Navigating Our Adventures: The Tech Behind Our Travel

As we venture into diverse landscapes and remote corners of the globe, having reliable navigation tools is crucial. Our journey relies heavily on sophisticated navigation devices and software that not only guide us but also enhance our travel experience by integrating detailed, practical information about our routes.

Primary Navigation: Garmin Tread XL Overlander

At the core of our navigation setup is the Garmin Tread XL Overlander, an indispensable tool for both on-road and off-road navigation. What sets the Garmin Tread apart is its ability to recognize the dimensions and weight of our vehicle, ensuring we're only routed through areas that can accommodate our 12-ton RV’s size and weight. This feature is vital as it prevents us from navigating roads unsuitable for our vehicle, avoiding potential hazards and ensuring smooth travel.

Journey Planning: Tablet with GaiaGPS

For broader trip planning, we use a robust tablet equipped with GaiaGPS. This versatile software offers a wide range of map layers, which are invaluable for detailed planning. We can access information on public lands, track wildfires in real-time in the US, and much more. This layered mapping approach allows us to prepare meticulously, ensuring we're aware of all conditions before we set out. Within GaiaGPS, I've also marked Points of Interest (POIs) for all world heritage sites and potential campsites, enriching our route with must-visit locations and reliable overnight stops.

Recent Addition: Locus Maps

Our latest navigation enhancement is Locus Maps, which integrates OpenAndroMaps. These beautifully rendered maps provide detailed road features directly on the map, such as whether a road is tarmac or gravel and its width, which is perfect for advance planning of our off-road adventures.

Long-Term Collection: Google Maps

For years, we've been curating a special list on Google Maps, marking down intriguing places we've come across in various travel documentaries. This collection has grown into an extensive list of bucket-list destinations, each pinned with the promise of future exploration.

Together, these tools not only ensure we navigate safely but also enrich our journey with a depth of information that allows us to explore confidently and with a keen awareness of our surroundings. As we continue our travels, these technologies will be our guides, helping us to discover every hidden gem and spectacular vista the world has to offer.