Why You Will Love Google Maps for Trip Planning
- Updated: 10/28/2023
- Janice
If you use any of the eight top Google tools or apps for travel planning—use Google Maps.
In addition to driving and walking directions, Google Maps provides you with tools to create your own custom destination information in shareable lists and maps called “My Maps.”
Use these lists and “My Maps” to save places and attractions you want to visit or those you have already been to. Rely on them when you travel or share them with friends and family when you return.
In this article, learn more about Google Maps lists and “My Maps,” why to use them, and how to find, create, and customize your own.
Table Of Contents
What are Google Maps Lists & “My Maps”
Google Maps Lists Explained
Google Maps lists is a tool within Google Maps where you can create, customize, save, edit, and share trip-related points of interest into your own list. Name your list, provide a description, and add (or subtract) items.
Save anything from a recommended restaurant to a meeting place for the walking tour you plan to book. If you choose, add a personalized note on each point of interest.
Create a list for each new destination. Or make multiple specialized lists for one place, such as for only restaurants, museums, or shopping.
Keep your lists private, share them via a link, or make them public, where anyone searching online can discover your list and recommendations.
Learn how to find these lists and create your own below.
For an example, click through to this custom-created Google Maps “Saugatuck, MI: Fall Family Activity List” below.
I created this list for the charming west coast Michigan beach town of Saugatuck for personal and public use. In it, I track places and attractions I have been to. And include others I want to go, learned about through recommendations, research, or wandering.
On the list, you will see museums, orchards, parks, destination activities, restaurants, and more. I share the list, which I made public, in the article “Fall Trip: 10 Wonderful Family Things to Do in Saugatuck, MI.”
Google Maps “My Maps” Explained
Google Maps offers another novel way to organize your travel planning with its “My Maps” tool.
With it, you can create your own custom Google map to add and edit places of interest, insert icons, connect routes, and even personalize. Adjust colors and graphics, insert descriptions or photos, and video.
Although the learning curve in creating custom “My Maps” is steeper than Google Maps lists, it is worth it, particularly if you want to use it for route or road trip planning.
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Or—and this is where Google “My Maps” shines—to create destination-based marketing content you can share with customers, clients, or any audience. Also, reason #5 on why to use Google “My Maps” shared below.
For example, I created this custom Google map of the best Belize jungle lodges to stay near San Ignacio to include in my article “Belize: Wake in the Jungle at One of These Resorts.”
How to use this map: In the map header, click the square tab to the left of my logo or click the enlarge frame to the right to view detail. You can save the map to “Your Places” on Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map name. Or you can share it by clicking the share icon.
Additionally, I created another custom Google map of our busy day three of our Rome trip to include in the article “How to Spend Four Days in Rome for Families with Teens.”
How to use this map: In the map header, click the square tab to the left of my logo or click the enlarge frame to the right to view detail. You can save the map to “Your Places” on Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map name. Or you can share it by clicking the share icon.
Share your custom Google “My Maps” via unique links with your customers or audience. Or make them publicly searchable, allowing anyone online to find them. You can also embed them within your website like I did.
5 Reasons to Use Them (Businesses, see #5!)
1. Save & organize the places you want to visit for any destination.
Using the Google Maps app on your mobile phone gives you an easy way to organize your travel.
Store and access information about places you want to see or visit. Like a great restaurant or a must-see museum—for any destination via the lists and “My Maps” tools.
2. Elevate your travel.
Wandering without a plan while on a trip is great fun. Though—consider wrapping up a walking tour hungry, remembering you created a personalized Google Maps list or “My Map” before your trip. Checking it, you discover that rooftop cafe with an incredible view that your friend raved about and you saved to your list—which you would never find by walking around—is just around the corner.
These lists and “My Maps” are also great for parents. Having their own personally curated list of family-friendly places and attractions to rely on makes for smoother travel.
3. Share & collaborate on trip planning more easily.
Share your custom Google Maps lists or “My Maps” with your friends or family. If you choose, give them edit access, allowing your group to collaborate on travel planning and things to do.
