TechThe hidden Google Maps feature makes vacation travel easier

The hidden Google Maps feature makes vacation travel easier

The Google maps street view car is seen outside at an event at the Albany Institute of History and Art on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 in Albany, NY.  The event was held for museum and Google officials to announce that the museum will partner with the Google Cultural Institute to make a sampling of their artwork available online.  (Photo by Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
The Google maps street view car is seen outside at an event at the Albany Institute of History and Art on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 in Albany, NY. The event was held for museum and Google officials to announce that the museum will partner with the Google Cultural Institute to make a sampling of their artwork available online. (Photo by Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
Images source: © GETTY | Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers

6:58 PM EDT, June 3, 2024

The upcoming vacation season means many people are starting to plan their trips. To do this effectively, it's beneficial to know a certain trick that will always allow you to choose the most comfortable and optimal route, minimizing fatigue.

Whether you're traveling by plane, train, or car with navigation on your phone, sooner or later, you will find yourself in an unfamiliar city with a heavy suitcase, wondering what to do next. In such situations, you usually reach for your phone and launch Google Maps, which, for many, has become an indispensable tool. However, few people know that the route can be adjusted and optimized by using additional options offered by the application.

avoid stairs with Google Maps

A travel organization specialist @its_rods_world regularly shares practical tips about planning vacation trips on his Instagram. In one of the videos, he shows how to activate an interesting but little-known feature in Google Maps. While navigating an unfamiliar city, you can easily avoid stairs or steep inclines by modifying the selected route.

Activating this hidden feature in Google Maps is very simple. First, open the Google Maps app on your smartphone and set the route traditionally—by entering the start point and destination. It is important to choose the pedestrian icon symbolizing the walking route, as options for drivers are different. Next, click on the three dots next to the destination to expand a menu where you select "Options." You will find various possibilities to customize the route to your needs there.

Particularly interesting might be the option "Wheelchair accessible." Selecting this option simplifies the route: it avoids inclines and stairs and offers conveniences such as elevators. This option is handy when traveling with heavy suitcases or small children, making for a more accessible and less tiring walk.

Additional possibilities in Google Maps

Knowing how to access additional options in Google Maps is one thing, but it's also worth exploring and using them regularly. Besides pedestrian conveniences, there are also features useful for drivers, such as avoiding tolls, highways, or ferries. You can also choose a more economical driving option, which can be very beneficial given the current gas prices.

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