When it comes to traveling locally or internationally, knowing your geography is key. It helps you to get around much quicker and make decisions on what to do and where to go next. Some people may be naturally inclined with direction sense. Others, not so much. But with a little bit of practice, it’s not difficult to navigate your way around your city or even an unknown one (without relying solely on your GPS!).
Since we are able to rely on our phone’s GPS anywhere in the US, its easier to travel locally. But when you’re traveling abroad, things are a little different. You might not always get the range or data you need. Some places might not even have names/numbers for all the highways or roads. For those of you who want to up their directional sense while traveling (or for daily use), here are some tips to work on!
Direction Sense within your City:
First off, start by looking at a map and locate the major city around you. For example, I base everything off of Dallas city even though I live in the suburbs. The next step is to know where North, South, East and West is. Now locate your home or work place and know where you are in relation to the city. Look at all your surrounding cities and take in all the information you can regarding where each city/town is located. The next step will be to learn the major highways and smaller roads near your home. Know which highways run in a loop, which run East to West and which North to South. When you are trying to figure out which way to go, picture the map in your head and think which general direction you are headed.
When you go somewhere, actively look for street signs and landmarks that will help you remember the way to this location. If you go somewhere often, try avoid using the GPS and try to recall the landmarks you saw. Remember which streets you turned at by noticing the corner store or building there. It’s not easy, but with more practice and a little bit more focus and mindful driving, you can boost your sense of direction.
Knowing Geography Internationally:
This is a little different, because you don’t need to learn where all the streets and specifics are. However, if you are touring a new country, it’s good to look at the map and learn where all the major cities are located. It’s also important to get an idea of the location of the major attractions that you are visiting. Before you start your journey, make sure you know the location of the places you will be staying. Find out what all you have nearby your hotel and figure out how to get home from each major attraction. Know which direction your hotel in relation to the city, so that you can group activities closer to each other on the same day!
If I am traveling internationally, I usually have a printed map of the city or sometimes one of the whole country. Or I just take a travel book with me! National Geographic offers maps of any place you can think of. I have looked in several book stores, but Amazon has it for a cheaper price. If you still need a bit more assistance to navigate, you can also download offline maps from google of the cities you’ll be traveling to. If you need help locating direction, think about getting a travel compass!
<<Next Adventure ALERT>>
Something I had never pieced together until I read the book The Alchemist, is how close Spain and Morocco are. Ever since I finished the book, Spain and Morocco became two top places on my Must Go To list. I guess the world mostly works in favor of our goals and ambitions. We found a great deal to Spain recently and booked it right away! The trip is only a few months later, but in the mean time, I will be learning all I can about the geography of Spain & Morocco!
Got the geography down? Great! Stay tuned to check out my how to make an itinerary post while I plan out our Spain and Morocco trip!
Comment below and tell me what kind of travel info or tips you need for your upcoming trip!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
