GPS device? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

erin85 · 04-12-2007, 06:46 AM

Hi everyone-

I'm considering buying a small GPS device (like the garmin nuvi 270 for example) to navigate around europe with. I'll be traveling with my boyfriend for a month through a bunch of cities, and I feel like this might be way better than carrying a bunch of maps around. It's pretty expensive though ($600 - but I could use it after europe too, obviously), so I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with one. This forum might not be the right place, because it seems like everyone travels cheap. I'm traveling really cheap as well, with this one possible exception. The device has a nice "points of interest" feature which shows restaurants, etc nearby which would be nice for wandering around. Thoughts?

Erin

**Delaney** · 04-12-2007, 08:25 AM

I have only used a GPS system in a rental car, and it seemed to be more trouble that its worth. But maybe the hand helds are different or I just wasn't used to it. That being said, I also get satisfaction from being in a strange city with only a map and figuring out where I am going. Sorry, that probably doesn't help much

**mushroom22** · 04-12-2007, 09:23 AM

I agree with Delaney. It would just be one more thing you would have to be really careful not to loose.

My dad brought a GPS to Japan, he had fun with it (seeing how fast the bullet trains went, ect.) but it never really helped us get anywhere.

**BigE** · 04-12-2007, 09:44 AM

Maps are cool and require some skill.

erin85 · 04-12-2007, 01:17 PM

Yeah, I see what you guys are saying... I have mad navigation skills, and maps are really fun for me for some reason... I guess I like cute little technological devices as well, and it might be less awkward... we'll see. Thanks for the input though guys.

**MeTurk** · 04-13-2007, 06:03 AM

I think you can download gps software for some types of phones. I'm not sure though.

umtraveler · 04-13-2007, 11:22 AM

I have a garmin etrex vista cx. It is no substitute for a good ole map, but it sure helps in tracking where you have been and helping you to get back to somewhere you were at previously. I personally enjoy being able to plot out my adventures after I return.

HEWSINATOR · 04-14-2007, 01:20 PM

As noted, I would vote no as it would be one of those things that if you lost it would ruin your trip.

I do not lose things very often (knock on wood), and maybe I just worry too much, but I like to take as few things as possible that would put me in a bad mood if I lost them. Especially things that there is an effective, cheap, disposable substitute for.

**TheJake** · 04-14-2007, 01:35 PM

there is a new garmin out that a friend of mine was telling me about... I guess it's an mp3 player, phone, pda and the rest with gps being the main feature. I could see myself getting one of those if it's for realz.

irish1218 · 04-14-2007, 03:36 PM

I own a Garmin in my car and I travel a lot for work and it has never failed to get me where I am going. It came with US, Canada and Mexico loaded in it. It also locates hotels, gas stations and places to eat around my location. I even use it for shorter trips. It has paid for itself many times already.

Dave

**c0urt** · 04-15-2007, 12:59 AM

gps is cool, i have used it on short trips, (thanks nextel) but for the longer stuff the thought of losing it or keeping it powered up, plus i draw and write notes and have locals draw on my maps to find stuff, so they make cool souviners

**raoulduke** · 04-15-2007, 06:44 AM

My brother bought a Garmin Nuvi that also does language translations, and has info about different cities and sites to see built in. I don't know if your meant to pay for the extra maps but I know you can download them with torrents.

I think it would be worth it. Like having your own little tour guide.

**MolsonGirl** · 04-15-2007, 12:09 PM

I love my GPS I have a Garmin Etrex Legend, it only cost me about $120 Canadian. I take it everywhere with me. You'd have to get a europe map to upload onto the system but think it'd be fine... it's about the size of a phone and does all sorts of good stuff.