The One Thing I Do Before Every Trip

When planning a trip, I’m usually very type A trying to research as much as I can and make plans ahead of time. That said, I also really like to leave room for flexibility and spontaneity. This is the one thing I do before every trip really helps with that.

That one thing is marking locations on Google Maps. This makes it so much easier to navigate when you’re in a city. For instance, if you’ve just finished a tour and need to kill some time before dinner, you can easily see what bars might be nearby.

Here’s my process:

Woman smiling holding up a glass of white wine with a small plate of food in front of her — Enjoying a tasting menu for $94 at Fulgurances, laundromat in Brooklyn, New York

Step 1: Research places to eat, drink, activities, ATMs, etc.

Usually ahead of a trip, I’ll research these key places. I’ll check the World’s 50 Best Bars and Restaurants lists. I’ll look up other recommended lists and itineraries from others. I’ll also check out some of the reviews for these places on Google Maps.

On top of restaurants and bars, I’ll also look up ATMs, currency exchanges, pharmacies, grocery stores, train stations, you name it. If it’s something I might need, I’ll look it up. For these kinds of places where reviews don’t matter as much, I usually just use Google Maps to find what’s close by my accommodations.

Google Maps screenshot of Lisbon showing marked places

Step 2: Open up Google Maps on your phone and mark locations of note.

As I research, I’ll mark places on my map. I have a system where I like to mark places “want to go” (green flags). Then if I like them after I visit, I’ll change each to a “starred place” (yellow stars) afterwards.

I personally just mark everything on my one map. That said, if you want to stay even more organized and have different lists for each trip, you can do that too. Click “Saved” at the bottom of your Google Maps. Then select “New list.” From there, you can create a list specific to your destination and even share it with others.

Google Maps screenshot of Lisbon showing marked places and asking to download the map

Step 3: Download the map.

It’s a good idea to download the map so you can use it offline without internet. Even if you’re planning to get an eSim for cell service abroad, downloading the map will help save data and ensure you have access to the map at all times.

You can do this by typing in the location, selecting it, clicking the three dots at the top, and then selecting “Download offline map.”

The best part is, now whenever I return to a destination I haven’t been in a while, it’s so easy for me to look at my map and remember my favorite spots.

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Woman smiling in front of the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn, New York with text that says, "The One Thing I Do Before Every Trip"