Some of the latest technologies have added a fun edge to family travel. Last summer, as we drove across the country for a reunion, family members were able to email us on the blackberry or call us on the cell phone to find out where we were, where we were stopping, and when we were due to arrive. It added some excitement to the long journey, knowing that other families had made driving progress and were also approaching the site of the reunion.
On our trip this summer, we used a GPS navigation system for the first time. We had fun playing with and naming the different voices. We laughed at directions that seemed to make no sense like “stay left and turn right” and “drive point three miles then make a U-turn”. When we actually saw how the road turned and how the median blocked the turn, the directions made sense. My boys were much more interested in paying attention to the road and the map because of this GPS navigation system. They enjoyed seeing how our estimated time changed as we were slowed by road construction, or stopped to eat. It also helped us find a drug store for allergy medicine, and the fast food restaurant we were looking for.
When we wondered if the GPS system had given us bad directions, we were able to call my brother-in-law just to check.
I’m still a fan of low tech things like maps and reading road signs. I like to give the kids old fashioned maps, too. I know it helps them learn how to read maps, and it helps pass the time too. I usually print out copies so they can trace the trip progress with a highlighter or marker.
I’m not ready to throw out the maps, but the GPS navigator was very fun and helpful.
More High Tech Travel Fun:
Google Earth – A Bird’s Eye View