A map is usually something a person first studies when planning a trip. Yet how often is a map included on the actual packing list? What types of maps might be used on trips?
There are a variety of map choices today like the road atlas, world map, globe, online map, and even the online navigation tool which people use. When are these maps really needed?
The practical uses of maps are usually to calculate distances and get familiar with landmarks. One key advantage of using maps without appearing as a lost tourist is that it provides an opportunity for the local people of the region to help travelers. This will add to information which may not be advertised or published in books.
Paper Maps vs Internet Maps
Paper maps still have a certain essence that adds to a trip. Steve Rushin explained in a recent Have Maps, Will Travelarticle in Via Magazine that he still uses real paper maps on his trips. He went on to say it may be a quixotic desire in this digital age, but one that even Don Quixote himself would understand. “Without so much as stirring out of the shade and shelter of the court,” said the man from La Mancha, "we can journey over the entire universe in a map.”
Internet maps are easy to use and provide information quickly. There is still a plus to have that paper map available to study and discuss on trips when there may not be access to connect to the Internet.
Paper maps make great gifts to other travelers. They also make affordable souvenirs and memories to keep in photo albums, scrap books, and personal travel boxes. Another idea is for travelers to recycle or pass their maps on to the next traveler they meet at the end of their trip.
Tips for Buying Maps
First, decide the method of travel during the trip. Will you drive a car, walk, ride a bike, or travel by train? Is the trip close to home or international? Do you need a detailed city map or overview of the region map?
Maps may be conveniently purchased at many places like gas stations, book shops, tourist stops, and visitor’s centers before or during trips. Affordable places to find good maps before the trip may be from the local auto club. Public transit maps are also some of the best and cheapest resources to use on trips.
The type of map determines where and when to purchase it. An example of this is that the drivers of cars may need first-class maps that are detailed and easy to manage during trips. Cyclists and walkers may need highly detailed maps showing the elevation gain with contour lines which indicate the steepness of roads and trails.
Rick Steves offers a few suggestions of different types of maps to use in his Europe Through The Backdoor 2008 like:
- OS Ordinance Survey (Britain)
- Michelin (throughout Europe)
- IGN’s Blues series (France)
- Touring Club Italiano (Italy)
- Die Generalkarte (Germany).
How to Use Maps
A traveler should study and become familiar with the scale and legend located on the map. Find the directions – north, south, east, and west on the map. These tools will provide details like the distances and what is available to see and do in each region.
Detect where possible hotels might be to stay in. Pinpoint landmarks and places of interest around these hotels. Write down the routes to and from these places. Next, write down a schedule of activities to do each day of the trip.
Now you will be able to determine the best methods of travel like driving a car, hiking, or by train. Travelers may decide whether it is better to travel from point A to point B or stay in a centralized place with day trips taken to different attractions.
Paper maps are still valuable tools to use on trips. Be sure to include maps on the travel packing list. They have a practical use of finding the way through a city as well as looking for opportunities to share and enjoy with other people along one's journey.
Donna West - Donna West is a Writer with an uncanny ability and passion of finding unusual ideas, off the beaten path, even in everyday occurrences.
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