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GM Moderator	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2009 1:26:24 PM Ignore GM Report Abuse When driving to an unfamiliar place, what do you mainly use for detailed directions to your destination? Printed maps or an atlas MapQuest, Google Maps, or other Internet sites AAA / CAA or other motor clubs (non-Internet) Other prior verbal/written directions GPS I call or ask along the way Other (please note in the discussion) NA - I don't drive / someone else navigates Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Message Posted: Dec 21, 2009 1:26:24 PM

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When driving to an unfamiliar place, what do you mainly use for detailed directions to your destination?
Printed maps or an atlas
MapQuest, Google Maps, or other Internet sites
AAA / CAA or other motor clubs (non-Internet)
Other prior verbal/written directions
GPS
I call or ask along the way
Other (please note in the discussion)
NA - I don't drive / someone else navigates

Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,530 Points:2,713,775 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 9:49:39 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse I use google maps and print them before leaving on a trip. A Atlas is in my car at all times too, I usually map out my rest stops on the Atlas maps.
Winoscientist Champion Author Maryland Posts:7,898 Points:1,371,335 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 8:26:55 AM Ignore Winoscientist Report Abuse Maps - cheap, affective, use your own mind.
dongo50 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:14,666 Points:2,376,045 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 8:20:50 AM Ignore dongo50 Report Abuse mapquest
legojenn Veteran Author Quebec Posts:463 Points:210,255 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 7:56:00 AM Ignore legojenn Report Abuse It's too bad that there wasn't an all of the above option. I usually get something from google maps. I own a SatNav device, but don't use it much, but it's good for helping me find myself, and I have a bunch of maps in the glove box that the dealer gave me when I bought the car. [Edited by: legojenn at 12/26/2009 8:56:26 AM EST]
N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:11,693 Points:2,467,615 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 7:11:35 AM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas.
Stevedog Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,833 Points:1,941,895 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 6:32:28 AM Ignore Stevedog Report Abuse you should have an idea about the layout before you plug and play with the GPS, but they sure make it easy!
sgtbert Sophomore Author Allentown Posts:192 Points:111,740 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2009 3:17:50 AM Ignore sgtbert Report Abuse I like VZNavigator, with Verizon wireless. It costs but, so far, it's the best gps that doesn't require a separate device.
RxHugh Champion Author Greensboro Posts:7,582 Points:1,569,960 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 9:59:14 PM Ignore RxHugh Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas
LonghornBubba Champion Author Houston Posts:13,379 Points:2,642,330 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 6:28:24 PM Ignore LonghornBubba Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas
mooneagle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:9,843 Points:1,699,345 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 6:24:26 PM Ignore mooneagle Report Abuse gps is the only wy to go
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,382 Points:1,806,285 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 5:52:50 PM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas
Rooster922 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:3,768 Points:652,070 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 4:03:00 PM Ignore Rooster922 Report Abuse I consult Google map for highway or interstate numbers then use Magellan GPS. Lots of times Google and GPS does not agree for shortest distance, however, I put my faith on GPS no matter where it takes me, it always bring me to my destination, "YOU HAVE ARRIVED". For solo driving, reading maps is more distracting than listening to my lovely lady voice companion, provided we are on speaking terms.
oldavalon Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:134 Points:1,267,455 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 2:10:52 PM Ignore oldavalon Report Abuse I remember one time visiting Florida and my GPS that I had brought along wouldn't work. Had to buy a map and it was scary trying to read the map and drive. GPS is an excellent solution.
amykate Rookie Author Delaware Posts:9 Points:592,305 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 2:01:39 PM Ignore amykate Report Abuse I use my GPS for turn-by-turn, but I always have a print-out of directions from randmcnally.com in case I get lost or my GPS is wrong. Just relying on one method is pretty iffy, especially in cities.
Muradia Champion Author Toronto Posts:6,399 Points:1,383,405 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 1:15:49 PM Ignore Muradia Report Abuse MapQuest, Google Maps, or other Internet sites
nilandfred1wa Champion Author Washington Posts:3,911 Points:770,745 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 11:09:09 AM Ignore nilandfred1wa Report Abuse no
moneyrole All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:602 Points:1,741,920 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 9:53:04 AM Ignore moneyrole Report Abuse No I only use my GPS.
