Here is the kind of story I might invent, but no need, this one is true.

Readers Digest organized a 989 mile, three car race with twelve obscure waypoints across Britain.  One team had to rely on satnav (as GPS is  called Over There), one team had road maps, and one team had to stop for directions.

Which team had the most fun?  Thanks to those of us who were raised to be self reliant and not importune others unless absolutely necessary, the average person is not yet weary of being asked for directions. Indeed, when a stranger asks for directions nearly everyone puffs with local pride, eager to help.  There may be no better way to initiate an amusing chat and learn firsthand about people and places as we travel!  I should do it more often.

Which team came away with marvelous souvenirs of their unique adventure?  Those maps, perhaps a little dogeared and marked with pencil or highlighter will always awaken memories and make them easier to share.  Whether those travelers want to return to an inviting little spot they had to hurry past, or resolve forever to avoid a certain district, the means will be at hand.  If the trip is to be repeated, the team that studied the maps will be best able to apply what they learned toward evaluating alternate routes to shave time, choose nicer scenery or any combination of goals.

The GPS team came in last, did not get to meet any local characters, and will have trouble remembering where they saw what.

The team without maps won the race.  That’s OK.  The lesson is:  Read maps AND get out of your car and talk to people. You will arrive first (if you want to) and gain lasting enrichment from your travels.