Nine fun things to do with your GPS device (photos)

Geocaching is a huge scavenger hunt played on a global scale. Players hide "caches" around the world for others to find using GPS coordinates posted in Internet forums.

You never know what you'll find in a cache. Sometimes there are small items--this one has a bunch of trinkets and a rubber chicken--and other times there are just logbooks. When you find a cache, sign the log, take an item as your prize, and leave something for the next geocacher to find.

Have you ever left a large mall or an amusement park only to realize that you've forgotten where you parked your car? The next time you leave your vehicle, use your GPS device (or GPS-enabled smartphone) to mark your parking spot, then navigate back to your car using walking directions.

Some devices, such as the Magellan Roadmate 1470 will even automatically mark your car's spot for you!

Many GPS devices, such as the TomTom GO 740 Live, come preloaded with software that allows you to download custom routes and POIs. Using this software, we were able to download and follow San Francisco's 49 Mile Scenic Drive tour.

Similar driving, walking, and cycling tours are available for many different regions. User-generated and shared routes are often free, but some manufacturers offer curated tours for a small fee.

Planning on vacationing in an unfamiliar city? A little preplanning with your GPS device can help things go smoothly during your stay. Before you take off, make sure that your device is loaded with maps for your area. While you're in there, go ahead and save your hotel and any attractions you want to visit in your favorites.

Garmin even offers downloadable CityXplorer packs for major cities. These packs include the latest street and POI data and enhanced walking directions, for a small fee, of course.

The next time you find yourself bored on a long flight, pull out your GPS device. If you're lucky enough to have a window seat, you may be able to hold it up to the glass to track your progress and altitude.

Of course, airlines differ on their in-flight electronic policies, so be sure to ask your flight attendant first.

Many GPS devices come preloaded with restaurant ratings (Zagat, AAA, or otherwise). So the next time your tummy gets to growling, pull out your GPS device and look for some yummy hidden treasures.

Bored on a Saturday night? If your navigation device features a data connection, perhaps you can search for local movie times and events.

Need to convert currency? Want to know what time it is in Hong Kong?

Dig deep enough into your navigation device's menus and you may find a few oddball functions. (Garmin is particularly known for this.)

Can you think of more fun things to do with your GPS device? Head back to the original post and let us know in the comments.