Garmin C330 StreetPilot

Often when we travel for work and pleasure we rent cars to get around, attend meetings, conferences, check out the sites, etc. Even when booking with the same car rental company we’re never sure what car we will find when we arrive at the rental car parking lot. When we reserve the car we pick the size, automatic or manual transmission, and A/C options but GPS is not always available.

If we’re lucky the car will come with a global positioning system (GPS) or offer the option of the GPS for an additional fee. More often than not, a GPS device isn’t included or available readily. A GPS, in case you haven’t heard about these gadgets, are electronic devices that communicate with a satellite(s) in the sky to determine your exact location in the world; and guide you to your desired destination with voice commands and visual aids.

Instead of relying on the vagaries of rental car company GPS availability, we carry our own handheld GPS device from one of the industry leaders. For several years we have followed the invaluable instructions of the iQue 3600 from Garmin. A friend recently recommended the Garmin C330 StreetPilot, a more affordable and newer unit from the same company. 

Tall buildings, cloudy skies and lack of clear access to the sky will cause the GPS to malfunction. To make sure we have another means to find our way in case the GPS breaks down or malfunctions, we print back up directions and carry them with us. This is particularly important in international destinations, where we are unfamiliar with the city, don’t speak the language or can’t read the signs.