Leaving for Sicily next weekend and have decided that we might as well buy a GPS system for Europe instead of always renting. I want something that will be primarily used for European travel instead of US travel-UK and the EU. Any thoughts?

I have read that Tom Tom is better for Europe as it is a Dutch company that makes it and that Garmin works better in the US. I am trying to buy it tonight on Amazon so would appreciate anyone's random thoughts or opinions on this.

I have a TomTom One that worked brilliantly in France. I have since bought a used TomTom 920 on eBay for $85 complete with European maps.

I have often driven in Europe with old fashioned paper maps but wouldn't be without a GPS there again. Not a replacement for paper but a great addition.

Before you leave be sure to download TomTom Home
to your computer and get the latest updates. There is also a third party app called TYRE that works very well for planning.

Have a great trip!

Rob

IF you chose a garmin nuvi, be careful--a bunch of models were just recalled for battery overheating problems. I doubt Amazon would still stock tjem, but better safe than sorry (or returning).

Thanks CaliNurse-appreciate the tip. I don't have access to Consumer Reports so am thankful for any info.

I used TomTom Go Live 740 with live services when driving from UK to Tuscany on holiday this year. Very impressed with service.

we have been using a Tom tom 910 for several years. Love it. Only problem have had was in Bellagio. Hotel told us they used WW II maps there and to send email. Otherwise has been my new best friend and saved my marriage.

Probably cheaper Tomtom models available now. Be sure it comes with Euro maps. 910 was cheaper than buying One and then buying euro maps.

Will be best travel decision u every make to get a GPS. enjoy ur trip.

Duty, Here's Garmin recall info:

https://my.garmin.com/rma/recallLanding.faces

re Consumer Reports, you can get online version--it costs about $1/month for access.

Thanks to all for info on Tom Tom.

We are in Sicily right now with a Garmin that is three years old. It is terrible for the small towns, and not much better for the larger ones. Have been tempted to throw it out the window. Maybe updating map would help--but most roads don't look new here. We have a spiral detailed Michelin map of Italy which does help. PS In the Catania airport, our Europecar rental office did not even have a map of anything nor did they offer to find one or give directions. I asked Avis and they didn't have one either ( I had just rented from Avis in Spain and told them so) Finally I asked Hertz and they copied one for me.

I got an Italian touring club map of Sicily so maybe that will be our best bet?" Packed" -what kind of car did you rent and what type of insurance?
Which direction are you driving and what towns are you hitting? Thanks for your help!

You'd think it would be a nice little revenue stream for car rental agencies to keep a display of maps and map books for sale. They'd make money and have happier customers!