Today, most of us either have a smartphone or a GPS device. In fact, you can even rent a GPS device along with your rental car. However, you never know when something could go wrong. What if you can’t get a signal, or the GPS just doesn’t seem to be working correctly. That is why having a maps section in your Vacation Binder is so important.
My suggestion is to have a section in your Vacation Binder that includes various maps. First, you might want to carry a general State map for each State you will be visiting. This will give you a general overview of the area. Second, it is a good idea to plot your driving trips with an online map service (such as Google Maps or Bing) and print out these to include in your binder.
For instance, I will be traveling from Denver, Colorado to Canon City, Colorado. In Google Maps, I mapped out the route. Now I can print both the map and the driving directions. I can use this as a backup if my GPS or smartphone fail to work.
Other items you might want to include are maps of activities and attractions in National Parks, Amusement Parks or other places that you will be visiting.
Mary from I Need a Play Date offers a great tip. Include a map in a clear plastic sleeve and give your child a dry erase marker. This will make it easy for him/her to follow the route and mark off milestones! Thanks for the tip!
Read the entire How to Make A Vacation Binder Series
I am SO coming back when I get all my planning going for our San Diego trip next month to collect all your travel tips!!
Ronni Keller recently posted..In A Funk So Naturally I’m Going To Steal Crap ENJOY!
Thanks for sharing. We are going on a road trip and we certainly need a map
olfa recently posted..Diapers Sweepstakes at Ebony Parent (US Only)
Thanks for sharing, what a neat idea!
Stefani recently posted..Scandal – The Complete First Season
OK, I have to admit that I can’t read a map – period! but this is a great idea to teach the kids how to do it so that they are not like me – maybe I’ll put the hubby to work on this!
Jeannette recently posted..Teaching Your Kids Financial Principals with Tykoon!
A vacation binder! Great idea. We always print out backup maps because we have had times when the GPS was wrong. 🙁 I usually just stick everything in a large manila envelope!
Wendy @ AMFT recently posted..Street Tacos
I did something like this in a three ring binder so not only was I able to find them quickly but by putting them in a clear sleeve, my son used a dry erase marker to follow along with the trip/
@MryJhnsn from iNeedaPlaydate recently posted..Because Prompts are Fun #12 – Procrastination
What a great idea! I am going to add it to the post in case someone misses this tip in the comments.