My parents live about four hours away, and when we drive down to visit, my mom likes to know when we'll be arriving. We usually call to tell her when we are leaving, but sometimes we make a few stops, and she worries.
There are phone apps you can use to share your location, including Wave — but the people you're sharing with need both the app and an account. I recently learned of a new feature on Google Maps. Enter your destination, click the button for directions, then "Start." At the bottom of the screen, a small box shows your estimated time of arrival. Touch that box to bring up options.
One is "Share Trip Progress." You can share with any of your phone or Google contacts. Just touch the contact and touch "Share." The first time you try this, you'll be asked to give Google Maps permission to access your phone's contacts. If the contact does not have an associated Google account, they'll get a text with a link to your location.
There is a similar feature in Apple Maps if you use an iPhone, but Google Maps location-sharing works with Android, as well. You also have to give Google Maps permission to access your phone's location (just choose "Always share your location").
The people you share with will get a pop-up on their screens. This might not be very exciting for you, but my mom will be very happy about it.
