Use a Map on Your Next Road Trip!

Kick your knees up, it's mappin' time!

How could one possibly get by on a cross country road trip without a GPS device? The thought alone seems as ridiculous as doing math with an abacus. In an age where electronic gadgets are everywhere and in everything, we forget how life used to go on without it. The GPS has been around for over a decade and has now integrated into our cars our phones and our lives. When you get ready for your next road trip will you pack the GPS?

It is understood that we have come to need GPS devices. Often times we need to be at uncertain places at certain times, or we don't feel like stumbling upon a destination on our own. Perhaps if you are sail boating across an ocean or hiking Mount Rainier then yes, it is a splendid idea. How about a cross country road trip when you don't have to meet strict time schedules or unfriendly terrain? This is the best time to go it the old fashioned way, ditch the GPS and get a map.

Part of a road trip journey is stepping outside of your comfort zone and achieving something on your own. Its about the reward of accomplishing the task of a destination that was so fun to ponder while you sat in your class or office on that friday afternoon. Freedom of direction; the essence of a road trip.

If there is anything GPS has done for us, it's make us conform to what is known, by taking the road most traveled. The quickest route, fastest time or shortest distance are not always the best ways to get somewhere. GPS doesn't show you where to drive off the beaten path to enjoy a piece of classic americana which is a roadside diner.

The type of places which, these days, are often being thrown to the wayside themselves, as high volume interstates transport people faster and farther. You could drive through a state or two and not even know it. Maps will make you appreciate distance.

While road maps can't give you an estimated time of arrival or kindly remind you to make a U-Turn, they do allow you to see the road as a working piece of infrastructure designed to get you somewhere. As to where, that is what you can decide. Maps make it easy to see back roads that still lead to your destination and will offer more enlightening views than the interstate has.

Lets not forget GPS is only as smart as the person using it. Any number of things can get in the way of finding your destination with the GPS, from typing N 5th St instead of S 5th St. GPS can't tell what you mean or think, it only knows what you tell it to know. GPS also doesn't have the luxury of knowing road construction, closed roads, and non-existent street addresses. While it is true, maps do get outdated, upon entering every state you can find welcome centers with free or very cheap state maps. Gas stations and welcome centers don't yet have "local GPS map updating" and probably never will.

Maps are all about the work that goes into decision making and logical planning. Typing an address and listening to a person whom you never met give directions is something to be done after the alzheimer's sets in. For now, it's time to choose your own path and take charge of your destination.

Roll your window down and take the slow road on your next cross country trip because there is definitely something to be said for doing things for yourself. It's the success of being rewarded by your destination as you got there all on your own. It's about the pride you hold and completing a task; traveling without a GPS.

About the Author
Mike has been working and traveling abroad since 2005. Recent trips include 12 months in Australia, a month in China and another in Europe followed by a six week USA road trip. Mike isn't rich, just resourceful in finding work abroad. In additon to providing free information on working abroad, and travel photography for sale online, Mike is also available for speaking engagements on the benefits of world travel.

The world is too amazing not to share. Contact Mike