Most people use Google Maps when traveling, but there’s one app that comes pre-installed on every iPhone that can significantly enhance your travel experience.
The Compass app(opens in a new tab) is often overlooked or immediately deleted, but it can be extremely useful in certain situations.
Even if you’re offline, the Compass app can give you clear directions in a big and bold font. You can learn more about cardinal directions using this app and even get information about your elevation and coordinates, making it not just a regular compass but a useful guide for your travels.
The app is especially helpful when you’re in a foreign country and have limited data. Start by mapping out your route on a mapping app while you still have WiFi (Google Maps is an excellent choice). After leaving the subway station, cab, or your hotel, use your internet-disconnected phone to ascertain if you’re walking in the right direction. Thus, this app can ensure you don’t get lost in an unfamiliar city.
The Compass app doesn’t pinpoint your exact location, but it can assist in orienting yourself. It can tell you your bearings, elevation, and coordinates, helping you get a sense of your surroundings, which can be useful in remote areas.
If someone directs you to a specific landmark or you have a general idea of the area where your destination is located, the Compass app can be extremely helpful. It doesn’t require data or internet connections and will point you in the right direction without any hassle.
As a quick and easy-to-use tool, the Compass app is practical in any situation where you need to orient yourself. While not a replacement for Google Maps or other mapping apps, it’s still a useful tool that can come in handy when you least expect it.
UPDATE: Jun. 5, 2023, 12:00 p.m. AEST This article was originally published in Mar. 2020, and has since been updated in Jun. 2023.
