Plan your next road trip with Google Maps

[@calvinlewis307]

Thank you for taking the time to help the RVers out there. 🇺🇸🇯🇵

[@ELMS]

This is brilliant. I didn’t know Google Maps would do any of this. Thanks so much!

[@LosPeregrinos51]

Nice job, thank you! Here's a tip for My Maps. Sometimes the Google map looks a bit cluttered with all the businesses showing, especially in a downtown area. If you want to clear the map of all the places pinned to the base map go to "Base map" at the bottom of the listing box on the left hand side. You'll get a choice of nine map styles - pick Simple Atlas (third column, middle row) and your map will be cleared of all but the points YOU have put down. Don't worry, you can always go back to "Base map" and choose "Map" to bring them all back again. Hope this is of interest.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much! You're a good teacher!

[@TJ-mc8uh]

I always appreciate you sharing your travel knowledge, and it is an extra bonus to be able to see exactly which icon to click on, etc. to complete a travel route. Thanks.

[@lifestidepools]

Excellent! Was not using google maps to its fullest potential. Thanks so much for sharing. And State Lines...didn't even know it existed.

[@MarySears]

Oh my goodness this was so informative, I’m going to have to watch it over and over again with Google Maps opened up on my desktop. This is a route that we will travel so I’m looking forward to mapping it out! Thanks so much for helping out this newbie.

[@odontomatix]

You can save maps as bookmarks. Google stores the URL of the map as a bookmark (in a folder you choose) and will completely reproduce the map with the stops when you open the bookmark later. It even remembers the zoom level of your view of the map.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Good to know!

[@Tony-um2el]

One app that we use is "iExit" It shows what's coming up at the next exit and also shows rest areas Even shows what fuel is available.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. I can never turn down an app.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@debbiec4407 I use an app called "rest stops"

[@alsantos5518]

Thanks for doing this, very timely for my next week RV Van Pickup and practice run on the way home. I love your videos

[@BobKeefe]

This is EXCELLENT! We just got our 1st RV, a Coachmen Beyond 22' Class B and need to plan a summer trip. Your tips will sure come in handy. Thanks for putting in the effort to make this video!

[@FromShetoMe]

I hope you have a blast in your new rig.

[@deniseguzzo1719]

Thanks for the Gas Buddy tip I’m of our age and did not know how to correctly use the map icon. I’m trying to get away from our paper maps and use google ......great job explaining. Always love your videos.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

This is one I will have to watch a few times! I am map obsessed. I turned into my mother... and great tip on Gas a Buddy - I always search by map - so helpful!

[@H.pylori]

Like many of the others...did not know that google maps had this extra functionality. Good job on teaching us. Have a great time on your upcoming travels.

[@vy4648]

you can keep your route and open another window of google map to create the new map. Then copy your stop's GPS locations and paste it to the new map without typing each location name to find it in your created map.

[@paulmuntalbano7342]

Always great sharing, but this time you get an A+. Thank you.

[@njwang586]

Hi Debbie, thank you for another great tip. I can’t help but to say thank you! I am a software engineer and I learned a few tips from you today. You inspire me to live an enriched life. Thank you for sharing! NJ

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. You're probably so busy with your work you don't have time to explore all that Google provides in their apps (frankly, I've barely scratched the surface). Sharing with others enriches my life.

[@tdadventures]

Wow!, what a perfect timing video. Now that things have calmed down a bit, we are hoping to start doing days trip. Such informative video. Definitely going to use your tips. Always learning from you. Thank you. Travel safe.

[@OldMan52]

I will start using Google maps more often. Heading to the PW Big Timber meet up via Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming then Montana. Will be at a Winery in E. Wa. June 6th.

[@raybranje3337]

That was great!! Thank you.

[@bwbrady8372]

SOOO helpful! Thank you!!! (I'll need to re-watch this video about 10 times to cement it in my head.)

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thanks for the great information. Blessings

[@RoadsofLife]

After I don't know how may years... you just made Google Maps worth my while! I've kept many a map on my places, but didn't realize there was a "more" button and all the added benefits of doing everything before yo actually go into your account. Wonderful! Amazing tips... Be Seeing You!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. It's amazing how much stuff is packed into the Google account. Kind of like exploring down a dirt road.

[@spellmadam2947]

Super great presentation. Thanks

[@rpenoyer8659]

Google has been my best friend for years, but had no idea about these layers! Thank you!

[@Pinky121971]

Thanks for sharing Debbie. Looking for your next adventure. Stay Safe.

