Discover hidden Google Maps feature to avoid stairs on holiday trips

Whether you're travelling 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 optimised by using additional options offered by the application.

A travel organisation specialist @its_rods_world regularly shares practical tips on his Instagram about planning holiday trips. 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. Choosing the pedestrian icon symbolising the walking route is crucial, as driver options are different. Next, click on the three dots next to the destination to expand a menu where you select "Options." There, you will find various possibilities to customise the route to your needs.

Particularly interesting might be the option "Wheelchair accessible." By selecting it, the route becomes simpler: it avoids inclines and stairs, offering conveniences such as lifts. This option is advantageous when travelling with heavy suitcases or small children, making for a more accessible and less tiring walk.

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, motorways, or ferries. You can also choose a more economical driving option, which can be very beneficial given the current petrol prices.