Looking to add some adventure to your commute? Waze, the popular navigation app, isn’t just about getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. It can also help you find scenic routes, making your drive more enjoyable. Whether you’re on vacation or just want to take the long way home, Waze offers a feature to select scenic routes that highlight points of interest along your journey.
Using Waze’s scenic route feature is pretty straightforward. Just open the app, enter your destination, and start your trip. Swipe right on the screen to re-open the search bar, look for a point of interest you want to pass by, and add it to your route. This can turn a mundane drive into a pleasant experience.
I often use Waze to avoid boring freeway drives, and it’s made my trips much more enjoyable. Also, with live traffic updates and alternate route options, Waze ensures you can enjoy a scenic drive without the stress of unexpected delays.
Getting Started with Waze
First, download the Waze app on your mobile device. It helps you find directions, avoid traffic, and discover new routes.
Understanding the Interface
When you open Waze, you land on the main map screen. It shows your current location and nearby streets.
At the bottom, there’s a search bar. Tap it to enter your destination. You’ll see several route options and details like the estimated time.
The menu icon, located in the top left corner, opens more settings like Navigation, Reports, and Moods. This is where you customize your experience.
On the map, icons represent other drivers and hazards. Tap these icons for more information or to report something yourself.
Setting Up Your Mobile Device for Waze
First, make sure your phone’s GPS is on. Waze uses your location to give real-time directions.
Next, adjust the app settings. Open the menu and tap Settings. Here, you can select your vehicle type and choose preferences like avoiding toll roads or highways.
You might also want to connect Waze to your car via Bluetooth. This lets you hear directions through your car speakers.
Finally, keep your phone charged. Navigation apps can drain battery quickly. Use a car charger to stay powered up on long trips.
Planning Your Scenic Adventure
When planning to use Waze for a scenic adventure, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Using the search bar effectively helps you find the perfect destinations, and exploring hidden gems revealed by map editors offers unique opportunities.
Using the Search Bar for Destinations
The search bar on Waze is your go-to tool for finding scenic spots.
- Open Waze and enter your desired destination.
- Tap “Go” to start your trip.
- Swipe right from the left side of your screen to bring up the destination search bar again.
- Search for points of interest like parks, coastal roads, or famous landmarks.
- View routes and select the scenic option.
This process helps you pick the most visually pleasing route while also giving you important details like estimated travel time and traffic conditions. It’s straightforward and provides a few options for you to choose from, making your road trip planning super smooth.
Exploring the Map Editors’ Hidden Gems
Waze’s community of map editors often updates and adds lesser-known scenic routes.
Map editors can include everything from picturesque backroads to quirky roadside attractions. They tag these spots so that users, like you and me, get to enjoy views that might not be on the standard routes.
- Check for Editor Updates: Look for recently added scenic routes.
- Community Reviews: Read what other travelers recommend.
- Custom Routes: Combine multiple points of interest into a custom scenic drive.
By relying on these suggestions from the Waze community, you can discover hidden gems that make your trip memorable. These routes are often more relaxed, providing a break from the usual hustle and bustle. The insights from other users can transform your road trip into an unforgettable scenic adventure.
Enhancing Your Drive
Waze offers many tools to improve your driving experience. From avoiding traffic jams to steering clear of unpaved roads, these features make your drive smoother and more enjoyable.
Traffic Avoidance Techniques
Live Traffic Data: Waze uses real-time traffic data to find the quickest route. If there’s a traffic jam ahead, it will alert you and suggest an alternative route. This helps you save time and reduces stress.
Detours: Sometimes, detours can be your best friend. If road work or an accident blocks your path, Waze suggests detours to keep you moving. It recalculates based on current data, so you’re always on the best path.
Incident Reports: Users can report incidents like accidents, hazards, or road closures. This community-driven feature helps keep the app updated with the latest information. You can avoid potential delays even before they become a problem.
Avoiding Tolls and Unpaved Roads
Avoid Toll Roads: Not everyone wants to pay tolls. Waze allows you to skip toll roads. Go to the settings, look for the “Navigation” section, and turn on “Avoid toll roads.” Simple and money-saving.
Unpaved Roads: If you prefer smooth drives, avoiding unpaved roads is key. In the settings, you can toggle on “Avoid unpaved roads.” This keeps your ride comfortable and avoids potential vehicle damage.
Customization: You can tailor your route preferences to fit your needs. Whether you want the fastest route, avoid tolls, or keep off dirt roads, Waze has you covered. Personalizing these settings helps you get the most out of your drive.
By using these features, your driving experience can be much more enjoyable and efficient. Happy driving!
Customizing Your Route
Customizing your route in Waze allows you to find alternate paths and make necessary stops along the way. Whether you’re avoiding toll roads, seeking out gas stations, or adding a detour to a restaurant, Waze has you covered.
Finding Alternate Routes
To find alternate routes in Waze, you first need to input your destination. Once that’s done, tap the “Routes” button. This will show you a list of alternative paths you can take. You can compare the estimated times for each route and select the one that best suits your needs.
The app lets you avoid toll roads, highways, and even ferries by toggling these options under the “Navigation” settings. Another neat feature is the ability to choose between routes that might offer scenic views. Search for your destination and swipe right on the left side of the screen to bring up additional options.
Making Stops Along the Way
Sometimes you just need to make a quick stop, whether it’s at a gas station, a restaurant, or a parking lot. Waze makes it easy to add these stops to your route. While on your trip, tap the search bar and type in your stop. Select “Add stop” and choose from options like gas stations or rest stops.
Making these stops won’t cancel your original route; instead, it’ll blend them seamlessly into your journey. You can even add multiple stops if you need to. This flexibility ensures that you can handle errands or grab a bite without losing sight of your ultimate destination.
Conveniences on the Go
Finding your way has never been easier with Waze, but there’s more to it than just reaching your destination.
Easily Locating Gas, Food, and Parking
Waze helps you locate essential spots like gas stations, food joints, and parking lots while you’re on the move. Imagine you’re on a scenic drive and your gas light pops on. No problem! Waze shows you nearby gas stations and even the gas prices, so you can choose the cheapest option.
Feeling hungry? Waze highlights various restaurants along your route. From fast food to cozy diners, you can see what’s available and make a stop without detouring too much. Just a couple of taps and you’ve got your next meal planned.
Parking can be a headache, especially in busy areas. Waze identifies nearby parking lots, saving you the endless circling. Just add it as a stop and park stress-free.
Waze Integration with Android Auto
Using Waze with Android Auto is a game changer. When you connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system, you get Waze’s navigation and features on a larger screen. This makes it easier to follow the route and check out points of interest without squinting at your phone.
Gas stations and restaurants pop up on the screen, making it easy to plan stops. Plus, voice commands mean you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel. You can say, “Find the nearest gas station,” and you’ll get directions without ever touching your phone.
Navigating and discovering new places while on a scenic drive becomes safer and more enjoyable with this integration.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.