[@raykeogh1972]

Thanks for sharing and going into so much detail. I have to be honest I just plan A to Z and stop where ever looks nice. But what I have found when I get back people say we did this trip and their A to Z was exactly the same as mine but had so many great place I didn’t even know existed. So this August when I do the NC500 (Scotland’s version of Rout 66) I will look at all the stop others have made and put them as you did here along my Rout. Thanks again Ray K UK YNWA.

[@Alisontbk9751]

I had no idea!!! I watch your channel because I’m a planner, so this is perfect for me!!! Thank you from Costa Mesa!!!

[@BackroadBuddies]

Nice demonstration of MyMaps Debbie! A lot of people will benefit from your video. If people want to take MyMaps one step further, list the stops in a spreadsheet (or Google Sheet) and then import that into MyMaps. Once imported you can still adjust the map for a more specific route or adjust the icon appearance as you would if you manually entered the stops. If you only have a handful of stops and want a quick map this might be overkill, but if you're wanting to show a lot of stops like an entire travel season (and want to display additional data) it is a good fit. The import method is what we use to generate our maps as we use a spreadsheet to track # nights, campground costs, and such anyway. Have a great and safe summer travel season!

[@FromShetoMe]

Great idea. You've inspired me to download Google Spreadsheets to my iPhone. We'll see if I can get better organized.

[@BackroadBuddies]

These are the spreadsheet headers we use. [Stop #, Date, Destination, Camp Location, Reservation Info, # Nights, Total $, Activities]. The only 2 columns you need to have are one to use as an icon label and one to hold the location info (GPS coords, an Address, or even just a unique name).

[@FromShetoMe]

@@BackroadBuddies Thanks!

[@smays5106]

Thank you for sharing!! I use google maps all the time but had no idea of all these options 😊 now I can better plan my road trips !

[@jenniferg.3989]

I recently used Google Maps "My Maps" to show a friend our route but ran into challenges. I'm thrilled to learn all your tips! Fabulous!

[@FromShetoMe]

It can be quite obtuse. Typical Google product.

[@wanttoplae]

Very informative. I’m going to start digging into this a bit more. Tip: you can open google maps in two windows and use split screen. That way you can plan in Maps and then create in Your Place at the same time and not need the extra step of screenshots etc.

[@FromShetoMe]

Good tip although it is easy to screw up in Google maps and lose your work. For some reason we are frequently dropped off our internet.

[@michellekorn3693]

Thank you so much for all of the shared information. I use Google maps but now understand better how to create maps for our trips. By the way, we are just getting back from our Southwest trip and your tips and suggestions were invaluable. Thanks again.

[@FromShetoMe]

You're very welcome!

[@mandosandradios]

You give A+ presentations. I have been using RV Parky and have been happy with it.

[@teresad1313]

What a great, informative video. Thanks Debbie!

[@LABTESTED]

thank you learnt soooo much no idea google maps did this now will use on our trip through france thank you so much

[@George5Bells]

I'm been following your vlogs for must be over two years! Love seeing your travels and the countryside as it's so big and open. That's was really helpful, I live in the UK use Google maps some of the time but didn't think to use like that, thanks👍look forward to your next vlog. Till then have a good week😊

[@FromShetoMe]

Two of my favorite vloggers are in the UK, Thomas Heaton, and the Traveling Togs.

[@George5Bells]

@@FromShetoMe I follow both😊👍

[@judilecompte9377]

@@FromShetoMe, have you watched Nigel Danson. He’s also an excellent photographer in the UK!

[@FromShetoMe]

@@judilecompte9377 I'll check him out, thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@judilecompte9377 I will now, thanks!

[@doncates2954]

Really enjoyed the tips, thank you for all of the information. I found it interesting and helpful. When you added color to your maps you chose the color green. Supposedly, the color green when chosen indicates a very strong person who feels very solid about their opinions. Think of the giant green sequoia, “ my roots are deep and very strongly planted , it would be difficult to move me.” Looking forward to your next video. We are now in Friday harbor Washington. Beautiful green trees, blue sky’s and cool temperatures.

[@FromShetoMe]

That's funny. Never heard that one. Green is a color I almost never wear unless it is chartreuse.

[@free2roam492]

Excellent video. Learned a lot about mapping our route. Thank you.

[@bobshoe1]

Thank you! Very clear, concise and finally I understand how to preplan our trips with Google Maps.

[@panchamama]

Good info..thanks

[@roderick.t]

If you're on iOS, consider the iExit app. The app will list suggested stops along the way.

