Travel

How to use the route planner in Apple Maps on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse / April 12, 2021

You know that you can use the Maps app to get directions, turn-by-turn navigation, and details on businesses. So of course you know you can plan a route from here to there. But did you know you could plan a route from there to there too?

You might be laying out a road trip for yourself or helping someone else get from point A to point B. In Maps, you can create a route from any location to another. You can specify the transportation type and avoid things like toll roads by default.

For making the most of Maps on Mac, where you have a nice big screen to work on, we’ll show you how to use the route planner.

How to use curated and custom guides in Maps on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse / December 14, 2020

Apple Maps received some updates as of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS Big Sur. One of those updates is curated city guides. These guides assemble collections of notable places in many major cities. So if you’re planning a trip to Chicago, for instance, you can find guides for the best candy stores, coffee shops, and must-see attractions.

Along with curated guides, you can create your own. Once called Collections, these guides hold places that you add yourself. Both types of guides appear in the My Guides section of the Maps sidebar on Mac and sync with your iPhone and iPad.

To help you start using this handy feature, here’s how to use both curated and custom guides in Maps on Mac.

How to use your Google Maps Timeline on the web, iPhone and iPad

Sandy Writtenhouse / September 9, 2020

When you use Google Maps and have your Location Services turned on, every place you visit ends up in your history. And along with your Location History is your Google Maps Timeline. While many people don’t want every spot they travel to recorded, others find it helpful. If you’re in the latter group, then this article about how to use your Google Maps Timeline is for you.

We’ll show you how to access your Timeline, the details it holds, what you can do with the information, and how all of this can be useful to you.

How to customize Apple Maps on iPhone, iPad and Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse / September 3, 2020

The Apple Maps app is extremely easy to use. You can get directions in a snap, find details about locations you want to visit, and save your favorite spots. So you might not even think about taking a few minutes to customize your experience, but you should.

You can change distance units per your location, see the weather conditions for where you’re traveling, and view a different angle of your map. For the Maps app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, here’s how to customize it to suit your preferences.

How to show and recognize traffic conditions in Apple Maps

Sandy Writtenhouse / August 30, 2020

There’s nothing worse than venturing out on the open road only to be slowed down by an accident, construction, or a closed road up ahead. Luckily, Apple Maps can show you these types of traffic conditions before they turn your short drive into a long one.

Here’s how to display and recognize these types of traffic conditions in Apple Maps, both on your iOS device and your Mac.

How to use curated city guides in Apple Maps

Sandy Writtenhouse / September 16, 2020

When traveling to a major city it’s helpful to know where to go. You may want to indulge in localized cuisine, browse through neighborhood shops, or explore parts of a city you’ve never seen. Starting with iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Apple added useful city guides to the Apple Maps app mix.

These curated guides are designed to help you enjoy your time in the city by showing you the best spots. And the guides are automatically updated with new recommendations all the time, so you’ll always be up to date on new places to check out.

Whether you’re traveling next week or next month, heading to a city for business or pleasure, here’s how to use the curated city guides in Maps.

How to change your home address in Apple Maps

Sandy Writtenhouse / June 14, 2020

If you use the Maps app for directions, then you likely start from your home address. And while the Maps app is smart enough to detect your location, it’s not smart enough to know you have moved to another address.

So that you can keep the app up to date with where you live and get you those directions faster, here are a few ways to change your home address in Apple Maps.

How to use animated travel map backgrounds in iMovie

Sandy Writtenhouse / November 12, 2019

One cool movie idea that you can create in iMovie is for your travels. You can include photos or videos from a vacation, honeymoon, or road trip adventure. And to go along with this nifty project, iMovie offers animated map backgrounds.

With these backgrounds, you can show the moving route for your trip on a map in your movie. This can add something a little extra to your already memorable trip and movie.

Here’s how to add and adjust the animated travel map backgrounds in iMovie on Mac.

The best Apple Watch travel apps for an easier trip

Sandy Writtenhouse / May 22, 2019

There’s no easier way to keep up with your travel arrangements than right from your wrist. With Apple Watch travel apps, you can check your flight, view your accommodations, look for restaurants, translate a language, and convert currency.

If you’re getting ready for your next trip, make sure to check out our list of the best Apple Watch travel apps to make your journey a bit easier.

How to use indoor maps for airports and malls in Apple Maps

Sandy Writtenhouse / April 24, 2019

Maps aren’t just useful for getting you where you need to go when you’re driving or walking. Apple Maps has a wonderful feature that provides indoor maps for airports and malls. These huge locations can be tough to navigate, even if you do find a directory inside. And if you’re in a hurry to get to your gate for a flight or need to find a restroom in a hurry, Apple Maps can get you there.

Here’s how to use indoor maps for airports and mails in Apple Maps.

How to quickly track a flight from anywhere on your iPhone

Sandy Writtenhouse / December 24, 2018

Whether you’re preparing to jump on a plane or just waiting for a friend to fly in, you may think that you have to download a special app to track those flights. And, while a specific flight tracking app is certainly a great way to go, especially if you’re a frequent traveler, there is another way.

Here’s how to quickly track flights from anywhere with your iPhone and all you need is the flight number.

The best iPhone packing list apps for your next trip

Sandy Writtenhouse / August 10, 2018

When you have to get ready for a trip, whether for business or pleasure, making sure you pack everything you need is essential. These days, there’s no better way to ensure you remember it all than with a handy mobile packing list app.

These packing list apps for iPhone and iPad have terrific features and provide exactly what you need to create your list.