Learning: People: Indagare Mapped Out

Indagare Mapped Out

When our editors travel to cover a city for Indagare, they take along a long list of potentially buzz-worthy places, culled from interviewing plugged-in locals and in-depth pre-trip research. More important, they mark the most promising-sounding finds on a city map, because even better than a long list of places is knowing what not to miss on a single street or in a neighborhood. “I cannot imagine taking an Indagare trip without one of my trusted, albeit homemade, maps,” says Indagare’s editorial director Simone Girner. “They allow me to organize my days in the most efficient way and to maximize my time exploring the destination.”

Simone spearheaded Indagare Mapped Out, a new generation of city guides, which include three day itineraries and detailed maps for each day. The Mapped Out Guides are now available for five European destinations— Paris, London, Rome, Venice and Vienna —and can be purchased on the Indagare Souk site (www.indagare.com/souk). Here’s what you need to know about this new Indagare product.

What makes Mapped Out different from a traditional city guide?

The itinerary-map hybrid offers a precisely edited version of a destination. Compiling a laundry list of restaurants, shops and sites is not difficult, but pulling it all together, figuring out a well-balanced itinerary and mapping out a route that makes sense in terms of timing and experience are real challenges. We conceived of these guide-maps with the goal of distilling a city into an easy-to-follow, three-day plan.

How do the Mapped Out guides work?

Part city guide, part city map, each details what to see and do, where to eat and where to shop. All the picks are marked on colorful maps, facilitating exploration. The easy-to-follow itineraries include morning and afternoon activities, with many suggestions for lunch and dinner in the areas where you’re already touring. The best shopping streets are highlighted, with Indagare’s ten favorite boutiques marked as well. Finally, each map contains several insider recommendations and tips from plugged-in locals.

What are additional features?

Despite their small size—the Mapped Out guides fold up to fit into the breast pocket of a man’s jacket—the itineraries are loaded with tips and suggestions. The back pages, for example, zero in one “Neighborhood To Know” in particular, so in Paris, people can explore the Haut Marais; in London, take a stroll through Notting Hill, in Vienna, explore the streets around the amazing Naschmarkt market; and in Rome, delve deep into arty Trastevere. Additional tips include best day trips, one-stop shopping suggestions and city resources, like plugged-in guides and tips on getting around.

What are some highlights of Mapped Out Paris?

What are some highlights of Mapped Out London?

What are some highlights of Mapped Out Rome?

What are some highlights of Mapped Out Vienna?

What are some highlights of Mapped Out Venice?

How did you choose the launch cities?

All five are destinations we get asked about frequently by our members. Paris and London, especially, are some of our most-visited capitals. Seeing as both are such incredibly rich and layered places, we decided to focus the Paris and London itineraries specifically on family travel. Rome, Venice and Vienna are more general city itineraries.

Can you buy just one Mapped Out or do you have to purchase all five?

The Mapped Out guides can be purchased individually (they come in sleek black sleeves) or as a set of five in a black slip-over box. We think they make great gifts for travel aficionados.

Individual Mapped Out guides cost $12.95. The set of all five costs $55. All can be purchased online at www.indagare.com/souk or by calling 212-988-2611.

— The Editors 03/07/2011