Use map apps as a travel guide when on vacation – this is how it works

from dpa | November 07, 2021, 5:48 p.m.

Map services can do more than just plan routes. From restaurant reviews to opening hours – they help holidaymakers with useful information. These are the features you need to know.

Google Maps

The map app Google Maps has a comprehensive map material that can be used wisely on vacation. The alleys are also painted. For selected shopping centers or airports, there are indoor maps with zoom function that localize individual stores. Route planning shows routes for pedestrians, cyclists or riders, and alternatives with local public transportation.

Further practice: Tap “Research” to open recommendations for the area. Types range from restaurants and bars to museums or hiking areas. You can use the search bar to view scenes and their peak times. You can create your own list under “Saved”.

Also know the way back to the car Google Maps Of course, too: by clicking on the blue circle indicating your own status, the “Save as parking space” function will appear.

Another minus point: individual areas can be downloaded as offline maps and used for route planning. However, if you want to use maps with all its functions, you need mobile access to the internet.

Apple cards

Apple’s Maps app has many functions for directions and interior maps, similar to Google Maps. However, there are restrictions – to some extent in favor of data security.

For example, users should limit real-time data: “Apple makes user information anonymous and strives for better data security, but does not provide as good information as Google,” says Sebastian Trepesch from Heise magazine “Mac & i”.

Apple also offers a “flyover” mode: like a drone from a bird’s eye view, with better views and select major cities. The service receives additional information about attractions or restaurants from third-party providers such as Yelp or Trip Advisor.

Apple users – Map App does not work on Android devices – have always relied on the Internet to browse. “Apple does not have real offline functionality. Only data in cache can be viewed temporarily without an Internet connection,” said Sebastian Trepsch.

Use map apps offline while on vacation

Especially when abroad it makes sense to use offline maps from third party providers due to high roaming costs and data security concerns. “You can use many apps for free and give them a try,” says Jork Geiger from the specialty magazine “Chip”.

WeGo here

Searching for restaurants, shows and stores and their opening hours and contact details works offline. Additional information on services such as Tripadvisor is only available online.

Maps.Me.

Maps.Me. Provides significantly more viewing details. According to Sebastian Trepesch from “Mac & i”, this app is not only suitable for car, but also a city map for cyclists and pedestrians. Descriptions of the footage are taken from Wikipedia and are available offline.

If you want to plan routes without mobile internet, you need to download the maps in advance. The OpenStreetMap database is a resource for objects covering more than 300 islands and countries. These can be edited by each user. This means the maps are very detailed, but sometimes the locations are incorrectly drawn or the route planning goes awry.