Planning a trip or mapping out your daily commute is stressful enough, but it becomes even more frustrating when you can't find a parking spot or you lose signal and a turn is coming up soon. Fortunately, the Google Maps app for Android and iPhone ($699 at Amazon) can remove a bit of the strain of driving with some of its hidden features. You probably know that with the Google Maps app, you can save addresses -- such as work and home -- so with a tap you can get directions to the places you travel to frequently. You can also get information about a place -- including what to eat, where to stay and what to do there -- to help you make the most of a trip. But Google Maps can help with other tasks you may not know about, such as letting you download a map to use offline, include stops along with your driving time to get a more accurate destination time and even help you find somewhere to park. Read on to learn how to use these features so your trip will be smooth. Go off the grid with Incognito Mode A new feature for Android users lets you go Incognito while using Google Maps. This means you'll be able to hide your location from other Maps users, as well as locations you've searched for. So if you're trying to surprise your significant other with a fancy necklace, this is what you'll need to do. Open the Google Maps app, tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select Turn on Incognito Mode. When you're ready to turn the setting off, follow the same steps and select Turn off Incognito Mode. Use Maps offline It never fails -- when you need directions the most, your phone loses signal at the most inopportune time. Fortunately, Google Maps lets you download your route ahead of time so that you never have to worry about getting lost. 1. In the Google Maps app, enter your destination. 2. At the bottom of the screen tap the name of the place or the address. 3. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. 4. Tap Download offline map. 5. Tap Download. The map for the area you've selected will now be available to you offline. Plan the route of your entire trip, including stops If Google says your trip will take seven hours but it ends up being eight, it may be because you didn't include your multiple stops along the way. Google Maps lets you add stops so you can get a more accurate de https://www.facebook.com/
