Rand McNally Publishing

09/11/2025

We're proud to be featured in HuffPost's list of "15 Car Safety Essentials You Should Always Have Before Hitting The Road"!

The article highlights the importance of having a reliable physical road atlas as a crucial backup for when your GPS or phone lets you down.

It's a great reminder that while technology is fantastic, there's nothing like the peace of mind that comes from a trusted Rand McNally map in your glove compartment.

See what else made the list: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/car-safety-products-amazon-ud_l_68b9c70ae4b0e20f601b18c3

Having these items on hand could literally be life-saving.

08/26/2025

Don't miss a turn! 📍 For a limited time, take 25% off all road atlases. It’s the perfect time to plan that final end-of-summer escape or get a jump on your fall foliage road trip planning. Happy travels!

08/19/2025

The US Highway System has a rich history, but did you know Rand McNally helped create the highway numbering system we use today? Our latest "Ask a Cartographer" blog post is here to set the record straight...

Join us as we explore the early days of road travel, the rise of "auto trails," and how a team of innovative cartographers helped shape the way we navigate today. It's an inside look at how Rand McNally's company-wide commitment to clarity and accuracy paved the way for the Road Atlas we still use.

Read the full story: [Link in comments]

08/19/2025

"Little treats" for Gen Z are a way to find joy and a sense of control in an uncertain world. A recent New York Times trend piece highlighted this cultural shift, noting that a Bank of America survey found that over half of Gen Z adults buy a small treat at least once a week.

At Rand McNally, we are big fans of treating yourself when you're out on the road.

That's why our new 2026 Road Atlas features 11 brand-new, curated culinary road trips.

Our atlas is your guide to dozens of opportunities for sweet treats and memorable moments across the country, such as:

🍨 Savoring small batch ice cream with seasonal flavors in Vermont.

🍩 Biting into a warm, powdered sugar-dusted beignet in New Orleans.

🥛 Enjoying a classic, thick milkshake at a historic diner on Route 66.

Find your next delicious detour. Here are a few of the aforementioned treats (and the routes that lead you to them) to get you started...

08/14/2025

For this , we’re looking back at one of our most fascinating historical maps: the Histomap.

First printed by Rand McNally in 1931, this brilliant creation by John B. Sparks condenses over 4,000 years of world history into a single, vibrant infographic. Its colorful streams illustrate the rise and fall of civilizations, capturing a "snapshot" of historical power in a way that was revolutionary for its time.

Back then, "outlines" were a popular trend to democratize knowledge. In many ways, the Histomap served as a proto-internet, assembling complex information into one comprehensive, portable unit—much like a smartphone meant to be carried anywhere.

Today, as a piece of graphic and informational design, it's still an accomplishment. While it reflects the perspectives of its era, it stands as a testament to the power of visualizing history and making it accessible.
To explore a digital version of the Histomap in greater detail, visit Yale University Library.

Link in comments to read more 👇

08/11/2025

We're incredibly proud to be included in NBC News' list of "Best First Aid & Emergency Preparedness Supplies"!

Our maps have always been about helping people navigate all over the US, and we're honored to see them recognized as an essential tool for safety and preparedness. In any emergency, having a reliable physical map of your area is a crucial backup when digital tools might fail.

Thank you to NBC News for highlighting the importance of manual navigation in a digital world. We're committed to providing the resources that help you travel safely and with confidence, no matter the circumstances.

Check out the full list at link in comments. 👇

08/01/2025

We're honored to see the Rand McNally Large Scale Road Atlas 2026 featured on The Baltimore Sun's Bestsellers list.

This recognition is a testament to the enduring appeal of the open road and the trust that travelers place in our maps to guide their adventures. For more than 150 years, we've been dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and detailed information to help people get the most out of their road trip.

A huge thank you to the Baltimore Sun for the feature! We're proud to be a trusted resource for new and experienced road trippers alike.

Check out the rest of the list with link in comments.

07/29/2025

At Rand McNally, publishers of your trusted Road Atlas and mapping products for over a century, we're constantly observing how people explore.

Recent insights from Travelsavers and NEST, based on travel agent survey responses, confirm what many in the industry have been discussing:

1. Shoulder Season is Soaring.
A significant 32% of survey respondents reported that their shoulder season bookings were up compared to the same time period last year. For many destinations, particularly across the USA, fall (September-November) is a prime example of shoulder season. This smart shift means more travelers are discovering the joys of fewer crowds, often milder weather after the summer heat, and unique local experiences during these "in-between" months. It's the perfect time to explore destinations without the peak-season rush.

