And bring a car charger for your device, since mapping apps, even offline, gobble up battery life. For the best performance in Google Maps, use standard view (not satellite view) to limit data demands.īe aware that Google Maps' traffic setting does not work offline, so check for slowdowns and detours before you hit the road or use data roaming for a brief period to get current conditions. Call up the map, enter your destination, and you're on your way. Then turn off your cellular connection so you're not charged for data roaming. They essentially offer nearly all the advantages of a dedicated GPS system, but on your smartphone - for free.ĭownload your map before you head out (it's smart to select a large region). The downside is that to get real-time turn-by-turn directions and traffic updates, you'll need Internet access (a concern abroad, where you are likely paying more for data).įor most travelers concerned about data roaming, the best option is an app that works offline: Google Maps, Here WeGo, and Navmii will give you turn-by-turn voice directions without a data connection - and if you make a wrong turn, will recalibrate and send you on the right way. The mapping app on your phone works fine for navigating Europe's roads. Whether it's a map app on your phone or an old-school driver's atlas, a well-designed map of any kind is a must-have on any European road trip. Always have at least a vague sense of your route, keep a paper map handy, and pay attention to road signs so you can consider alternatives if you feel the GPS route is Getting Pretty Screwy. My best tip for navigating unfamiliar terrain: Don't rely blindly on your phone's mapping app or a GPS device for directions. But what about when we're overseas, where a phone connection might not be all that cheap, or fast? No road trip is without its wrong turns - but deciding on the best map apps, whether to use a GPS device, and arming yourself with some key tips for navigating in Europe can go a long way toward saving time and frustration.
Phone-based map apps have taken much of the pain out of finding our way on road trips.
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