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Books can transport you. A good author can make places seem like one of the characters in the story. These thoughts recently came to me as I realized that just hearing the name of a certain place can conjure up memories and images even though I’ve never been there.

England

I enjoy reading books that take place in England or have English protagonists. So it’s no surprise that England is one of those places for me. Two of my favorite series formed the impressions that resonate the most for me. Both authors are known for their sense of place and meticulous research.

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The Inspector Rutledge mysteries by Charles Todd take place right after World War I. Inspector Ian Rutledge returns from the war shell-shocked to pick up his duties as a Scotland Yard detective. Though he’s based in London, his inquiries take him to different villages and towns throughout England. The authors (a mother and son writing team) are excellent at bringing these villages to life, each with its own flavor. A few of my favorites take place in Cornwall, a small town called Wolfpit in Suffolk and Avebury, which has Stonehenge-like monoliths. We were fortunate to have the Todds visit our library in 2018 in conjunction with 2BookTopeka.

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I also love the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James mysteries by Deborah Crombie. These take place in the present day mostly in and around London. While Crombie lives in Texas, she fell in love with England during her first visit and it shows in her writing. Duncan and Gemma work for Scotland Yard and have a growing relationship. Each book is a blend of mystery, human drama and an exploration of a place, its history and present day aspects. Some of my favorites feature Portobello Market, the Shropshire Union Canal longboats, the East End and the Isle of Dogs along with the tea trade.

France

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A book I picked up on a whim that grabbed my imagination is The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.  The main character is the tortured, self-proclaimed “literary apothecary” Monsieur Jean Perdu who takes the ultimate adventure trip when he sails his book barge down the Seine and ends up in Sanary-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean Sea. Along with his two companions he eventually finds peace while passing through intriguing places like Cuisary, the town of books, and Canal de Briare, the oldest canal in France.

These are just a few examples. Let the world of books connect you to the world.

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The bottom line is get out there and explore the world. We’re here to help with information and inspiration. One author reminded us that it was fairytale guru Hans Christian Andersen who said, “To travel is to live.”

THE EXPERTS

• Conde Nast Traveler
• Forbes (with 2 lists including budget travel locations)
• Harper’s Bazaar (check out the digital magazine with your library card)
• Lonely Planet
• National Geographic (check out the digital magazines with your library card)
• Travel+Leisure (check out the digital magazine with your library card)

The following places received the most mentions.

JAPAN

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With the 2020 Summer Olympics coming up, there are numerous new hotels and restaurants opening. Many of the recommendations also mentioned the history and culture. Specific areas touted were Kanto, Kyoto, Nikko and Tohoku. Reviewers comments included descriptions like “a broad swath of history as well as a beautiful natural setting” and “the whole effect is one of simplicity and understatement.” About Tohoku, “…emerging as a breath of fresh air for the crowd-weary adventurous visitor…”

INDIA

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There are many things to recommend this country especially the areas of Kochi, Madhya Pradesh, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Besides exotic settings like palaces and fairytale architecture, there are beautiful mountains and forests, wildlife (think tiger-spotting), the arts, history and a solar-powered airport. Of Kochi Lonely Planet said, “this city keeps a tight grip on its heritage while wholeheartedly embracing its new found cool.” National Geographic said, “the oldest European settlement in India is gaining notice as a buzzing new arts hub.”

BRAZIL

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Recently relaxed visa requirements and the desire to improve its reputation since the Olympics made this destination popular. Of particular mention are the Brazilian Amazon (the natural world at it purest and home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals), Bahia with its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage and Rio de Janeiro. One reviewer said about Rio de Janeiro, “I fell in love with its friendly, laid-back people, the gorgeous beaches and the intoxicating rhythms of samba and bossanova…”

CANADA

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Canada is long known for its pristine wilderness and natural world. The Canadian Arctic has places man has not walked upon for more than 500 years. Other attractions mentioned are the vineyards of Kelowna, British Columbia, the harp seal nursery of Magdalen Islands and the Acadian culture and history of New Brunswick.

CHINA

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Popular places in this vast and intimidating country include Beijing, which has seen a surge of new developments. In the Forbidden City, the historic Qianlong Garden will be opening for the first time ever. Forbes contributor Alexandra Talty said, “Being one of China’s largest cities, I thought it would come at a hefty price but it was way more affordable that I thought it would be.” Other areas mentioned are Guizhou, the Silk Road and Songyang County (a rural area that has quietly become an architecture lover’s dream.)

SPAIN

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The areas of Cadiz and Asturias are highlighted for gastronomic triumphs. Referring to Asturias one reviewer said, “…nowhere else in Spain can you find so many flavors, such incredible variety, in such a small area.” The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago, drew raves for their beaches, mountains, diversity of ecosystems and walking trails. Starting in Spain and moving into Portugal, Douro River cruises are a popular new thing that’s gaining momentum.

