OK Ladies and Gentlemen: As I am approaching the one-month mark until flight-time, I would like to hear your experience in finding your way. Mind you, I am a mechanical and map midget OK...? When my husband was alive, he did it all and I was the passenger. This trip will be my first rodeo called independence so my questions are endless. I know that my first 250-300 miles is all I need to prepare myself for. After arrival, I can plan on the next 250-300 miles and so on. I get that.What I don't 'get' however, is should I rely on my 2011 Road Atlas or just trust that when I plug in the GPS coordinates (it is a new GPS), that it will reliably take me to my destination. I feel overwhelmed in that there is so much to consider: Where ARE the dog parks in the vicinity? Which ONES allow dogs, how FAR are the attractions and finding a park/BLM, COE, state/national has openings? What I'm learning here is the more I (think I) know -- the less I know as there are so many options.Your experience will be welcomed. Thanks!~Newbie-n-a-cBeth1990 Toyota Dolphin 20' V6/R22

I don't trust the GPS, not saying they are no good but they are not perfect and can lead you wrong, BTDT, so I use maps. You should check your route on a new atlas as roads do change with construction. You can also check state DOT websites for current construction and alternate routes. I do turn the GPS on when near to route changes to better prepare to be in the right lane for merging also good for city driving looking for attractions. If your using a smart phone most of the things you mentioned finding can be located with your apps, or at a new location check out trip adviser or local govt sites for dog parks or whatever.

A GPS is a wonderful tool, but you should never blindly follow the route without verifying it ahead of time, if possible. When I plan out my route I plan it out with Delorme Street Atlas because it makes the roads easy to see. I then plot the route with Garmin Boot Camp, which I then transfer to my GPS. The last step is to check the route on the GPS to make sure it transferred successfully and is following the route the way I planned it. I haven't used a paper map in years. I have them, just don't use them. I can't get them to zoom in and get the fine detail. :)I've traveled and toured on my motorcycles for about 5 decades and I love the freedom to hear where I should turn instead of having to search out where I am, and then where to turn, on a paper map. It's a fine and wonderful thing.

Rule #1 - never trust a GPS to get you anywhere. Plan your route with an Atlas and/or maps, then if the GPS comes up with the same route, use it as you travel.

I thought so much of my GPS I was about to throw it in the dumpster… the trash collector was there and asked if he could have it..., and I just gave it to him…If your garbage isn’t picked up in the next week or two, don’t blame me… blame Tom Tom…

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GPS, Atlas, Mapquest and More.... | Good Sam Community

MTPockets1
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
Been using GPS for years and find it to be very reliable. I have had it take me down a dead end street and into a mall lot instead of other side of street, but the road map doesn't get to that detail either. Just use common sense and the GPS is a great tool.
Fizz
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
Start here...
Streets & Trips
JJBIRISH
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
I thought so much of my GPS I was about to throw it in the dumpster… the trash collector was there and asked if he could have it..., and I just gave it to him…

If your garbage isn’t picked up in the next week or two, don’t blame me… blame Tom Tom…
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
Rule #1 - never trust a GPS to get you anywhere. Plan your route with an Atlas and/or maps, then if the GPS comes up with the same route, use it as you travel.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Mar 21, 2014
A GPS is a wonderful tool, but you should never blindly follow the route without verifying it ahead of time, if possible.

When I plan out my route I plan it out with Delorme Street Atlas because it makes the roads easy to see. I then plot the route with Garmin Boot Camp, which I then transfer to my GPS. The last step is to check the route on the GPS to make sure it transferred successfully and is following the route the way I planned it. I haven't used a paper map in years. I have them, just don't use them. I can't get them to zoom in and get the fine detail. :)

I've traveled and toured on my motorcycles for about 5 decades and I love the freedom to hear where I should turn instead of having to search out where I am, and then where to turn, on a paper map. It's a fine and wonderful thing.
stickdog
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
I don't trust the GPS, not saying they are no good but they are not perfect and can lead you wrong, BTDT, so I use maps. You should check your route on a new atlas as roads do change with construction. You can also check state DOT websites for current construction and alternate routes. I do turn the GPS on when near to route changes to better prepare to be in the right lane for merging also good for city driving looking for attractions.
If your using a smart phone most of the things you mentioned finding can be located with your apps, or at a new location check out trip adviser or local govt sites for dog parks or whatever.

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