[@ekg8142]

I thankyou so much your info. I like to give you tips that when your plan done, you can send directions to your phone Messages

[@bridgethill2183]

Now that was darn handy! :). Thanks so much from Coeur d Alene Idaho. Hop skip and a jump from Spokane. Getting my first Class B in 3 weeks🤞🤞

[@FromShetoMe]

That's awesome. We love Coeur d Alene and that great bike trail around the lake.

[@doniecemontanelli7032]

This is the best explanation I have ever heard! Thank you so much. Love your videos.

[@stanw909]

Add Lava Tubes National Monument in if you've never been. This recommendation is also for your viewers if you have been , but buy a couple plastic hard hats before you go or John's gonna get banged up pretty good in the lava tubes.

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, we stopped in a few years ago but arrived too late to do the caves and had to leave early. I figure we could use our bicycle helmets. I really want to take the grandkids there.

[@enyab.6939]

Great app and video of how to plan routes, campgrounds, and tourist attractions. Thank you so much.

[@bobkelso8074]

Great info as usual. Marcy and I look forward to your videos whether gear, travel or tip videos. I can suggest a couple of shortcuts : With Gas Buddy you can click the little angled arrow at the top, select your destination and it will show you all the stations along your route. Similar to seeing the map view but the results are focused along the route. It's one of the first things we do before heading out in the morning. On Google Maps when you hover your mouse over an attraction or campground the box describing the site pops up and you can click on the "add stop" icon right there in that little box instead of going all the way over to the left. Not much savings, but a little. I know the videos are a lot of work but they are much appreciated.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much for the Gas Buddy tip. Regarding Google Maps, several times while making the video, I had used the more convenient icon in the box but it hadn't been transferred to the map. Probably user error; I'll give it another go.

[@bobkelso8074]

@@FromShetoMe The Gas Buddy trick is particularly useful if crossing state lines since gas prices can vary so much from state to state. This can prompt us to go a little lower in fuel than usual.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@bobkelso8074 Thanks. I also use the State Lines app to check fuel taxes and guesstimate relative prices.

[@oceandrew]

Hey I see you're a Nick Zentner fan!! Never cared much about geology until I found his videos and now I wish there was a Nick in every state with interesting mountains/topo features. Your explanation on Google Maps as resource and My Maps was a step above, thank you.

[@FromShetoMe]

I wish I had had Nick Zentner when I was in school--what an inspiration. My profs were boring as heck. I'm looking forward to finding some of his field trip locations. I actually learned about him a year ago from our Kiwi friends. He has such a huge audience.

[@justken4851]

Thank you, I learned some new things about Google Maps today that will help me in my travels.

[@debbiebarnes-shankster6870]

I use Google maps for my trip planning but you taught me some new things! Thanks!

[@fionacarey6627]

You are so good at explaining everything- thanks very much 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@wendywolfe8684]

Wow! I learned a lot! I’ll watch it again (and probably again!) as I try these steps 😊 Thank you!!!

[@rvertv]

good info and well done video !!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks! I just subscribed to your channel. You've got some great content I'll have to spend some time exploring.

[@stacyrector8515]

I always click on the "map" view in Gas Buddy, makes more sense to me because I'm scouting ahead of our route to find the best prices. Thanks for the info, love your videos.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Thanks, Debbie! Had no idea Google maps had those features. I only use it on my cell phone. I will now use to plan my next road trip🙏🏽😊

[@tl9864]

Thank you so much for taking the time to help those of us who are technologically challenged. Much gratitude.

[@dougsabel]

Under the adage that on the internet, if you aren’t paying or being paid, you are the product, I often look for non-google solutions, but you’ve shown me some things I didn’t know google could do, so thanks very much. Also, it’s possible to get the full desktop functionality of google maps on my iPad Pro, by getting on google through a browser, instead of through the google maps app. So desktop functionality with mobile convenience.

[@FromShetoMe]

Oh yes, I forgot about that work around. Thanks.

[@timsmith7625]

Thanks for the tips and tricks you use for your travels. Packing up the last things in my Van and will be taking a short trip to NY to visit my wife’s family, then on the road west.

[@FromShetoMe]

Boy, you've got some driving to do.

[@timsmith7625]

Yes, but I am in no rush. Weekend to NY will be a fast trip and then trip west I am taking at least 14 days visiting family and slow rolling to some Lewis & Clark sites in SD and Easter MT along the Missouri. May take longer as there is no rushing anymore since 3rd and final retirement.

[@TimIrvin]

This was JUST WHAT I NEEDED! Thank you! Very valuable stuff!

[@pattyk8594]

Another great video thank you! Never knew I could create a map like that for our travels! :o)

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

Thank you, I learned something new about google maps that I had no idea I could utilize. Thank you for all your tips and suggestions.

