Map

[Mark Sedenquist]

Actually GPS really doesn't prevent you from getting lost. In fact, in our early days on the road, our first-generation GPS was directly responsible for getting us, um... somewhat confused while meandering along logging roads in the Pacific northwest.

But, I expect that even you will find the advantages of GPS when our roadtrip journal software is ready for deployment...

Mark

[Robert Schaller]

I like the overall "visual" that a paper map provides, especially for planning purposes. But I looked at GPS a few times last year, and look forward to the day when they make one for road-tripping (as opposed to backcountry applications) that is in my price range. I doubt I will use it much for navigation -- but I really like keeping track of my progress. Knowing exactly where I am along any given highway is a very fetching prospect.

[Boston Wrangler]

Call me old fashion, but I don't think you'll ever seeing me with GPS anywhere along road trip. While I see the advantage, most of the time "getting lost" is half the fun of a roadtrip.

Once I've found my way back to the beaten path, then its fun to go back with a map and figure out just exactly where I was.

For our road trip last year, I purposely planned to stay OFF of the beaten path with the DeLorme GPS software. As far as I am concerned, the GPS actually ENABLED us to stay "lost" most of the way from Bowling Green to Corbin, Kentucky making our trip more fun than if we "got lost" with paper maps.

Just because GPS is high tech and can keep you from "getting lost" you don't have to stay on the main roads. I think GPS is an invaluable tool for road trips. As I said earlier, the route we took had very little signage and the GPS kept us on our route, even though that route was about as far from the beaten path as we could get. Furthermore, we spent a lot less time and stress looking at maps and a lot more time enjoying the backcountry scenery.

I know our opinions differ, but I just have to state mine :)

[Boston Wrangler]

I like the overall "visual" that a paper map provides, especially for planning purposes. But I looked at GPS a few times last year, and look forward to the day when they make one for road-tripping (as opposed to backcountry applications) that is in my price range. I doubt I will use it much for navigation -- but I really like keeping track of my progress. Knowing exactly where I am along any given highway is a very fetching prospect.

I got the DeLorme software with GPS transceiver for about $100. I've seen it at just about every retail chain that sells software. The transceiver is a plug and play USB device also.

[Mark Sedenquist]

My all-time favorite paper maps are produced by Benchmark Maps in Medford, Oregon. Unfortunately, they don't cover all of the country -- but their landscape maps are outstanding for gaining a quick appreciation for the topograph of the land. My review about this series can be read here.

[RoadTripper Brad]

I too would like to get a GPS enabled lap top, just so if I ever need to know exactly where I am. Also, I prefer digital maps for being able to zoom in to smaller cities, and some other features.
I do notice, however, many digital maps are incorrect, especially on side streets. (example: Microsoft Streets/Trips 2005 shows a street just north of Flower between Flower and Osborn in Phoenix, off of 7th Ave. Problem- There is a Bashas' grociery store and a appartment complex where they claim the street is.)
I do admit even when/if I do get a GPS enabled digital mapping system, I will still use paper maps more.
By the way, if anyone cares, to really show how much of a map-junkie I am, I currently have nearly 100 paper maps!

[Midwest Michael]

For our road trip last year, I purposely planned to stay OFF of the beaten path with the DeLorme GPS software. As far as I am concerned, the GPS actually ENABLED us to stay "lost" most of the way from Bowling Green to Corbin, Kentucky making our trip more fun than if we "got lost" with paper maps.

Just because GPS is high tech and can keep you from "getting lost" you don't have to stay on the main roads. I think GPS is an invaluable tool for road trips. As I said earlier, the route we took had very little signage and the GPS kept us on our route, even though that route was about as far from the beaten path as we could get. Furthermore, we spent a lot less time and stress looking at maps and a lot more time enjoying the backcountry scenery.

I know our opinions differ, but I just have to state mine :)

I realise that GPS would give you a better idea where you are particularly off of the main roads, but I actually enjoy being "lost" and the challenge of trying to find my way back to civilization. I guess a big part of it is that the stress of looking at maps that you mentioned is something that I look forward to.

I certainly see the value that you're talking about, and if it makes your roadtrip more enjoyable, great. But for me, having GPS would eliminate one of my favorite parts of a road trip.

[Chuck C]

Since I do most of my road-tripping solo, my GPS receiver (which I've had since about mid-2001) has made my road trips much much more fun. For me, it's much easier to explore all the back roads when I have a constantly-updated map showing my position in front of me, rather than trying to fumble with maps while driving.

Sure, there's a certain thrill out of exploring back roads completely at random (and hey, if I want to do that I can always turn the GPS receiver off), but more often I want to drive along the little-traveled roads while still making progress towards a specific destination--before I had the GPS, I rarely did that, but with the GPS I can take those roads while still having the confidence that I'll get wherever I need to get.