
• GasBuddy (find the cheapest gas stations)
• Viamichelin (estimate the cost of your trip)
• iExit (let you know where to stop)
• Xe Converter (best currency calculator)
• Drivvo (finance manager for your vehicles)

ACCOMMODATION

• Booking.com (easily compare and book)
• Airbnb (find unique gems)
• Couchsurfing (stay with locals)
• Ecobnb (find a sustainable accommodation)
• Bookdifferent.com (stay in green hotels)

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

• Tripadvisor (get reviews and travel advice)
• FairTrip (find the best authentic & local places)
• GetYourGuide (access popular tours and attractions)
• Bikemap (explore over 9.3 million cycle paths)
• AllTrails (best hiking routes anywhere around you)

ENTERTAINMENT

• Spotify (for listening to music)
• Netflix (for watching series and movies)

BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY 

• Klima (reduce your carbon footprint)
• Closca Water (find nearest water fountains or refill points)
• Ecosia (best eco-friendly search engine)
• HappyCow (find vegan and vegetarian restaurants)
• My Little Plastic Footprint (reduce your plastic footprint)
• Green Travel (make better eco-friendly travel decisions)
• Too Good to Go (rescue magic bags of surplus, unsold food)

Check out this article for more eco-travel apps: 10 Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably .

How to plan a road trip – FAQ

Yes, the best free app for planning a road trip is RoadTrippers. The app allows you to plan your unforgettable adventure in one place, from the top local restaurants to the best places to visit.

Brainstorm, do your research, write down everything you want to do and see, gather your discoveries by location, head to Google Maps and start drawing your route with your multiple stops.

You should stop as much as you need! There are no rules – you decide. However, I would recommend breaking down your route as much as possible. Road trips are tiring, so plan enough stopovers to pause and recharge.

And you, how do you plan a road trip? What is your favourite destination? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map shows London Marathon route map and road closures for 2024

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Thousands of people will be making their way into the capital today for this year’s London Marathon.

Crowds of people will be supporting the runners as they take on the 26.2 mile course through the city.

The course will set off in Blackheath and will take the runners past such sites as the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The Shard and Tower Bridge, before finishing up at St James’s Park.

There will of course be travel disruptions and road closures today, so read on to find out where you can expect them and from what time.

Which roads will be closed for London Marathon 2024 and at what times?

Which roads are closed for the marathon?

Here are the closures to be mindful of:

• Charlton Way, Greenwich: 4am to 1pm
• Shooters Hill Road: 4am to 1pm
• St John’s Park: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Road: 7am to 1pm
• Old Dover Road: 7am to 1pm
• Little Heath: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Lane: 7am to 1pm
• Artillery Place: 7am to 1pm
• John Wilson Street: 7am to 1pm
• Woolwich Church Street: 7am to 2pm
• Woolwich Road: 7am to 2pm
• Trafalgar Road: 7am to 3pm
• Creek Road: 7am to 3pm
• Evelyn Street: 8am to 4pm
• Surrey Quays Road: 8am to 4pm
• Salter Road: 8am to 4pm
• Brunel Road: 8am to 4pm
• Jamaica Road: 8am to 4pm
• Tower Bridge: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (south side): 8am to 7pm
• Narrow Street: 8am to 7pm
• Westferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• East Ferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• Marsh Wall: 8am to 7pm
• North Colonnade: 8am to 7pm
• Poplar High Street: 8am to 7pm
• Commercial Road: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (north side): 8am to 7pm
• Byward Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Upper Thames Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Victoria Embankment: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Birdcage Walk (westbound): 6am on April 21 to May 18
• Birdcage Walk (eastbound): 7.30am on April 22 to May 18

There will be closures right across the route of the London Marathon occurring at separate times throughout the day.

For more information on road closures, download the official guide from the  TCS London Marathon website .

London Underground on marathon day

The  London Underground , London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are running extra services throughout marathon day and are recommended as the best way to get around to keep up with the race action.

Due to the nature of the day, expect services to be busy with crowds of spectators along the route.

Stops near the Marathon route are likely to be very busy, especially the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and the DLR.

Latest London news

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To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

Transport for London is encouraging everyone to plan their journeys in advance and check the  TfL website  or TfL Go app for the latest travel information.

London Marathon 2024

• Record number of people take part with millions raised for charity
• Alexander Munyao claims victory as Briton Emile Cairess secures third
• Joel Dommett amongst the big name stars taking part in this year's race
• How to apply for London Marathon 2025 registration as ballot opens
• Ukrainian band of brothers will return to fight after marathon finish line

Buses on marathon day

Bus routes along the route of the marathon will either be diverted or will not run the length of their usual journey until the roads are back open.

If travelling by bus on the day, visit  tfl.gov.uk/bus/status  to see if your bus route is affected.

What time does the London Marathon start?

The race will kick off at around 8.30am with professional athletes leading the way.

The rest of the runners will then set off in waves from rom 10am to 11.30am, with gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear. All start lines will be closed by 11.30am. 

Start waves and times are allocated based on runners’ predicted finish time, which will have been given to organisers ahead of time.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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