Reblogged from the Sydney Morning Herald. In a world of iPads, GPS and digital technology at your fingertips, one international tourism organisation has discovered that few things beat the traditional fold-up map.
USE-IT, a non-profit group that traces its roots back to 1970s Denmark, is an independent maker of free and funky city guides aimed at students and other young travellers, and it’s developing a cult following.
Designed and written by local artists and contributors, the colourful, individual maps are now produced in 23 cities across 14 European countries, with another two dozen cities lining up to take part in coming months… Read more.
In all honesty, I was planning on forcing my (one-day) children to read maps when we travel. I was thinking about doing what my mother did to me. Persistently get lost in a car park or mall with them until they’re trained to develop navigation skills
Wow this looks so handy! I’m definitely going to keep this in mind when I go to Europe this summer.
Cracked or stolen iPad/iPhone: much sadness at the impending loss of currency for a new one.
Torn or lost map: meh, let’s go get a new map down at the corner shop.
So true! I’m a big fan of the old-school myself, and the more expensive gadgets I have while travelling, the less relaxed I am. Much prefer a map that can be easily and cheaply replaced than an expensive little toy that needs charging, and marks me as a target for theft. Thanks for commenting!