Or after your trip, share the list or “My Maps” with friends and colleagues who want to go to the same places you went.
4. Use your lists & maps locally.
In addition to using Google Maps lists and “My Maps” while traveling, use these tools at home too. Create custom lists or maps to save anything from restaurants, flower shops, garden stores, and bakeries to tree removal services.
5. Make your lists & maps work for you as marketing content & traffic drivers.
For the entrepreneurs, self-starters, and marketers reading this—including realtors, shop owners, hotel or Airbnb owners, other bloggers, or anyone who pushes out messaging on social media or email newsletters, Google Maps lists, and “My Maps” offer a goldmine for marketing.
Your clients, guests, and audience are interested in your expert recommendations—particularly for local highlights and places of interest. Use Google Maps lists and “My Maps” to share them.
For example, a hotel or Airbnb owner could create a list or “My Map” of the best coffee shops or restaurants near their lodging. Or an apparel store owner could make a list or “My Map” of the top tailors in town.
You can share your custom Google Maps lists and “My Maps” via direct links with your audience. Or make them public. If you do this, include your business name and website in the descriptions, allowing others who see your maps and lists online to find your business.
Expect thousands of people to view them, just like in the example of my Midwest Road Trip map shared above.
Google Maps Lists: How to Create Your Own
Learn to find, create, edit, and share Google Maps lists on your mobile phone and computer in the sections below.
Mobile Phone: 6 Steps to Create, Access, & Edit Google Maps Lists
Android users, your Google Maps app screen may look slightly different, though it will have the same components. The screenshots below are from an iPhone.
2. Sign into your Google account.
Be signed into your Google account to create, access, or edit Google Maps lists. If you do not have a Google account, create one here.
In addition to Google Maps, learn about seven other Google tools you can use for trip planning in “Google for Travel: Plan Better with These 8 Tools.”
3. Create a new Google Maps list.
Once signed in, you should be on the Google Maps app home screen. Click the Saved icon ribbon at the bottom center of your screen. View the screenshots below for an example. From the Saved items page, click + New list.
Name your new list and select your preferred privacy type. Choosing the Shared option allows you to share the URL link of an in-progress list with family or traveling companions.
Once I complete adding items to a Google Maps list, I opt to change my privacy type to Public, which allows anyone searching the Internet to find it and my blog. Though, you can keep your Google Maps list Private if you have no plans to share it.
On the Saved items page, you will also see default lists set by Google, like Favorites, Want to go, Travel Plans, etc. Instead of using these generic buckets, create your own new destination-specific lists, making saved places easier to find later.
4. Add items to your Google Maps list.
Once you have created your list, click + Add to add items. For example, view the screenshots below for my “Saugatuck, MI Dog-Friendly Trip Wishlist.”
To add an item to your list, enter the name of any place you want to include in the search bar. For example, I enter the name of our favorite Saugatuck, Michigan restaurant, The Southerner. Selecting it from the search results will automatically add it to my Google Maps list.
Or, you can add items from the Google Maps main search. To do this, back out of your list (using the back arrow) and select the Explore icon from the bottom of your screen. See the main search bar at the top of your screen.
For example, in the screenshots below, I type Retro Boat Rentals, a dog-friendly rental boat company, in the search bar because I want to add it to my Saugatuck, MI, Google Maps list.
Once I see the Retro Boat Rentals business name display, I select it. From its business profile page, I click the Save ribbon circled in yellow in the screenshot below. Or I can expand the business profile by clicking on it and then selecting the Save ribbon from that point.
When I click Save, Google Maps displays the Saved page. From here, I select the Google Maps list I want to save it to, like the “Saugatuck, MI Dog-Friendly Trip Wishlist.” Or I can create and name a new Google Maps list from this step directly from the business profile page.
5. Edit and delete your list and add and edit notes.
You can edit your list, including adding notes, in two places.
