Where to Rent a GPS System
GPS navigation, otherwise known as a global positioning system, can be a wonderful tool in your travels. Using a GPS navigation device, people can find directions to and from points and all the hot-spots in between.
Whether you'd like to try out a system before you make a purchase or if you're simply planning a trip and want some help reaching your destination, renting a GPS navigation device may be exactly what you need. Keep in mind that most storefronts such as Rent-A-Center and Aaron's don't carry GPS units so in order to test out a unit and see what you're getting into, you'll need to rent a GPS unit either from a website or with a rental car.
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GPS Planet
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GPS Planet has top-of-the-line devices. Their units cover a large area for travel, including: North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia and the rest of Oceania. Essentially, customers fill out some basic information on GPS Planet's website and then the system will be mailed out before the trip begins. The package will include a prepaid label for return shipping, which means it can be returned from any location. GPS Planet also offers a discount on navigation units should you decide to keep the model.
Regardless of where you're traveling, the units themselves cost approximately $10 per day. Additionally, all rentals require a deposit for the total dollar amount of the unit, so be prepared for a $400-$500 charge while the unit is rented. Since the units can cost approximately $500 to purchase, the rental price is significantly lower than outright making a purchase.
GPS4Rent.com
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Similar to GPS Planet, customers at GPS4Rent.com order the make and model directly from their website and it is shipped directly to them. A return shipping label is included, and customers simply repack the unit and mail it back to the provider.
GPS4Rent offers a diverse selection of navigation systems, and its prices vary from $5.95 for a basic model up to $19.95 for the top-of-the-line system. They also offer specialized units such as the Garmin G5 Golf for improving your golf game, or the Nuvi 350 Theme Park that's pre-programmed with amusement parks across North America. -
YourGPSRentalCompany.com
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Based out of Orlando Florida, this company offers the Garmin Nuvi 205W at rates starting at $9.95 a day. It's a sliding scale so the unit may be as low as $5.99 per day depending on how long you reserve it. And if you decide you need to keep the unit an extra day or two, Your GPS Rental Company simply extends the contract at the given rate (unlike GPSPlanet, which charges $24.95 per day in late fees).
It's important to note that a new Garmin Nuvi 205W can be purchased for less than $200 so if you plan on renting the unit for about two weeks or more, you may be able find it for the same price.
Budget Truck Rentals & the Where2
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The Garmin Where2, based on its Street Pilot series, covers all the basic needs of a GPS navigation device. Similar to the Neverlost, the Where2 focuses on point-by-point navigation, language options and commonly needed places for a pit stop (such as restaurants and gas stations). As with all car rental companies, the GPS units are only offered as an added feature to a car rental.
Hertz Auto Rentals & the Neverlost
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Magellan, a well-known GPS manufacturer, worked with the auto rental company Hertz to make a durable, comprehensive GPS device for its rental cars. Titled the Neverlost, it offers point-by-point navigation to your destination. Furthermore, it is programmed to speak in 10 languages, and includes popular detour locations such as gas stations, restaurants and local attractions.
The Hertz Neverlost is available to rent at locations nationwide. However, the navigation system cannot be rented by itself. They are included free-of-charge on many luxury line Hertz rental cars, or they can be rented for a nominal fee. Check with your local Hertz branch for prices.
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- Photo Credit Images Courtesy of Flickr's Creative Commons. Top Image by JBriga
