Apps are now more commonly used by travelers to navigate the road than cumbersome, difficult-to-fold paper maps or even printable internet driving directions due to the near-ubiquity of GPS systems embedded into cars and smartphones. Even said, there are situations when it makes sense to plan your own picturesque route or have a backup mapping option in case of poor smartphone connection. You can afford to double up because the majority of Mapquest Directions websites and apps are free. With this look at the top choices, make an informed decision.
1. Maps on Google
Google’s detailed road maps are the most accurate available, which is useful if you want to plan a scenic route rather than taking interstates or avoiding toll roads (where possible). Because to Google’s extensive endeavor to map public roads throughout the world, this is unquestionably the best free online driving instructions tool.
Click “Street View” to access street-level images on the app or website that can assist you in accurately locating landmarks and destinations. Google will tell you the optimal driving route, available public transportation alternatives, flight timings, and in certain circumstances, the walking distance, if you plan a route from point A to point b.
The Google Maps app is especially helpful while you’re driving and it’s not safe to glance at a map every few minutes because it allows you to plan and recalculate your route in real-time and provides step-by-step voice directions.
2. mapquest directions
MapQuest directions, which has been online since 1996, has recently been outperformed by rivals like Google Maps and Apple Maps. The directions provided by MapQuest have historically been inaccurate, however more current versions of the service offer more accurate driving directions.
Identifying current traffic conditions and estimating gasoline expenditures based on current prices are two of MapQuest’s most useful tools. The free MapQuest app and online driving directions are a fantastic alternative to the built-in navigation. The MapQuest on your smartphone, even though it has lost its position at the top of the list of map providers.
MapQuest is a straightforward mapping tool to create routes, locate businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations, and even to book hotels.
A limitation of MapQuest is the limited amount of stops that can be plugged in for optimized routes. MapQuest was not designed to compete with more industry-specific routing apps.
However, if you are looking for a simple mapping software to get the job done, MapQuest is a reliable and handy resource that has stood the test of time.
3. Google Maps
Apple Maps, the pre-installed navigation application on iOS devices, had a bumpy start in 2012. Since then, the company has made significant enhancements to the app’s layout and functionality. It including the integration of Siri, the iPhone’s personal assistant, to provide smooth assistance. The Apple Maps app feels similar to other Apple products, stressing the design and user experience, in contrast to Waze, which is a little more cartoonish, and Google Maps, which has few bells and whistles.
Those with an iPhone are familiar with Apple Maps. It is the default on all iOS devices and a reliable navigation choice. It will get you where you need to go with few frills, making it ideal for drivers who are easily distracted by pop-up menus and traffic alerts.
Pick this app if you’re skilled at following an app’s brisk instructions and want an app that will get you to your destination with little to no fuss.
4. Waze
The Waze adds a social component that is the defining feature of its software while maintaining many of the fundamental characteristics. The map was acquired by Google in 2013, but it had already made a name for itself as a crowdsourced navigation tool. Among these are warnings from other motorists about impending traffic, roadwork, and police speed traps in your vicinity. Also, users can link their Spotify accounts to the Waze app to play the ideal traveling music.
It’s probably already your go-to for checking directions and driving time on your computer. But Waze has an equally good app for driving, walking, biking, and transit directions.
The app offers real-time traffic updates plus ways of finding restaurants and activities (with reviews). Pick this app if you want detailed driving directions and help to find a restaurant nearby, all in a single app.
5. Driving Instructions from AAA
The American Automobile Association, or AAA, has a service called TripTik Travel Planner that you can use for free online. You can print it out and use it instead of your old TripTik maps. Even though the directions will get you there, they can sometimes be hard to follow. so it might not be the fastest way. But you should try this tool if you want to enjoy the trip as much as the place you’re going. With just one click, you can choose a scenic route.
Be careful: on the AAA website, you have to enter your zip code before you can do anything, which is an annoying extra step.
6. Online driving directions from Rand McNally
Although Rand McNally has been producing maps since 1856, it was a touch late to the game and didn’t start providing free driving directions online until 1999.
If you haven’t used Rand McNally for instructions, you should, especially if you’re planning a lengthy journey with several segments. Even if you’re unsure of your final destination, Rand McNally’s website should be able to guide you there. Because you may personalize your route and it recognizes any address format.
Be aware that they are not as accurate as some other websites that provide directions and maps.
7. Roadtrippers
Turn-by-Turn Directions, Live Traffic Updates, and Point of Interest Search are the main features.
RoadTrippers is a web-based program and mobile app made to assist people in organizing road journeys with up to 150 stops.
It enables visitors to find individually owned tourist attractions around North America. To get turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, you can use RoadTrippers. Need to build a trip and then sync it with the RoadTrippers app.
8. My Route Online
An online-only route planner is My Route Online. It is a straightforward planner that enables users to map up to 350 stops per route.
To construct a route that is optimized for time or distance, you can upload a spreadsheet with all of your addresses into My Route Online. You can upload your route to your GPS or mobile device once it has been built to get turn-by-turn directions.
9. RouteXL
Route XL is an easy-to-use online route planner that will help you save both time and money on your travels. You can import your list of addresses into Route XL from a spreadsheet, an email, or you can just copy and paste them into the program.
There is no mobile application available for Route XL; however, you are able to export your optimized route to a GPS device.
10. Speedy Route
The internet-based route optimizer Rapid Route is available all over the world. You are able to get at your locations by the times you specify thanks to the user-friendly design. and helpful features offered by Rapid Route, such as timeboxing. You have complete control over the sequence in which your destinations are visited because you can reorder them at any time.
11. Maps.me
Maps.me is an offline route planner that can assist travelers in navigating even when they do not have access to the internet. You are able to download maps and generate routes for navigation on Maps.me, which can be done on foot, by automobile, on a bicycle, or using public transportation.
The program also includes a number of travel guides, which can assist you in discovering your location of choice.
12. Flightmap
Best for: Delivery
Main Features: Route Optimization, Live Traffic Updates, Store Locator
Flightmap is a great web-based software for delivery drivers. With Flightmap, you can create optimized routes, provide real-time traffic updates to your customers, and create customized maps.
After creating your optimized route in Flightmap, you can export it and upload it to a GPS device for turn-by-turn directions.
13. Badger Maps
Badger Maps, with features like route optimization, check-ins, and on-the-go lead generation. it helps field salespeople save time on daily planning.maintain customer relationships, discover new opportunities, and close more deals. There is no better route planner for outside sales.
Customer data visualization and advanced reporting features make understanding sales territory activities easier than ever. This allows you to be proactive in maintaining contact with important accounts.
When it comes to field sales, there’s no better route planner app for multiple stops than Badger Maps. Outside sales reps use Badger Maps as their all-in-one resource to optimize sales routes and manage territories.
With features such as route optimization, check-ins, and lead generation on-the-go, Badger Maps helps field salespeople save time on their daily planning. It’s about maintain customer relationships, discover new opportunities, and close more deals. You won’t find a better route planner for outside sales.
Customer data visualization and advanced reporting features make it easier than ever to understand sales territory activities. This way you can be proactive about staying connected with important accounts.
Conclusion
Adding a driving route planner to your tool belt will ultimately save you both time and money. With all the options available, it’s guaranteed there is a route planner that will meet all your business needs.
If you’re looking for a tool that optimizes not only your route but also your entire sales process, Badger Maps is an excellent choice.
Source: Mapquest directions
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