On our latest trip to Hawaii, I found myself using a map. It’s second nature to me when exploring a new place. It took a few comments from my husband to realize I could be using Google Maps since we were still in the United States. *Face palm* However, when were on the Road to Hana, we lost cell service and, boy, was I happy that I snagged the map from the car rental.
Travel Guide
If you snag a map from the train station, airport, or a travel center in the city, it usually has much more than the map. I have found some of the coolest lookout points (Basilica di San Miniato al Monte in Florence) and museums (Torture Museum in Siena) from the highlighted points on the map. The back side of a map also can have restaurant recommendations or “local favorites.” You’ll be surprised how much extra information can be found on a map, not Google Maps!
Efficiency
Service not working? Phone is frozen? GPS is not locating? Not a problem with an old school map. Pro Tip: I usually circle where we are staying and highlight the various routes would could take to get to our destination.
Souvenir
I save every map I use. It’s a great (free) souvenir that is easy to store and takes up zero room in your suitcase. When I get home, I can use the maps as backgrounds in my scrapbook (yes, I still scrapbook) or frame it, as pictured.
Valuables are Out of Sight
I’ve seen so many tourists flash their newest iPhone while looking up directions, then moments later it being snatched, even out of their hand. It is much safer pulling out your map and keeping your iPhone and valuables stored in your purse.
Save Money
You can save a great deal of money by not turning on your data or purchasing an international phone plane. Think of all the gelato, crepes, pad thai, (wherever you may be) that can be purchased.
Do you use a map while traveling? Any tips?
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