1. Open Google My Maps (https://www.google.com/mymaps )and sign in with your Google account if you have not already.

2. Create a New Map: Click on "Create a New Map". A blank map will open with a panel on the left side for customization options.

3. Add Map Details: Title Your Map: Click on "Untitled map" to rename it and add a description if needed.

4. Add Layers or Locations: You can add points of interest, routes, or layers (like restaurant spots, travel destinations, etc.).  In our case, we just added places (using the search box).  Click “add to map” when done.

5. Customize Pins and Layers: Click on a pin to change its color or icon by clicking on the paint bucket icon. Add additional layers if you want to organize locations (for example, separate layers for various categories).

6. Share Your Map: Click the “Share” button to open sharing settings. In the “Share with others” section, you can set permissions (Viewer, Editor) and control who can access the map. Copy the link to share it directly or invite people via email.

7. Publish Your Map (Optional): If you want the map to be publicly accessible, change the setting from “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link” or “Public on the web.”

8. Access Your Map Later: You can return to your map at any time via Google My Maps, where it will be saved under your account.

Before anything else, you need to determine if your phone will work abroad.

1.1.  Types of Phones and Network Compatibility

1. GSM vs. CDMA: How Do You Know?

• GSM: This is the most common network type worldwide, used by carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.

• CDMA: Used by carriers like Verizon and Sprint (mostly older phones).

How to check:

• iPhone: Most iPhones (from iPhone 6 and later) support both GSM and CDMA, so they will work internationally. Check in Settings > General > About and look for the model number online.

• Android: For phones like Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, check in Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks. Most newer models are GSM-compatible.

2. Is Your Phone Unlocked?

• Unlocked phones can be used with any carrier, while locked phones are tied to one network.

• How to check:

  • Contact your carrier to ask if your phone is unlocked.

  • Or insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If your phone works, it’s unlocked.

• Unlocking your phone: Contact your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to unlock your phone before traveling. Many carriers unlock phones once your contract is complete.

3. Does Your Phone Have Dual SIM or eSIM?

• Dual SIM means you can have two physical SIM cards in your phone, which is useful for using local SIM cards abroad while keeping your original one.

• eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to add a second plan (no physical SIM card needed).

How to check:

• iPhone: iPhone XS and newer models have dual SIM (one physical SIM and one eSIM). You can check in Settings > Cellular to see if you have an option to "Add Cellular Plan" for eSIM.

• Android: On newer Android phones (like Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 4 and later), check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. If you see options for eSIM, your phone supports it.

Next, check with your carrier about their international plans. This can significantly reduce the cost of calls, texts, and data abroad.

2.1. Major U.S. Carriers

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular U.S. carriers and their international offerings:

Verizon

• TravelPass:

  • $10/day in over 185 countries. You use your domestic plan's data, calls, and texts abroad. After hitting your high-speed data limit, speeds are reduced.

  • Activation: You can activate TravelPass via the My Verizon app or by texting Travel to 4004 before departure.

  • Note: Verizon is CDMA, so ensure your phone supports GSM before traveling.

• Monthly International Plan:

  • For $100, you get 5GB of high-speed data, 250 minutes, and 1,000 sent texts in over 185 countries.

AT&T

• International Day Pass:

  • $10/day for unlimited calls, texts, and data in over 210 countries. You only pay for days you use your phone abroad.

  • Activation: Activate the plan via Myatt app or text Travel to 7726.

• International Monthly Plans:

  • Plans start at $70/month for 15GB of data and unlimited texting in over 210 destinations.

• Tip: AT&T offers both GSM and CDMA networks, so ensure your phone is GSM-capable.

T-Mobile

• T-Mobile Magenta Plans:

  • If you have a Magenta or Magenta MAX plan, you get free unlimited text and data in over 210 countries. Data speeds are 2G (256 Kbps), but you can pay for 4G/LTE speed upgrades.

  • Activation: No activation needed; it is included in your plan.

• T-Mobile’s Unlimited Stateside International Calling:

  • For $15/month, you get free unlimited international calls from the U.S. to over 70 countries.

