Flying is faster and more convenient but you miss out on local food, beautiful landscapes and the chance to explore. It's why I love road trips and over the years I've been able to drive to nearby cities, provinces, states and flown to other countries just to rent a car drive around. Using some modern tools the boyfriend and I have said goodbye to the folded road map, the source of many arguments, and created a more organized, focused trip that's more fun. Here's what we use:
GPS
Before the GPS I was the designated navigator and I can't read a road map. Having the power of a navigation system made of a network of 24 satellites has made our routes more efficient, lowered our driving time and stopped our navigation-based arguments. We still wander off the main highway to explore, but now we know how to get back on.
Unlocked Cell Phone & Local Data Plan
I have become so reliant on my smart phone, even when travelling I need it. With apps like UrbanSpoon and FourSquare users can check to see which restaurants, hotels and sights are nearby and if they are worth stopping for. Smart phones are also equipped with a GPS and are a great alternative if you don't have one in-car. When I travel out of country I switch to a local provider and use their pay as you go service to avoid nasty roaming charges that could cost you as much as $100 for 250mb of data (not to mention the overage fee!) compared to the local rate of $25 for 500mb (Rogers vs. AT&T).
Laptop
We use the laptop when the smart phone isn't practical. During our road trip of the United States we would often tether the computer with the smart phone (share the internet connection) and book our hotel at the last minute on an online hotel booking site getting a rate that was sometimes 40% off.
Power Inverter
Cell phones, camera, laptop, second camera.. everything needs to be charged. A power inverter that plugs into your cars cigarette lighter will help you charge your devices while you're driving. Be sure not to exceed the max wattage of your cigarette lighter though or you'll blow a fuse!
Using a GPS or smart phone doesn't mean you can't explore side roads it just helps you be more informed, back to the main road and to your hotel when you do.
How do you get the most fun out of your road trips?
