How to Plan a Road Trip on Google Maps (Step-by-Step for Hidden Gems)

If you’d asked us a few years ago how we planned our road trips, the answer would’ve been… with chaos.

Think scribbled notes, random screenshots, and a lot of “where are we even going next?” arguments mid-drive.

Since then, we’ve learned a few things (the hard way).

And one of the biggest game-changers?

Google Maps – but not just for getting from A to B. When you know how to actually use it for planning, it turns into the ultimate travel tool for mapping epic road trips that are smooth, flexible, and packed with unforgettable stops.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how we plan our road trips using Google Maps – plus all the tricks we’ve picked up after years on the road with our van (and our dog, Lilly).

Whether you’re gearing up for your first big adventure or just want to avoid the rookie mistakes we made, you’re in the right place.

Let’s get rolling!

Why Google Maps is the Ultimate Road Trip Tool

It might seem obvious – of course you use Google Maps for directions – but it can do so much more for road trippers if you know where to look.

When we first started travelling in the van, we quickly realised that planning every detail could suck the fun out of the trip. But completely winging it? That led to missed spots, rough nights, and some questionable parking decisions.

Here’s why we now swear by Google Maps for planning:

Offline maps: Download your entire route and surrounding areas before you set off on your road trip so you’re never stranded without service.

Finding hidden stops: Easily spot hiking trails, small towns, quirky landmarks, and natural parks you would’ve missed otherwise.

Hotel and campsite search: With just a quick filter, you can see how to find hotels along a route and check reviews without hopping between apps.

Saving must-see places: You can build your personal dream map, saving everything from a dog-friendly beach to the world’s biggest mango statue (yes, that’s a real thing). If you’re wondering how to plan a camping road trip, saving top campsites right on your map will save serious time and stress later.

Flexible planning: Easily adjust routes if you change your mind halfway through – because spontaneity is half the fun. This also helps massively when you’re figuring out how to plan a long distance drive without exhausting yourself.

And if you’re travelling with your pup, like we are, having a bit of a plan helps avoid last-minute scrambles. We also use some fantastic apps that can work alongside Google maps (you can check out the ones we recommend in our guide to the best apps for road tripping Europe) to find overnight spots and scenic detours.

Step 1: Map Your Road Trip Goals (Before You Even Open Google Maps)

Before you even touch Google Maps, take five minutes to think about the kind of trip you want.

How much time do you have?

A weekend? A week? A month? It changes everything about your driving distances and how ambitious your plan should be.

What vibe are you after?

Are you craving slow mornings at quiet campsites, or action-packed days with lots of hikes and sights?

Where do you want to go?

Mountains? Seaside? Little towns with cosy cafés?

Getting super clear on these things before you open a map saves so much stress later – and keeps your trip from turning into a frantic dash from one stop to the next.

Step 2: Plan Your Route with Must-See Stops (and Room for Spontaneity)

This is where the magic starts.

We always pick one or two anchor points first – those bucket-list spots we have to see on the trip – and then sketch the rough path between them.

Here’s exactly how we do it:

• Open Google Maps and tap on “Directions.”
• Add your start and end points. Use “Add stop” to pin any must-see locations along the way.
• Drag stops to re-order your driving route if needed.
• Check the drive time between spots to make sure you’re not biting off too much.

We also save locations into custom lists before we leave.

For example, we have lists like “Big Trip” which is every place of interest we come across online, on TV etc. and even a “Garden Centre” one because… well. I can’t miss out on visiting local garden centres and plant shops on our travels haha.

How to create a list in Google Maps:

• Search for a spot you want to visit.
• Tap “Save.”
• Create a new list (or add to an existing one).
• Keep them organised by trip theme – hikes, cafés, campsites, hotels, etc. or however makes sense to you
• Alter the settings to make them visible on your main map

Having these saved lists means that even if we decide to take a detour or need a backup plan for the night, we’ve already got a handful of vetted options at our fingertips – especially handy when you’re figuring out how to plan a camping road trip with minimal stress.

And if you’re travelling with pets, we highly recommend saving dog-friendly accommodations ahead of time.

Step 3: Discover the Best Campsites, Hotels, and Hidden Stops Along Your Route

Once your main route is roughly mapped out, it’s time for the fun part: discovering all the awesome places you could stop along the way.

Using Google Maps:

• Zoom into your route and look for pins like parks, viewpoints, quirky museums, or hiking trails.
• Search terms like “dog-friendly hotels,” “campsites near me,” or “scenic picnic areas” when you get close to your daily stopping point.
• Use the “Search along route” feature to find gas stations, hotels, or restaurants without veering far off your path.

Some of our all-time favourite stops, like Devil’s Marbles in Australia and the Évora Monoliths in Portugal, weren’t even on our original itinerary. We found them thanks to random pins on our map or brown tourist signs we spotted on the road.

Leaving a little space in your plan for these random finds? That’s where the real road trip magic happens.

Step 4: Pack Smarter for Stress-Free Road Trips (Essentials We Always Bring)

We can’t talk about preparing for a road trip without mentioning the kit we take with us.

We’ve definitely learned (often the hard way) that having a few essentials packed can turn a rough day into a pretty great adventure.

Here’s what we never leave without:

• Big refillable water bottles
• A head torch (fixing a tire in the dark is not the vibe)
• Plastic forks (trust us, you’ll thank yourself)
• Emergency snacks

And… the airbed pump – which we somehow still manage to forget more often than we’d like to admit 🙈 Let’s just say we’re counting down the days to having a proper mattress in the van.

If you’re heading out on your first road trip with a dog, make sure to also check out our dog travel essentials checklist to avoid any unexpected drama.

You’re Ready to Hit the Road Smarter (and Stress-Free)

Now you know exactly how to plan a road trip on Google Maps – from setting your big dream stops to leaving room for those spontaneous hidden gems.

A little planning now means way more freedom (and way fewer “uh oh” moments) once you’re out there.