Setting Up Offline Maps for Travel

Traveling to a foreign place is a powerful experience with a lot to offer. From stunning beaches and lush rainforests to glacial lakes and frozen tundras, there's something for everyone. But if you want to make the most of your trip, it's important to have access to maps.

However, not everyone has access to reliable internet in every destination. That's why it's a good idea to set up offline maps before you go. This way, you can still use maps even if you don't have a data connection.

Here's how to set up offline maps on Android:

Since I write about Maui often on this blog, let's use Maui as our example destination, though this will work in most areas of the world.

1. Download the Google Maps app on your phone or tablet.

2. Open the Google Maps app and search for "Maui."

3. Select the "Maui" result so that the Maui page pops up.

4. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the map.

5. Select "Download offline maps."

6. Select the area of Maui that you want to download.

7. Wait for the maps to download.

Once the maps have downloaded, you can use them even if you don't have a data connection. Just open the Google Maps app and select the offline map that you want to use.

Here are some other tips for using offline maps:

• Make sure that you download the maps for the area that you will be visiting. I suggest downloading larger areas than you're visiting, in case you get lost or change plans. For Maui, you can just download the entire island map.

• You can download multiple offline maps, so you can have many destinations pre-loaded in case you're visiting more than one location. For example, you can download Maui; Mexicali, Mexico; and Minneapolis, Minnesota into your phone now for offline travel later.

• The maps will expire after a few weeks, so you will need to download them again if you want to use them after that.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you have access to maps even if you don't have a data connection. This will help you make the most of your trip to Maui.

Here's how to set up offline maps on an iPhone:

1. Download the Google Maps app on your phone or tablet and follow the steps above. But if you insist on using iPhone's Maps app, do the following. NOTE: this only works on iOS 17 and above, which is only available now via beta.

2. Download the Maps app on your phone or tablet.

3. Open the Maps app and search for "Maui."

4. A "Download" button should appear near your "Directions" button.

5. Select "Download."

6. Allow the map to download.

7. Alternatively, tap on your profile picture in the Maps app to open an options menu. There, select offline maps, and then "download new map."

To use the offline maps, just open the Maps app and search for your destination on Maui as if you were online.

I hope this helps!