Google Maps Tricks for Stress-Free Travel

I drive tens of thousands of miles each year, so I've learned to make my time behind the wheel as smooth as possible. Google Maps is an essential tool for me, and one feature that's saved me from stress on multiple occasions is its ability to tell you the best time to leave a destination.

With this feature, you can enter your destination in Google Maps, get directions, tap the three dots, select Set depart or arrive time, choose Arrive, enter the date and time you want to arrive, and tap Done. The app will then estimate what time you should leave, how long the trip will take, parking information, and alternative travel methods that could save you time.

Another feature I rely on is previewing traffic ahead of time. This can be done by tapping the Layers icon and selecting Traffic under Map details. Google Maps uses different colored lines to show traffic conditions: green for smooth movement, yellow for a small slowdown, and red for heavy congestion. If you see a lot of red on your commute, it's usually a good idea to turn on the radio for the latest traffic report.

Google Maps also allows you to send directions from your PC directly to your phone. This is particularly useful when planning road trips, as it's easier to plan routes and explore areas on a larger screen. To do this, make sure you're signed in with the same Google account on both devices, then click 'Send directions to phone' above your route.