Google Maps vs GPS?

I used my Garmin GPS (with European map card) when I did that drive to Kotor in 2015. But I didn't have a good smart phone then. I sold my Garmin soon after that trip, after I realized how much more advanced a phone with an app like Google Maps is for navigation.

If you will have mobile data on your phone, I wouldn't think twice about using the phone as a GPS now. I would bring a car power charger for it, though - the GPS function may drain the phone's battery quickly.

If you won't have mobile data, you can still use Google Maps "offline" - download the maps ahead of time. Then keep the phone in airplane mode while in Montenegro. GPS itself doesn't require mobile data, but you need the maps in the phone, one way or another.

If you're used to Google Maps at home, it works about the same in Europe - but in km not miles etc.

Last fall we left our Garmin GPS with Europe map chip home and used Google Maps to tour all over Sicily. Less to lug around and it worked perfectly.

We used Waze app in Italy in May and found it easier to follow than Google maps. We drove round trip from Naples to Mongrassano Calabria.

One thing I noticed in Montenegro is that Google Maps refused to show the route from Kotor to Centije on the winding P1 highway. No matter how many destination points I put along the highway, the map only showed a route along the coast, the approaching the points from the East.

But, not impossible. You can find the highway easily in Kotor, then just take it. Visit Budva, a great town and more interesting than Kotor. Kotor is sort of a let down after Dubrovnik. All of Montenegro is beautiful, enjoy.

James, when I check the route right now between Kotor and Cetinje in Google Maps, it shows me both routes as options but prefers the lower elevation route not the scenic one through the mountains. But you can choose it. I'd be surprised if it is different on a phone. I wasn't using Google Maps when I drove it that road in 2015.

when i made the trip i didnt use google either, but a few months back I wanted to tell someone how long a trip it was and no matter how hard i tried i couldnt get it to give me that route. maybe they fixed the defect.....