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Research and plan

• Comparison shop, using services like Expedia or Skyscanner. According to SmarterTravel, it’s never been a better time for online deals. Travel+Leisure suggests traveling on the holiday for better deals and checking with a travel agent who may have access to deals not online.
• Check for alternative driving routes. Travel+Leisure recommends Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation app.
• Look at the connections on flights and void tight ones in case of weather delays. If you can manage it, try for a flight path where the connections are in warmer climates.
• Travel on off-peak days if you can. Not only is it cheaper, it’s less hectic. Or fly at less desirable times including the day of the holiday.  Early morning flights are likely to be less crowded, free of delays and you’ll have more time if there is a delay.
• Always leave early to avoid lines and allow for unexpected delays. If you’re using airport parking you might want to reserve a space in advance. Or use other transportation to get to the airport.

What to bring

• Pack light to avoid checking bags. SmarterTravel suggests reviewing the latest TSA rules for carry-on bags. If you must check bags,  keep medications, important documents and a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case. Travel+Leisure advises rolling your clothes to save space.
• Bring creature comforts such as ear plugs, eye masks, shawls or throws for warmth, and snacks. According to the Travel Channel being hungry can contribute to navigational mistakes, not to mention trying your patience.
• All three sources recommend shipping gifts ahead of time or giving gift cards. That way gifts are less likely to get lost and you avoid the possibility that TSA will need to open your already wrapped gifts.

Other stuff

• Finally, be patient and remain calm. Travel apps like GateGuru, GasBuddy or SitOrSquat can help you keep up with your flight status, check gas prices or find clean restrooms.
• Travel+Leisure advises staying in a hotel instead of with family. This gives everyone some space around a stressful, although happy, time. Also, schedule a stay-cation after the holidays to give yourself some recovery time!

Check out these books for more travel tips, no matter how you’re getting there.

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Grand Rapids

The 24-ft American Horse by Nina Akamu inspired by Da Vinci

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was our first destination. The second biggest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids has a reputation for great food and great beer. The hometown of our 38^th president, it boasts the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The high point for us was a visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park voted one of the Top 30 Must-See Museums on the planet. After wandering the many beautiful themed gardens (including a children’s garden), we took a tram ride through the sculpture park. You can read about this and other interesting spots in Michigan in Off the Beaten Path: Michigan by Jim DuFresne.

A word about the Off the Beaten Path book series. These are published by Globe Pequot Press, whose mission is to “save history for future generations.” There is one available for almost every state in the U.S. The books are all written by local authors and they are  invaluable resources for finding the unique experiences in each area.

The Great River Road

The Mississippi River from Praire du Chien, Wisconsin

Iowa’s Lock & Dam #10

Next we drove through Illinois to catch the Great River Road in Wisconsin. This is a National Scenic Byway following the course of the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. While the river is not always visible, the drive is always interesting. I would love to travel the whole 3,000 miles sometime, taking enough time to sample each area’s cultures and tourism. But that’s another trip! We followed it as far as Missouri this time, spending the most time in Iowa. The website has lots of information about the many attractions and interpretive centers along the way. Jamie Jensen outlines an itinerary for the Great River Road and other byways in Road Trip USA: Cross-country Adventures on America’s Two-lane Highways.

Dubuque

The Hancock House

The parlor in Hancock House

Dubuque, Iowa, is a true river city that’s full of unique architecture. Its waterfront features the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, riverboat trips, live music and a casino. We stayed at the Hancock House Bed & Breakfast, an 1891 Victorian house built by Charles T. Hancock. Beautifully restored and ideally situated, the house sits high on the bluff with great views of the river and the city.  We popped in without a reservation to find the owner was planning a week of repairs and upkeep. But he graciously let us have one of the available rooms complete with a full, hosted breakfast. The room was charming and comfortable and was furnished with a pull-chain toilet!  Dubuque and the Hancock House are mentioned in Off the Beaten Path: Iowa by Lori Erickson

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Redwood National Park

How many U.S. National Parks have you visited? There are 61 designated National Parks and more than 400 areas in the National Park System. I remember visiting at least eight parks with my family, but I didn’t realize how many there were until I started a Pinterest page!

Acadia National Park

National parks preserve the beauty, grandeur and history of our country. These parks give us a place to experience nature at its most awesome. Choose your scenery – snow-covered mountains, primeval forests, glittering waters or heart-stopping deserts. Twenty-nine states plus American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands have national parks. This gives us a variety of climates to choose. At each park you can be active or just soak up the atmosphere.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Every park has its special attractions, unique wildlife and education opportunities. I love to hike the Rocky Mountain National Park trails up to Emerald Lake. Recently I hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park among the cool, giant trees. This experience was so different from the Rocky Mountains.

Saguaro National Park

Besides national parks, there are national monuments like the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, national preserves like the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and historical parks, historic sites, military sites and battlefields.

Check out our books and DVDs on national parks in general and individual parks to help you plan your trip. If you’re thinking of visiting often, check out the passes and discounts. If you like mysteries, Nevada Barr, Christine Carbo, Scott Graham and Karen Barnett set their whodunits in national parks.

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Of course, the internet can be a valuable source of current prices and schedules, but travel guidebooks can give you so much more information on the culture, climate and the best places to spend your time. In fact the travel guidebook industry is thriving, with many great choices. Here’s an overview of the most popular guidebooks we have.

