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For several years now I’ve worried that I’ve lost my inner compass, that I’ve become a GPS addict.

That’s why I said no to the navigation option on my new car a year ago. I’d become that person who never looked at maps and drives like a zombie from here to there.

In foregoing the navigation, I also had visions of resurrecting the old-time ways of getting around— recalling landmarks (“go left at the Methodist church”), and planning a trip by arguing over a paper map with a friend. (“No, we need to go this way!”) 

I’m not entirely foolhardy, of course: In case of emergency, I always had my iPhone, with its built-in maps and ride-on-demand apps. My phone was my insurance policy. 

Alas, my backup plan didn’t help me recently when I found myself lost in Los Angeles — completely adrift —with no battery life left. Without my iPhone I couldn’t call Fred, who I had planned to meet for dinner, to say I’d be late. (Never mind that while we’ve been friends for two decades, I had no idea what his cell number was.) 

Nor had I paid attention to the name of the restaurant he’d texted me earlier. Which didn’t matter much, since I had no way to get there, anyway. I couldn’t request an Uber, and I couldn’t even get a taxi to pick me up without providing a phone number to confirm my location.  

It wasn’t always this way. 

I wasn’t always this way. 

In 1976 I’d managed to fly from New York to Luxembourg, catch a train to Paris and meet my friend Gail at our pre-designated hotel on New Year’s Eve. We’d made our plan weeks earlier — talking on a landline before she flew overseas — et voilà, our adventure unfolded as planned. (Had there been a flight change or train delay, I actually knew the name of the hotel.)  

In those days, I lived the aphorism, “It’s the journey, not the destination,” especially as I drove between college in North Carolina and home in New York City. Interstate 95 was direct and fast, but the merest wink of a roadside sign could lure me off the highway to explore a little town, a botanical garden or a historical monument.  

With my gas station map I would trace a path through unknown lands, eventually finding my way back to the Interstate. When road signs failed me, I relied on my senses. I knew where the sun rose and set; I most certainly did not need a phone’s “compass” feature to find true north. 

When I did get lost, I was late — but so what? My diversions were rich in the unexpected, and I paid attention to the world around me. I might stop and ask a complete stranger for directions, which more often than not led to unexpected conversations. One impromptu chat with a farmer near Dobson, N.C., led this city boy to a short stint working on a farm castrating pigs.

In fact, I loved getting lost so much that in the 1980s, my friend Kurt and I set off on a series of road trips with just that goal. We’d drive over the San Francisco Bay Bridge toward Oakland, then make a predetermined succession of rights and lefts, stopping only when our stomachs growled. One memorable trip took us to the historic town of Benicia, where we ate lunch at the famed Union Hotel. Delicious. Another dumped us at an oil refinery. Oh well. 

By midlife, I didn’t have time for such adventures. Instead, I focused on getting to my destination quickly. I blindly followed my car’s GPS navigator without paying attention to my surroundings. Since I never turned on my brain’s own map, I couldn’t find my way back to the same location a second time. I’d become like the Steve Carrell character in The Office, in which the GPS orders him to drive his car right into a lake.  

I rarely made a wrong turn, but I couldn’t find my way. 

For guidance, I called Nora Newcombe, a professor at Temple University and an expert on spatial navigation. She explained that when we use GPS, we don’t “build up a primitive cognitive map.” Where is the lake? The river? “You don't even know where north is,” she bluntly stated. “You’re just lost.” 

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My Los Angeles adventure brought it all home for me. After lunch one day, my friend Fred and I split on separate pursuits. With the meeting done, a colleague volunteered to drive me to a nearby Von’s grocery store to pick up a bottle of wine. With my battery life fading fast, I texted Fred: “Just getting stuff at Vons. Then will Uber home” to our Airbnb, whose address was in my phone but not my brain. 

In the seeming blink of an eye my iPhone died, and I realized the consequences of my laziness: Not memorizing phone numbers. Not registering the restaurant name. Not even remembering exactly where I was staying. Not knowing where I was. Not being present in my own experience.  

As I head out for my next road trip, I’ll bring along an old-style map to plot my route. I’ve also stashed the phone numbers of my “favorite” friends in my wallet — just in case battery failure strikes twice. 

Alas, I am aware that no solution is perfect. A few weeks ago, driving at dusk, I turned to my paper map (which I’d printed out from MapQuest with just a wee sense of irony). With the light fading and my eyesight no longer in its prime, I couldn’t read the map (nor could I use two fingers to enlarge it). In a moment of near-panic, I turned to my iPhone, which quickly corrected my course and got me safely to my destination.

 At least I didn’t get sunk in a frigid lake. 

The Takeaway 

Plan your next trip on an old-fashioned map so that you can visualize where you’re going. 

Try memorizing the directions so that you can pay attention to the sights and scenes (and road signs) on your trip. 

