If you’re not already using a Google Maps list to plan your travels, let me put you onto something. This has quickly become one of my favorite ways to organize trip ideas, save must-visit spots, and find a place to eat when I’m already hangry and walking in circles.
As someone who lives for lists (my Notes app looks like it’s prepping for a NASA mission), this tool hits that sweet spot between organized and spontaneous. It’s easy to use, helps you avoid travel chaos, and is totally free.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use Google Maps lists, show you how I’ve used them for real trips (from Australia to NYC), and share tips to make it your go-to trip planning tool. As an added bonus, I’ve also included a quick how-to on downloading offline maps.
Whether you’re a Type-A planner or just trying to keep your travel recs in one place, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Meet Your New Favorite Travel Tool: Google Maps Lists
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a custom list inside Google Maps where you can save places—restaurants, hotels, beaches, bookstores, you name it—and organize them however you like.
These lists live right on your map, so when you’re out and about, you can instantly see what’s nearby that you already wanted to check out.
You can add notes, change icons (depending on how you create your list), and even share your list with friends.
This free trip planning tool is incredibly flexible, whether you’re building a full itinerary or saving spots on the fly. It’s like your own curated guidebook that fits in your pocket.
Real Trip Examples
1. Australia & New Zealand: From Notes App Chaos to Mapped Magic
When I started planning our Australia and New Zealand trip, I had recommendations coming in from every direction—friends, Instagram, blogs, random articles.
Instead of trying to wrangle them all into a doc or spreadsheet, I just opened up Google Maps and made city-specific lists: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland.
I added little notes like “Boat tour leaves from this location” or “rooftop views!” so I could remember why each spot made the cut.
When we were out exploring, I could easily pull up the map and say, “What’s near us?” instead of falling into the indecisive scroll spiral. Total game-changer.
2. The Big Island: Gifting a Map Instead of a List
My parents were planning a trip to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and asked for recommendations of all our favorite places on the Big Island. Normally, I’d write up an email or send a few texts.
But this time, I made two simple Google Maps lists: one called “Big Island – Where to Eat” and another called “Big Island – Things to Do.”
I used different icons (🍽️ for restaurants, 🌺 for activities) to keep things visually clean, and I added notes like “best spot for tacos” or “perfect spot to catch the sunset.”
Then I just texted them the links. They could open them in their app, and everything was right there. So much easier—for both of us.
3. NYC Weekend: Real-Time Saving While Exploring
Our NYC trip was super spontaneous—booked the same day we left, in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
I didn’t have time to build a full itinerary, so I just started saving places in Google Maps as I went.
Coffee shop we loved? Saved. Landmark we went to? Saved. Incredible brunch spot I didn’t want to forget? Saved with a note.
It became this real-time travel diary I could look back on—and that I can now share with you.
Instead of trying to recap everything post-trip, I already had a curated list of what we actually did and loved.
Two Easy Ways to Make Google Maps Lists
Option 1: On Your Phone
This is the fastest and easiest way to get started.
To make a new list:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap “You” in the bottom navigation
- Confirm you are in the “Saved” tab (it should be defaulted).
- Tap “New list.”
- Choose an icon, name your list (like “NYC Eats” or “Hawaii Adventures”), add a description (this is optional) and tap “Save.”
- When you find a place you want to add, search for it in Google Maps, tap “Save,” choose your list, and hit “Done.” You can even add a personal note or description if you’d like—just for you, so it won’t change anything in the app for others.
Select “You” in the Google Maps app 
On the “Saved” tab, select “New List” 
Choose an icon, name your list, add a description if you’d like and select “Save” 
Search for a place and select “Save” 
Select the list and provide a personalized note, and select “Done” 
After selecting “Done” you’ll see the Saved icon will fill in with a check mark to indicate it saved
And while this is one way to save spots, it’s not the only one—there are a few other methods you’ll notice naturally as you tap around the app. Google Maps is full of little helpful features, so don’t be afraid to explore as you go.
You can make as many lists as you like—restaurants, things to do, beaches, whatever works for your style. Each list can only have one icon type, but if you organize by category (like separate lists for food, activities, and landmarks), it becomes super easy to visually distinguish them.
When you’re in the ‘Saved‘ view, you’ll see all your lists layered together on the map—making it easy to spot what’s nearby without flipping between tabs. It’s a streamlined way to stay organized without overcomplicating things.
