We are driving to multiple destinations in Tuscany and I was wondering if anyone knows the best website/app to map out a route that makes the most sense and best use of our time?
I am plugging locations into google maps and it is giving me driving directions and showing me where each place is, but just wondering if there is a better/more efficient way to do this? Thank you.
~L
Google maps is pretty much the standard, you could compare with Rome 2 Rio or I suppose Michelin has similar.
And you could also go old school and get a paper map which gives you perspective and other options.
Theres something to be said for putting a nice fat red pin or dot on a map of every place you want to visit. Often a routing will become apparent. Or you just play connect the dots until you are satisfied with the results. Google maps and or Michelin can give details or estimates on each leg, but take time estimates with a shaker of salt.
The pro version of Wanderlog will optimize your route for you.
Google Maps is good, it knows traffic conditions, and will give you the quickest route in blue, or alternative (but longer) routes in grey. You click on a grey one if that’s what route you want, otherwise you’ll see the quickest (blue) route. Paper maps can’t detour you around traffic jams and roadwork.
Back in the early 2000s we used ViaMichelin.com. They showed the quickest route then offered you alternatives, like, scenic route, least expensive route for tolls. I’d print them all out and carry them with us.
Now i only use GoogleMaps and it works well for us.
It's called the 'Travelling Salesman Problem'
Lot's of info on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_salesman_problem
We too use Google maps, but frequently stop at towns between points A and B, so an optimized route doesn’t always help. When we’ve had a rental car with a navigation system (we’ve never paid for it) they seemed to be set for shortest route rather than fastest route.
Rand McNally's TripMaker can optimize routes, but doesn't cover Europe.
https://tripmaker.randmcnally.com/
Most other route optimization programs are for professional use and can be costly.
One of those, Speedy Route, will optimize your route, but is limited to 3 stops unless you buy a subscription.
https://www.speedyroute.com/
I like Via Michelin
Thank you for all the suggestions. I am doing some youtube tutorial on using google maps for travel planning and really like the ViaMichelin route planner, will need to see if there is a you tube tutorial for saving and using is website.