If you have a smart phone, there are some good GPS apps that will might serve your needs. I'm using Cyclemeter because it got very good reviews from other cyclists, and I'm very pleased with it. Although it wasn't free like some other options, it was well worth the cost ($5) to me.

My iPhone cost me $200, and that's much less than a Garmin. I don't really want or need a map on my handlebar all the time, so the Cyclemeter works great for me. I turn it on when I leave for a ride, and it tracks my route and data so I can view it later -- with a map of my route and stats on time, distance, avg speed, elevation gain, etc. You also can set it so it quits recording when you are stopped. Cyclemeter also does not use much data, if you remember to turn off the screen when you are riding.

Also, if you need to view a map while riding, the standard GPS feature on an iPhone will show you all you need to know -- assuming you can pick up a signal where you are riding, which isn't usually an issue but can be in some areas.