If you can afford to buy or rent a GPS receiver, yes, unless you are visiting a high-theft area and cannot carry the GPS unit with you.
GPS units are more than map substitutes. A GPS receiver gives you access to a wealth of information about your location and surroundings. If you need emergency services, your GPS can tell you how to reach the nearest hospital. Filling your gas tank in an unfamiliar area becomes much easier, too, because your GPS receiver will tell you the location of the nearest gas station. You can also find restaurants and points of interest with your GPS.
Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of traveling with a GPS receiver.
Advantages of Traveling With a GPS Receiver
- GPS receivers help you find your way without maps, which saves travel time and reduces driving stress. In-car GPS units can help you find your way by telling you where and when to turn, eliminating the need to pull over and consult a map (or fold it back up, always a challenge).
- If you're traveling solo, a GPS receiver is safer to use than a map. You're less likely to become distracted or get lost. You can also use many in-car GPS receivers as hands-free cell phone devices.
- Some GPS receivers give you access to public transportation information, which is very useful if you plan to use your receiver's "pedestrian mode" to find your way on foot.
- You can subscribe to traffic tracking services if you routinely travel in big cities.
- Using a GPS receiver can help you save fuel because you will know the most direct route to your destination.
Disadvantages of Bringing Your GPS Receiver on Your Trip
- GPS receivers aren't free. Low-end in-car GPS receivers start at about $120. If you don't want to buy a GPS unit, you'll need to rent one, and costs vary widely. I checked GPS rental costs at several car rental companies, and prices ranged from about $24 to $70 per week. You may also need to purchase additional GPS maps.
- You may need to carry or secure your GPS receiver to prevent it from being stolen. GPS receivers are prime theft targets, and stashing yours in the glove box isn't going to keep it safe. You'll need to give some thought to protecting your GPS receiver if you plan to bring it along.
- Relying on a GPS receiver for all of your navigational and trip planning needs will bring your trip to a halt if something goes wrong with your GPS unit. You'll still need to pack maps and a guidebook in case your GPS receiver breaks. It's a good idea to bring a list of stores near your destination that sell GPS accessories, too, in case you need to replace a charger or mounting device.
Should I Take a Handheld or In-Car GPS Receiver?
Choosing a GPS receiver is a very personal decision. You'll need to think about the types of places you like to visit and how you plan to get there. If road trips or RV vacations fill your calendar, an in-car GPS receiver will probably be the best choice. Make sure it has "pedestrian mode" if you plan to use it when you walk around cities and villages.
If, on the other hand, you plan to do a lot of hiking or off-road walking, a handheld GPS receiver may be better for you. You'll be able to purchase topographical maps for your GPS receiver, and you'll still have access to much of the information an in-car GPS unit provides.
