A map we made for a recent visit to Aucland

Why we make custom maps

We first started using Google’s My Maps app back in 2019 when planning a trip to Europe — mainly to scout out vegetarian-friendly restaurants before landing in London. But once we got into it, we realised how powerful it was for organizing ideas, visualising clusters of things to do, and figuring out transit connections. Bonus: it also became a record of everywhere we’d actually been.

One of the best features? Both of us could add to the map in real time from our desktop (see more about this below). Spot something cool online? Just pin it.

We love using the icons, adding notes and links, and using color codes to sort galleries, restaurants, breweries, and more.

The sign leading to the abbey at Westmalle, Belgium

Drawbacks

It’s not all smooth sailing, though. My Maps has a few quirks worth knowing upfront. First, you can only create or add to maps from a desktop — which is tricky when you’re traveling without a laptop. Second, if you want walking directions from a pinned spot, you have to jump over to the regular Google Maps app. Minor frustrations, yes, but good to know before you start building your dream map.

Make your map work even better

Create layers by day, theme, or area
Use icons and colors to make your map visually intuitive
Double-check opening hours for sights and breweries (and add the info into the pin)
Make your accommodation pin stand out with a unique color/icon
Always add nearby grocery stores and chemists — just in case
And yes, we always pin the local public library: clean bathrooms, helpful locals, free WiFi.

Distances from the North Korean boarder to Australia and New Zealand

Where we find pins for our maps

Atlas Obscura — for unique and offbeat attractions
Happy Cow — for vegetarian and vegan eats
Instagram and Pinterest - Hashtags like #hiddenlondon or #pariscafes for new finds
Untapped for interesting beer locations.

The sign guiding guests to the entry to Disneyland Tokyo

Getting Started with Google My Maps
Whether you're mapping out vegan eats, local sights, or just trying to stay organized on a multi-city adventure, here's how to create your own custom map with Google My Maps:
✅ Step 1: From your desktop, open Google My Maps
- Go to Google My Maps
- Sign into your Google account
- Click “+ Create a New Map”
✅ Step 2: Name Your Map
- Click the text that says “Untitled map” at the top
- Rename it to something useful like “Italy Summer 2025” and add a short description
✅ Step 3: Add Pins
- Use the search bar to find a place (e.g., “Gelateria dei Neri, Florence”)
- Click the pin in the search result and select “Add to map”
- You can customize it by:
  - Changing the icon (restaurant, museum, star, etc.)
  - Selecting a color
  - Adding notes or links (like opening hours or blog posts)
✅ Step 4: Use Layers to Stay Organized
- Think of layers like folders — use them to group:
  - By day (Day 1, Day 2…)
  - By theme (Food, Sights, Hotels)
  - By area (East Side, Old Town, etc.)
- You can turn layers on/off to reduce visual clutter
✅ Step 5: Add Helpful Extras
- Include:
  - Your accommodation in a unique color
  - Grocery stores and pharmacies near your hotel
  - Public libraries (yes, we’re nerds — but clean bathrooms and WiFi!)
✅ Step 6: Share It
- Click “Share” (just like in Google Docs)
- Choose whether your travel buddies can view or edit
✅ Step 7: Use It on Your Phone
- Open the Google Maps app
- Tap “Saved” → scroll to “Maps” → your custom map will appear