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How to Make Custom Google Maps

Custom Google Maps have been such a help in trip planning over the past three years or so. They are a lifesaver when you’re mapping out distances between locations in an unfamiliar place. I’ll show you how to create one.

Step 1: Navigate to the Google Maps Menu

Open Google Maps. Use the menu icon on the right to open up your maps menu. Click on “Your places.”

google-maps

Step 2: Create Map

Next, click on the “Maps” tab. After that, click on where it says “Create Map.” It will take you to an untitled map of whatever country you live in.

google-maps
google-maps

Step 3: Label Your Map (or not)

Now you can add a title to your map. I ended up leaving mine untitled since in the beginning I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to go.

google-maps

Step 4: Type a Location into the Search Bar

Type in the name or address of a place you would like to go. I typed in the name of a hotel in Morocco I found on Agoda since that’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit.

google-maps

Step 5: Add Your Location to the Map

Add the location to the map, by clicking on “+Add to map.” You can also click on the “Untitled layer” and name it. I named this one Hotels, since I put the hotel names in it.

google-maps

Step 6: Rename Your Layers

Add another layer. This way you can separate different details of your trip. Click on a layer to rename it. I named my second layer “Things to do.” Now search for another location and add it to your map.

google-maps
google-maps

Step 7: Add Color to Your Location Markers

Now you will want to customize your map. Click on any of your locations and play around with the options. Click on the “Style” option to change the color of the location markers.

google-maps
google-maps

Step 8: Differentiate Between Layers

Now the different colors allow you to see which location goes in which layer. Label all locations in each tab the same color. You also have the option to hide layers so that only one layer is visible at a time. Do name your map as well. Haha!

google-maps

Play around with the customization settings. Add notes to specific locations. Add additional layers to include locations such as restaurants and transportation hubs . It’s such a handy tool.

I first learned about these maps from a blogger named Jean who runs Extrapetite.com. Since then I’ve been hooked. Thank you Jean!

google-maps

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