Unlocking the full potential of Google Maps for savvy travellers

As vacation time draws near, many of us automatically think of Google Maps as a go-to app. Yet, some might only see it as a GPS navigation tool, overlooking its features that make trip planning and venturing into new territories a breeze.

This handy tool means no more aimless wandering trying to spot your friends in the crowd.

One of the newer features of Google Maps is the immersive view, which spotlights famous landmarks globally. This feature blends the benefits of satellite imagery and Street View, which are made seamless through artificial intelligence. It opens up a novel way for users to scout out unfamiliar destinations from the comfort of their homes.

With the immersive view, you can experience destinations from a bird' s-eye perspective, adjusting the simulation to the time of day or weather conditions to match what you might find upon visiting.

Street View, a more familiar feature, shares snapshots of locales captured by Google's fleets or individuals. This tool is invaluable for drivers who preview their routes before they set off.

Google Maps doesn't just route from point A to point B; it also allows for measuring straight-line distances between two points. This feature is handy for estimating property sizes or assessing the direct distance across open land, facilitating quick and unrestricted measurements.

For those venturing into areas with sketchy internet or wanting to save on mobile data, Google Maps enables map downloads for offline use. Select and save the desired map section for easy access whenever you need it, free from the constraints of internet availability.