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.
1. Google Maps: More Than Just Navigation
Google Maps has always been my first step when trip planning, but I’ve gone far beyond simply getting directions. Here’s how to level up your Google Maps game:
✅ Search Smart
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Use keywords like "historic sites near [city]", "local diners in [town]", or "hidden gems [state name]"
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Switch to the “Explore” tab for curated local attractions and eateries
✅ Create Custom Lists
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Click the "Save" button on locations and add them to a list like “Summer Road Trip 2025”
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Download offline maps before heading into rural areas
✅ Drop Pins as You Go
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Mark interesting stops for spontaneous side adventures or places you might want to revisit later
2. Reddit: Local Wisdom, Real Talk
Reddit became a secret weapon in my travel planning when I visited New England. I posted in a local subreddit and within hours had suggestions from people who actually live there. Their tips? Better than any top-10 list.
🔍 How to Find the Right Subreddit
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Try general travel subs like:
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Search for regional or city-specific ones like:
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r/AskNE (for New England)
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📝 Reddit Travel Tip Template (Use This!)
Hi locals! I'm visiting [City/Region] in [Month] and looking for:
– Unique local food stops
– Hidden gems or quirky roadside attractions
– Historic sites off the beaten path
Any local favorites or must-dos?
Post that in the right subreddit and you’ll likely get solid, honest recommendations fast.
3. ChatGPT: Your Personal Travel Research Assistant
Lately, I’ve been using ChatGPT to build the “backbone” of my travel plans—especially when I want historical context, food recs, and activities I’d never think to Google.
✨ Here’s What ChatGPT Does Well:
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Finds lesser-known attractions with unique backstories
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Builds foodie trails through cities or states
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Gives rainy-day options when your hike gets rained out
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Tailors suggestions based on your interests (history, food, scenic drives)
🧠 Sample ChatGPT Prompts You Can Copy/Paste
General:
“I’m planning a 5-day road trip through Vermont in September. Can you suggest scenic routes, historic stops, and local restaurants I shouldn't miss?”
Niche Interests:
“I love early American history. What are some lesser-known but significant Revolutionary War sites near Concord, Massachusetts?”
Offbeat Fun:
“I’m heading to Western Pennsylvania. Any quirky roadside attractions or oddball museums to check out?”
Weather Contingency:
“What are good indoor activities in [City] for a rainy day? I’m into local culture, history, or anything a little weird.”
Final Thoughts: Plan Less Like a Tourist and More Like a Local
Combining these tools—Google Maps for logistics, Reddit for local flavor, and ChatGPT for thoughtful discovery—has made my trips richer, more personalized, and way more fun.
The key is to start broad, then go deep: use Google Maps to mark your territory, Reddit to ask real people what matters, and ChatGPT to explore themes and hidden stories you wouldn’t find on a billboard.
Happy travels—and if you find a new favorite spot using one of these tips, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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