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

My Travel Shoes
Apr 4
3 min read

Updated: Aug 27

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

Install What3words from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Open the app and allow location access for accuracy (ensure your phone's Location Services (GPS) are turned on.

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!”
or press "Share"and then select the method you want to use to send (text, email, etc.), choose recipient and send

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.

Using What3words Offline

You can use the what3words app offline by relying on your phone's built-in GPS signal to find your location and its corresponding 3-word address, even without cell service or Wi-Fi. Simply open the app, and once the blue dot (representing your location) settles, you can tap the "locate me" icon or arrow to see your 3-word address displayed on screen.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Download the app: Before you go off-grid, download the free what3words app from your phone's app store.
Turn on location services: Ensure your phone's Location Services (GPS) are turned on.
Open the app: When you're in an area with no cell service, open the app.
Locate your position: The app will use your GPS signal to find your exact location.You'll see a blue dot, and even if the map doesn't load, you can tap the "locate me" or compass arrow to get the exact 3-word address for that location.
Use the compass: The app includes a compass feature that works offline to help you navigate to other pre-saved 3-word addresses if needed.
Share your location (when possible): If you have a temporary signal, you can share the 3-word address with emergency services or others to tell them your precise location. If you're unable to call out, you can try to move to a location with a signal or pass the words via another means if available.

Start Using What3words on Your Next Adventure!
- Download the app and explore with confidence.
- Bookmark cool locations you find.
- Share it with fellow travellers - 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 the photo by searching these three words?