Remember the days when you had to print out directions or actually memorize the roads that you were traveling on? Although it wasn’t really that long ago, it seems like it would be impossible for many of us to live without our GPS navigation systems and go back to traveling the old fashioned way. GPS systems are so readily available it wouldn’t make sense not to use them, more cars and phones are coming with them built in and they offer great driving tips, list the posted speed limit, and often have tools to help find nearby restaurants and gas stations. With so many different options on the market it can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding which one is right for you. We’ve researched some of the most popular GPS systems out there and listed some of their coolest features so you know exactly what to look for.
The TomTom Go Live 2535M is a great choice for frequent travelers and those that enjoy pit stops on their journey as it features multiple apps that list local restaurants, attractions, and stores. It connects to apps such as Yelp, Google, Expedia, Twitter, and Trip Advisor which allow the user to search for nearby stops. It is also able to provide you with local weather, traffic, and gas prices which is great for those that travel often to places that are unfamiliar. This GPS also includes premium maps of the US, Canada and Mexico and hands-free Bluetooth calling ability. http://www.tomtom.com/en_us/products/car-navigation/go-2535-m-live/
For those of you looking for your first GPS or something a bit less complex, the Garmin Nuvi 50 is the perfect choice. The touch screen offers two initial options, “Where to?” and “View Map”. It has a large screen that makes reading easier and turn by turn directions are spoken through the device. It also has a “Where Am I?” emergency location feature that will ensure that you are never lost. It is a simple GPS that has a large screen which makes it perfect for someone who has never used a GPS before or for someone who is a bit older. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=92845&ra=true
Like to stay organized and plan vacation itineraries? The Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM Traveler is your new best friend. Not only does it allow users to search local restaurants and attractions, but it allows you to plan an itinerary on the GPS itself and use it to find the fastest routes in between destinations. This GPS also has Wi-Fi connectivity to keep you connected to the web and has traffic, travel, and speed limit alerts which will ensure you have the most pleasant journey possible. http://www.magellangps.com/Products/RoadMate/Magellan-RoadMate-5175T-LM
For those of you that are really bad with directions and need very precise instructions, the Garmin Nuvi 1450 LMT is a great choice because it has a lane assist feature which tells you exactly what lane to be in for highway travel so you can avoid missing the exit you need to take. This is a great feature because it is very specific when it comes to driving and allows you to focus more on the road than following directions. It also has a map that can be displayed in either 2D or 3D view and a world clock if you are embarking on a journey that will take place across multiple time zones. Believe it or not it also has a currency converter and MicroSD card slot to copy pictures from your vacation. For those of you that are environmentally friendly you will love the ecoRoute feature of this GPS which tracks fuel usage and finds the most fuel-efficient route to your destination. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=87481
If you’re looking for a GPS that has all of the typical bells and whistles plus a bit extra, check out the Magellan Maestro 4700. It has a large touchscreen, Bluetooth hookup, lane assist, and a predictive traffic routing feature which predicts the best route based on past traffic patterns. Users can also set up voice activated commands such as “Go Home” or search for the nearest hotel, gas station, and restaurants. It also allows you to select favorite destinations in different cities to pull up at later points in time. Using this GPS to make phone calls is easier than ever as it allows you to store up to 1,000 numbers and the microphone cancels out road noise such as car horns, etc. which makes it easier for the person on the other end of the phone to hear more easily. http://www.magellangps.com/Products/Previous-Models/Magellan-Maestro-4700
Many GPS systems out there have very similar features but we’ve complied a list that diversifies some of the top products out there so that everyone can find the perfect GPS system that’s perfect for them!