When traveling long distances, it’s important to know where the nearest rest stops are. This way, you can be sure to take a break when needed and avoid getting too tired while driving.
You can also take a break and use the bathrooms at the rest stops. There are a lot of apps that can tell you where the rest stops are, but it’s a hassle using them.
Imagine checking your rest stop app and then going back to your GPS, back and forth. It’s tiresome!
Luckily, Google Maps makes it easy to find them. Here’s a guide on how to find rest stops using Google Maps.
How To Find Rest Stops On Google Maps
There are a few ways to find rest stops on Google Maps. One way is to open the app and type “rest stop” into the search bar. It will bring up a list of results that show the location of the rest stops near you. As well as how far they are from your location.
Alternatively,
You can open the app and zoom in on the map until you see the blue icon that indicates a rest stop. Once you’ve located a rest stop, you can click on it to see its address, phone number, and hours of operation.
If you’re looking for something specific, say a pet-friendly rest stop or one with a restaurant, you can filter your results using the search bar.
Just type in what you’re looking for, and a list of relevant rest areas will pop up. For example, you can type ”pet–friendly rest stops ” in the search bar and search for results. It will display all the rest stops that are pet friendly in your vicinity.
Rest stops are common in many parts of the USA, and they are evenly spaced along highways. A map of the area may mark the location of rest areas.
If there is no map, highway signs will give advance notice so the driver can prepare to be in the lane they need to be in to enter the rest area.
Some rest areas have changed over the years and no longer offer the services they once did. For example, many rest stops used to have tourist information centers, but these are now rare. There will be a sign at the entrance to the rest area indicating that it is a rest area.
What Type Of Information Is Available About The Rest Stops?
On Google maps, you can find different information about a rest stop. There are mainly three types of information: general information, reviews & ratings, and photos. Such information aims to give you a summary of the rest area.
1. General information
This may include location, hours of operation, contact information, amenities, and services available. In some cases, you can see availability, in other words, whether they are closed or open.
2. Reviews and ratings
Some drivers and passengers who have stopped at a rest area leave behind reviews and ratings.
It summarizes their overall experience of stopping there. It can include things like the quality of the restroom, parking lot, and general services offered.
You can use this information to decide whether to stop there, as it may give you an idea of what to expect. The rating section will list an average rating out of five stars that have been given to the rest area by users.
3. Photos and videos
It’s a norm for people to take pictures and videos of rest areas along their route for memories. Such pictures can be uploaded on the internet to identify with the place.
This can give you a good idea of what the rest area looks like and what to expect when you stop there. You can use such information to make an informed decision on which rest stop to choose.
What Are Some Of The Features You Expect To Find At A Rest Stop?
There are a few features that a standard rest stop should have. It is important to look at these features/f facilities when choosing a rest stop. So that you don’t get to a rest stop and don’t get the one specific thing you were looking for. Some common facilities you will find include;
– Parking: the rest stops need to have a large parking lot with plenty of space for trucks, RVs, and cars.
– convenient stores: You can find a small convenience store that sells snacks, drinks, and some basic food items in a rest stop.
– Bathrooms: Expect to get multiple bathrooms in most stop areas. Some might be clean and well-maintained, while others are in bad shape. You will have to rely on the reviews by other users or check them out yourself.
– WiFi hotspots – when taking a break at a rest stop, many use this opportunity to share the pictures they’ve taken along the road. You will appreciate the presence of WiFi hotspots at a stop area
Other facilities that you may find include but are not limited to:
Payphones
Restaurants
Picnic area
Vending machines
Travel brochures
Gas stations
Information centers
Newspapers and magazines
ATMs
Tips For Choosing A Safe Rest Stop
What do you look for in a rest stop when you’re on a road trip and need a break? Sure, some people might choose one based on its amenities, while others might go for one close to their final destination.
In many cases, safety is always out of the equation. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of rest stops.
Many rest stops are safe and clean, but a number of them are known for crime or prostitution.
Stopping at a safe rest stop is key to keeping yourself and your passengers’ safe while on the road. Here are a few tips for choosing safe rest stops:
1. Avoid stopping at rest stops that are in isolated areas.
Whether traveling in a group or as an individual, avoid stopping at rest stops in isolated areas. These stops can be dangerous, as criminals often target them. Instead, try to find a stop in a more populated area.
2. Look for rest stops with security cameras and/or personnel present.
You need to avoid secluded rest stops as a motorist, especially when traveling alone. But what if all the rest stops near your vicinity are in remote areas? What should you do?
If you can’t find a stop area in a populated area, try to find one with security cameras or security officers.
3. Avoid rest stops that are known for crime or prostitution.
Rest stops are meant for people to take a break and unwind before embarking on their journey. But others have been turned into red zones.
Where there is plenty of rough trade and drinking, such places are not conducive if you are traveling with family.
Stop areas with records of crime and prostitution can be dangerous. And you don’t want to put yourself in danger just for a break. There are plenty of safe rest places to stop along the highway – so why take the risk?
4. If possible, don’t spend the night.
You might find a cheap rest area, which can be tempting after long hours of driving on the road. If you can soldier on relax for a few minutes, then continue with the journey.
An increasing rate of criminal occurrences in rest stops has led many states to ban sleeping at rest stops.
And many other states are putting up efforts to discourage the practice. If you have to spend the night, look for state parks or campgrounds near you. You will be charged a small fee and sleep at peace knowing you are safer.
5. Look for well-lit areas.
Criminals like operating in dark and poorly lit areas. By choosing a well-lit spot, you are discouraging criminal activities.
Before stopping at any rest stop, ensure that the entire area is well lit. Avoid parking on the peripherals of the rest area like the surrounding woods where most crimes occur.
You can always ask for the guard to look after you when you enter the facility, especially if you are alone.
Conclusion
You’re getting ready for that long-awaited trip and were wondering how to find rest stops on Google maps? We hope this article has been of help to you.
The process is a breeze, simply type ‘rest stops’ into the search bar, and all the rest areas around you will be displayed.
When choosing a rest stop, it is important to consider various factors. This may include location, security, amenities, price, and convenience. Your rest stop should be easy to spot from the main road and close to popular destinations.
You can find a rest stop that meets your needs by considering these factors. Happy travels!
