Cut Off! The Best Way to Get To and From Directions Without Your Phone

Posted on by Defensive Driving | in Defensive Driving Online, Defensive Driving Tips, Driving and Safety Tips

Getting around has never been easier. In a few short years, we went from using big folding maps, to printing of directions before we leave, to installing gps systems in our cars, to having a gps device right in our pockets to use at any time.

Since the rise of the smartphone–as with calculators and memorizing phone numbers–knowing to and from directions to places has become a practice of the past. Driving somewhere unfamiliar is never a struggle, as all you have to do is type the address into Google Maps, or an equivalent app, and hit send. Not only do you not have to figure out the best route yourself, but you don’t even have to look at it again, as it will tell you what to do every single step of the way.

But as convenient as this is, what happens when you don’t have it? This might seem like an unlikely scenario, but actually all it takes is a dead phone or simply a lack of reception–perhaps in a foreign country–and all of a sudden you are lost in a boat (or car) without a paddle! So for anyone who is too young to remember finding their way without the help of a phone, here are some tips.

keep a map in your car–yes, a paper one!

It might seem archaic, but it’s always worth having a good old fashioned paper map around. If you are planning a road trip somewhere unfamiliar, or somewhere where there might not be very good cell service, print off a few maps of the area before you go. You can also cache certain areas on Google Maps and save them for later, but this is no good if your phone runs out of battery. As well as printing off a map, it might be worth also printing off to and from directions for your destination, in case of emergency. Even if you don’t print off a map, checking before you leave to make sure you have at least a basic idea of where you are going is a very good idea.

if you don’t have a map, find one

If you didn’t happen to print out a map before you left, you might think you’re in deep trouble. But, while this certainly isn’t convenient, most gas stations still sell paper maps, and so all you have to do is pop into one and grab a map of the local area. Problem solved!

ask for to and from directions

If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Locals always know their way around, and you can usually find someone to talk to either on the side of the road or in a gas station or store along the way. If you are somewhere where they don’t speak English, it might be a little bit more difficult, but if they are not able to convey a basic route to you through words and gestures, bring a piece of paper and pen and have them draw it using arrows.

bonus tip

A lot of these suggestions depend on one thing–knowing how to read a map. You might think that this is a skill that is no longer necessary, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Take a little bit of time and make sure that you know how regular maps work. Even if you don’t end up in one of these phoneless nightmares, it might come in handy next time you think Siri is leading you astray!
 
Click here to get registered
 

|

Customer Reviews

Defensivedriving.com has a ShopperApproved rating of 4.6 based on 133954 ratings and reviews.

Aimee Reyes Texas, united states
Fast and easy
Jarred Barrera None, united states
easy
Ricky Cleveland None, united states
Easy registration
Anonymous Customer Texas, united states
It was great and easy to complete
angela pena TX, united states
fast and easy
Mike Mendoza None, united states
Good service
Callie Workman None, united states
Quick and easy to start.
Teresa Dudley None, united states
Easy to get on
Aliza Arredondo TX, united states
Fast and easy
Merian Harrell None, united states
Easy online operation.
Timothy Watson None, united states
User Friendly
Nick Bright None, united states
Easy to start
Trina S Lewis None, united states
Quick and easy to register
Julia Collins united states
it was super easy and cheap
Karen Evans None, united states
Easy sign up
Curtis Smith None, united states
easy
Robert Thomas None, united states
fast easy quick and reliable with safety and protection
Gretchen Evans TX, united states
Very easy to register for this class.
Moses TX, United States
Good course
Joseph Sandoval None, united states
fast and simple
Claira Fike None, united states
Super quick and easy
Ashane Liven None, united states
I heard good things about this
Lisa Riazi None, united states
Easy
sophia samaniego None, united states
great
Collin Berwick Texas, united states
Easy and quick!
Kyle Lefler Texas, united states
Easy
Carrol Moore TX, united states
Very easy to listen to not monotone to where it was hard to stay awake.
See all reviews on shopperApproved.com
Why DefensiveDriving.com
  • 20 Years in Business
  • Over 2 Million Customers Served
  • Highest Possible Better Business Bureau Rating
  • Award Winning Course