There are lots of mapping programs on the market, some are online and some are desktop applications. The one I rely on most however is Streets & Trips from Microsoft (a desktop application). I have been using Streets & Trips since it was first introduced in 2004. In addition to having street level maps of the US Microsoft also produces a version of Streets & Trips called Enroute Europe 2007. This obviously covers the European countries.

While most people will head over to one of the online maps such as Google Maps, there is so much more that can be accomplished with a desktop mapping application as opposed to an online version. This is especially true if you have a laptop and travel on the road.

First, is the print out.

When I travel to clients' locations that I have never been to before, I print out a really close, zoomed in map of the customers' location. Then I start zooming out until I find a landmark that I know how to get to. I generally only need 1 (maybe 2) pages to get to my destination.

Another big plus is if you have several stops to make all over the city, locating each stop on the map, placing a marker and then being able to visually see what route would make the most sense is a great benefit (especially with gas prices being what they are today).

And lastly, my wife and I travel extensively. She is a great navigator but occasionally we will connect up the GPS receiver that came with our version of Streets & Trips and that makes all the difference in the world if you are in a strange city. It is so much better than the small screen in-car GPS navigation systems. Plus, many times when we are on a long road trip, we locate a hotel/motel on the maps "nearby places", call them and make a reservation in minutes.

Also, if you travel in Europe there is a European version of Streets & Trips called Auto Route Europe.

BUY NOW!

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 with GPS

Microsoft AutoRoute Europe 2007

Here are some of the features & benefits you can find in Streets & Trips:

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 gives you accurate driving directions to just about anywhere in the United States and Canada, with more trip-planning features than major online mapping Web sites.

Instantly find more than 1.6 million points of interest such as hotels, restaurants, ATM's, museums, campgrounds, and more without the need to be online. Use Live Search to find additional local business listings when you're online, then take selected locations with you on the road.

Get detailed door-to-door directions anywhere along millions of miles of routable roads, streets, and highways.

All this is at your fingertips, online or off:

• Updated maps of the United States and Canada.
  
  
• Use the new perspective map view or try terrain, road, political, or night view.
  
  
• Personal Driving Profile lets you plot your own route, with flexible trip planning options like personalized start times, driving speeds, rest stops – even preferred types of roads.
  
  
• Locate Me technology tells you exactly where you are, virtually wherever you go, using wireless hotspots to pinpoint your location. Use it to change your route, find local destinations, update your ETA, and more!
  
  
• Find Nearby Places lets you find more than 1.6 million locations such as parks, ATM's, hotels, landmarks, and more within up to 50 miles of your current position or anywhere on your route - without being connected to the Web.
  
  
• Live Search lets you add additional business locations to your map when you're online, then take them with you when you go. Use Keyword search to enter “coffee,” “motel,” or “restaurant” and viola! Search results automatically refresh as you move your cursor around the map.
  
  
• Easy reverse route option - simply click to find your way back.
  
  
• Estimated drive time always lets you know how far you are from your destination.
  
  
• Easy mileage, time, and expense calculation. You'll know what to expect before you go and can adjust your plans accordingly.
  
  
• Customize your maps. Make your maps and printouts more descriptive by adding notes, addresses and phone numbers for your planned stops.
  
  
• ReRoute from Here lets you get back on track with just one click. Streets & Trips 2008 quickly recalculates directions to any new location.
  
  
• Now easier to see and read, even on smaller screens.

BUY NOW!

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 with GPS

Microsoft AutoRoute Europe 2007

Advanced GPS Functionality when you use it with your GPS receiver.

• Voice-Prompted Directions give you turn-by-turn directions as you go, with an easy-to-use, hands-free guidance system.
  
  
• Full Screen navigation with driving guidance lets you easily see upcoming turns with Dynamic Turn View and an automatically magnified view. Use it on the road!
  
  
• Automatic re-routing gets you back on track, even when you miss a turn.