1. AVOID TRAFFIC - If you've got a GPS with real-time traffic capabilities, like the Garmin nuvi 660, 680, c550, Magellan Maestro 4050, or TomTom ONE XL, make sure your subscription is current before heading out. If you're part of the majority of people who don't have a real-time traffic enabled GPS, Google Maps recently added real-time traffic data to their maps -- plot your planned course on Google Maps before leaving and spot any potential traffic problems. If you see a traffic issue, use your GPS' route exclusion/avoidance feature to route around the problem area.
2. AVOID PROBLEMATIC ROADS - even if you don't see any real-time traffic issues, use common sense. If you know a major highway is typically congested, you can be doubly sure it's going to be a nightmare this week.
3. Avoid leaving the windshield mount and/or GPS mounted on the windshield in a hot car for long periods of time, or else THIS might happen to you.
4. Use the POI Search to discover new places, tourist attractions, national parks, etc. Searching for POIs is easy on a Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, and LG. If you've got a Magellan Maestro, make use of the AAA TourBook data!
5. Go Geocaching - Use your GPS to discover a new place and get some exercise!

With all the technology available to us, there's (almost) no excuse for getting the family lost or stuck in hours of traffic this holiday. So be smart, make good use of your GPS, and above all, have a safe Fourth of July.