GPS for Road Trips
October 2, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Home & Living
If long road trips into unfamiliar places intimidate you, a Global Positioning System (GPS) may be just what you need. I recently used one for a lengthy road trip for the first time. Of course, some cars come with a GPS, but in this post I’m referring to a Garmin nuvi 1300T.
A GPS can have many advantages, but it’s still a computer telling you what to do. I hope all new drivers learn how to navigate with maps first, before turning to a GPS.
Advantages of Trips with a GPS
- If you make a wrong turn, you’re automatically re-routed. It’s dummy-proof.
- You can see an estimated time of arrival, which may change during your trip if you run into traffic. If you’re meeting someone, it’s nice to be able to give an accurate time of arrival.
- If you choose, you may be re-routed to avoid traffic.
- Since the GPS mounts to the windshield, it’s easier and safer than holding a mobile phone with a GPS feature. Plus, it talks to you, so you don’t need to look at the screen too much.
- Service is rarely an issue, except maybe inside parking garages where satellite reception isn’t available.
Disadvantages of Trips with a GPS
- You’ll probably want to stash away your GPS instead of leaving it on the windshield to tempt thieves. This can be annoying to do each time you go to a hotel or restaurant.
- The GPS will try to re-route you each time you make a stop that doesn’t coincide with your trip (ie, gas station).
- You’ll eventually need to buy a map update.
Have you been braver with your road trips since using a GPS?
(Image of Chicago by Peggy Rowland)
I used my GPS on a recent trip and found it helpful in some ways and unhelpful in others. It helped me make the right cut offs on the highway, but when it came to finding a gas station it lead me way off course and when it said it had reached the destination I was in the middle of nowhere…and there was no gas stations. Also, it would occasionally tell me to turn right, right into highway barriers. So I think they can be helpful, but you also need to bring a map just in case it can’t pick up a satellite signal and know the general route of your trip.
Emily, have you upgraded your GPS map recently? I didn’t have a problem with being instructed to turn into barriers, etc. I agree with the map advice too!