We will be driving to Ortisei and Lake Como this summer and were wondering how reliable Google Maps is - especially in the Dolomites. Should we get paper maps as a backup? If so, which ones do you recommend?
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1713 posts
The locations are mostly ok. However, do not trust their driving time estimates. Roads are windy and you may want to slow down because of this and other reasons (e.g. traffic, taking breaks to enjoy the view, road closures, ...).
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8383 posts
If I know where I will be going and where I will be starting, I go on Google Maps and plot the route. I use the Details to give me exact point to point directions. I cut a hard copy on my printer.
And I have been known to cut a copy of the road maps prior to my leaving home.
When I stay in a bigger city, I even blow up the map of the exact address I am staying at. I know the neighborhood intimately--including restaurants and street names.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1476 posts
Nothing is preventing you from taking a Google Maps test drive right now in the comfort of your own home. Maybe put in a few of the RS driving itineraries through the Dolomites and see how they look - how much detail is there when zoomed in? Try mapping your drive from Ortisei to Varenna - do you get a number of different routes?.
The Michelin road atlas for Italy is available from the RS store [and obviously Amazon] - I still prefer to plan out routes in advance on paper - old school methodology.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2577 posts
hey hey bherrington47
agree with both replies. where exactly are you staying on lake como? it's just me but i do print out a map here at home of my route, along with addresses of importants places like David and markcw (old school)
don't rely on times listed, you never what kinda hole ups there will be (accident, slow trucks/cars, stops you want to make. it will be a long day. you are traveling during high season and will be crowded & busy. couple posts here on forum about the crowds, ferries, long lines, pushing/shoving on the lake, do you have a parking spot at hotel?
make sure you get an IDP (aaa.co/idp) for all drivers before you leave the states, it's mandatory in italy.
have a great trip and enjoy
aloha
Posted by
Boston
1846 posts
Google Maps works very well. The only issue we noticed was when the road configuration has changed in the last year or two. You won't need a paper map for driving, but I like them for planning a trip. You should definitely download for offline use the Google Map of the area you'll be in, in case you don't have cell data service or the coverage is interrupted. The app also now gives a beep warning when approaching most traffic cameras.