Map As Backup for GPS?

Yes, both. But then, I love maps....Also, did you see the recent news story where the GPS led a driver to a cliff?

Yes, it is a good idea. The gps could malfunction.

Yes, absolutely. There are times when I don't want to worry about carrying it around, don't want the extra weight, or don't have batteries charged.

I think a map gives you a good orientation to where you are and where you are going, so yes bring one to use if needed and for a general overview of your trip. I don't think you need to follow a map when you are using a GPS.

I always take a road atlas as well. Firstly, incase the GPS doesn't work. My GPS once went completely insane and kept telling me I was 19 miles from my destination when I was sitting right outside it! I also find that maps are occasionally easier. If a journey just involves travelling on motorways or a few big roads I'd rather just memorise the numbers of the roads/junctions than faff around with a GPS.

I also like having a map for those moments when you have some time to spare and want to see what other interesting places are in the vicinity.

My husband and I are dinosaurs who don't use GPS. We use good maps AND a compass. I suggest that people who use GPS also have a map and compass available as backup.

In my opinion for Europe (feel free to disagree), a GPS is only worth the extra money for navigating the confusing labyrinthian streets of European cities. Otherwise, the highways and secondary roads are so well marked that getting seriously lost is difficult. And for some reason, there are regions of eastern France and western Switzerland where a GPS makes too many errors to be useful.

Sherry - I definitely think people could do with learning map-reading/compass skills.

I mainly use a GPS because I often travel solo and cannot read a map and drive at the same time.

Thank you all for your replies. I always have maps with me, as my GPS has gone haywire before, even taking me into the Pacific and Lake Tahoe. It's amazing I didn't get wet! I am having problems locating a road atlas for Ireland. Apparently the new one comes out in early May, just after my return. Maybe I will order the Ireland/Great Britain map from Rick's Travel Store. My other thought was to wait until I get there to pick up a road atlas. I will already have mapped out directions to the places we will be staying.

Andrea: "My other thought was to wait until I get there to pick up a road atlas. I will already have mapped out directions to the places we will be staying."That's what I do: you avoid hauling the bulky atlas on the flight over, better selection of maps over there, and (usually) better or equal prices.

When I saw the title for this post, I thought it said, "Man as Backup for GPS? (not 'map')! And if that's the case, I would say that you definitely need 2 GPS's instead! ;)

Gretchen - You have got that right!

Laura's reply is very true, and the voice has been very helpful in the congested city when there are several choices which occur quickly on the toll roads and on the surface street roundabouts with several exits, and especially helpful when a street had many roundabouts one after another.