Optimize your travel with Google Maps: Essential hidden features you miss out on

No matter if you're travelling by plane, train, or car with navigation on your phone, sooner or later, you will find yourself in an unfamiliar city with a heavy suitcase, wondering what to do next. In such situations, you usually reach for your phone and launch Google Maps, which, for many, has become an indispensable tool. However, few people know that the route can be adjusted and optimized by using additional options offered by the application.

A travel organization specialist @its_rods_world regularly shares practical tips about planning vacation trips on his Instagram. In one of the videos, he shows how to activate an exciting but little-known feature in Google Maps. While navigating an unfamiliar city, you can easily avoid stairs or steep inclines by modifying the selected route.

Activating this hidden feature in Google Maps is very simple. First, open the Google Maps app on your smartphone and set the route traditionally—by entering the start point and destination. Choosing the pedestrian icon symbolizing the walking route is crucial, as drivers' options are different. Next, click on the three dots next to the destination to expand a menu where you select "Options." You will find various possibilities to customize the route to your needs there.

Particularly interesting might be the option "Wheelchair accessible." Selecting this option simplifies the route: it avoids inclines and stairs and offers conveniences such as elevators. This option is handy when travelling with heavy suitcases or small children, making for a more accessible and less tiring walk.

Knowing how to access additional options in Google Maps is one thing, but it's also worth exploring and using them regularly. Besides pedestrian conveniences, there are also features useful for drivers, such as avoiding tolls, highways, or ferries. You can also choose a more economical driving option, which can be very beneficial given the current gas prices.