Chris I like to have the GPS along, but for exactly the optoispe reason. I can follow my inclinations, detour, explore and always be assured of knowing at least my general location, in case my usual hey, I think I came this way, kind of, let's drive for a while and see doesn't work. Then again, I don't leave it on or drive by its spoken directions unless I'm running errands around town, on a schedule and to specific unfamiliar locations. On road trips, it serves as an electronic map and backup only.