Travel Hack #2: Offline maps with pins = no more disorientation

Imagine this: You're in Lisbon, the mobile network is down, your battery is at 20% - but you know exactly where you need to go. No stress, no searching, no ‘Sorry, do you speak English?’.

The secret: offline maps + your own pins.
A setup that I now use on every trip - whether in big cities, on islands or in the middle of the wilderness.

1. Open Google Maps (or alternatively: Maps.me)

Both apps allow you to download map areas for offline use – perfect when you're on the go and don’t have a stable internet connection. Google Maps is my personal favorite because it’s super intuitive and even shows useful info like opening hours or location reviews, even when you're offline.

If you prefer to travel a bit more “lightweight” or you’re heading into remote areas, Maps.me is a great alternative. It’s designed specifically for offline navigation and even includes small hiking trails, viewpoints, and water refill spots that Google Maps often misses.

📍 Tip: You can use both apps side by side – depending on your needs. Google for city trips, Maps.me for nature and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

2. Download destination area

• Go to your travel destination
• Tap on your profile picture at the top right → ‘Offline maps’ → ‘Choose your own map’
• Download the area in which you are travelling (multiple areas possible)

💡 Tip: Also download airports and transfer locations - just in case!

📥 The best thing: the maps contain street names, POIs and even opening hours - even without a network. I always download the entire city area and an excursion circle of approx. 20 km around it - better safe than sorry.

3. Set pins (and name them!)

• Tap on Location → ‘Save’ → select a list (e.g. Must See, Food, Cafés, My Hotel)
• Ideally give the place a name such as ‘Breakfast + WiFi’ or ‘Viewpoint at sunset’
• You can also see these pins offline!

📍Professional hack: I also save places that I might want to visit spontaneously - like cool concept stores, street art or quiet parks. And I name them so that I still know what to expect in a fortnight' time.

📌 Tony’s extra tip

I often create a colour code in advance:

• 🔵 Food
• 🟢 Experiences
• 🔴 Attention! (e.g. tourist traps or building sites)
• 🟡 My hotel

Sounds nerdy? Maybe it does. But it has already saved me a lot of detours.

📣 Call to Action

Try it out on your next trip - e.g. to the Azores, Greece or Barcelona.
And if you like, share your favourite pin with us! Maybe it will become the next hack 😎

And the best thing is, you can also share your maps with friends and family.