How to Get Directions for Travel

Maybe you were flipping through a travel magazine or watching a travel television show when the wanderlust caught hold of you: you must travel. So you picked a destination and started the planning process. Whether it's a hiking trip or a stay at a vacation resort, getting good directions can help make the trip more enjoyable. Learn how to get directions to your travel destination and you'll have a good head start on your next travel adventure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Internet access GPS device Pen or pencil Paper Road maps
Internet access
GPS device
Pen or pencil
Paper
Road maps

Step 1

Use a web-based map service to plot the directions for your travels. Mapquest.com, randmcnally.com, and maps.google.com are a few popular choices. To use these sites, type in the address of your starting point and the address of your destination in the appropriate fields and press the "Get directions" button. The site will generate a set of directions on how to get to your destination.

Step 2

Visit a local gas station or your local bookstore and purchase a road map or an atlas. A U.S. atlas is a good choice because it contains roads and highways for all major U.S. cities. Simply follow the roads on the map to reach your destination.

Step 3

Use a GPS device. GPS devices, such as Garmin and TomTom, display directions to you in real-time based on satellite information. While each device will vary slightly, typically you must input the destination into the device and your starting location. The device will plot a course for you. All you need to do is follow the directions.

Step 4

Ask a local when you get near the area. Many times you can get directions simply by asking a local person for more specific instructions. Stop at a gas station or a travel center when you reach your destination's city or state and ask for more specific instructions.

Article Written By Christopher Carol

Based in Traverse City, Mich., Christopher Carol has been writing professionally since 2009. His work primarily appears on various websites. An avid outdoorsman, Carol holds two Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and English from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated with honors.

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