Fodor’s is one of the earliest and most well-established travel guide companies. It was founded by Eugene Fodor who published his first guide in 1936 because he thought the travel books of his time were boring. The Hungarian-born adventurer was also recruited by the CIA as a spy in 1942, shortly after he started his guidebook company. He was the first to print updates of his guides and to recruit writers who lived in the areas they wrote about. These guidebooks are still considered well-researched and spot-on with their recommendations.

Frommer’s is considered the granddaddy of American travel writers. Arthur Frommer first published a guidebook for soldiers when he was stationed in Germany followed by his trademark Europe on $5 a Day in 1957. Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, he is committed to low-budget and alternative travel. Frommer’s guides are recommended by the website Vagabondish as the “Best Guides for Newbies” as they contain everything you need to know. The guides are very much geared toward American travelers and users find them very reliable and cost-conscious.

Rick Steves is a charismatic American travel writer from Washington who advocates for independent travel. His first big book was Europe Through the Back Door in 1979 and this is also the name of his first company. In 2000 he began hosting “Rick Steves’ Europe” on PBS, many of which are available on DVD in the library. His enthusiasm for travel is infectious and he has many fans. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. His mission is to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening.

Lonely Planet has some of the best-selling guides. Originally founded by Maureen and Tony Wheeler, the name is drawn from a misheard line in the song “Space Captain” (it was actually “lovely planet”). The guides were aimed at backpackers and other low-cost travelers and still retains that reputation for travelers who want the “off the beaten track” experience in their trips. Its legion of fans swear by the comprehensive, easy-to-understand information and the guides are highly recommended.

Other great guidebooks by DK Travel, Moon, Rough Guides and Insight Guides are also available.

Photo credits: Mark Chaves, Marten Bjock and June Liu all at Unsplash

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We have Travel Bags for several destinations in the U.S. and England, France and Italy. U.S. locations include popular cities and states. Each bag contains several guidebooks and a folder with maps and brochures for the area. It all comes in a compact, zippered bag with convenient handles so you can grab it and go.

Take a peek inside the New York City bag. Along with the guidebooks, the blue folder in front contains brochures, maps and other goodies that past visitors have left for you. After your trip we invite you to add your own information about places or activities you loved.

You can also browse our catalog or the shelves in the Travel Neighborhood (East Wing) that are organized by region or country. The Travel Bags are located together at the very end of the travel shelves. We also have an excellent collection of travelogues to inspire wanderlust including A Travel Junkie’s Diary by Dina Bennette, National Geographic’s Destinations of a Lifetime and Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams.

Here’s the complete list of Travel Bags.

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You may have a general area you want to explore like the Pacific Coast or New England in the fall for the turning of the leaves. If you’re interested in history, following Route 66 or a tour of Civil War battlefields would make a great trip. Or, in the spirit of adventure, maybe you’ll want to pick a direction and see what comes up! The Travel Neighborhood has guidebooks and lots of information to help you dream and plan.

Consider your traveling companions, if any. If there are small children involved, you’ll probably want to stop frequently and earlier for the night. Think about everyone’s interests and choose destinations and areas with something for everyone. If you enjoy watching scenery and are open to the discovery of serendipitous adventures, you’ll have a ball.

Some practical tips

• Have your vehicle serviced and clean it before you go. (You may be tempted to skip the cleaning, but by the end of the trip, you’ll be glad you didn’t.)
• Make sure you have all the documents you may need at hand – insurance cards, vehicle registration and AAA membership information, just in case.

My favorite advice

• Get a current atlas and map out a tentative route, but don’t set it in stone.
• Take all the scenic routes you can and try to stay off the interstates.
• Consider getting a national park pass.
• Download lots of digital entertainment from Hoopla, Overdrive and Flipster with your library card.

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Hermann is about an hour west of St. Louis and a short way south of I-70. As we left the highway, the terrain became gently rolling hills and lush vegetation before we arrived at the town on the south side of the Missouri River. The downtown area took me back in time with quaint, old-fashioned architecture and original buildings.

The Katy Trail – Sunrise near Marthasville Photo: Brad S. Wilson

Full of cozy B & B’s, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, it’s a perfect place for a weekend or even week-long getaway with your sweetheart. Or I can envision a special ladies only (or gents only) get together. Besides the wineries and shops, there are walking and biking trails and the big city attractions of St. Louis a reasonable distance away.

Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

A popular event in Hermann is the Wine Trail, a wine and food tasting event held five times a year. Tickets must be purchased well in advance and include a souvenir wine glass. You drive a 20-mile circuit, stopping at each of the seven participating wineries including the Stone Hill Winery, which by 1900 was the country’s second largest winery and winner of 8 gold medals at eight world’s fairs. Of course the wineries are open for visits and tastings year around, too.

The story goes that a group of German immigrants from Philadelphia wanted to establish a colony in the west. In 1837 they appointed an agent to purchase land for them, but were less than thrilled when they arrived to find their new town was in the middle of a “howling wilderness.” Never being ones to shirk hard work, the Germans noted the wild grapevines growing in the rocky hills and cultivated their own grapevines. The rest, as they say, is history.

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