Custom Pois along a route

I have done something similar with good success, but I only make specific waypoints, to force the GPS to take the route that I want to take. These are generally points along the highway. I'm careful to make sure that the point is on the correct side of any divieded highway.

I have been using Mapsource to plot this, export it as a gpx file. I then use something like GeePex Editor or Extra POI Editor to fine tune the position. I like using the satellite view and zoom to the max so that I can make sure that my waypoint is positioned to ensure that the GPS will know that the point has been reached.

One valuable lesson that I learned from last year's trip to Branson, was to put a sequential number in front of the name of each waypoint.

i.e.: "1 Bluewater Bridge"; "2 Lansing, MI"; "3 Indianapolis, IL" etc.

The GPS sorts the names by distance and once you pass a waypoint, you or the navigator can gety themselves confused, because the next waypoint will come after the one you just passed.

It's a small thing, but it does simplify things, especially if your navigator is like my wife and is technologically challenged. For the sake of the marriage, make it as easy as possible.

I make two files. One for going and one for returning, even if I take the same route. You will be on the opposite side of any divided highways and it makes sure the GPS routes you correctly.

I also print map sections from Mapsource and put them into a binder, so that the navigator can appreciate where they are going. The waypoints are marked and I write the waypoint name and number on the map.

I would consider making a separate POI file with Proximity Alerts for things like the Cracker Barrel and your favourite hotel, unless you're absolutely certain where you plan to stop for the night. I find that I choose where to stop, based on how long I've been driving and how tired I feel. Again, this keeps things simpler for you or the navigator, by keeping the main routing POI File simple.

I save all my POI files to the SD card and have separate sub-directories for each group.

i.e. Vacation; Restaurants; Hotels; Rest Areas; Red Light etc.

Normally, the POI Files are displayed in alphabetical order, but my NUVI 350 and possibly other models, have an unusual sort order, when you have sub-directories. It sorts first by the order the sub-directory was created on the SD card and then alphabetizes the files within that specific sub-directory. I've used this to my advantage, to ensure that the most used files are at the beginning, to minimize scrolling up and down.

Vacation sub was made first, then Restaurants, then Hotels, etc. I save "Trip Going" and "Trip Return", POIs in Vacation, etc. That way my routing files are right at the first screen. the alternative is to name the file so that it shows alphabetically, such as "A Trip Going"; A Trip Returning"; "B Restaurants"; "C Hotels"

I'm not a high tech person so I keep it simple by making several different categories containing waypoints.

I use mapsource to get the coordinates of the waypoint and then do a dry run in the simulation mode to see the route it's taking me and then add waypoints as needed to force the unit to go the way I want it to go.

To go to Florida, I have 6 categories south bound and 6 categories north bound. This might be a primitive way of doing things but it works for me. For the entire 1600 mile trip, the unit will take each and every single road that I programmed from start to finish using the waypoints.

I also have a seperate POI file with the Holiday Inn Hotels that I'll refer to when I start getting tired and thirsty

That being said, use whatever method works best for you but I do find it interesting in seeing how others accomplish the same using a different technique. Perhaps with time I'll evolve