Leasing a car for 22 days. GPS would have been $500 more so I didnt get it. Anyone have an experience of buying one to bring with them? And is it worth it? I have driven in europe 7-8 times without it.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
It's absolutely worth it. Buying here will give you a chance to learn how to work it. Just make sure you buy one of the many models that come with Europe maps already installed.
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
Much discussion about this subject and many people have taken their own gps with them and the consensus is that it is well worth it. Many of those who wrote that they had always used maps and did not feel they would need or want a gps, including me, changed their mind after one trip of using the gps. It is true you don't NEED one but it sure makes it easier if you have one. For me it was a great investment and I will not go without one again when I plan on driving. As Nancy mentioned be sure to get one pre-loaded with European maps. The Garmin and the TomTom are the ones most used by those here. Either will work well for you. Still, take a good map with you.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2776 posts
I have a Garmin Nuvi 270 (think that's the model, it's in the car!) It has preloaded Europe and North America maps. I have used in in Spain, Portugal and Croatia (and of course the US) I won't go without it again! I drove a lot before I got it, but it's just much easier!
I originally bought mine because I wanted to use it in Europe and the rental car company wanted too much money (not to mention they would charge $1,200 if I lost it!)
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
48 posts
Kathleen, Last summer in Italy we rented a car and a GPS through AutoEurpe. The GPS made life so much easier as it helped us navigate through the small hill towns in Tuscany and Umbria. Six years ago we used maps in our trip to France as we drove through the Normandy and Brittany regions. Having experienced both ways of navigation in Europe, I would highly recommend having a GPS with you. Now, whether you want to buy one or rent one is up to you.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
Kathleen,
I'd highly recommend taking a GPS along, but you'll have to ensure that the model you buy is equipped with European maps. It's expensive to buy without and then add the maps later on. You should be able to find one of the small Garmin Nuvi models on Amazon for about $150.
Travelling with a GPS makes travel much easier, however one caveat - DON'T trust them implicitly, as they DO make mistakes. Take a good quality Map along for "backup". Having a model that "speaks" is also a good idea (most do these days).
Happy travels!