I have traveled a decent amount. For new places using gps get around works but what’s key for me is building a mental map, especially when walking around on foot.

I’m going to rant a bit bear with me. Have you ever read a book that described a room (“The pub was cozy and small. A well cleaned bar gleamed along the wall to the side and the restroom door was across from it on the other”) only to give direction way later that throws off your mental image (“he took a sharp left and walked to the restroom”). If it doesn’t match how things looked in your head it can be disorienting to the reader. I hate that feeling.

I try to look at the city I make an effort to check maps of the place to get a lay of the land. I never have the place memorised but when I see any landmarks or streets I take have some context and I know where it should go on the mental map. Sometimes I might be temporarily unsure of my exact location but I don’t get hopelessly lost.