[@kathyowens9901]

I had no idea! Thanks so much Debbie.

[@mmackerer9279]

I had no idea all of this was available in Google Maps! Thank you for sharing!

[@mvneighbor4380]

There is a one step way to create a route without retyping and without logging in. Most of your wonderful material still applies: using a laptop, the switch direction arrow, dragging locations etc. However this method doesn't let you tag different types of stops with colors and some of those other wonderful features.

[@mvneighbor4380]

One more tip. Dragging your travel route lets you select a different route BUT google may decide mid trip to redirect you along that path you chose to avoid. If you want to be sure that Google doesn't decide to reroute you through a large metropolitan area or on a road you'd like to avoid I'd suggest adding a "stop" or several along the route you prefer to take. You obviously don't have to stop at those places but with them in place google won't try to send you through downtown when you'd rather go around. While driving Google will pop up the route change, but if you aren't looking and click "Dismiss" while you have the chance you'll suddenly find yourself in the wrong place.

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Great lesson, thank you so much. I learned a lot here today.

[@TexasR1]

Really great video. I love the Pro-Tips from those that have figured out the best way to do things. Thank you.

[@johncho1979]

Hi! Thank you for sharing this google map. It useful.

[@gumshoe5365]

You made a perfect video for me to save and refer to later. Thank you!

[@glorifyhymn]

I just discovered your channel and I really appreciate the tips you provided. Nice job!

[@FromShetoMe]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@camperab]

Thanks a lot for showing another sensible way of planning one's routes and stops ... .

[@flybyairplane3528]

DEBBIE &JOHN Hello, I have never ever used GOOGLE in that manner, but then I am NOTtravelling as you are , the ONE TIME I used GOOGLE maps POINT TO POINT from home to the NEXT County to a funeral home, but it had SO MANY OBVIOUS MISTAKES, had I not had an idea of where I was going, I would NEVER would get there, simGOOGLE made me. Buy my FIRST GPS am now on about 5 th generation in a 6” type , but do like your set up though. Happy trails , stay well, Cheers 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@DznyKyd]

Great video! So much valuable information, thanks!

[@ronstrobel9227]

I have watched a number of videos on this very topic, and yours is by far THE best! Thank you for leading us though this maze that is so confusing! ~ Kir in Tennessee

[@FromShetoMe]

You're very welcome!

[@johnlugbauer1167]

Wow! So much great info! We're going to have to watch this again slowly and take notes.

[@jodycoyote3916]

Excellent information. Gas buddy map filter I didn’t know, thanks

[@alaingiaume7610]

Thanks for the tips, also instead of going to Your Places, go to Maps Activity (at the bottom), there, all your map searches and routes will still be there and you can recall them by clicking on the destinations.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. I have much to learn.

[@carolmorgan1370]

Really great information! I learned how to use Google Maps to create a trip plan. Thanks!

[@debbietaylor8091]

Great info... I have to learn how to do all that.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great tips. Just be aware that when you travel and approach a town, they will route you based on how that town wants you routed.... i.e. The take money from towns to influence the route... Sometimes it through their commerce section of town... Which you can understand any Chamber of Commerce would want... but sometimes a small town's best source of revenue is through a radar trap area.... Just be aware if if feels like you are not taking the best route through a town... there's a reason.

[@FromShetoMe]

For sure. Just yesterday it told us to make a strange left down a side country road.

[@user-ky1rd4wf7z]

Thank you for sharing the brilliant ideas to unitize the google map

[@juanitasellshouses]

Unfortunately the Allstays app is not available to Android users. I was able to bookmark the website and can upgrade to Pro Membership to use more features. Just not sure of the value there since I already pay for RV Trip Wizard. Still debating.

[@FromShetoMe]

I didn't know that Allstays was just on iOS. Can't believe they haven't expanded it. Maybe eventually. But there is Campendium which is very helpful.

[@lindac7146]

This has been incredibly helpful. Thank you.

[@StacyForest738]

Wow, I am totally under using google maps...I had no idea! Thank you!

[@BigJhonny100]

Fantastic Map Tips for future traveling. I subscribed and looking forward to learning more useful tips from your channel. Thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks and welcome.

[@robertseabrooke]

Thank you for sharing. I really had know idea how to plan a trip using Google maps.

[@rebelm1133]

I am not finding the gear you are using in this video - The antenna and the thingy from Verizon. Can you help? Thanks so much - this will help tremendously for my 65th planning trip with the Grand. In fact the Grand probably already knows how to do this, but I want to impress that little smarty pants❣️

[@FromShetoMe]

Make sure your jet pack accepts an antenna. amzn.to/2T3vXwt

[@deborahlugbauer576]

Loved these tips. Didn't know Google maps did this. Thank you.

