I downloaded restareas combined. Now what? (TomTom)

The rest area coordinates are set at the off ramp to the rest stop. I have mine set to alert me at two miles. Gives me plenty of time to get in the correct lane to exit in time.

If you upload the .csv file, a .wav (or .mp3 file), and usually the appropriate .bmp file with Garmin's POI loader application in the manual mode and set the distance to the recommended 1-2 miles you will get an audible alert at the set distance of the approaching rest area. You can also look ahead by opening up the Extras folder and looking at the nearest 50 Rest Areas.

What you can do is open up your rest area files on the gps and it will show you where the closest one is. If you know where you are like interstate 5 for example, it will show you 2 with the same name. One will be north bound and one will be south bound. It will also show you what direction they are with an arrow. You can test it while sitting in the living room as long as you have satellite reception. It will always show the closest one to you first.

Deleted.

Didn't realize unit was a Tom Tom when I wrote my response !

On my GO 720 the procedure is:

From the main menu, tap

Change Preferences > Manage POIs > Warn when near POI

then select the POI category and specify your preferences (distance, sound, warn only when on route).

If you are already on a route, then you can Navigate To/Along Route/POIs/Rest Area and it will show the rest areas along your route with the nearest ones first. Remember to pick one that is the same direction you are traveling (N/S, E/W).

1. Main Menu, Change Preferences, Show POI on map, select Rest Area. Create your cross country route. On the Route summary page, click Details, Browse map of route. You will see all of the Rest Areas on your route.
2. No. On the Route summary page, Details, Browse map of route, click the Rest Area, where you want to stop & navigate to it.

Thanks for all your help.