How not to get lost in unfamiliar place: 7 proven ways without map and GPS

Memorize landmarks from the very beginning

As soon as you find yourself in a new place, pay attention to bright landmarks: tall buildings, squares, rivers, or large stores. They will help you quickly find your way around, even if you have lost your route. Take photos of important objects or write down their names so that you can ask for directions if you need them.

Be guided by natural features - mountains, lakes, or seashores can point you in the right direction. The more details you remember at the start, the easier it will be to get back.

Use the "go backward" rule

If you feel that you are starting to get lost, the best way is to go back to where you came from. Move along the same streets as you did before and try to retrace your steps. We usually intuitively remember the way back, even if we didn't pay much attention to it.

If the road seems unfamiliar, try to find objects that you have definitely seen before. This method works best in towns and villages where there are clear streets and buildings.

Ask the locals, but do it right

Locals are your best navigators, but the key is to ask the right questions. Don't ask for a specific address, as they may just wave their hand in the general direction.

Instead, ask for major landmarks: a central square, a train station, or a well-known supermarket. If there is a language barrier, use simple words or show the written name of the place. Better yet, ask several people and compare their answers.

Get your bearings by the sun and time of day

If you're lost in nature or on the outskirts of a city, the sun can give you directions. It rises in the east in the morning, is in the south during the day, and sets in the west in the evening. It will help you determine where to go if you know where your destination is approximately.

Additionally, try to remember which way was west or east when you were walking. The time of day and shadows on the ground can also be a clue, especially in the mountains or forest.

The issue of orientation in unfamiliar places is very important for tourists (photo: Freepik)

Take advantage of noise, smells, and the flow of people

In cities, sounds and smells can point you in the right direction. For example, the flow of cars leads to the main streets, bells or the sound of a crowd can mean a square or a popular location. The smell of coffee and food can lead you to a cafe, and you can get information there.

In the woods or countryside, you can navigate by the sound of water (river or lake) or the sounds of a highway. Observation will help you find the right direction, even if it seems like all the roads are the same.

Use a compass or even a regular watch

If you have a compass, that's great, but even without one, you can use your watch to determine the cardinal points. Turn the hour hand (which shows the hours) toward the sun, and the line between it and the number 12 will show south (in the Northern Hemisphere). This will help you understand which direction you are moving.

In nature, you can also navigate by moss (it grows on the north side of trees) or by ant hills (they are most often found on the south side of trees). Even in the city, compass methods can help if you know where you need to go.

Always have a plan B in case you get lost

Before you set off on a trip, think about backup options. Write down the address of your hotel or destination on paper - it will help even without your phone. Carry a charger or power bank with you so you don't get lost.

If possible, install offline maps or take screenshots of the route before you go. And most importantly, don't panic because a calm mind always finds solutions, even in the most difficult situations.

Read also, what are the 9 reasons why a traveler may not be allowed on an airplane.

Sources: Lifehacker, Solo Travelling, Smart Traveller.