Table of contents :
When planning a road trip itinerary, there are several tools that can be helpful in ensuring a smooth and well-organized travel experience. Here they are :
Online mapping platforms
My favorite is definitely the good old Google Map. It's a no brainer but it's worth mentioning it in my opinion. You can prepare you trip and download the map of the places you are going to go to have them offline during your trip. Convenient when you don't have any Wifi or internet!
Another Google tools that allow you to perfectionate your itinerary by knowing exactly where you will be going.
Apps mapping platforms
Public transit app and mapping service which displays transport options, usually with live timing, between any two locations in a supported city. It integrates data for all urban modes of transport, including walking, cycling and driving, in addition to public transport. At the moment they only cover majority of the US and Europe
While Google map still have some point of interest when offline, Maps.me has the benefits of having add walking and public transport directions. Which make a big difference.
My experience : I have used Maps.me mostly in Vietnam and it worked perfectly, it was a huge help to move around.
Travel blogs and websites
Blogs
Reading travel blogs or visiting websites like TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet and Le Routard (for the French speakers) can help you find what are the main places to visit or where to eat. It's usually the safe choices, where you will have what you read about. It's also a great way to go to places that will be a little bit more "mainstream". I mean by that that you will not be disappointed but you might not be too surprise either. I personally like taking the time reading through smaller blogs and websites to try to find hidden gems or less crowded places.
Road Trip planner app
Wanderlog is a travel itinerary road trip planner (app or desktop). It help you create a trip itinerary, budget costs, organize flight and hotel reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends.
My experience : I have used the free version for my trip planning, by mostly using the map feature, that show you the key point of interest. It's actually a great way to find new ideas of where to go.
Social media and travel communities
Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest to seek advice, recommendations, and inspiration from fellow travelers who have previously explored your desired destinations. To have travels advices or travel itinerary, just make one or two research in the social network you use and you will have plenty of new related content in your feed.
Local tourism offices
Tourism offices's website
Checking tourism offices's website or visitor centers of the places you plan to visit can provide you with up-to-date information, brochures, maps, and advice. For hiking trail and national parks, it's even often a life saver.
My experience : I was preparing a trip to Tyrona park in the North of Colombia and I actually forgot to check the park's website. It appeared that the park was closing at the exact same time we were planning to go there. Luckily the camping we were going to stay to told us about it.
By incorporating these free road trip planning tools into your trip planning process, you can create a customized itinerary that suits your interests, maximizes your time, and ensures you don't miss out on any memorable experiences during your road trip.