  •  

Google Fi

• Best for International Travel:

  • Google Fi offers the same rates abroad as at home. You can use your plan’s calls, texts, and data in over 200 countries at no additional charge.

  • Activation: No special activation  required. Your phone will automatically switch to local networks when you land.

NOTE:  Some of these options require that you are using their existing service, while others do not.  Here is a breakdown of this information:

Carriers Requiring Your Phone to Already Be on Their Network:

For these carriers, you need to already be a customer using their service to take advantage of their international plans:

• Verizon: You must already have a Verizon plan to use options like TravelPass or their monthly international plans.

• AT&T: You need to be an existing AT&T customer to use their International Day Pass or other international services.

• T-Mobile: If you are a Magenta or Magenta MAX plan customer, you get free international text and data in over 210 countries.

Carrier Not Requiring Existing Service:

For this carrier, you don’t need to be a customer. You can switch to this service just for your international travel if you want:

• Google Fi: You do not need to be an existing customer. You can sign up with Google Fi for your trip. Google Fi works in over 200 countries, offering the same rates for calls, texts, and data as in the U.S.

Key Difference:

• Existing Service Required: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile—you must already be using them as your primary carrier.

• No Existing Service Required: Google Fi allows you to sign up and use their service without switching your main carrier permanently, which makes it flexible for travelers.

This flexibility with Google Fi can be a big advantage if you want a temporary solution for international travel without changing your primary carrier.

Once you have checked compatibility and chosen a plan, here’s how to configure your phone before you leave.

3.1. For iPhone Users

• Turn Off Cellular Data and Roaming:

  • Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn off Data Roaming. This prevents unexpected charges, especially if you are not using an international plan.

• Set Email to Fetch:

  • Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data. Choose Manually so emails will not download automatically using cellular data.

• Download Offline Maps and Apps:

  • Use Google Maps to download offline maps of your destination. You can do this with Google Maps > Menu > Offline maps and select your area.

• Add an eSIM Plan (if available):

  • On iPhone XS and newer, you can use an eSIM for your international travel. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan a QR code from a carrier that supports eSIM (like Google Fi or T-Mobile).

3.2. For Android Users

• Turn Off Roaming:

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network and toggle off Roaming to avoid automatic charges.

• Manage App Data:

  • Disable apps from using background data by going to Settings > Data Usage > App Data Usage and toggling off non-essential apps.

• Set Email to Fetch:

  • Go to Gmail > Settings > Data Usage > Sync and choose Manual Sync to avoid using data for automatic email updates.

• Use Dual SIM or eSIM:

  • On newer Android phones (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy), you can activate an international eSIM while keeping your home SIM active. Follow similar steps as iPhone to set up the eSIM plan.

In some cases, buying a local SIM card may be cheaper than using your U.S. carrier's international plan.

4.1. Steps to Use a Local SIM Card

• Buy Upon Arrival: Purchase a local SIM at the airport or in a local shop when you arrive at your destination. In many countries, these are affordable and come with data plans.

• Install and Activate:

  • Replace your existing SIM with the local SIM. Instructions vary by country, but most include instructions in English. You may need to restart your phone after inserting the SIM.

• Popular Local SIM Providers:

  • Europe: Vodafone, Orange, TIM, O2.

  • Asia: China Mobile, Airtel, Singtel.

  • South America: Movistar, Claro.

• Tip: If you are traveling between multiple countries, consider a regional SIM card or one from a global provider like OneSimCard or GigSky.

These apps would be especially useful for international travel: 

·         WhatsApp or Skype: For free Wi-Fi calling and texting.

• Google Maps: Download offline maps of your destination.

• Google Translate: For easy translation, especially if traveling to a non-English-speaking country.

• TripIt: To organize your trip itinerary.

• Airline Apps: For check-ins, boarding passes, and flight updates.

• Use a VPN:

  • Protect your data on public Wi-Fi by using a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi:

  • Stick to secure networks whenever possible and avoid online banking or entering sensitive information over unsecured networks.