Mapping Software vs Free Online Maps

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Traveling south from the Monterey Peninsula in California on famous Highway 1, I heard this question from the back of the van: "I have to go! How long before we stop?" Well, I didn’t know the location of the nearest restroom, and I also didn’t know only one gas station existed in Gorda CA and that I’d just passed it. But if I had used mapping software, I would have known both.

We tried to plan our trip down to every hour on the road—we printed maps, reserved camping spots and hotel rooms, bought online discount amusement park tickets and investigated public transportation routes in San Francisco. But even with all the preparation, we could have done better. Next time, we’ll use mapping software.

Mapping Multiple Routes and Round Trips

We were disappointed to find that we could not plan multiple routes or round trips with free online maps. We planned to drive from Reno Nevada to the east entrance of Yosemite National Park, but also considered bypassing the park and driving straight to the coast, so we had to print two maps.

When we finally did make it to Highway 1 in California we had no idea that 30 miles on this road felt like 60 miles. If we had topography information, we would have known this and planned more time for more stops.

Mapping Points of Interest

With mapping software, you can customize maps with Points of Interest (POI) that appear as easy-to-read icons. On our next summer vacation, we can build maps and label ideal stops; such as bathroom stop #1, lunch stop day two, and even grandpa’s house. We can give the children each a copy of these maps so they will never have to ask: "Where are we going to stop next?" Even young children can monitor the maps and learn to navigate and read topography features on the road.

Avoiding Road Delays

I’ll also make a point of calling for construction updates before driving to a new area, and with features such as Automatic Back-on-Route Settings and Automatic Route Recalculation for Wrong Turns I can navigate around problem areas without getting lost or losing much time.

With gas consumption and mileage features, we can even choose gas stops that offer competitive prices. If we had known Gorda, California was the only gas station, we could have purchased gasoline in Monterey. If we had a map with POI, we would have known this.

So next summer, our trip will be different; we’ll have fewer wrong turns, U-turns and stress. Kids can navigate the map with us and whining will be at an all-time low. With mapping software, low stress family travel is possible.