Nothing beats turn-by-turn guidance to a new exchange home you've never seen. A Global Positioning System gets you where you're going. Its built-in data base of "points of interest" helps you find shops, restaurants and attractions once you're there. GPS units can be planned to route you by car, bicycle or on foot, making them fun for walking tours or bike rides in addition to driving. I wouldn't go on a home exchange without a GPS, but I have no commercial or other interest in your buying one. These are just my thoughts.
TELENAV.COM
1) For a truly portable system one option is Telenav.com. For $10 per month (first month free) you can get turn-by-turn directions on many cell phones. Advantage: Telenav continuously updates their database of maps and points of interest. They won't get stale as with a pre-programmed GPS. Disadvantage: You keep paying $10 a month (or more) forever. If you think you will replace or break a store-bought GPS every few years, this could be your best alternative.
Telenav is a pay-as-you go subscription-based option. None of the other GPS units I describe below requires a subscription.
GARMIN iQUE
2) The other good portable system is the Garmin iQue 3600. It is a Palm pilot organizer (also available as a pocket PC). It has an integrated GPS. It can be purchased with a car kit for around $250. The 3600 has the full screen. Garmin also offers the 3200 and 3000 with smaller screens. This option gives you a GPS, datebook, address book, memo pad along with the GPS.
You can also download thousands of free or inexpensive applications from web sites like PalmSpot.com. Palm software includes more programs than you can think of, including every possible game; databases for wine lovers, doctors or other professionals; books; foreign language translation software, you name it.
GARMIN NUVI 370
3) The Garmin Nuvi Series is the most compact and visually clear GPS I have seen. When not plugged in the battery lasts for eight hours. The best deal I have found on a Nuvi is the 370 which comes pre-loaded with maps of North America and Europe for around $500 (do a Google Product search to find the best deal).
The Nuvi 250 can be purchased for under $300. It doesn't have Europe maps, or all the bells and whistles of the higher models, such as a built-in MP3 player, bilingual translator or traffic alerts, but it's a nice basic GPS.
If you find it hard to see tiny words on a small screen, the Nuvi's ending with "80" such as 380 or 680 have extra-wide screens that are very easy to read.
TOM TOM GO 910
4) If you need maps of Europe but can't swing $500, the TomTom Go 910 is another GPS that comes with pre-installed maps for the USA and Europe. It worked flawlessly when I recently visited France. It can be found for $390, but it doesn't have the sleek size, extra features, clear screen and detailed points of interest that the Nuvi does.
MY TOP PICK
The Garmin Nuvi 370 is the best-value GPS I have found. I've tested one and 'll be upgrading soon.
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