Mapquest vs. ViaMichelin

I would use ViaMichelin for directions in Europe. It has worked well for me. I didn't pay much attention to actual driving times as much as I used them for planning my trip. Many have said Michelin consistently understates travel times. Probably use Michelin's directions and plan on the longer time. If you arrive early, it's a bonus.

I don't know if ViaMichelin is better, but Mapquest is notorious for errors on their maps. I know of several errors on maps for the area where I live, including the street where the company I work for being mislabeled and their directions to the corporate address take people in the opposite direction they need to go. However, I have heard the ViaMichelin's times are "best case scenario if there is no traffic and you hit all green lights."

I would not trust mapquest--it is notoriously wrong!! I have used michelin (paper maps) and they are ok.

I use MapQuest when making our initial plans, but then rely on my Garmin GPS when it is time to do the drive.

Speaking of GPS systems. Do they give you the options of taking the "scenic" route, the same way Via Michlin does, or does it just go direct?

I find that ViaMichelin has way more options and features that are quite handy for trip planning - as you have discovered the multiple routes are nice, and it is easier to stick in a waypoint.

Which is exactly how you fool a GPS into taking you on the scenic route. Just insert a place that you want to see on the way, and presto, you are now on the backroads instead of the tollway. At least with the Garmin nuvi 370, this is the easy way to do it.

I have to agree with previous posters on Mapquest. I use it a lot and hate it. Recently I was travelling late one night (yes, it was dark and rainy too!) to an unfamiliar hotel and followed the directions four times . . . each time to the front gate of the cemetary. I finally called the hotel and they guided me in, over a mile away.

We use www.mappy.com instead - based out of the UK tends to be more reliable in my opinion.

I find Google Maps to be much better than MapQuest. In Europe, though, I don't think it makes sense to rely on either. Better to use a GPS and a European based map company like Michelin.

Plan your scenic route then ask the GPS to take you to the next point in your route.