Summer is here!!!! Do you have travel plans? Many families plan their big family vacations for this time of year since the kiddos are out of school and your local library is here to help. We have a multitude of travel books to plan the perfect vacation. You can choose from places like Paris, Egypt, California, Tennessee, Disney, or even right here in Louisiana. There are books for traveling to places with kids such as Washington, D.C. with kids and even traveling with your pets such as Traveling with your pet : the AAA PetBook : the AAA guide to more than 14,000 pet-friendly, AAA-approved hotels and campgrounds across the United States & Canada. We have books that can help you plan a food trip such as Roadfood: the coast-to-coast guide to 900 of the best barbeque joints, lobster shacks, ice cream parlors, highway diners, and much, much more by Jane Stern or the Food lover's guide to the world: experience the great global cuisine. We know that Disney is a favorite destination for many in our area and we have a good selection of books to help make the most of your Disney vacation including Walt Disney World with kids 2015: with Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & Aquatica or The unofficial guide to Disney Cruise Line 2016.
So how can these books help you plan a vacation? There are many different books all focusing on different aspects of your travel needs. The majority of the books have some of the same basic information though. Things like attractions in the area, places to stay and eat, historical information, and shopping. There are tips on planning with all the essentials you need for a successful vacation. Some of the travel books contain more specific information such as Good Sam RV travel guide & campground directory, or Weird U.S. : your travel guide to America's local legends and best kept secrets by Mark Sceurman. There are also plenty of travel books for day or weekend trips around Louisiana such as The Cajun Louisiana "Boudin Trail" : a travel guide to Cajun Louisiana featuring food and history by Roger D. Prejean or Weird Louisiana : Your travel guide to Louisiana's local legends and Best kept secrets by Roger Manley. Wherever you choose to go, there is something for everyone in travel books.
So how do you know which book to choose? The travel books by Foder’s and Frommer’s are usually good bets as they have been in the travel book business for quite some time. Although, any book that catches your interest is a good one to look at. Better yet, check out several on your destination and see which one fits your needs best. We even have books on helping you with the different languages your travel destination’s residents speak. You can even learn that new language with our Rosetta Stone database.
Don’t forget the kids! They love to look at the pictures that the travel books provide as a way to build excitement but for others to alleviate fears of the unknown. Kids can also check out Audiobooks, Launchpads, Views, and books to make traveling time go a little faster.
Many people check out travel books just to get familiar with an area that they have never gone to and take “book vacations” without ever leaving home. This is also a great way to introduce kids to other places without the expense of actually going. Those that aren’t vacationing this summer don’t despair. Your local library will be here to meet your literacy needs whether they are for business or pleasure. Don’t forget the library’s Summer Reading Programs! You can always find a vacation waiting for you in one of our fabulous books! Happy vacationing or staycationing!!
- Laura, Library Director