Smobertoday Rookie Author Louisiana Posts:28 Points:31,240 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 9:43:12 AM Ignore Smobertoday Report Abuse MapQuest or Google Maps + GPS ( I'm a 'safety man' - belt + suspenders) lol
BluebirdCA Champion Author California Posts:21,385 Points:1,771,275 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 9:34:03 AM Ignore BluebirdCA Report Abuse Needed to have option of using more than one of each way listed to travel somewhere. We use AAA, GPS, maps/atlas, and Internet (Google Maps, MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, etc. & print copies) at different times depending upon what vehicle we use and where we are going/doing.
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,530 Points:2,713,775 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 7:42:38 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse Google maps And a Atlas. Merry Christmas.
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:11,986 Points:2,700,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 7:26:24 AM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse both map quest and gps
N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:11,693 Points:2,467,615 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 7:22:06 AM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas.
OhioOkie Rookie Author Ohio Posts:14 Points:946,805 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 7:20:19 AM Ignore OhioOkie Report Abuse I look it up on Street Atlas and print a copy before i go.
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,631 Points:2,198,960 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 6:38:07 AM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse GPS
cheapertvs Champion Author Richmond Posts:10,263 Points:2,737,720 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Dec 25, 2009 6:11:22 AM Ignore cheapertvs Report Abuse GPS is but another serious distraction to the driver.
jtfftj Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:2,167 Points:1,244,400 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 11:52:49 PM Ignore jtfftj Report Abuse I'll bet that most of the printed maps being used are old. old. OLD!
ministorage Champion Author Louisville Posts:9,220 Points:818,970 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 11:11:46 PM Ignore ministorage Report Abuse A revision to my earlier post. On Thursday, I posted that my Palm Centro & Google Maps was all I needed ... ... and then, lo and behold, whuddaya tink I got for Christmas this year? A Garmin! :-D Yippee!
paulydel Champion Author Delaware Posts:8,769 Points:846,150 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 11:00:00 PM Ignore paulydel Report Abuse I like looking aat the maps even though I use Mapquest to plan a route. If I look at what they have and look at someplace along the way I may want to stop at,
Lou08 Champion Author California Posts:1,084 Points:252,410 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 10:47:00 PM Ignore Lou08 Report Abuse Conserve! Usually Map-quest or someone e-mails instructions to me. I have to pull over to recheck because I miss a turnoff. I hold the printout with two-hands on the steering wheel. I don't recommended this it's not safe and a traffic officer will pull you over for driving distracted same as cellphone to ear.
RxHugh Champion Author Greensboro Posts:7,582 Points:1,569,960 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 10:28:12 PM Ignore RxHugh Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas
toadNY Champion Author Albany Posts:7,022 Points:1,509,250 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 9:32:52 PM Ignore toadNY Report Abuse I use MapQuest and a road map AS MapQuest is not 100%.
jb107 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:9,534 Points:2,618,000 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 8:40:28 PM Ignore jb107 Report Abuse Maps. I don't have a GPS.
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,063 Points:2,547,005 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 7:33:47 PM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse I use my GPS all the time
opecsucks76 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:2,716 Points:713,900 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 6:01:29 PM Ignore opecsucks76 Report Abuse Mapquest.
2stroketriple Rookie Author Georgia Posts:41 Points:966,445 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 5:18:31 PM Ignore 2stroketriple Report Abuse I'm old fashioned, printed maps! i am starting to Google the address to get a look at the neighborhood.http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/390d/c/1ef/%2a/t;220764663;0-0;0;44454105;2321-160/600;34790634/34808512/1;;~sscs=%3fhttp://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&text deleted&num=1&sig=AGiWqtz3kLc4IoqKgjskX3T0y-BibDpFmw&client=ca-pub-9634286501775085&adurl=https%3a%2f%2fkaiserga.inshealth.com
ARRC Sophomore Author Portland Posts:208 Points:1,482,060 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 5:02:13 PM Ignore ARRC Report Abuse I've used DeLorme's Street Atlas USA software for about 10 years and have found it to be the best way of getting from point A to point B anywhere in the US. I travel extensively in my motorhome with my feline son and have made many coast to coast trips between Florida, Maryland, California, and Oregon. I can pinpoint my favorite places to stop like WalMart, Costco, Home Depot, and Flying J as well as truck stops to layover for the night. I might consider a move to GPS sometime in the future but for right now Street Atlas suits my needs very well.
