A GPS it a tool, not an excuse to throw out your maps or ignore GoogleMaps or Google Earth.

I was always able to get anywhere I wanted to go with a paper map, and in the last several years, I can enter an address in Google maps and SEE the area in photographs...some from ground level. That lets ME choose which route seems safest or even quietest or more scenic. If I was on a trip into really remote country, a GPS in addition to maps and Google would be fun to have... it would warn me if I made a wrong turn, and could no doubt get me back on track.

Now, if I was in REALLY remote areas, or out on the ocean, GPS would be invaluable to know where I was.