If you want to plan a journey somewhere unfamiliar, then you need a free detailed street map of your destination, driving directions along with details of lowest gas prices, hotels, restaurants, places to see and details of other things that you may want to have. This information can be obtained free in either one of the following websites:

1. MapQuest
2. Yahoo Maps
3. Google Maps

Of the three - Mapquest, Yahoo maps and Google maps, which one is better and what is the difference? This should not matter much as they all provides basically the same maps, driving directions and have the ability to overlay real satellite imagery.

To the very ordinary person, Yahoo Maps seems to be easy to learn and navigate plus they have taken into consideration the download time for dial-up users. Google produces higher quality satellite imagery whilst MapQuest will search for the cheapest gas prices no matter where you are. On real time basis, MapQuest provides live traffic maps for commuters in major cities that are updated every two minutes or so. But the bottom line is that Mapquest, Yahoo Maps and Google Maps each does well as the other.

Use Route Builder to Add En-Route Stops

Ideally what happens is that you input your starting point A and ending point Z and the output is accurate driving directions map to your destination. You can then use route builder to add en-route stop points B, C, D and so on and so forth along your journey and get finer details of street maps of your destination.

With Mapquest, Yahoo Maps or Google Maps, you no longer need a roadmap to find your way around this planet earth. You simply input the house number, street, city and postcode you are searching for and you output a map which you can zoom, change the style, move from north, south, west and to east. You can then print the map and even email it to your visitors.

Obey All Signs and Notices

It is however important to bear in mind that these directions are for planning purposes only. You may find en-route new construction projects, heavy traffic, poor weather, or other events that may cause conditions to differ from the original map results, and you should adjust your route plan accordingly. You should obey all signs and notices regarding your route.

MapQuest has been around in this business longer than either Yahoo Maps or Google Maps. Currently MapQuest is owned by AOL. The battle lines are drawn for the maps and driving directions' business - the winner is either Mapquest, Yahoo Maps or Google Maps. So far Google has successfully convinced the consumer mentally that whatever happens they will have to win.

Integrate Maps In Your Website

If you have a website you may want to integrate these maps in your website by use of an API. API is an Application Programming Interface with a set of functions that can be called from an application program to access features of another program. Google Maps API were the first to facilitate developers integrate Google Maps into their web sites with their own data points. It is a free service, which currently does not contain ads, but Google Maps states that they still have the right to display ads if they deem so. Since Google Maps launched their API, Mapquest and Yahoo Maps have tried to catch-up with their own APIs. And they are doing well.

Global Reach With Live Detailed Maps

It is hoped that in the near future Mapquest, Yahoo maps and Google maps will achieve a global reach with live detailed maps of streets, airport terminals, game parks, scenic drives, driving directions, traffic reports and hotels for the tourists even in Asia and Africa.

The hubber's website, the Secret of Making Money in the Stock Market, is designed to help beginners and average readers make money online - details of which you can find in my profile here, if you will.

• How to Import a Used Car

• Free Guide on How to Import from China and Earn $2000 on eBay

• Details to Note after a Traffic Accident

• Your Statutory Obligations in the Event of a Road Accident