Geocaching is an excellent way to maximise your use of a handheld auto navigation system. There are so many wonderful activities and events you can use your system for, and geocaching is a way of combining many activities into one use or event. In addition to being a great way to get out and see the world, this is a fantastic way to incorporate physical fitness into your fun regimen. The reason is that there is generally some degree of effort involved in finding your hidden treasures.
So what exactly is geocaching? Glad you asked. It’s a sport, really—kind of like a fox hunt but without the dogs and foxes. Seriously, it’s a merry chase in search of a small token or treasure. The idea is that you take something, leave something, and log it. You use your GPS or handheld auto navigation system to locate the treasure you’re seeking. The caches and stashes are found using coordinates from the internet.
This is a hugely popular pastime, and you’ll find all kinds of spectacular prizes and goodies in the cache stash, as well as some complete flops when it comes to prizes. All bets are off, really—some stashers leave incredible items, while others leave pranks or silly objects. It’s entirely up to you what treasures you leave behind (just remember, this is often a family-friendly activity, so keep your tokens appropriate for all ages).
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to geocaching, and new games are created all the time to keep the excitement alive. Check the internet for caches hidden in your area—you might be surprised at the vast number of treasures and treasure hunters nearby. I always think of geocaching as my own form of treasure hunting. Not all caches are created equal, but the thrill of the hunt is what really matters. Some caches are hilarious, while others contain actual cash! Go in with the mindset of having fun, and you’ll be amazed at the treasures you find. Just remember—if you take something, leave something in return.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that using GPS or other auto navigation systems makes this easy. Geocaching can be a serious orienteering workout. You may need to climb, hike, or bike, and in some cases, even require specialised equipment like scuba gear or rock climbing tools to reach certain caches. You could even start your own cache by selecting a creative hiding spot, stashing some treasures, and uploading the coordinates to your local geocaching website. If you keep an eye on your stash, you’ll see all sorts of interesting goodies and ideas come through.
Even if you haven’t thought about going on a real treasure hunt since childhood, isn’t it about time you did? Geocaching is the modern-day treasure hunt with a twist—instead of “X” marking the spot, you’re guided by beeps and blips.
Save Money by Buying the Right Auto Navigation System for Your Needs
With so many GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) devices and auto navigation systems on the market today, how on earth is someone supposed to choose the best system? The answer isn’t as difficult as you might think. It all comes down to deciding what you’ll be using your auto navigation system for.
You need to know where you’ll be using your device to ensure it fits your needs. Will you be using it for:
- Driving?
- Biking?
- Hiking?
- Boating?
- Off-roading?
Occasionally, you may find that your auto navigation system needs to work across multiple activities. The good news? There’s a device for that too! Seriously, there’s a GPS solution for almost every use case.
If you plan to use your auto navigation system exclusively for driving, consider models like:
- Magellan RoadMate 2200T Portable Navigation System
- Garmin StreetPilot c530 Automotive GPS
- TomTom One
- TomTom GO 910 Automotive GPS System
- Navman iCN 750 Vehicle Navigation with Camera
These systems offer features such as:
✅ Turn-by-turn directions
✅ Landmark identification
✅ Important stops and destinations
✅ Popular restaurants along the way
Versatile Handheld GPS Options
If you need something more flexible than a standalone navigation system, check out handheld GPS systems. These are excellent for off-road adventures but may require an upgrade to support turn-by-turn navigation.
For outdoor enthusiasts, these handheld GPS devices offer great reliability:
- Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Color Handheld GPS Unit
- Magellan eXplorist 600
- Lowrance iFinder Hunt Color
Turn Your Laptop or PDA Into a GPS
If you already own a laptop or PDA, you can convert it into a GPS using additional software and hardware. This is a budget-friendly alternative to standalone GPS devices while still offering full navigation features.
Some great laptop or Palm-based GPS solutions include:
- Garmin CF Que 1620 Compact Flash GPS
- TomTom Navigator 6 Bluetooth
- DeLorme Earthmate Blue Logger
- Garmin Mobile 20 Smartphone GPS System
Get the Best Value for Your Money
There are tons of incredible navigation devices available today. But prices fluctuate as new technologies emerge. Here’s how you can save money when shopping for an auto navigation system:
💡 Buy last year’s top models. New gadgets are expensive, but last year’s models often have similar features at a lower price.
💡 Avoid overpriced devices. Don’t assume the most expensive GPS is the best. Many mid-range devices offer the same high quality without inflated costs.
💡 Skip unnecessary features. Some GPS units come with fancy extras you might never use. Don’t pay more for features you don’t actually need.
FAQs
1. What’s the best auto navigation system for off-road adventures?
Handheld GPS units like the Garmin eTrex Vista Cx or Magellan eXplorist 600 are great choices for hiking, biking, and off-roading.
2. Can I use my smartphone as a GPS instead of buying a separate device?
Yes! Many smartphones now have GPS functionality. However, standalone auto navigation systems often offer better accuracy and offline navigation.
3. How do I find the best deals on auto navigation systems?
Look for last year’s models, compare mid-range options, and avoid overpaying for unnecessary features.