First, edit your list from your main Google Maps Saved menu. Scroll down until you see your list, clicking More if you do not see the specific list you want to edit. Once you find it, click the three-dot menu to the right.
From this menu, you will be given several options, including Edit list and Delete list.
If you click edit, you can change your list name, add or edit a description, add or edit your notes, remove an item (click the X button), or add a new item (the blue + button). After making your edits, click Save.
Alternatively, you can edit a list by clicking through to the specific list you want to edit. You will be on the main landing page for your list. Edit your list by clicking the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and selecting from the menu options.
To add a note, scroll down the items in your list and click Add a note. With notes, record things you want to remember, like why you saved a place (e.g., great for brunch) or for specific access information like whether dogs are allowed—or reservations are required. After you have been to a place, use notes to remember what you loved or did not from your visit.
See my note for The Southerner, a restaurant in Saugatuck, Michigan, as an example above.
6. Find your newly created Google Maps list and share it.
You may have already discovered that you can find your created Google Maps lists by clicking the Saved ribbon menu from your Google Maps app home screen in Step #5 (how to edit).
Though if not, find your list on the Saved items main page. If you do not immediately see your list, scroll down, click More, and you will find it here.
To share your list, click the 3-dot menu from the Saved item main page or the Share button from your specific list main page. To allow others to collaborate on your list and have full editing capabilities, select Let others edit this list before you share it.
Additionally, you can make your list public if you would like others to search online to find it. Or you can send your list to one person or a small group by sharing its unique URL link
Computer: 6 Steps to Create, Access, & Edit Google Maps Lists
See the six steps to using Google Maps lists on a computer below.
Any additions or edits made to any Google Maps list while signed in will sync seamlessly across devices.
1. Go to the Google Maps homepage.
Type “Google Maps” into your browser search bar and select Google Maps from the search results.
2. Sign into your Google account.
From the Google Maps home screen, log into your Google account by clicking Sign in in the upper right corner, circled in the screenshot below.
Signing in will allow you to create, save, and access your Google Maps lists. If you do not have a Google account, create one using the link in Google Maps or here.
In addition to Google Maps, learn about seven other Google tools you can use for trip planning in “Google for Travel: Plan Better with These 8 Tools.”
3. Find or create a Google Maps list.
Once you are signed in, you should be on the Google Maps home screen. Click the Saved ribbon in the top left of the screen. See the screenshots below for an example.
You will now be in your Google Maps saved items or custom menu area. Select Lists from the options.
Then, click + New list. Name your new list and select your preferred privacy type. Or, if you already created a list, find it saved here.
4. Add a new place to your Google Maps list.
Once you created your new Google Maps list, click + SEARCH FOR A PLACE TO ADD. Or if you have at least one item on your list, click + ADD A PLACE circled in the screenshot, to add a new item to your list.
For example above, see a search for The Butler Pantry, a specialty food and kitchenware store in Saugatuck, Michigan, in the Google Maps search bar. Selecting the store from the search bar drop-down will automatically add it to a list.
If you exit your new list, find it in the Google Maps saved menu. Click Lists and then scroll to see the list you want to add items. Click the three-dot menu next to your list and select edit list. You can add items from here.
Alternatively, you can add a place to your Google Maps list by using the main search bar in Google Maps.
For example, see a search for Retro Boat Rentals, a dog-friendly rental boat in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Clicking the Save ribbon from the business profile page, circled in the screenshot below, and then selecting a pre-created Google Maps list from the drop-down will add this business to your list. Or, if you do not have a list created, click + New list to create it.
5. Edit and delete your list and add and edit notes.
You can edit your list, including adding notes, in two places.
First, you can edit your list from your main Google Maps Saved menu. Scroll down until you see your list. Once you find it, click the three-dot menu to the right. From this menu, you will be given several options, including Edit list and Delete list.
If you click edit, you can change your list name, add or edit a description, add or edit your notes, remove an item (click the X button), or add a new one by clicking the + SEARCH FOR A PLACE TO ADD button. When editing your lists on a computer, your changes will autosave.