Stop and ask for directions, staying in public and only when it feels safe. Not all strangers have your best intentions at heart.

Turn off the audio to your GPS navigation, suggests Temple University’s Newcombe. The visual navigation is much “less pernicious” to your cognitive mapping function, she says. 

Orient yourself. Know where north is. Or whether the lake is to the east or west.  

Have a backup charger for your phone. Don’t rely 100% on your phone for contact information. Print out a cheat sheet of important numbers and store them in the glove compartment or in a wallet or bag. 

Happy trails. 

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USA TODAY columnist Steven Petrow offers advice about living in the digital age. Submit your question at stevenpetrow@gmail.com. You can also follow Petrow on Twitter: @StevenPetrow. Or like him on Facebook at facebook.com/stevenpetrow.

National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads
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The Acadia All-American Road runs 40 miles along the
The Acadia All-American Road runs 40 miles along the Maine coastline. Here, a view of Schooner Head.  Maine Office of Tourism
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Sunrise over Bar Harbor, seen from the Acadia All-American
Sunrise over Bar Harbor, seen from the Acadia All-American Road.  Maine Office of Tourism
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Sunset over Hulls Cove, seen from the Acadia All-American
Sunset over Hulls Cove, seen from the Acadia All-American Road.  Maine Office of Tourism
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Of its 3,500-plus miles, Alaska’s Marine Highway includes
Of its 3,500-plus miles, Alaska’s Marine Highway includes many miles of waterways, easily traveled by ferry.  State of Alaska, Reinhard Pantke
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Taking in the views along Alaska’s Marine Highway.
Taking in the views along Alaska’s Marine Highway.  State of Alaska, Reinhard Pantke
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The Beartooth Highway is nearly 69 miles in Montana
The Beartooth Highway is nearly 69 miles in Montana - stunning scenery included.  Donnie Sexton, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development
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The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. Here, a view from the parkway.  Alex Armstrong, courtesy of Blue Ridge Parkway Association
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Mabry Mill near Meadows of Dan, Virginia is the most
Mabry Mill near Meadows of Dan, Virginia is the most photographed landmark on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 169).  Douglas Tate, courtesy of Blue Ridge Parkway Association
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Even our four-legged friends appreciate the beauty
Even our four-legged friends appreciate the beauty found along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Visit NC Smokies by Steve Yocom
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Another way to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Another way to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Visit NC Smokies by Steve Yocom
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There's nothing like the views along the Blue Ridge
There's nothing like the views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Visit NC Smokies by Steve Yocom
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The Chinook Scenic Byway runs 85 miles through Washington
The Chinook Scenic Byway runs 85 miles through Washington with spectacular views, like this of Mount Rainier from the Crystal Mountain Summit.  Danielle Surkatty
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In Virginia, the Colonial Parkway is 23 miles long.
In Virginia, the Colonial Parkway is 23 miles long.  Visit Williamsburg
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The Colonial Parkway in Virginia travels from the Yorktown
The Colonial Parkway in Virginia travels from the Yorktown Battlefield to Jamestown Island.  Visit Williamsburg
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Jamestown is also along the Colonial Parkway.
Jamestown is also along the Colonial Parkway.  Visit Williamsburg
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Don’t be surprised if you run into this guy along the
Don’t be surprised if you run into this guy along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail, known as Louisiana’s Outback.  Monsours Photography
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Each day’s sunset tempts travelers to stop for a bit
Each day’s sunset tempts travelers to stop for a bit along the Creole Nature Trail.  Lake Charles Southwest Louisiana CVB
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The Creole Nature Trail calls for exploration.
The Creole Nature Trail calls for exploration.  Lindsey Janies, Lake Charles Southwest Louisiana CVB
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A full-frame fisheye lens helps to provide a unique
A full-frame fisheye lens helps to provide a unique view of the Florida Keys Scenic Highway as it bisects the Atlantic Ocean, left, and the Gulf of Mexico on the right in the Lower Keys near Big Pine Key, Florida.  Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bu
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Traffic rolls on the Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon,
Traffic rolls on the Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon, Florida, in the Florida Keys. The span is the longest of 42 bridges over water that help to comprise the 106-mile Florida Keys Scenic Highway, the only All-American Road in Florida. The span on the right is historic and no longer used for traffic.  Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bu
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The 25-mile George Washington Memorial Parkway travels
The 25-mile George Washington Memorial Parkway travels through Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Here, in Virginia traveling towards Reagan National Airport and beyond, Mount Vernon.  Cameron Davidson
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The Bucktown Village Store, where Harriet Tubman had
The Bucktown Village Store, where Harriet Tubman had her first public act of defiance, is found along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, 125 miles through Maryland and Pennsylvania.  Jill Jasuta
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This footbridge, near Poplar Neck, is where Harriet
This footbridge, near Poplar Neck, is where Harriet Tubman helped her parents escape slavery.  Caroline County Tourism
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Long Wharf, which is found along the Harriet Tubman
Long Wharf, which is found along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, is where slave ships once arrived.  Jill Jasuta
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The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway traverses 218 miles through
