Saving Directions I travelled to a location and saved that location. When I tried to travel the same way the next time, the GPS still tried to send me away from the original travelled route. Is there a way to save a travelled route when you did not follow the suggested GPS route completetly?

The last time you used your GPS device, did it lead you down the longest path? Did you enjoy traveling the scenic route to Massachusettes through downtown Bronx, New York during rush hour? Did you think the GPS device was going to always give you perfect directions?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, here are just a few common sense tips to using GPS devices:

1-Remember that the GPS device is not your Aunt Lulu who has lived in the area for 75 years and knows all the greatest and safeste shortcuts. It cannot think like a human can think. It is a programmed computer device.

2-Got pot holes? Assuming that your GPS device will take you to your end destination using the quickest and least "pot holiest" roadways might be a mistake. The darned thing has no ability to see what the roadways look like. So, look out for potholes instead of throwing a temper tantrum at the GPS device if your car gets swallowed up in a black energy vortex in a huge, unexpected pot hole.

3-Because your GPS device is a non-thinking creation, assume it will take you on the route programmed in to it. Think about this. A GPS device's programming may be pre-disposed to direct you to pass by an advertiser's branch location.

For example, perhaps the route you travel according to the address you type in passes by all the K-Marts or Targets or WalMarts. For this reason, consider also bringing along an atlas so you can make an informed decision about your travel route.

Compare the GPS suggested route with a route printed on a map atlas. Which is the shorter of the two routes? Which is the safest of the two routes? Do you know the area through which you will be traveling? Do you think you can hold responsible a non-thinking GPS device for your safety?

If you'd like to know about safe places to travel, consider asking the local chamber of commerces found in the various cities on the route before you actually travel to your end destination. Doing this can be a smart move instead of basing your travel routes solely on the directions of the non-thinking GPS device.

The first time my friend and I used a GPS device, we had no idea what we were doing and wound up at our destination 4 hours later than many people in our group. When my friend and I shared the story with an experienced GPS user he said, "Yeah, that happened to me. After that first time, I learned to also bring an atlas. Thinking your trip through and referring to a printed map can save wear and tear on your nerves, your gas budget and on your stress levels."

I agree! Think about the SUGGESTION your GPS device is offering to you. If you imagine that it's sending you on a wild goose chase, get off the goose and put your nose into the atlas.

Happy traveling!