USA Road Maps?

[seobaina]

Hi

We're travelling around the deep south (Orlando to New Orleans, Birmingham AL, Atlanta GA, Charleston SC etc). What road maps/atlases do people recommend? Spiral vs foldout or book type? Brands?

I'm looking at a spiral bound one at the moment but I'm worried about weight in suitcases etc.


Thank you

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Fair play to you for using old fashioned maps! Sorry, cant recommend any, we always go with sat nav!

 

[Metro West]

We're travelling around the deep south (Orlando to New Orleans, Birmingham AL, Atlanta GA, Charleston SC etc). What road maps/atlases do people recommend? Spiral vs foldout or book type? Brands?

Rand McNally has excellent road maps of the US and most are available at grocery stores, gas stations and book stores.

 

[starry_solo]

Do you know anyone in the area that can meet you at a nearby AAA? Whoever is a member can get free maps of the area.

 

[seobaina]

Fair play to you for using old fashioned maps! Sorry, cant recommend any, we always go with sat nav!

Had satnav's go 'searching' too many times at crucial moments so I like to have a map too. And in this case we're on tight budget so can't afford to hire a satnav with the car.

Rand McNally has excellent road maps of the US and most are available at grocery stores, gas stations and book stores.

Thank you. I've seen some Rand McNally ones on Amazon. Might order one of those then.

Do you know anyone in the area that can meet you at a nearby AAA? Whoever is a member can get free maps of the area.

Nope, unfortunately not on this occasion but I'll remember that for next time. Thank you.

 

[chmurf]

you can request free road maps from local visitor center

for example : http://www.visitflorida.com/guides/ you can order a road map free of charge.
(tick "The Official Florida Transportation Map" and fill the form at the bottom. You should receive the map (and guides if you order them) within a few weeks.

They're not as detailed as the Rand McNally's, but it's often more than enough

you should find maps for other states directly by ordering them on visitor centers websites.

For more detailed maps, I buy them in the first gas station along the way (might be more expensive than ordering them off amazon)
I used to have a Rand McNally road atlas for the USA. Very detailed but quite impractictal to travel with (heavy and bulky)

I also don't like GPS or Satnav. The more you use them, the more you depend on them (and some people I know don't even pay attention to road signs anymore ... scary ...)

 

[taylor3297]

The fold out maps tend have more backroads details if needed.

Most Welcome centers rest stops do have free maps. You have to make sure you hit the first one when you cross a state line.

The cities you have listed are very easy to get to via major highways.

 

[stevechase]

Hi guys

We are actually touring as we speak. I got the rand McNally maps for each area we are driving through got them from amazon, used for couple of quid each. But I bought a Sat nav too ans there is no way I would do it with just maps. We literally just found a bed for the night on route from Washington to Florida, place called Danville. It's half 10, pitch black and raining wouldn't have found it with just maps.

Just advice from someone doing it now, hope it helps

Steve n gang

 

[disneyholic family]

Had satnav's go 'searching' too many times at crucial moments so I like to have a map too. And in this case we're on tight budget so can't afford to hire a satnav with the car.



Thank you. I've seen some Rand McNally ones on Amazon. Might order one of those then.



Nope, unfortunately not on this occasion but I'll remember that for next time. Thank you.

bring a cheap GPS device with you - don't hire it from the car rental company..

and buy the fold out maps...

you need both, especially since you're so completely not from the area..

and remember, whenever you're driving in the south, be sure to stick to the speed limit (in other areas of the US as well, but the deep south has southern sheriffs - scary dudes)....

 

[stevechase]

The Garmin sat nav I bout was a reconditioned and was only 63 quid. Full English ans USA maps

Steve n gang just woke up 649 milwa from Orlando

 

[seobaina]

Thank you for all the feedback and useful links guys, I appreciate it!

And noted....do not speed for fear of scary sheriffs