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway traverses 218 miles through Oregon.  Sumio Koizumi, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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The landscape along Oregon’s Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
The landscape along Oregon’s Hells Canyon Scenic Byway varies greatly along its 218 miles.  Sumio Koizumi, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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Fall hues adorn some of 70 miles of the Historic Columbia
Fall hues adorn some of 70 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon.  Christian Heeb, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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Multnomah Falls is a popular stop to stretch the legs
Multnomah Falls is a popular stop to stretch the legs when traveling the Historic Columbia River Highway.  Sumio Koizumi, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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The Historic National Road rambles just over 820 miles
The Historic National Road rambles just over 820 miles through Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Here, the view of the road from the Historic Summit Inn in Farmington, Pennsylvania.  Sheena Baker, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
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An historic tollhouse found along the Historic National
An historic tollhouse found along the Historic National Road.  Sheena Baker, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
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An historic site along the Historic National Road.
An historic site along the Historic National Road. The National Road Interpretive Center is found in Vandalia, Illinois  Vandalia Historic National Road Interpretive Center
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This mile marker along Route 40 in Ohio’s Licking County
This mile marker along Route 40 in Ohio’s Licking County shows the distance from the National Road's start in Cumberland, Maryland.  Garrett Martin of Explore Licking County
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: Drivers along the Historic National Road will find
: Drivers along the Historic National Road will find beautiful rolling hills and quaint towns as Route 40 passes through Licking County, Ohio.  Garrett Martin of Explore Licking County
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The grandaddy of all road trip destinations, and “The
The grandaddy of all road trip destinations, and “The Mother Road,” Historic Route 66 is the longest of the All American Roads. Here, the Gay Parita gas station in Ash Grove, Missouri.  Missouri Division of Tourism
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Historic Route 66 is the longest of the All American
Historic Route 66 is the longest of the All American Roads at more than 1,360 miles and travels through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Here, Cuba, Missouri.  Missouri Division of Tourism
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Neon signs can be found all along Historic Route 66.
Neon signs can be found all along Historic Route 66.  Missouri Division of Tourism
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Who can pass up a vintage car on Historic Route 66?
Who can pass up a vintage car on Historic Route 66?  Missouri Division of Tourism
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The International Selkirk Loop travels nearly 150 miles
The International Selkirk Loop travels nearly 150 miles through Idaho, Washington and even over the Canadian Border into British Columbia.  Jerry Pavia
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Stop and take in the beauty that is easily found along
Stop and take in the beauty that is easily found along the International Selkirk Loop.  David R. Gluns
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The 234-mile-long scenic byway begins along the Hudson
The 234-mile-long scenic byway begins along the Hudson River in Waterford, NY, where the Erie and Champlain Canals meet. The driving path continues north through New York State to the Canadian boarder at Rouses Point. Here, red cannons overlooking the Hudson River.  Saratoga National Historical Park
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Travel New York’s Lakes to Locks Passage by bike, foot,
Travel New York’s Lakes to Locks Passage by bike, foot, boat, or car - or ferry, like this one in Port Kent.  Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
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Travel New York’s Lakes to Locks Passage by bike, foot,
Travel New York’s Lakes to Locks Passage by bike, foot, car - or kayak, like here, passing by the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Historic Valcour Island.  Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
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At just 4.5 miles, the Las Vegas Strip is the shortest
At just 4.5 miles, the Las Vegas Strip is the shortest of all of the All American Roads, but is it ever full of life!  Sam Morris, Las Vegas News Bureau
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The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway winds through Mississippi,
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway winds through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.  Natchez Trace Compact
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This Double Arch Bridge is found in Tennessee along
This Double Arch Bridge is found in Tennessee along the Natchez Trace Parkway.  Natchez Trace Compact
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A part of Minnesota’s 154-mile North Shore Scenic Drive
A part of Minnesota’s 154-mile North Shore Scenic Drive skirts along Lake Superior.  Paul Stafford, Explore Minnesota Tourism
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Travel more than 200 miles through Idaho when you road
Travel more than 200 miles through Idaho when you road trip along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway.  Brad Stinson
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Rivers and mountains dominate the scenery along the
Rivers and mountains dominate the scenery along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway in Idaho.  Brad Stinson
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Rivers and mountains dominate the scenery along the
Rivers and mountains dominate the scenery along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway.  Monica Bennett
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The Heceta Head Lighthouse, as seen along the 363-mile
The Heceta Head Lighthouse, as seen along the 363-mile Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.  Christian Heeb, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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The stunning Oregon Coast as seen along the Pacific
The stunning Oregon Coast as seen along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.  Christian Heeb, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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The Pistol River State Park is found along the Pacific