2. Last-Minute Adventures on the Rise.
A notable 20% of agencies are also reporting more last-minute bookings. This trend suggests an increasing desire for spontaneity and perhaps a quick escape when the mood strikes.

These trends highlight a greater appreciation for flexible, authentic, and often more serene travel experiences. The Rand McNally Road Atlas remains an essential tool for understanding the geography of your destination, planning your itinerary, and simply enjoying the journey. It also offers a welcome opportunity for a digital detox, allowing you to unplug and reconnect with the physical world, fostering a deeper connection with your travel experience.

Inspired to plan your own shoulder season travel? We have 11 fantastic road trip itineraries that are perfect for shoulder season exploration, spanning diverse regions across the USA. These include:

Cruising historic Route 66
Leaf-peeping in New England
Exploring the cities and lakes of Chicago/Wisconsin
Soaking in the charm of Charleston/Savannah
Discovering the heart of Kentucky
Experiencing the unique culture of New Orleans
Venturing through New Mexico's stunning landscapes
Taking on the vastness of Texas
Breathing in the mountain air of Colorado
And discovering the beauty of Northern California

Whether you're meticulously planning a trip across states or deciding on a spur-of-the-moment weekend escape, trust Rand McNally to help you visualize your adventure and make the most of every mile.

Which trip would you choose? Share your thoughts below.

07/28/2025

It is clear people are craving a break from the screen: searches for "digital detox ideas" on Pinterest are up 72%, and "digital detox vision boards" have jumped an incredible 273% on Pinterest.

And for those truly seeking an escape, Colorado Springs, Colorado, has just been named the best U.S. city for a digital detox, according to a recent study by Upgraded Points: Best Cities for a Digital Detox. It is the perfect reminder to trade your scroll for a scenic route and swipe less, explore more.

Ready to take that unplugged spirit on the road? Ditch the GPS apps for our 2026 Rand McNally Road Atlas, because if you're dreaming about a vacay in Colorado, we have your ultimate adventure. Discover "Colorado's Best Bites and Breweries featuring local flavors and microbrews with mountain views"—your essential guide to pairing breathtaking Rockies scenery with unforgettable culinary and craft beer experiences. (Click through for a preview.)

Get that feeling when the GPS is off and real conversations are on.

That feeling when you trade likes for real-life laughs on the open road.

Trade notifications for new discoveries, and find your next favorite brew with a view. These are the moments that make a journey memorable.

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07/25/2025

At Rand McNally, we're always charting the nation's roads, and a recent eye-opening report from ConsumerAffairs has unveiled some truly challenging commutes.

Think you know which city is America's biggest traffic nightmare? This year's #1 might surprise you... (Hint: It's not L.A. anymore!) Plus, three other major cities are seeing commutes that will make you rethink your morning coffee run.

Before your next road trip or daily drive, check out the full list and see if your city made the cut for the most congested. We're here to help you navigate it all!

👇 Click link in comments to uncover the cities with the worst traffic in the U.S.! Is yours on the list? Let us know below!

07/23/2025

The Great American road trip is officially back this summer, with a record 60% of Americans planning to hit the road according to Enterprise Mobility's summer travel survey.🚗💨

Why the Road Trip Now?

1. Predictability & Peace of Mind: "After years of flight delays and airport chaos, people want predictable travel," tech entrepreneur Ruth Jennifer Cruz tells Forbes. Road trips offer that stability, plus "cost savings are substantial – even with gas prices, family road trips cost 60 to 70 percent less than flying."

2. Deeper Connections: Susan Sherren, owner of Couture Trips, sees a profound shift: "It's a nation slowing down long enough to appreciate what we have, to understand where we came from, and to create meaningful connections with both places and people."

3. Less Travel Anxiety: A significant 34% of travelers under 40 feel more anxious about flying (Squaremouth data), making car travel a more comfortable alternative.

4. Explore Your Own Backyard: There's a growing desire to embrace nostalgia and explore one's own country.

This summer's road trip is a true reflection of adapting to evolving conditions while still craving meaningful connections and adventures.
What are your road trip plans this summer? Are you embracing the frugal travel trend? Share your tips and experiences below! 👇

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07/22/2025

🗺️ Map Geeks, gather 'round! It's "Ask a Cartographer" time!

This week, we're diving into the digital detox trend and how printed maps fit right in. Tom Vitacco, Rand McNally Publishing’s Director of GIS, shares his fascinating insights on choosing "maps over apps."

Did you know nearly half of Gen Z (46%) are actively trying to reduce their screen time (ExpressVPN study)? It's clear: paper maps are making a comeback, and it's more than just nostalgia.

Ready to reconnect by disconnecting? Get a sneak peek into why paper maps are cool again for your next adventure. 👇