GPS-enabled cell phones - When traveling, a very convenient way to always have
access to navigation help is via your cell phone. Not only can it guide you to your destination but
also find restaurants, stores, attractions, etc. along the way (sorted by those closest to your
current position, as well!). This eliminates the need to pack a separate auto GPS, and some
programs can be used when walking through a city.
If you have never used GPS navigation, this technology can make travel so much less
complicated, more fun, and safer when you are lost. I will not travel in the U.S. without this type
of phone. If you are not sure if your phone is GPS equipped, check with your carrier.
Google Maps is an application that you can use to give you turn-by-turn directions to a
destination or to locate the nearest "whatever". If you have never used Google Maps, try locating a service
here on your computer to see how it works:
Don't have a GPS navigation device? You can also use Mapquest for directions, traffic or see road conditions.
GPS devices - if your cell phone doesn't have a GPS navigational software
available on it (like Google Maps, etc.) bring a separate GPS device or rent a car equipped with
one.
GPS makes travel to unfamiliar areas so much easier and safer. The real beauty of these
devices is being able to get directions to a location from wherever you are currently and getting
automatically updated directions when you make a wrong turn.
Remember that having navigational software on your cell phone or bringing your own
auto GPS will save you from having to rent a GPS-equipped car!
*America's Byways* - an excellent resource by the
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for locating America's
Byways, a collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads that include the National Scenic Byways
and All-American Roads.
- Learn more about America's Scenic Byways HERE
- For a list of Byways by State click HERE
American Roads - A website for finding and traveling America's
scenic and historic old highways.
Steve Varner has passionately devoted himself to retracing these the old U.S. auto trails and federal
highways providing maps and photographs to document his travels.
The creation of the car GPS (Global Positioning System, a satellite-based
navigation system consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites) makes a road trip infinitely
easier and safer, especially in traffic.
