Yesterday I was RV shopping with my family and the GPS directed me to a red dirt road blocked by a felled tree. I had no paper map, and not being familiar with the area, I could not find the new entrance. A paper map will give you a bird’s eye view of the area and show you how to get where you are going.
Paper maps are inexpensive and invaluable on a road trip. When making travel decisions on the road it is helpful to have the birds eye view provided by a physical atlas. Carrying a paper map is also a great idea in the case of lost service or a road closure.
Traveling with a paper map is a great way to disaster proof your vacation. There are lots of apps and websites you can use to plan your trip, but keeping the paper map available for your road trip gives you flexibility and insurance.
My father in law is a retired trucker. I will never forget when he visited us and took out his paper map and planned his return route. It was like a time travel moment. I had never seen anyone use a paper map to plan a road trip. Maybe you have not either.
Are paper maps still useful?
Paper maps are really helpful when driving in new areas. They can be used to plan a trip before you set out or they can be a backup when traveling in rural areas.
If you are exploring an area that you know to be remote, you can make sure to download your maps for offline use. The problem is that you may find yourself in an area without service unexpectedly and lost.
An inexpensive atlas, like this classic from Rand McNally is available on Amazon. There are also a few other options like this National Park version of the classic Rand McNally road atlas.
These maps are in large softcover books, not complicated, large, folded maps. They are easy to read and very helpful for finding alternative routes or close cities.
While there are a lot of reasons to keep a paper map, there are some pros and cons:
Pro
- Works without power and internet
- Show topographical information like rivers and mountains
- Gives bird’s eye view
- Easily see surrounding towns to explore
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be lost or destroyed
- Takes skill to use
- Does not give ETA
- Does not account for traffic
- May be outdated
For me, an atlas is an easy choice. It will only put you out a few dollars and it can really get you out of a tough situation.
When should I use a paper map?
Once you buy an atlas and put it in your car you never have to think about it again unless you need to use it!
Keeping a map in the car at all times will allow you to have that bird’s eye view of your surroundings. It is always a good idea to have a map in your car.
You may feel like you are in the middle of nowhere and that gas gauge is sinking toward E, but the map can show you that you are right off the highway!
This will give you the option to see where you are and any close towns or roads that you might need to find.
Where can I get a paper map?
Truck Stops
Road atlas maps are sold in all the major truck stops, and lots of gas stations carry them too. You can use this handy guide to finding good rest stops, and call ahead and ask if they have them.
Truck stops are gas stations but better. They sell electronics, groceries and they often offer paid showers and dine in restaurants. If you need an atlas, they are likely to sell them.
Look for:
Pilot
Flying J
Loves
TA
Mr. Fuel
Road Ranger
Iowa 80
Bowlin Travel Centers
Amazon
Amazon sells some really handy road atlas’ Rand McNally is the biggest name in the road atlas game. If you want a good, comprehensive atlas, just grab this one.
The Next Exit, available on Amazon, is another great resource if you will be traveling mainly highway miles. This publication specializes in helping travelser find services. Perfect for foodie travel or campers who will be looking for lodging.
While I was browsing, I found this Kids Atlas by Rand McNally and I put that right on the wish list.
This awesome little book shows kids how to use an atlas and gives a map of each state. The pages also have crossword puzzles and travel games sprinkled around the maps.
AAA
AAA has maps available to its members for free online or to order. There seems to be some debate as to if this program is still available, so check with your membership.
You must be a member of AAA to have access to these maps, and since I am not, I will direct you to their website where you can learn more.
Where can I get paper maps for free?
Stop by a state welcome center or visitor center. There you will likely find quite a selection of maps of local attractions. This is the best place to find free maps.
In my county we have our own visitor center that has maps and brochures for local amusement parks, historical sites and coupons for other local businesses.
If you are visiting a state that is known for beautiful natural features you may even find biking and hiking maps.
If you really need a paper map for a state before you arrive, you can visit the state tourism website and get contact information. Try calling ahead and requesting a visitor packet be sent to your home. They may have a bundle of information that they send.
If you only need a map temporarily, check one out from your local library. They are sure to have a good selection, and the option to print or copy.
Do I need a compass to use a paper map?
When using a map for a road trip you do not need a compass to navigate. A paper road map will give you a bird’s eye view and a clear picture of the roads you are traveling. Simply look at your current location and your destination and choose the roads that will get you there.
Compasses are necessary only when traveling in areas without signs and markings. Traveling with a map and compass is most common when hiking.
What are the disadvantages of a paper map?
While it is recommended that you carry a paper map or road atlas on your road trip, there are drawbacks.
Paper maps are not automatically updated like an electronic GPS. If there is a recent road closure, your map may not reflect the changes. Buy a new map every year if you are traveling in unfamiliar areas or areas where there is frequent road work.
Paper maps take skill to use. GPS is designed to be very user friendly and intuitive. Paper maps are not as intuitive if you have never used one before. Go to Walmart and flip through a Rand McNally road atlas. See if you can find your street, the Walmart you are standing in? It is not too hard once you try it.
Go buy a map!
I can think of so many times when I was traveling recently and WISHED I had my road atlas. The problem with having multiple vehicles is that what you want is always in the other one!\
Once, I was trying to go buy a camper! I know I said that you don’t need one, but we are planning on living in one for about 3 months, so we’re shopping. Well, the road to the new dealership was closed and Google Maps could NOT find another way in! I had to call the dealership and ask for directions.
Another time, I was running out of gas and lost without signinal. I was so nervous to guess! If I picked wrong, we would be so stranded. I have FOUR KIDS! What on earth would we have done.
Order a Rand McNally Atlas on Amazon and throw it in the car. I hope you never find yourself lost and out of gas!