TopMJW Veteran Author Seattle Posts:325 Points:466,260 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 4:44:18 PM Ignore TopMJW Report Abuse Printed maps from Microsoft Streets & Trips which I update every year on my home PC & Laptop
FordPSD00 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:1,826 Points:616,160 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 4:27:35 PM Ignore FordPSD00 Report Abuse I've used atlases and DeLorme maps(far more detailed), but the best hidden jewels are the free state maps given out at Welcome Center rest area stops
a351c Champion Author Mississippi Posts:9,006 Points:1,693,635 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 3:42:37 PM Ignore a351c Report Abuse Yahoo maps have got me lost, GPS only now!
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,382 Points:1,806,285 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 3:04:34 PM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse Printed maps or an atlas
MrBally Veteran Author Detroit Posts:464 Points:1,948,230 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 2:42:58 PM Ignore MrBally Report Abuse I use mapquest dot com or an old printed map. I know, that's so last year!
cardjim Champion Author Missouri Posts:12,435 Points:2,698,930 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 2:37:59 PM Ignore cardjim Report Abuse mapquest
ACTown Champion Author Oregon Posts:2,346 Points:1,426,985 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 2:34:09 PM Ignore ACTown Report Abuse Hands free GPS wit a sexy voice talking to me.
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:11,986 Points:2,700,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 1:53:21 PM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse I usually use map quest and GPS
BenGast Sophomore Author Boise Posts:129 Points:223,955 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 1:40:18 PM Ignore BenGast Report Abuse Before a trip I check printed maps and sometimes Google Maps. When I'm on the road I always take the printed maps to refer to occasionally when I'm stopped, but use the GPS when moving.
ministorage Champion Author Louisville Posts:9,220 Points:818,970 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 1:40:05 PM Ignore ministorage Report Abuse Excellent point, janmj.
janmj Champion Author Baltimore Posts:1,162 Points:1,750,010 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 1:32:04 PM Ignore janmj Report Abuse I drive for a living. I always carry my GPS. I do also carry maps. I deliver to places where there is no signal for a cell phone, but I always get a signal for my GPS!!!!!
milespergallon Champion Author Illinois Posts:9,729 Points:1,905,335 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 1:30:47 PM Ignore milespergallon Report Abuse Combo of maps and gps. Neither is 100%
mochicks Sophomore Author Missouri Posts:236 Points:62,350 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 12:47:23 PM Ignore mochicks Report Abuse I choose other, because i use several of the items. I program the address into my GPS, I take my atlas or state map and I print directions from MapQuest. I know it sounds like overkill, but I have used all three for one trip. Some roads may not be on my GPS, but are on my map and directions. I use the map to find a better route when there are traffic issues. The directions get me to the exact spot, the GPS is sometimes a little off.
FrisperCat Champion Author Anchorage Posts:3,614 Points:1,110,970 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 12:36:34 PM Ignore FrisperCat Report Abuse i USE the gps, but i PREFER printed maps; i've had the gps direct me several times into places that weren't yet completed or had changed and no longer existed the way the gps thinks it does.
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,530 Points:2,713,775 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 12:24:15 PM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse Google maps before trip and a Atlas travels with me. Merry Christmas
datsundriver Champion Author Houston Posts:6,754 Points:802,060 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2009 11:39:30 AM Ignore datsundriver Report Abuse for 43 years my wife has been telling me where to go and how to get there. oh, we were talking about driving. have always used maps, first on paper and now from mapquest, rand mcnalley, google, yahoo, and a couple of others. plus plug the address into the garmin toy. really like the gps, but do not really trust it completely. do not trust the internet maps completely either, that is why always look at at least three of them and then try and figure out where i really want to go.