Smarter Trip Planning: How I Use Google Maps, Reddit, and ChatGPT to Build Better Adventures

Planning a trip used to mean flipping through guidebooks and scrolling endlessly through search results. But over the past few years, I’ve learned how to plan my travels smarter—not harder—by tapping into three powerful (and free!) tools: Google Maps, Reddit, and ChatGPT.

Whether you're into history, food, or finding that quirky roadside attraction only locals know about, these tools can turn a decent itinerary into a memorable adventure. Here's how I use each one—and how you can, too.

Discovering Yankton, South Dakota – The “Mother City of the Dakotas” and a Gateway to Native American Heritage

The Surprising Charm of a South Dakota River Town

It started with a simple plan: cross the Missouri River and find a quiet place to stretch my legs. But what I stumbled into in Yankton, South Dakota, was a portal into a past filled with steamboats, treaty councils, and prairie resilience. Nestled along the wide, winding Missouri, Yankton isn’t just a dot on the map—it’s a living museum of American frontier history. If you’re planning a road trip and looking for South Dakota river towns to visit, don’t overlook this gem.

What to Do If a Tornado Hits While You're at the Lake

Lessons from the June 2025 Tornadoes in North Dakota and Minnesota

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A Calm Day at the Lake Turned Into a Race Against the Storm

In early June 2025, what started as a warm, peaceful afternoon on the shores of Devils Lake, North Dakota, quickly became a frightening and chaotic scene. Campers were barbecuing, kids were paddling near the dock, and fishermen were out on the water—unaware that a line of tornadic storms was rapidly building just miles away. Within minutes, sirens blared, winds picked up, and skies darkened with terrifying speed.

Just a few hours away in northwestern Minnesota, a similar story unfolded near Detroit Lakes. RV campers scrambled for shelter, while others weren’t so lucky—caught without warning, with no clear plan or safe place to go. These weren’t isolated events. The June 2025 tornado outbreak left a lasting mark on lakeside communities throughout the region.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do if a tornado hits while you're at the lake, this post is for you.

A Weekend Escape to Van Buren, MO: River Adventures, Burgers, and Small-Town Charm

Tucked into the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Van Buren is the kind of place you don’t just visit—you feel it. From the sparkling waters of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to a timeless burger joint that feels straight out of a postcard, this town surprised me in all the best ways. Whether you’re craving river fun, a touch of history, or a slow-paced weekend with good food and fresh air, Van Buren delivers with quiet confidence.