In today’s fast-paced world, Google Maps has become an invaluable tool for navigating the roads. Whether you’re commuting to work, planning a road trip, or simply exploring a new city, Google Maps can provide turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and even alternative routes to save you time and stress. One feature that many users may not be aware of is the ability to avoid highways when planning a route. This can be particularly useful for those who prefer a scenic drive, want to avoid toll roads, or simply want to explore the backroads and uncover hidden gems along the way. In this article, we will guide you on how to use Google Maps to avoid highways, providing you with the freedom to take the road less traveled and discover new adventures.
Inside This Article
- Why Use Google Maps to Avoid Highways
- How to Access Google Maps
- Changing the Settings to Avoid Highways
- Benefits of Avoiding Highways on Google Maps
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Use Google Maps to Avoid Highways
When planning a road trip or commute, many people prefer to avoid highways for various reasons. Google Maps is a popular navigation app that allows you to do just that. Here’s why you should consider using Google Maps to avoid highways:
1. Scenic Routes: Highways often bypass scenic areas, depriving you of the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. By using Google Maps to avoid highways, you can discover alternative routes that take you through picturesque landscapes, giving you a more enjoyable and visually appealing journey.
2. Traffic Congestion: Highways are prone to heavy traffic during peak hours, leading to frustratingly long delays. By opting for alternative routes suggested by Google Maps, you can potentially bypass congested highways and find quicker, less congested roads, saving you valuable time and reducing your stress levels.
3. Exploration: Using highways may be the fastest way to reach your destination, but it often means missing out on the chance to explore new areas and discover hidden gems. Google Maps can help you find alternative routes that allow you to explore lesser-known places, giving you a sense of adventure and the opportunity to stumble upon interesting attractions or eateries along the way.
4. Avoiding Toll Roads: Highways often have tolls, which can add up and significantly increase the cost of your journey. Google Maps allows you to select routes that avoid toll roads, saving you money and making your trip more budget-friendly.
5. Personal Preferences: Some people simply enjoy driving on smaller, quieter roads rather than the fast-paced environment of highways. Google Maps gives you the freedom to choose routes that align with your personal preferences, providing a more pleasant and customized driving experience.
6. Safety Concerns: For certain drivers, highways can be intimidating or overwhelming. By avoiding highways, you can choose routes that you feel more comfortable driving on, reducing any anxiety or stress associated with navigating complex highway systems.
Overall, using Google Maps to avoid highways can enhance your road trip experience, allowing you to enjoy scenic routes, avoid traffic congestion, discover hidden gems, save money, drive on roads that align with your preferences, and address any safety concerns you may have. So next time you plan a journey, give Google Maps a try and see how it can enhance your travel experience.
How to Access Google Maps
Google Maps is a powerful tool that provides detailed maps and navigation services. Whether you’re using it on your desktop or mobile device, accessing Google Maps is quick and easy. Here’s how you can access Google Maps:
- On Desktop:
- Open your preferred web browser.
- Type “maps.google.com” in the address bar.
- Press Enter or Return to load the Google Maps website.
- On Mobile Devices:
- Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet.
- If you don’t have the app installed, download it from your device’s app store.
- Tap on the Google Maps app icon to launch it.
Once you’ve accessed Google Maps, you’ll have access to a wide range of features and functionalities to enhance your navigation experience. Keep in mind that you need an active internet connection to use Google Maps, as the maps and directions are loaded in real-time.
Changing the Settings to Avoid Highways
Google Maps offers a convenient feature that allows users to customize their navigation preferences, including the option to avoid highways. Here’s how you can easily change the settings to avoid highways on Google Maps.
1. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or access the Google Maps website on your computer.
2. Enter your desired destination in the search bar and tap on the “Directions” button.
3. In the top-right corner of the screen, you will see three dots (menu icon). Tap on it to open the menu options.
4. From the menu, select “Route options.” This will open a new window with a list of navigation preferences.
5. Scroll down until you find the “Avoid highways” option. Toggle the switch next to it to enable the feature.
6. Once you have enabled the “Avoid highways” feature, Google Maps will automatically calculate a new route that avoids highways, prioritizing lesser congested roads and streets.
