Ok, this isn’t specifically a photography topic, but it is an issue that photographers face when traveling internationally. How do you use maps on your phone without racking up international data charges.

In a few weeks we’ll be roaming the Italian countryside and it would be nice to be able to reference my Google Maps on my phone to know where we are. How do I get from my hotel in Rome to the Roma Termini train station. It’s not that far but I’m not familiar with the streets.

I use Google Maps and a neat feature in this robust app is the ability to download different locations so you can access the map features offline.

Download a Map

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app.
Make sure you're connected to the Internet and signed in to Google Maps.
Search for a place, like Rome, Italy.
At the bottom, tap the name or address of the place - tap More or scroll over to see Download.
Select Download.

Using Offline Maps

After you download a map, you simply use Google Maps as you normally do. If your internet connection is slow non existent, Google Maps will use your offline map data.

This app also gives you the ability to manage all the downloaded map sections. Click on the menu drop down (it looks like a triple-decker hamburger) and select Offline Maps. There you can rename the maps and update them manually.

Enjoy the journey.