.........Lemme Guess ........... Christopher Columbus

 

I almost said Christopher Columbus, actually.
But then all I could think about was this quote from my namesake:

Teachers of children in the United States of America wrote this date on blackboards again and again, and asked the children to memorize it with pride and joy: 1492. The teachers told the children that this was when their continent was discovered by human beings. Actually, millions of human beings were already living full and imaginative lives on the continent in 1492. That was simply the year in which sea pirates began to cheat and rob and kill them.
- Kurt Vonnegut

 

First do research on what to see or what you wanna do in the area. Then a tank bag with state map, I highlight the originally intended route with other highlighted loops/branches in different colors, dots for places to stop or create your own key. That way you can change your route mid ride for shorter/longer/faster/avoiding highways etc...

plan your ride, ride your plan

 

That's actually about how I do it. I've gotten pretty good at memorizing routes beforehand, too.
I also have a regular see-through magnetic map carrier that I keep on the tank. (like this one) and lately I've just been mapping it out and then putting my gps in the map holder (turned off), and only using it if I get really lost.

 

I use a GPS

 

I use the same method as the first guy. I have a GPS but dont use it till I need it. I like to go where ever the scenery takes me. When I do need to fill up or reach my destination I will turn on the GPS and get where I need to go.

 

This works for me to - pick a direction and choose roads out of interest whilst en route. GPS on to give general info but not plotted to a route until needed.