I use Google Maps to find out WHERE I am trying to get to, and then I choose my own path to going there.

Part of the reason I don't directly use the phone ap to guide me, is that it's illegal to even HOLD a phone as you drive in many places, and there's no where I can mount the little thing where I can see it safely.

My preference would be to return to the days of reading maps, combined with up to date traffic information, but I can't afford the large-screen GPS that would entail, or the specially built car that I'd have to have, in order for it to have a place to mount it.

Heck, I can't even find a car maker who designs in truly functional cup holders.

MAPS.ME
It works great with or without net connection. You just need to download a certain city in advance...

I still like those old fashioned standard road maps. I've driven all over the country,and in every major city,and plenty of back roads.
I was an over the road trucker for about eight years,and really didn't have any problems going anywhere using the truckers maps. Usually the only times I had any problems,were when I had really bad directions,so usually I would use my gps map feature,and just write down the last few turns. The early GPS features didn't take into account a 53 foot long vehicle,and would send you down some really tight roads.
Sometimes,I have gotten bad directions,and would stop to ask a local.I noticed that some people didn't know right from left,as they would be pointing with their left hand,and telling me to turn right. Made things a real challenge at times.