Option 2: On Desktop with Google My Maps
If you’re more of a planner and love visuals, My Maps is your best friend.
To create one:
- Visit Google My Maps on a desktop browser (it works best there).
- Click “Create a New Map” to open a blank canvas.
- Use different layers for categories (like food, hotels, or sightseeing), and assign each layer a custom icon or color to help visually separate the types of places.
- Add notes, links, and even draw walking routes or directions between locations to help plan your days or highlight how far things are.
You can build everything out from your desktop and still view it on your phone later—no need to start from scratch. I usually just use the share button to email myself a link to the map. Then, when I’m on my phone, I open that email, tap the link, and it opens right in the Google Maps.
This method is ideal for longer trips, collaborative planning with others, or anyone who wants a bird’s-eye view of everything in one place. It’s especially great if you love organizing and customizing things just a little more than average.
Why Google Maps Lists Work So Well
What I Use It for the Most
Restaurant Recommendations on the Go — This is my number one use case. When we’re exploring a new city (or even just out for a Saturday afternoon at home), I love being able to pull up a list of spots I’ve been wanting to try. No more hangry indecision spirals.
Saving Where We’re Staying — First thing I do on any trip is save our hotel or Airbnb. That way, when we’re out roaming, it’s easy to tap for directions back. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference, especially in walkable or unfamiliar cities.
Checking out a restaurant in Auckland from the Google Map List I saved before our trip 
Grabbing dinner at one of our favorite spots, Aker, in Salt Lake City
Other Smart Ways to Use Google Maps Lists
You don’t need to be traveling to make the most of this tool:
- Make a list of your favorite restaurants close to home so you always have a go-to spot
- Keep a running list of places you want to try—perfect for those “What should we eat tonight?” moments
- Start a weekend or summer bucket list with local things to do (museums, hikes, cute coffee shops)
- If friends or family always ask you for recommendations, make a list once—and share it anytime they ask!
Bonus Tips: Personalize Your Map
Save Data with Offline Maps
Offline maps let you access the map and your saved lists even when you don’t have Wi-Fi or cell service—perfect for remote hikes, international travel, or spotty service areas.
How to download offline maps:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap your profile picture (top right), then select “Offline maps.”
- Tap “Select Your Own Map.”
- Zoom in or out to adjust the area you want, then tap “Download.”
- Use the three dots to update, rename, or delete your map.
Your saved locations within that area will still show up, and you can usually get directions, search places, and navigate—no internet required. Sometimes I run into issues getting offline maps to work abroad, but honestly, it’s still better to have them downloaded than not—especially since it’s totally free!
Select your profile picture in Google Maps 
Select “Offline maps” 
Tap “Select your own map” 
Determine the location area you want to save and select “Download” 
After downloading your map can be used offline and you can edit or delete as needed
All Mapped Out
Google Maps lists are the kind of low-effort, high-impact travel tool I wish I’d started using sooner. No spreadsheets, no forgotten recommendations, no chaos—just a map, some good food, and a lot more ease.
They’ve become my favorite way to capture both trip planning and trip memories. Plus, it’s just fun to open your map and see all your favorite places saved with little hearts and stars.
If you’re new to using Google Maps lists, start simple: one list, a few favorite spots, and see how it feels. It just might become your new favorite travel sidekick—whether you’re planning a big adventure or just trying to decide where to get brunch this weekend.
If you’re already building your own lists, what’s your favorite way to use them? And if you’re not, what kind of spots do you wish you had mapped out? Drop a note in the comments—or even share a destination you’re curious about. If I’ve been, I’m always happy to help piece together a map of favorites!
With joy,
Bri
Planning a trip?
These are the sites I personally use and recommend—whether you’re booking a place to stay, finding a great tour, or keeping an eye out for flight deals:
- Booking.com – For hotels with flexible booking options
- Vrbo – Unique vacation rentals, great for groups
- Tripadvisor – Research hotels, restaurants & attractions
- Going – Where I find the best flight deals
- Welcome Pickups – Easy, pre-booked airport transfers
- GetYourGuide – Tours and activities with reviews
- Viator – Excursions and guided day trips made simple
- SafetyWings – Smart, flexible travel insurance for every trip
For even more tools, check out my Travel Resources page!
