Paper Maps or Google Maps?

We used Google Maps and it worked really well for us. We also took a detailed Michelin paper road map, but didn’t use it much. I sometimes like to look at a paper map to confirm that the gps is guiding you in the right direction, IMO.

We've never had a paper map, but we did carry a Rough Guide 30 years ago.

Google Maps is as up-to-date as any paper map as long as you recognize you don't get cell data everywhere, especially in the West. Make sure you download the relevant areas at the lodging where you'll have WiFi. We actually use a dashboard Garmin that I pre-load with current maps and all our planned stops, so it talks me through the entire day with one button press. We'll pull out our phones when we're walking if things aren't obvious.

Google maps works fine, but a paper map is good for seeing a larger area. While we generally have a paper map, I couldn’t tell you the last time we used one for actually navigating to get someplace.

One’s needs to be aware of their surroundings and use common sense because navigation devices and maps can try to take you on roads that don’t exist, are really paths, or across pedestrian only bridges.

I suppose it comes down to age - I've always used a paper map and couldn't imagine using anything else!!!

The only time we've gotten lost in Europe was when we relyed on someone's device using GPS. Technology is good when it works, but ........Thank goodness I had a paper map and we were able to find our way back. Of course, there's nothing wrong with using both. Oh, and there a several places in the U.S. where relying on GPS technology doesn't work either.

I always use Google Maps and have never had any problems. If there are areas with sketchy cell service, you might want to bring a paper map just in case, or download a map from GM of the area(s) you will be visiting, but Google Maps is definitely the easiest way of navigating.

Google Maps for general, a good, very graphic paper map for the dense areas with lots to see. Another good paper map is one of the essential public transportation lines with the points of interest shown. I usually have to hand draw those from research.

Some months ago, I learned on this forum about an Android app called "Organic Maps". I downloaded it (free) and used it all over Ireland, it worked great. No need for cell data at all, you just download the maps for the country or state, while you are on wifi, and everything works. I saved "bookmarks" for hotels, pubs, etc... in various countries and U.S. states.

I use Apple Maps (what comes already on your iPhone), and prefer it a lot more over GoogleMaps. It has never steered us wrong in multiple countries, including Ireland. I do use its navigation option (the one where the lady talks to you and tells you where to go) while driving, but also use it just like a paper map as you can just look at things without having a destination programed in. I also use its walking option to navigate the city streets when we are walking around. It has the added benefit of labeling different sites (restaurants, museums, etc.) and sometimes I just find places to explore and eat at by using the Maps app along with targeted research.

I use maps.me, downloading the area as needed. I have a Nat Geo paper map of Ireland that I will take with me, but is only for an overview. No way will you have every track on it. I am an orienteer and know maps and compass well. I do not prefer to use paper maps for my travels. Not enough info, unless you are doing topo. Then you have to obtain the more detailed maps and it is a real search to do so. You can spend an inordinate amount of time doing that.

I just have a tiny tidbit to add to the excellent advice here: if you elect Google maps (or some other map app) on your phone, take a screen shot of the most important bit(s) so, if you are somehow without cell service, the map will be in your camera roll!

You can also find things on Google maps on your home computer and then print out the important/relevant sections. That is what I used to do back in the day. It’s a lot less paper, and you can take with you only the map page(s) that you need for any particular day, and then recycle them!