Today I was invited to speak on ABC Radio Adelaide’s Travel Talk program again, with the topic this time being Google Maps, and whether you use it and trust it, especially when caravanning.

As I explained, our go to is always paper maps to begin with, followed by using street and directional signs to destinations and then using Google Maps as a backup.

The radio discussion was very interesting with listeners calling in with their funny and horrific tales of where Google Maps has sent them by mistake.

For the bigger picture I find you can’t go past physical maps to get an overall look at where you’re heading, the major and minor roads that lead there and the terrain you’re likely to pass through. But there’s no denying that Google Maps have helped us immensely, especially in built up areas, on multi laned highways (telling us what exit to take) and when looking for a particular address or caravan park.

It can also enable you to avoid toll roads, see any holdups on the road ahead and give you an estimated time to travel the route you’re using.

The negatives of using Google Maps however include that you can’t set it for caravan suitable roads, so can be led down the roads less travelled which are named that for good reason! The other thing I find annoying is that it keeps suggesting alternate routes which can confuse the situation too.

This current trip we’re on has just proven to us that it usually pays to stick to plan A when you’re trying to get to a destination that you’ve never been to before. Our theory is if in doubt, it’s easier to get to the destination and leave the van, then back track a little to see some sights with just the 4WD to take us wherever we want to go.

There’s been a number of times that Google Maps has wanted to take us on alternate roads that as we’ve ignored and breezed by, have shown to be dirt roads, narrow roads, busy suburban streets with cars parked on both sides, and because Google won’t recognise that you’re towing, could also lead you to another scary scenario, a bridge that’s too low.

A few tips I would give to other towing travellers is not to rely on Google Maps solely, as I said on the radio show, (“It’s Google not Gospel’) definitely use physical maps for initial planning, talk to locals about whether roads are suitable for vans, and know the height of your van, just in case.

During the talkback show, listeners also contributed their stories of how Google Map directions have sent them astray and I could relate to one in particular, and that is when Google Maps shows ‘roads’ that are actually on farms and private properties. They aren’t labelled as private roads though, so you assume a road continues where it actually just runs into private property. Very annoying for drivers and particularly for the landowners who must shake their heads knowingly.

This was certainly a very popular topic on talkback radio with unsurprisingly lots of people eager to get in on the chat.

When has Google Maps led you astray? I’d love to hear your stories too.

Happy Travels

Glenys