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None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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Ignore GPS suggestions to take small residential streets during rush hour if they require crossing busy multi-lane roads.
It is often impossible to cross the larger street because it is full of cars.
one person who lived it
Add a buffer to your estimated travel time; if Google says it will take 25 minutes, leave 30 minutes ahead.
One user often arrives 2-5 minutes later than the ETA if they leave exactly when told, so leaving early prevents being late.
one person who lived it
Explicitly state the time zone when coordinating arrivals with guests.
GPS or calendar settings may default to different zones (e.g., GMT vs. Local), causing significant arrival errors.
one person who lived it
Teach elderly relatives to use Uber or Lyft, especially at night when visibility is poor.
It is easy to use and safer than driving when it is hard to see.
one person who lived it
Set your GPS to 'avoid highways' when new to an area to learn local streets and landmarks faster.
Taking backroads teaches you how to navigate without relying on interstates.
one person who lived it

Report incorrect addresses to mapping services if you work from home or live in a new development.
It ensures you are easily found and can lead to corrections for the entire street.
one person who lived it
Display the fastest route on your GPS to taxi drivers in unfamiliar cities to prevent them from taking longer routes to overcharge you.
Showing them the route lets them know you are aware of the faster path and won't try to trick you.
one person who lived it
Look out the window occasionally while riding a bus.
It helps you orient yourself with surroundings.
one person who lived it
Choose turns with better visibility over faster routes recommended by GPS.
It improves safety when turning onto major roads with poor visibility.
one person who lived it

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Use Interstate numbers to gauge position: East-West routes get higher numbers as you go north; North-South routes get higher numbers as you go east.
4 people, independently
Save specific drop pins or coordinates for recurring difficult-to-find locations like summer camps or college buildings.
It helps people new to the area find driveways or parking lots directly and aids memory for complex drives.
one person who lived it
Keep your phone charging in the car during long drives to prevent battery drain from using navigation apps.
navigation apps can drain your phone's battery on long drives
one person who lived it
Have passengers practice following directions by pretending to drive while keeping their eyes on the road.
This provides practice in simultaneously watching the road and following instructions.
one person who lived it