Search This Blog

Thursday, March 29, 2007

YES, YOU NEED GPS for the FAMILY ROADTRIP

We went on a long roadtrip that covered over 5,000 kilometers. Most of it was for business (Tahitian Noni International convention in Las Vegas). We drove from Vancouver, stayed one night in Caldwell, Idaho; then drove to Provo, Utah, where we stayed 2 nights and visited the Tahitian Noni International headquarters. From there, it was on to MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas for a week. After that: Grand Canyon, Disneyland in Anaheim, Universal Studios in Hollywood, and then the Grotto in Portland Oregon.

When we were in Las Vegas 2 years ago, we rented a car. We got lost so many times driving around, and also when driving to/from the Hoover Dam. I remember just being so anxious and overly cautious with the city driving, perhaps to the point of increasing the risk of getting into an accident because of erratic turns and stopping.

But having GPS (built in to our car) was the best thing that could ever happen to us. In Las Vegas and in California, I felt more "free" and comfortable to go exploring. I'd turn OFF GPS when exploring freely the city just to go and discover the types of businesses in the area. And then, when it was time to return to the hotel, it was easy as turning on GPS to guide us back. No more slowing down unexpectedly at an exit just to read the signs. No more getting all worried and anxious when thinking we're going in the wrong direction. It was smooth driving. In Los Angeles, the GPS was quick to recalculate and guide us if we took a wrong exit. This would happen when the GPS was a little slow in telling us what exit to take when there were 2 or 3 or even 4 exits to take in succession at short distances.

With GPS, I was able to take a last-minute detour when I made an unplanned decision to visit my uncle "Caloy" Gonzales near San Francisco. I only knew his address, and I had never driven within the San Francisco area (nor in California state!). It was a great chance for me to talk to him about the Hiro Energy drink I will be marketing in Vancouver and USA (and beyond!).

I hear that GPS is now available for extra cost when renting certain cars. My advice for tourists: GET GPS !

Eric
Business Solutions Specialist