No I always hire a car at least for a few days to see the country, done hundreds of miles in spain france turkey, 3500 in canada/Alaska, goa etc. But broke down twice in turkey on the sme day and it was fun trying to explain where we were!!! On a really busy junction too!
I use GPS all day and used them before they all had maps in, just gives me a secure feeling of not being hopelessly lost!
Also to mark scenic places so I can save co-ords or look up on google earth later.