Not that long ago, people traveled without Google, without online driving directions, without cell phones, without TomTom's, without laptops & without internet cafe's. The odd daring one even traveled without a map!
Adventure: a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.
Craig
· 1 year ago
I realised I wasn't in Europe yesterday, when all the women at the beach were wearing bikini tops. It's strange the things you get used to. (Currently in Western Australia.)
Julie
· 1 year ago
Guia Roji, the atlas of Mexico, has a very decent online site that functions somewhat similarly to MapQuest. Should get you around pretty well in Mex.
I, too, have wondered about the lack of Aregentina in Google's world. I just trust that there are roads, there are buses on those roads, and that I will figure it out. Good luck!!
jamie
· 1 year ago
I can't advise you on destinations south of here, but had a funny driving experience this summer in Spain:
I had printed out a bunch of driving directions from the via Michelin website in advance, and attempted to read them to my husband as we navigated. At one point (on the way to Cordoba, I think) I read, "At the roundabout, take the 7th exit. Continue along Avenida del Campo de la Verdad."
Seriously, the 7th exit? Off a roundabout? We missed it.
Well, luckily driving Central America shouldn't be too hard, it's basically just one road straight down (other than that bit through Panama where there are no roads). Check out this website on the Pan-American highway (http://www.go-panamerican.com/index.php). There is also an e-book out there about driving in Central America on the Pan-American that has good reviews (http://www.escapeartist.com/Travel/eBooks/Drivi...).
As for cell phones, I remember being on day two of my safari in the Serengeti when the driver's cell phone rang. If you can get reception in the middle of the Serengeti plains, you can get reception anywhere!
Greg
Tamara
· 1 year ago
Have you tried Microsoft's version of the world? http://maps.live.com/ I always find they are really good where Google are not (and vice versa).
I think that traveling without a clear map is exactly what an adventure should be! Your phone will work in Mexico and Central America, I'm not sure about South America, I found reception in Brazil a little flaky. But the concept of being free of electronic connections and strict road maps sounds refreshing to me!
Nomadic Matt
· 1 year ago
Like Chris G said, people did it without google maps. I'm sure you will be fine!! You can work remotely when you stop in towns....I drove around part of Guatamala fine! you'll make it!
I went through the same frustration planning my trip to Mexico. I ordered a road map, but that takes time (our local book store doesn't have one, nor does the library). Thank you TAMARA for your input: at least now I can figure out what I will be able to do in the time I will have there...still waiting for the road map.
Tom-Tom or one of those has a Mexico program you can upload into the device. The Guia Roji's are available online or at any gas station or supermarket once you get close to the border. I'm not sure about other cities, but in Puerto Vallarta, the Blue Map is awesome for local info.
I drove from Portland to Puerto Vallarta without a map. It wasn't that hard since there were only like 3 highways. If you are on a schedule or it's late in the day, always take the Cuota (toll) road. The libre roads can take you hundreds of miles out of the way, which is very scenic, but not somewhere you want to be when it gets dark!
Honestly, don't even bother trying to use the maps too much. Even the paper ones you get will inevitably be out of date or incorrect. If you do want something to go by, the best and cheapest way to get a map is from gas stations which often times give them for free and, as a bonus, sometimes show where gas stations are located. However, you will have to ask for directions a lot, so throw out the plan.
Chad @ Sentient Money
· 1 year ago
I like the idea of driving the whole trip, as it gives you a chance to stumble on more items of interest.
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Adventure: a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.
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I had printed out a bunch of driving directions from the via Michelin website in advance, and attempted to read them to my husband as we navigated. At one point (on the way to Cordoba, I think) I read, "At the roundabout, take the 7th exit. Continue along Avenida del Campo de la Verdad."
Seriously, the 7th exit? Off a roundabout? We missed it.
jamies last blog post..And the winner is . . .
As for cell phones, I remember being on day two of my safari in the Serengeti when the driver's cell phone rang. If you can get reception in the middle of the Serengeti plains, you can get reception anywhere!
Greg
I always find they are really good where Google are not (and vice versa).
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I drove from Portland to Puerto Vallarta without a map. It wasn't that hard since there were only like 3 highways. If you are on a schedule or it's late in the day, always take the Cuota (toll) road. The libre roads can take you hundreds of miles out of the way, which is very scenic, but not somewhere you want to be when it gets dark!
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I'd go with Tamara's suggestion (http://maps.live.com is really good) or buy a map at a gas station as Kyle suggested.
Or if you want more of an adventure, skip using maps and just rely on road signs and directions from locals. That might take a bit longer though :)
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