Google maps has to be the best travel planning tool on the web! There i’ve said it. It provides an excellent user interface with a vast array of information to make planning your next trip a breeze.

I’ll take you through planning a trip on Google Maps before you leave:

1. Login to your google account or create one if you dont have one already.
2. Click on Maps.
3. Click on My Maps
4. Click on Create New Map
5. Type in a Title, Description and decided whether you want this map to be public or private then click on Save.


Travel - Google Maps Step 1

Now figure out what you’re looking for? Things to do? Places to stay? Where your going? Hopefully you know this information already. You can either click on the Maker Icon and place it on the map or type the query in the search bar. In this example we’ll be going to Perth Western Australia.

6. Type in Perth Western Australia in the search bar and click Search Maps. You should then be presented with Perth WA in your map and other information in the “speech bubble” and on the left hand side.  Click “Save to my maps” and select the map title you created above.
7. Click the “more info” link to get more photo’s, videos and popular places.


Travelling with Google Maps - Step 2



Travelling with Google Maps - Step 3

 Next we want to find somewhere to stay.

8. Click on the Search Nearby link and type in “Hostel”
9. You should be presented with a list of results on the left and a map of them on the right.
10. Click on the result or the marker will give you a summary of information however we want to only see high rated hostels. So up the top select the Narrow By: “User Rating” link.
11. Select 4 stars and up. Google will then give you only 4 star rated hostels near Perth WA.
    

    Travelling with Google Maps - Step 4

12. Click on a search result and then click the “more info” button again. This takes us to a page with all sorts of information such as:
13. Small Map.
14. Address and contact information.
15. StreetView where possible.
16. Photos and Videos.
17. Reviews including a paragraph of summarised reviews. Try hovering your mouse on one of these and a buddle should appear with more text.
18. Select add to my maps.
    

    Travelling with Google Maps - Step 5

19. Repeat steps 6-13 as needed.

 There you go, that’s the basics, you now have your own map with accommodation and places your visiting with detailed reviews, ratings, photos and videos. The only thing missing, Weather forecast, prices and flight information. With a bit more time you can add route information, your own information, different marker icons etc etc.

 Go ahead plan your next holiday.

Related posts:

1. Google Labs – Google Maps