7. Tap on the “Done” button to save the settings and display the new route without highways.
8. You can now navigate to your destination while avoiding highways, enjoying a more scenic and potentially less congested journey.
It’s important to note that avoiding highways may result in longer travel times, especially if you’re trying to cover long distances. However, for those seeking to explore new areas or enjoy a leisurely drive, using the “Avoid highways” feature on Google Maps is a great way to discover alternative routes and take in the sights along the way.
Benefits of Avoiding Highways on Google Maps
Using Google Maps to avoid highways can provide several benefits for users. Here are some advantages of taking alternative routes:
1. Scenic and Quaint Routes: By opting for non-highway routes, you can explore picturesque landscapes and charming small towns. These routes often offer scenic views, allowing you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of nature and discover hidden gems along the way.
2. Avoiding Traffic Congestion: Highways are notorious for traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times. By using Google Maps to avoid highways, you can bypass crowded roads, save time, and reduce your stress levels. This is particularly helpful when commuting to work or traveling in highly congested areas.
3. Enhancing Safety: While highways generally provide faster travel times, they can also present certain risks, such as accidents and high-speed driving. By choosing alternative routes suggested by Google Maps, you can potentially reduce the chances of encountering road hazards and create a safer driving experience for yourself and your passengers.
4. Exploring Local Points of Interest: One of the advantages of avoiding highways is that you have the opportunity to stumble upon interesting landmarks, attractions, and local businesses. Google Maps provides valuable recommendations along alternate routes, allowing you to discover unique restaurants, shops, parks, and other places that you might have missed when taking the highway.
5. Personalized Journey: Using Google Maps to avoid highways gives you the freedom to customize your travel experience according to your preferences. Whether you prefer a leisurely drive, want to explore new areas, or simply enjoy the tranquility of back roads, taking alternate routes allows you to tailor your journey to suit your individual needs and desires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, utilizing Google Maps to avoid highways can be a game-changer when it comes to your navigation experience. Whether you’re seeking a scenic route, trying to bypass heavy traffic, or simply prefer a more relaxed drive, this feature allows you to tailor your journey to your specific needs.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access the “Avoid highways” option on the Google Maps app and website. You’ll have the freedom to explore alternative routes that offer stunning views, unique landmarks, and a more peaceful drive.
Say goodbye to the monotonous hum of highways and embrace a more adventurous and enjoyable travel experience with the help of Google Maps. So, the next time you hit the road, remember to give the “Avoid highways” feature a try and embrace the road less traveled.
FAQs
1. Can I use Google Maps to find alternative routes and avoid highways?
Yes, absolutely! Google Maps provides options to find alternative routes and avoid highways. It’s a useful feature for those who prefer scenic routes, want to avoid tolls, or simply want a change of scenery during their journey.
2. How do I enable the option to avoid highways on Google Maps?
To enable the “avoid highways” option on Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or access it through the website on your computer.
- Enter your desired destination in the search bar.
- Tap on the “Directions” button.
- Enter your starting location.
- Tap on the three-dotted menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Select the “Route options” or “Route settings” option.
- Toggle the switch for “Avoid highways” or a similar option if available.
- Press the “Done” button or continue with the directions as desired.
3. Will avoiding highways affect the travel time using Google Maps?
Yes, avoiding highways may slightly increase the travel time in some cases. When you opt for alternative routes, the directions provided by Google Maps may consider factors like traffic, road conditions, and distance. Depending on the specific circumstances, using backroads or smaller routes may result in a slightly longer journey. However, this can also provide a more scenic and less congested travel experience.
4. Can I use the “avoid highways” feature in real-time on Google Maps?
Yes, you can use the “avoid highways” feature in real-time on Google Maps. The app constantly updates the route based on current traffic conditions. It will reroute you to alternative roads if there is heavy traffic or congestion on the highways. This ensures that you have the most efficient route based on real-time data.
5. Can I customize Google Maps to avoid specific types of roads?
Unfortunately, the “avoid highways” feature on Google Maps is limited to avoiding major highways only. However, if you have specific preferences regarding road types (such as avoiding toll roads or unpaved roads), Google Maps does offer options to customize your route. You can modify your settings to prioritize certain road types, avoid tolls, or even choose more eco-friendly routes.