[@stevek4035]

Fantastic video, a great help in planning. Thanks so much.

[@stan3497]

You are so smart, Thanks

[@wingszetsang1]

Thank you again for another informative video!

[@sandrift]

Thanks so much for sharing your method with us. I can’t believe that Google Maps doesn’t allow you to save a route to MyMaps, but I just spent the better part of an hour proving to myself that you can’t. Why is this obvious functionality missing, Google? (I know you can do this through 3rd party apps, and multiple steps, but that’s extra effort that shouldn’t be required.)

[@FromShetoMe]

I'm glad you double checked because I couldn't believe it either.

[@jann4732]

Nice job! Btw-love the glasses.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks! 😁 I must have 6 pair and somehow they always end up lost and then found on my head. But seriously, they are awesome. Scojo Gels.

[@abchappell01]

This is a wonderful and very informative video presentation. Thank you so much :)

[@safepetproducts]

Have you ever verified that the antenna does in fact get you better or faster internet?

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes. We learned about this from the folks at Mobile Internet Resource Center. Works so well that we got rid of our WeBoost.

[@lorraineanderson149]

Another great Video. I've learned some new things I didn't know google had. I have been thinking about getting a jetpack but know nothing about them. Wasn't sure if I needed to buy a Weboost W-fi booster with a roof antenna. Having a small antenna that sticks to the window looks more my intellectual style ;-). If you have a chance, check out the Columbia National Natural Wildlife Refuge while you are in Washington You will need a Washington Discover pass to to hike the trails but that will also cover Dry camping in the Seeps Lakes area nearby. We just spent 3 days there and had a wonderful time taking wildlife photos. Be aware of rattlesnakes, I came across one on the trail and take tick spray.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip and the reminder about ticks. Last time we were in Washington we had a run-in with ticks. If you are not already following Mobile Internet Resource Center on KZbin, they stay on top of internet/cellular related topics. The only reason we have the Verizon Mifi is so I can upload to KZbin. The WeBoost didn't cut it for that purpose. I would describe WeBoost as turning a slow weak signal into a slightly better weak signal. Similar to listening with one ear in contrast to cupping your hand and listening with one ear.

[@lorraineanderson149]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks for the Mobile KZbin tip. I will check it out. Our main use would be checking e-mails, Facebook, twitter and maybe doing a NetFlix movie on the road. I live in Washington and noticed the ticks are bad this year. Everyone had a tick or two and it was windy everyday. Maybe they were hitch hiking on the air streams.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@lorraineanderson149 Then I'd say you don't need a jetpack or a WeBoost. Of course with Netflix you can download movies at home when you have Wifi (or find a Starbucks). And if you have a KZbin Premium account, you can download your favorite KZbin videos with Wifi and watch them anytime. Added bonus is no commercials.

[@alj521]

great explanation have a great summer!!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Great tips. Makes me wish I still had a laptop 😂👍. Looks like a good trip too.

[@FromShetoMe]

Does Owen edit on an iPad? 😬

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

@@FromShetoMe Yes. iPad Pro 12.9. Have for nearly 3 years now. Started as we headed to Alaska.

[@Robert8455]

Really great tips so thank you for sharing.

[@m28us41]

A couple of "Tricks" so to speak. I like to save the routes of my trips. You can only have 10 destinations in a route. To add more I just add another layer starting where I left off. Also, you can import your photos of your trips into your map. Unfortunately once you add photos in a layer you can't add more to that layer. Here's a quick sample map I did for people to look at. www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1C9cZemNbDWuRfNyWPajSO6Hwwx4HcEBV&usp=sharing

[@m28us41]

"From She to Me" is correct, My Maps at Google is finicky. Get it right the first time. Which will be about 5-6 tries later as you get used to it. It does get easier as it goes.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Hi from Virginia! This was a great tutorial and of great interest to me as I will soon embark on a journey I've had in my mind for the past 34 years, since retiring from the Air Force. I plan to travel and live in my van as I tour the lower 48, Canada and Alaska. I've been using GAIA GPS, All Trails and a new one I found called My3words, an app that actually shows you a satellite picture of your destination. Being old school, I still love to use paper maps.

[@FromShetoMe]

I have to confess, I have a bit of a hoard when it comes to paper maps. Have you ever tried Google Earth for creating a satellite image video of your map route?

[@alexanderweaver4838]

@@FromShetoMe No, but I will certainly give it a try. Thank you!