A bird’s eye view
As soon as I’ve returned from a trip, I’m usually imagining where to go next. One of the first tools that I use in researching a destination is Google Maps.
A fishing village an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Even the best guidebooks can’t give you the level of detail and overall geography that is made possible through worldwide satellite data. This view of Sayulita, Mexico clearly shows the triangular plaza in the center of town which appeared in the hand-drawn scribble from the owners of the guest house where we stayed, as well as the main beach and Playa de Los Muertos where we hoped to escape the crowds.
For more examples of how Google Maps helps in planning and appreciating destinations, please see the rest of the article in my new weekly Vagabonding column on vagablogging.net, every Thursday!
An adventurer at heart, 