Alternatively, you can edit a list by clicking through to the specific list you want to edit. You will be on the main landing page for your list. Edit your list by clicking the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and selecting from the menu options.
To add a note, scroll down the items in your list and click Add a note.
6. Find your newly created Google Maps list and share it.
You may have already discovered that you can find your created Google Maps lists by clicking the Saved ribbon menu from your Google Maps home page.
Click Lists and then scroll to see the list you want to share. Click the 3-dot menu next to your list to share it. Or click through to your list main page and click the Share button.
You can choose to make your list public if you would like others to search online to find it. Or you can send your list to one person or a small group by sharing its unique URL link.
Note, when sharing your lists from a computer, you will not see the option to Let others edit this list before you share it. To allow others to collaborate on your list and have full editing capabilities share it from the Google Maps app on your mobile phone.
Google Maps "My Maps": How to Create Your Own
To learn how to create “My Maps,” Google provides a branded landing page with a link to help you get started and shares more information about the “My Maps” features. See it below.
Discover where to find, create, edit, and share Google Maps lists on your mobile phone and computer in the sections below.
Computer: Accessing Google Maps “My Maps”
Get a full tutorial on how to create Google Maps “My Maps” here. However, if you need a quick way to find your created “My Maps,” go to the Google Maps homepage and login if you are not already.
Once logged in, find your saved Google “My Maps” or create new ones by clicking the Saved ribbon icon on the left and selecting Maps from the menu options. Find your created maps here. Click CREATE MAP to make a new one.
Mobile Phone: Accessing Google Maps “My Maps”
The Google Maps “My Maps” functionality is limited in the mobile app versus a computer. On your phone, you will be able to view your maps, though you will not be able to edit or create new ones.
To view your “My Maps,” open your Google Maps app and click the Saved icon ribbon at the bottom of your screen.
Scroll to the bottom of your “Saved” page until you see the Maps icon. Click this. If logged into your Google account, you will see your saved “My Maps” here.
Takeaways
Using Google Maps lists and “My Maps” for trip planning offers a convenient, zero-cost, and reliable resource to organize and store information about the places and attractions you want to go to when visiting a destination.
Each tool is straightforward to use, syncs seamlessly across devices—when logged in, and can be used to collaborate on trip planning for groups.
Plus, savvy professionals can use Google Maps lists and “My Maps” as marketing content in email newsletters, social media, and websites.
Google Maps lists and “My Maps,” along with these other Google tools, will make traveling easier and more fun at every stage of your trip.
Google Maps Lists & "My Maps" will Help you:
Stay organized.
Easily keep track of the places you want to go for any new destination. Use while traveling or after you return home.
Travel better.
Using your own personalized lists & maps you will spend time doing & seeing the things that interest you most.
Share & collaborate.
Provide edit access to mobile Google Maps lists for easy group trip planning. Share any list or map publicly or privately.
Related Reading
If you are looking for more Google travel tools to help you save time and money and stay organized check out “Google for Travel: Plan Better With These 8 Tools.”
Or read any of these related articles below.
- 49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)
- Travel Better: How to Best Use Google Flights Explore
- How to Save Time & Money with Google Flights Price Tracker
- Rental Car Insurance: When You Need It & When You Don’t
- 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
- Pack Faster & Better With This Universal Printable Packing List
- 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
- Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
Additional Trip Planning Resources
To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below.
Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here.
Google Hotels. Use its “Where to stay” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.
Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.
Viator, Get Your Guide, & Airbnb Experiences. Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.
Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps. Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list.
AllTrails. Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.
Guide Along. 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour.
Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here. My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com.
Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks, and my free customizable travel itinerary template, downloadable in four file formats.
About the author: Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog, Gather and Go Travel. Check out her bio, learn how she became a blogger, and discover how to work with her. Sign up for her monthly Discovery Newsletter to get her latest travel recommendations and how-to’s.
Love to travel? Sign up for my monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.
Welcome to Gather and Go Travel, a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me, read our story, and how to work with me.
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