SatNav or smartphone?

[PrincessShelly]

Just wondering have most people switched to smartphone navigation apps or do they still use satnav. I know some of you lovelies love a 'hold in your hand' map but I'm interested in the tech solutions people are using for navigation on their hols. Recommendations for apps would be appreciated. TIA

[malt1977]

I used my phone, I’ve to the TomTom app on which works spot on and can be used on a monthly basis for £4.99 per month. I also used google maps as it linked up to the hire car system which was handy.

TomTom is good as it doesn’t need a data connection to work (you can download the maps over WiFi beforehand)

Google needs data, we had a mobile hotspot with a PAYG SIM from 3.

Hope this helps.

[FloridaFi]

We use Waze on our phones. EE max plan so 4G not an issue.

[Pavilion1983]

We’ve used Navmii for the last few trips, it uses the phones gps so no need for data in the US. Just download the Florida map before you go.👍

[Jcmickey]

Originally Posted by malt1977

I used my phone, I’ve to the TomTom app on which works spot on and can be used on a monthly basis for £4.99 per month. I also used google maps as it linked up to the hire car system which was handy.

TomTom is good as it doesn’t need a data connection to work (you can download the maps over WiFi beforehand)

Google needs data, we had a mobile hotspot with a PAYG SIM from 3.

Hope this helps.

See more...

I have to echo this the Tom Tom app was excellent and when I used it this year even had all the POI in there was easy to use, I was fortunate to have data as well and the traffic data helped us out a few times

[RickT]

Google maps.. Download offline maps so no data required.

Plus can use Andriod auto or apple Car play

[w513mfs]

i Use the HERE App. switched from free paper maps a few years ago never had a standalone nav in states so cant comment on pros vs cons.


The here app is brilliant.

Its free.

Works with or without Data.

Routing can be a little strange.

Search is brilliant.

Can download specific maps.

Every one i have recommended it to has loved it.

I would say if using a phone buy a decent holder and don't forget the charger. Also make sure you have a decent size screen.

This might help

autoexpress/access...-nav-apps-2019

good luck

[mick]

We don't really use satnav over there unless we're making one of our trips off the beaten track.

For that Joan has "Here" on her mobile. Download the Florida maps at home and it doesn't use data. OK you won't get live traffic reports but here's one to start with - "I-4 west bound extremely busy in downtown Orlando near Maitland"

It's never let us down driving round Lake Howard, Mount Dora or through Zolfo Springs and it's quite strange (and very rare) to hear her say "enter the traffic circle"

Mick

[mysteryjimbo]

Originally Posted by malt1977

Google needs data, we had a mobile hotspot with a PAYG SIM from 3.

See more...

Google doesn't need data if you download the maps for offline use. Do this over WiFi.

I use a combo of Google Maps and CoPilot which I've owned for many years now (free updates).

I have two options as on previous occasions I've had an automatic app update which has wiped out the downloaded maps leaving me to download again. It can be a pain when you get your rental and find your satnav effectively useless. Especially with no/expensive internet plus it can take a fairly long time to download the maps.

[toonarmani]

Whatever you download test it before you leave. We’ve used Navmii for years without a problem, landed last night and it wouldn’t work (kept crashing or not generating a route) so we ended up having to work out our own way from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando in the dark/rain, but hey ho here now and downloading another app instead.

Strange and a shame Navmii keeps failing (have updated) as it was great before.