Driving means needing directions especially if you're going into towns and cities that you've never been before. A handheld GPS can be just as good as the ones that are built into vehicles. In some cases, there are even more advantages to these because of their portability. Before you get behind the wheel for a road trip, consider purchasing a handheld device if you don't have one in your car.Top Benefits of a Handheld GPSForget about trying to fold up the paper maps that never fold like they should. You can also forget about printing out maps from various internet sites that give you directions. A handheld GPS can provide you with up to the minute directions, compensating for construction, traffic and even toll roads. This way you always know the fastest or shortest route to your destination.Don't get too hung up on the name handheld GPS. Just because it's handheld doesn't mean you actually have to hold it in your hand. It just means that it's not permanent like the navigation systems mounted in some of the higher end model cars. There are plenty of windshield mounts that you can purchase to slip your GPS unit into. This way you have it on your windshield to look at as you're driving without holding it or asking your co-pilot to help you with navigation.Handheld GPS Features You WantThere are many handheld GPS units out there for you to choose from. Some talk the directions and others simply provide turn by turn directions on the screen. Some are in color, others are in black and white. When it comes to choosing one for your road trip, the larger screens in color can be advantageous because you can quickly look at the screen to see where you're going. And if you anticipate hitting bad weather, then the audio feature is nice to have, too.In your car, you can choose to have a glove compartment filled with maps to everywhere you might go or you can choose a small handheld GPS. The latter is certainly the best option.