The Pistol River State Park is found along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in Oregon.  Kenji Sugahara, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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Though just a little over seven miles in length, the
Though just a little over seven miles in length, the scenery along Arizona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway is simply stunning. Here, the view from the byway headed south towards Sedona on State Route 179.  Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
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Red Rock Scenic Byway traveling north to Sedona.
Red Rock Scenic Byway traveling north to Sedona.  Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
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California’s Route 1 runs 72 miles along the Big Sur
California’s Route 1 runs 72 miles along the Big Sur Coast Highway, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Be aware, however, that portions of the road are closed due to a mudslide.  Visit California, Myles McGuinness
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The Bixby Bridge crosses a gorge along Route 1 - Big
The Bixby Bridge crosses a gorge along Route 1 - Big Sur Coast Highway.  Visit California, Blaise
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Another view of the Bixby Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean.
Another view of the Bixby Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean.  Visit California, Myles McGuinness
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: The 57 miles that runs along the Pacific Ocean in
: The 57 miles that runs along the Pacific Ocean in California’s San Luis Obispo County is also known as the SLO CAL Pacific Coast Highway.  FHWA - Department of Transportation
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Flowers bloom beside the Pacific Ocean at Ragged Point
Flowers bloom beside the Pacific Ocean at Ragged Point along the San Simeon Coastline in San Luis Obispo County.  Highway 1 Discovery Route
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Bicyclists hug the Pacific Ocean along the San Luis
Bicyclists hug the Pacific Ocean along the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway, or SLO CAL Pacific Coast Highway.  Highway 1 Discovery Route
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The 229-mile-long San Juan Skyway travels through some
The 229-mile-long San Juan Skyway travels through some of the most beautiful spots found in Colorado, like the Last Dollar Ranch.  Cathy Edwards
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Traveling along the San Juan Skyway with the Mt. Sneffels
Traveling along the San Juan Skyway with the Mt. Sneffels Range in the distance.  Cathy Edwards
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Scenic Byway 12 travels 124 miles through Utah’s stunning
Scenic Byway 12 travels 124 miles through Utah’s stunning landscapes. Here, the byway at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.  Steve Greenwood, Visit Utah
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Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, just outside Bryce Canyon National
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, just outside Bryce Canyon National Park.  Michael Kunde
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The Selma to Montgomery Byway, also known as Alabama
The Selma to Montgomery Byway, also known as Alabama Highway 80, spans 54 miles between Selma and Montgomery, Alabama.  Robin McDonald
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Dexter Avenue, where the the Selma to Montgomery March
Dexter Avenue, where the the Selma to Montgomery March ended.  Art Meripol
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The iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
The iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.  Art Meripol
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Alaska’s Seward Highway traverses 127 miles through
Alaska’s Seward Highway traverses 127 miles through The Land of the Midnight Sun, with spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains.  Visit Anchorage, Roy Neese
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Here, a scenic pull off at Chugach National Forest,
Here, a scenic pull off at Chugach National Forest, along the Seward Highway.  Visit Anchorage, Savanah Evans
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Another All-American Road in Colorado is the Trail
Another All-American Road in Colorado is the Trail Ridge Road, or Beaver Meadow Road, with terrific spots to pull over along its 48 miles to take a longer look, like this one at the Alpine Visitor Center at Trail Ridge.  Davis Tiley Photography, courtesy of Visit Estes Park
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Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road winds 48 miles
Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road winds 48 miles through the Colorado mountains and hillsides.  R. Burns
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A stunning look at Crater Lake, as seen from the Volcanic
A stunning look at Crater Lake, as seen from the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which runs 499 miles between California and Oregon.  Christian Heeb, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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Sunrise at Crater Lake National Park, found along the
Sunrise at Crater Lake National Park, found along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.  Christian Heeb, courtesy of Travel Oregon
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Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway goes to the birds in California’s
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway goes to the birds in California’s Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  Larry Turner
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Lassen Peak, as seen from the Volcanic Legacy Scenic
Lassen Peak, as seen from the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.  Judy Silva
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Fern Cave at Lava Beds National Monument is a fun stop
Fern Cave at Lava Beds National Monument is a fun stop along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in California.  Larry Turner
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Detroit’s Woodward Avenue (M-1) is also known as the
Detroit’s Woodward Avenue (M-1) is also known as the Automotive Heritage Trail - the Motor City is, after all, the start of the USA's automobile heritage. What better place to road trip than along the 27 miles of Woodward Avenue?  Victor Deschamps
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Another way to travel along Woodward Avenue in Detroit
Another way to travel along Woodward Avenue in Detroit is aboard the QLine  M-1 Rail Communications
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It’s game time on Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
It’s game time on Woodward Avenue in Detroit.  Vito Palmisano
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