We’ve come a long way from the days when families had to rely on walky-talkies to keep track of each other on the ski slopes or hiking trails. Yes, resorts and national parks offer paper trail maps, but they can easily get lost, torn or are simply awkward to decipher, especially if you’re wearing bulky gloves or battling a headwind. And while using the map feature on your smartphone works up to a point, they may not offer the level of detail you’re looking for to be accessible in the wilderness.
Enter Avenza Maps, an in-app store that lets you download digital maps you can access from your smartphone. The app accurately tracks your GPS location on the map, plots placemarks and geotagged photos, measures distances and areas and records your GPS tracks. Avenza Maps’ in-app map store works like the iBooks or Kindle store for digital books by letting you search for and download free or inexpensive — typically less than $3 or $4 — maps for a specific region and activity.
There are about 1 million maps to choose from, basically located anywhere someone published a digital map, including National Geographic and the U.S. Forest Service, and you can use them without internet or data.
What’s especially useful are the activity-specific details like topography, trails and even campground locations and, in winter, the product works for a range of outdoor enthusiasts, including Alpine and cross-country skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders and snowmobilers. In warmer weather months, the maps can come in handy when hiking with the kids. In Yosemite, for example, parents could search within that region for trail maps, including this example of an entire Yosemite National Park Map Bundle from National Geographic.
The app download is free for iOS and Android.
Of course, emerging technology is no substitute for commonsense parental guidance when setting out on an outdoor excursion with kids. It’s important to talk to children about the importance of staying together or, in the case of older children, designate a meeting point and time. If you’re skiing, for example, make sure the kids know which base camp is your designated lunch spot, if there is more than one, and put a card with the name of your hotel in each child’s coat pocket. You would be surprised how many lost youngsters have no idea where they’re staying. Finally, ensure everyone’s phone is fully charged — there’s no point in having a great digital map if your phone dies — and even consider putting a small external charger in everyone’s pocket.
Read This Next
5 Tips for First-Time Campers
Travel Tips
Apr 26, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 2, 20245 Montana National Park Vacations to Experience This Summer
Home to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Montana beckons family travelers this summer with some thrilling and fun adventures and experiences. Whether it’s taking an RV to Yellowstone and Glacier National Park or embarking on adventures in Big Sky, here’s five national park vacations to consider in Montana this summer.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Slideshow
May 2, 20246 European Castles for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these European castles with us.
Destinations
May 2, 20245 Beachfront Resorts for Summer Vacation
Plan summer family travel to one of these beachfront resorts around the world.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024Music Jams Await the Whole Family in Cajun Country, Louisiana
It’s always time for music in Louisiana’s Cajun Country and, in May, the place to be for family travelers is St. Landry’s Parish. Celebrate Mothers’ Day in Opelousas at Tucka James Music Fest, May 10–11, where 16 artists perform over two days. Friday is Country Takeover and Saturday stars the King of Swing, Tucka James.
ShareThis