Plus, I talk to Grandma Joy Ryan and her grandson, Brad, about their travels to all 63 U.S. national parks. The LAPD’s new way to combat catalytic converter theft. TikToker jumps into an alligator pit, Google’s “booty” tech, and things to do with a dead phone
One trick to access Google Maps or Apple Maps even when you don’t have cell service
Remember picking up roadmaps at the gas station and keeping a stash in the glove compartment? Those days are behind us, thanks to all the ways to get GPS in our cars. Some vehicles come with the software, but you can always add a device even if yours doesn’t. Or you can use your phone.
The nice thing about having a portable GPS is that it can do much more than get you where you need to go. You can explore restaurants, find rest stops and check the traffic. Or you can see the world from the comfort of home. Tap or click here to explore shipwreck sites on Google Maps.
What to do if you have a bad signal? Your fancy GPS won’t work. Before you reach for the glove compartment, we’ll show you a trick that will keep you on your path even when you have no cell service.
Don’t leave home without a map
If you know you’re heading into an area with poor signal or long stretches of lonely roads, you can download an area map ahead of time. Think national parks or mountainous regions. Even an overcast sky can mess with your GPS.
Luckily, you can download a map to use offline with Google Maps. Do this before you embark on your journey, and you’ll still get guidance, even if the service is spotty or nonexistent.
Downloading a map from Google Maps to your iPhone
- Make sure you’re connected to the internet and not in Incognito mode.
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Search for your destination, a city or a landmark.
- Tap the name or address of the place at the bottom of your screen, then tap the three dots.
- Select Download offline map > Download.
After downloading an area, use the Google Maps app like you normally would. If your internet connection is slow or absent, your offline map will guide you to your destination.
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Downloading a map from Google Maps to your Android phone
- Make sure you’re connected to the internet.
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Search for your destination, a city or a landmark.
- Tap the name or address of the place at the bottom of your screen, then tap Download > Download.
- If you searched for a place like a restaurant, tap the three dots, then Download offline map > Download.
Thank you, veterans! Here are the best deals and freebies you can get today
When you have lost your parents, you probably think of them every day. That’s how I feel about my father. He served in the Army during the Korean War before working for United Airlines.
Since his passing, I miss him all the time. I even used a photo recreation tool to transform an old photo into a lifelike video. If you walk into my office, you’ll see his military medals shining under my office lights. It’s a daily reminder that I can be just as brave and selfless as he was.
Stay connected on the road: How to get internet in your RV or truck
Heading out to campgrounds or national parks in an RV has always been a popular way to spend the summers. There are plenty of people who prefer this type of getaway over resorts or big vacations with the family.
The current pandemic has only increased the popularity of camping culture. After all, it’s much safer to trade in a flight across the country for a socially distant ride in an RV. Over the last several months, the roads have been filled with these types of recreational vehicles. Tap or click here for the 10 best apps for camping, RV travel and road trips.