Travel Like a Boss Series: How to Create a Custom Itinerary Map

As many of you know, one of my favorite things to do since moving abroad is plan trips all over Europe. And I've planed A LOT! So many that trying to count them up would be pretty labor intensive. So, just take a peek at our WANDERLUST page and you'll get the idea. :) I love being organized and having a good itinerary for hitting all the "must-see" sights in whatever destination we travel to. In my planning arsenal, Google Maps has been infinitely helpful in facilitating touring strategy maps and jumping off points to get the most out of our time in a new city. I've created many custom itinerary maps with the help of my trusty Google Maps and love taking them with us on our adventures. Have you ever thought of creating your own itinerary map? It's SUPER easy to do…and is a resource this traveling girl can't live without!

Google Maps has recently updated their map system and with that, their custom mapping options have changed. I've gotta admit, I'm in LOVE with the new format presented with Google Maps Engine! It's so much more user-friendly and navigates quite easily, making mapping a tour route a total sinch! I know what you're thinking…the idea of customizing your own map sounds daunting and wayyy too time consuming. I did too, my first go-round. That's why I've done all the confusing work for you and built this nifty guide! Introducing my quick tutorial on how to create your own custom itinerary map with the NEW Google Maps! Follow the easy steps below and you'll be well on your way to mapping out travel plans all around the world! Ready, travelers?! LET'S MAP IT!

STEP 1: Go to mapsengine.google.com then click Create a new map to get started! (Ahem, ignore my 5-yr-old chicken scratch doodles. Gives the tutorial character, don't you think?)

STEP 2: Type your destination city in the search bar. I chose Dublin, Ireland as my example city since we're planning a trip there soon!

STEP 3: Once your choice city is brought up, then add a fun name to your map. Just click where it says "Untitled map" and name it! I kept it simple, just naming our map "Dublin, Ireland Trip," but feel free to get as creative as you like. Just don't forget to save it!

STEP 4: Now you can start adding your attractions. To do so, type in an attraction name, airport, hotel, or restaurant in the search bar. I chose to start with our hotel. FYI, your map will save your progress automatically. How nice!



STEP 5: Once your attraction is found…click "Add to Map" located at the bottom of the white pop up screen…and it will be added to your map! Notice the green icon changed to red once the item was added to your map.

STEP 6: You can change the red attraction icon to be any color or icon you choose for easy viewing and deciphering between attractions. Since this location on my map is a hotel, I'm going to change my icon to reflect that. To change your icon, hover over the attraction on your map list until the paint bucket appears…then click the bucket.



STEP 7: In the next small popup screen, you can change the color, icon shape, or browse more icons. Click "more icons" to see what other fun icons you can choose from.



I found my hotel icon! Click "Ok" to save it!

STEP 8: In addition to changing your icon, you can also add/edit information to the map that might be helpful to you during your trip. To edit, just click the pencil icon at the bottom of the white popup box (you can click the hotel icon to get the white popup box to appear). FYI, Google has already given some information about your attraction in the gray area. Great, right? :)



STEP 9: Type in whatever information you'd like to add to your map and click "Save!"



STEP 10: Search and add more attractions!! I went ahead and added in all my attractions…you can see the complete map key on the left. Don't forget to change each attractions icon to something different so you can easily decipher each point on your map.



STEP 11: Want to see all your map info laid out in list form? Click "data" in your map key and a list will pop up for you. You can also edit this list within this popup.

STEP 12: SHARE IT! Export this map to your email (so you can open it on your phone and use it while you travel!), share a link with friends, post it to your Google+ wall, Tweet it, Facebook it, or even share it on your blog…Google gives you endless options to get your map seen and used by all!

There you have it…your own custom itinerary map! An easy way to plan and make the most out of your next sight-seeing adventure! There are many other fun settings and features of the new Google Maps Engine…feel free to email me if you get stuck or have any other questions. Want to view my completed Dublin map? Click here! If you found this tutorial helpful, share the wealth and Pin it, Tweet it, or Facebook it to all your travel-loving friends! 
Happy traveling! :)