One trick I learned in flying cross country was to choose waypoints that are off to the side, not directly under, the flightpath. That way you can see them as you approach. If it's under you, you lose sight of it under the nose from a few miles out. If it's a town or village or whatever off to the side, you can tell when you're abeam it. Helped me out loads.
Good luck and enjoy it!
Pitts2112