Is GPS really necessary?

If you get a GPS u need to load European maps in it. You can do without a GPS, although it would be easier with one. However even with a GPS, you should also have a local map for planning purposes and have the whole picture of your planned itinerary. Once you plan your daily trip, then you can program your destinations/addresses in the GPS.

I wouldn't go so far as to say it is necessary, but it can be very helpful particularly if you are trying to find exact addresses. We drove through Tuscany and Umbria last December so with the shortest days of the year there was a fair amount of night driving. Italian road signs are small and non-reflective. They are hard enough to read in daylight, so at night that's when the GPS was really helpful. The GPS came standard with our rental because it was built in the car. I have heard/read good things about Garmin

Oh, I forgot to add, we also used our iPhone once when I had a problem inputing an address on the car unit. Just make sure you have an international data plan if you do this. At least with AT&T your domestic data plan doesn't cover you.

Of course you can use maps to get around but to be honest, it's SO much easier to have a GPS. I personally can't imagine driving around without one! We used one for 4 days as we traveled around Tuscany and while it's not foolproof (one time it took us way out of the way), it certainly made our lives easier. In my case, my husband is a better driver so he does all the driving when we're in Italy and I suffer from motion sickness so trying to navigate using a map while the car is moving will most certainly bring on illness for me! We will be driving on our upcoming trip this year through the Dolomites and while we'll only be there 2 days, we still believe it's worthwhile to bring our GPS. We use a Garmin and I purchased the SD card for Italy on Ebay (and intend to sell it on Ebay again after we return). We like the lane assist feature on our GPS (I think they probably all have this feature now). We encountered a lot of roundabouts with up to 6 different streets feeding into the roundabout and it was very helpful to look at the GPS and see which lane we needed to be in to make the appropriate turn.

Of course you don't NEED a GPS, but it is another tool; a tool that can make your trip so much more pleasant. And, as recommended, bring along a map (Michelin fold out map of the country), and a compass; the GPS is NOT foolproof. Garmin and TOM TOM are both great units. We have used the same TT since 2007 in our travels in Austria, Germany, Italy, Sardinia, France, Sapin, etc., and are taking it to Ireland this May. Buy your GPS here and learn how to use it here. You can even buy a used one on EBAY, with EU maps, and sell it when you get back home.

My first trip to Europe (didn't go to Italy) I drove for over 2 weeks with only maps. Since then I have alway brought a GPS (two different Garmin's) and it make driving SO MUCH easier! No worries about exploring because you can alway find your way 'home' with the GPS.

We've always used maps and still always bring one along, but our last three or four trips our cars all came with GPS. In Switzerland our car had GPS, a friend brought her Garmin along too, and I had a map. You'd think no problem, right? There were times when none of us agreed. Weird. If it is affordable for the few day's you will be using it, bring it along, and also if it makes you feel more secure. Just remember, it's not fool proof. It's known for not giving the best route (shortest or fastest). Also, if you rent a car with GPS, before even leaving the airport besides figuring out how it works, check to make sure it's in English, or you will need to change it. And remember, if you get lost, it's not big deal, you haven't seen it before anyway. Happy travels.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all of the advice and suggestions. It looks like I will shop for a GPS here, practice using it and bring it along with me. Can't wait to get lost!