Personal GPS

Hi, Shaun.

Short answer: Walking, not really. Car, yes.

Long Answer:
A lot of the maps in the guide books (like Rick's) and that the TI shops are really pretty good, you probably really wouldn't need it just for walking around. People are happy to help if you get lost. It's also a very expensive toy to have to keep track of 24/7, and Rome is not the best place to keep expensive things on you at all times... (Not to mention charging it, batteries, etc).

The one thing it's great for is marking particular spots you like, to go back to them - but maps can do that too...

If you're driving GPS would be great. One advantage that Tom-Tom has is that it's a European company, and all their mapping and software is done in Holland - I think that makes a big difference in end product, having it done by Europeans!

You can rent one from the car rental companies - but these days it's about the same price as buying one.

Hope you have a great trip! :) Chris

Thanks Chris - you have certainly given us someting to think about, especially the security aspect.

I am uncertain at this stage whether we will drive or use bus/rail interchange. The last time I drove and my wife gave directions we nearly ended up in the divorce court, and we adn't left Tasmania!

Thanks again.

Shaun

Grin. Sounds like it's best to take the train then Shaun... ;)

Shaun,

My experience has been that it's definitely a good idea to have a GPS while driving (although they're not infallible!). I have a Garmin Nuvi 370 (which has European Maps).

While I normally use local Maps for getting around in cities, I often have the GPS unit with me as well as it can be used in "pedestrian mode". There have been a few times that I got hopelessly lost, so it was nice to have "backup". One big advantage of a GPS over a Map is that a GPS can indicate where you are if lost, whereas with a Map you normally need a point of reference.

The one limiting factor is battery life, but I tend to use it for short periods of time so that's normally adequate. It's not a problem to charge the GPS when back in the room in the evenings. I agree with the previous post that some care is needed in where the unit is carried as it could be "lifted" if just in a pocket.

Cheers!

Hey Shaun:

I know the feeling! My wife insisted we get a GPS when we bought a new truck a couple of years ago as she hates having her head stuck in a map she does not understand!

We have not used ours in Europe as we have only driven in teh UK which we are familiar with, but found it invaluable in California last summer.

Like Ken's, ours has a pedstrian mode and is good for knowing where you are and directing you to where you want to go - or even just to use as a map. As Ken says, at least you know where you are without guessing on a map.

actually my GPS helped us when walking last year. We were able to use it to find certain restaurants and other locations. I already had it - I didn't buy it specifically for my trip to Europe

I agree with Chris. I have used my TOM TOM all around europe for over a year. It is most up to date in Italy. It is handy to find ATMs, and other sites in the car, but we tried it on foot in Venice once and it was useless. It found our correct location only about 50% of the time.

I bought a TomTom 920 after driving in Italy with only a Michelin map.

While the streets have names (in theory) there are no signs that would give you any indication what a particular street is named.

The Autostrada isn't marked with an understandable, "Next Exit A22 West". Instead they have an arrow with the name of several random towns along that route (rarely the big city you would expect to be listed) so you're scrambling to see if those towns are on your route or not. Missing a turn on the Autostrada wastes a lot of time. Each exit has a toll booth so the exits are spread out. If you take a wrong turn you have to find the next exit, pay your toll, find a bridge accross and an entrance to the autostrada, take a ticket and start up again. You can easily lose 10-20 minutes because you missed an exit.

Even if you only use it for several days of driving, it will be worth it.

In town, most of your prefered sites are better reached by walking or public transport and while a GPS might be somewhat helpful, it's not worth carting around.

Definitely not an expensive distraction - I have taken my Garmin to Europe twice and used it in France, Germany, and Austria. I would not go again without it.
You will save time and frustration by not having to depend solely on maps and street signs.

I would suggest getting one ahead of time and learning to use it. Also program in as many destinations ahead of time as you can. If you know your accomodations program them in as well. Oh, and don't leave it in the car when you are parked. They are very popular with thieves.

I know, call me old school - but I thought not knowing where your destination is, and get lost in London/Paris/Venice was half the fun!

I'm with you Chris. It's a great way to meet local people too.

Dear All!

My sincere "Thanks" for all your thoughts and ideas, it has been great and interesting feedback! I have thoroughly enjoyed your responses.

Take care and travel safe.

Shaun

I found it fun to stop and ask for directions but I think my passengers would have preferred an hour or two less in the car.