Google Maps Review

Find your way almost anywhere in the world with Google Maps.
By: Bob Tedeschi

Category: Travel
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android only

Overall Rating:travel app rating
Multiplatform:travel app rating
Lots of function for nothing:travel app rating
Fun and easy to use:travel app rating
Solves travel need or challenge:travel app rating

Find your way almost anywhere in the world.

Why we like it -- Google Maps can be a traveler’s best friend. Thanks to a recent update, Google Maps can show you 3-D images of buildings around you -- in around 100 cities -- so you can quickly orient yourself in an unfamiliar place.

Outside of those locations, area maps load quickly and you can adjust the perspective by tilting or rotating your phone. One of the app’s best features is its newest: offline storage. Type in the location of a place you expect to visit, and the map will load even when you have no network connection.

The application offers free turn-by-turn navigation, whether you're on foot, in a car or using mass transit. And if you lose your connection while in transit, Google Maps will still re-route you if you make a wrong turn.

Note: users of other platforms can get to the basic Google Maps information by using their mobile browser.

Improvements we'd like to see -- The quality of Google's driving directions can be spotty at times.

More app reviews >>

Next Up

Why This Mexican Town You Probably Haven't Heard of Is Worth a Visit for Day of the Dead

Instead of experiencing the holiday in Mexico City, go a little further off the beaten path for more intimate Noche and Dia de Muertos celebrations in Erongaricuaro.

Google Translate Review

Translate words and phrases between more than 50 languages using the Google Translate travel app.

Google Goggles Review

Snap a picture and Google retrieves information about that image.

10 Products That'll Hide Your Valuables When You Travel

Thieves won’t even look twice at these everyday products that are actually concealing your cash, credit cards and hotel room keys.

Harajuku Culture and Trends

Learn about the Harajuku culture, fashion and trends in Japan.

Flipboard Review

Flipboard takes all of the recommended links from your Facebook and Twitter contacts, and displays them in a magazine-style format.

Cool Camping Gear for Intrepid Explorers

Go off-grid with great gear and gadgets.

Yelp Review

Yelp offers listings and user reviews of businesses and restaurants in most US cities, plus London and Paris.

Skype Review

Instead of swallowing exorbitant charges for international cell-phone calls, just download Skype and point yourself to a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Fellow Traveler: Brooklyn Photographer Erik Tanner

See what this shutterbug keeps in his bag.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV