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The Travel App You Didn’t Know You Needed: What3words Explained

  • Writer: My Travel Shoes
    My Travel Shoes


Find Any Spot on Earth with Just Three Words.


Have you ever struggled to describe your exact location while travelling, hiking, or exploring the outdoors? Whether you're meeting a friend in a busy city, trying to find a remote campsite, or dealing with an emergency, What3words is a simple tool that can make navigation easier.


What is What3words?


What3words is a free app that divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, assigning each square a unique three-word address. Instead of sharing complicated GPS coordinates, you can communicate your precise location using just three words.

For example, the Eiffel Tower’s What3words location is ///filled.count.soap—much easier to remember than latitude and longitude!

Some pizza delivery companies and other delivery services are using the app – you can provide your back door or front door what3words location.


Why Use What3words While Travelling?


  • Find exact locations – Perfect for hidden gems, trailheads, or hard-to-find accommodations.

  • Easy to share – No need for long directions—just send three words.

  • Works offline – The app stores locations even without an internet connection.

  • Emergency use – Rescue teams and emergency services in many countries use What3words to locate people faster.


How to Use What3words on Your Travels


1. Download the App


2. Find and Share Your Location

If you're in a remote area, a busy city, or on a hiking trail and need to share where you are:

  • Open What3words and check your location.

  • Copy the three-word address and send it via text, WhatsApp, or email.

  • Example: “I’m at ///ocean.wander.path – meet me here!”

3. Use It for Navigation

If someone shares a What3words location with you:

  • Open the app and enter the three-word address in the search bar.

  • Tap “Navigate” to open directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or another app.

4. Emergencies & Safety


What3words is used by emergency services in many countries, including Canada, UK, US, and Australia.

  • If you get lost while hiking or need urgent help, open the app and give 911 (or local emergency services) your three-word location.

  • This helps responders find you faster than traditional GPS coordinates.

5. Finding Hidden Travel Spots

Many off-the-beaten-path places—like secret beaches, scenic viewpoints, and unique Airbnbs—use What3words for exact locations.

  • Check their website or contact the host for a three-word address.

  • Enter it in What3words to find the exact spot!

Real-Life Travel Situations Where What3words Helps


  • Road trips – Share precise meeting points at gas stations or scenic stops.

  • Camping/Hiking – Pinpoint remote campsites or trailheads.

  • Beaches – Find friends on a crowded shoreline.

  • Cities – Locate hidden cafes, market stalls, or Airbnb entrances.

  • Emergencies – If lost or injured, emergency services can find you faster.


Start Using What3words on Your Next Adventure!


  • Download the app and explore with confidence.

  • Bookmark cool locations you find.

  • Share it with fellow travelers—they’ll thank you later!


Learn more at What3words.com


Learn how and why What3Words was created. Listen to the Ted Talk by Chris Sheldrick CEO & co-founder of the app.


Can you identify my location in this photo by searching these three words?






A Journey Through Time: My Visit to Muir Woods National Monument

  • Writer: My Travel Shoes
    My Travel Shoes

Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument

Last December, I was in San Francisco visiting friends, and as an avid hiker and nature lover, I seized the chance to visit Muir Woods National Monument. Little did I know, this visit would leave an unforgettable impact on me.


A Historical Sanctuary


Muir Woods is not just any forest—it's an ancient sanctuary that has witnessed centuries of history. Named after the naturalist John Muir, this national monument was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park was created to preserve the old-growth coastal redwoods, which are some of the last remaining ancient redwoods in the Bay Area. These trees have survived fires, floods, and escaped the widespread logging that claimed many of their kin. This resilience is a testament to both their natural fortitude and the foresight of conservationists who recognized the need to protect these majestic giants.






The Importance of Muir Woods


Beyond its historical significance, Muir Woods plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. The towering redwoods, some over 600 years old, act as carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and providing a habitat for countless species. The park is also a living reminder of the natural beauty that once covered much of California's coast. By preserving this unique environment, future generations can experience the awe and inspiration that comes from standing beneath these giants.





The Giants of Muir Woods


The trees of Muir Woods are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Coastal redwoods, or Sequoia sempervirens, dominate the landscape. These trees are the tallest species of trees on earth, with some reaching heights of over 250 feet. Their massive trunks can be up to 14 feet in diameter, and their bark, rich in tannins, provides protection against insects and fire. Walking among these giants, I felt a profound sense of humility and wonder. The sheer size and age of these trees are a reminder of nature's power and resilience.




My Awe-Inspiring Experience


As I entered Muir Woods, I was immediately enveloped by a sense of tranquility. The towering redwoods seemed to reach the sky, their branches creating a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into ethereal beams. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of the forest floor. Every step I took along the Redwood Creek Trail felt like a step back in time.




The main trail offers various loops, ranging from short walks to longer hikes. I chose to explore one of the longer loops, eager to immerse myself fully in the forest's beauty. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the rustling of leaves. With each turn, I discovered new wonders—moss-covered trunks, delicate ferns, and even a few glimpses of the wildlife that call this forest home.








Reflections on Nature's Majesty


Visiting Muir Woods was more than just a hike; it was a journey through time and a deep connection with nature. Standing amidst trees that have witnessed centuries of history, I felt a renewed sense of purpose to advocate for the protection of our natural world. Muir Woods reminded me of the importance of preserving these natural sanctuaries, not just for their beauty, but for the vital role they play in maintaining the health of our planet.





If you ever find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area, I urge you to visit Muir Woods National Monument. Whether you're an avid hiker like me or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, you'll leave with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.






Foldable Travel Bag - Slips over carry-on handle
Foldable Travel Bag

Hiking Your Feelings | Blazing a Trail to Self-Love

  • Writer: My Travel Shoes
    My Travel Shoes

By: Sydney Williams, Gladys McGarey

Paperback

Published March 2024









Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and eighty miles later, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, all through the power of nature. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms. With affirmations, prompts, and reflection exercises throughout—all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective.



INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL: Follow Sydney as she reflects on her own journey from buried traumas and poor body image to acceptance, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-love.


Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.








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