sf Navigating America’s Most Challenging Cities (NAPSA)—Getting to know a city is a big job but getting through a city shouldn’t be. Some of America’s metropolitan areas, however, present a challenge for even the most savvy drivers. Yet with U.S. residents expected to take more than 122 million business trips in 2004, the need to maximize productivity on the road has become increasingly important. Getting lost can negatively affect the outcomeof a business outing and arriving late does not make a good impression. According to a recent study conducted by “Best Places” expert Bert Sperling, Boston is America’s “most challenging city to navigate,” followed closely by Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Baltimore and New York. The analysis of America’s largest 75 cities found some popular destinations to be “driver-friendly,” including Salt Lake City, San Antonio and Las Vegas. Fordrivers in need of an assist, there are a variety of navigational tools available—some more help- ful than others. Paper maps can get cumbersome and can be difficult to use when driving alone. Online mappingservices are often incorrect. The solution favored by an increasing numberofdriversis a Global Positioning System (GPS). Eighty-six percent of drivers traveling to unfamiliar destinations find specific turn-by-turn directions very helpful. America’s 10 Most Challenging Cities To Navigate 1. Boston, Mass. 2. Washington, D(-Md.-Va. 3. San Francisco-Oakland,Calif. 4. Baltimore, Md. 5, New York, N.Y.-Northeastern, NJ. 6. Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood-PompanoBch,Fla. 7. Los Angeles, Calif. 8.Seattle-Everett, Wash. 9. Providence-Pawtucket, R.I.-Mass. 10. Norfolk-Newport News-Virginia Beach, Va. (source: Sperling’s “Best Places” Survey, Avis Rent A Car and Motorola) @ Fortunately, GPS is now available in both new cars and many rental cars. Avis, for example, now offers Avis Assist, a tool to help travelers easily navigate their way on unfamiliar roads. Powered by Motorola’s VIAMOTO mapping software, the service lets travelers bypass unwieldy maps and confusing directions by gaining instant real-time spoken directions through a convenient cell phone handset. Now available in 60 cities, the service even features a detour function and automatic rerouting, once a driver makes a wrong turn. For more information on the new Avis GPS system, or to see the full ranking of America’s Most Challenging Cities to Navigate, visit www.avis.com or www.best places.net.
