Travel Smart - Plan Ahead
Travel is back! If you want to travel and experience that dream vacation, here are the best (free) resources to plan your trip from an experienced traveler. I've got some unique ways to make your planning stress free and keeping expectations in check while having the time of your life...Safe travels!
Kathy Husser
If you’re curious what the best books and resources a traveling librarian recommends, read on. From choosing your destination, to memoirs, pick the smartest resources that will meet your travel needs and help you plan your next trip.
Travel Guides — Think Maps
As a visual learner, who loves photos, I enjoy DK Eyewitness Travel books. These travel titles always have helpful maps and tons of current pictures. The location is researched and updated almost yearly and many of the books can be checked out at your library! Library cards are free of charge, and many books can also be renewed. So, take your travel guide with you and have a free resource at your fingertips. Check out other locations before you travel by visiting your local library, and the travel guides available.
Memoirs on Travel
If you’re the type of traveler, who wants to experience a place you’ve read about, then check out these books. Loosely based on the writers’ personal experiences, you’ll also get a true feel of the destination before you travel. “Under the Tuscan Sun” is transformative book about Italy and finding yourself. Another book is Eat, Pray, Love also about Italy, and the regional cuisine. You get the idea.Visit your library, and search “travel fiction.” You will be surprised how many novels based on real life travel exist.
Elephant Journal Website
This website is a writer’s haven, and I love posting my travel articles here. There is also a treasure trove of travel experiences and ideas available for trips. What makes Elephant Journal unique is it’s also a free resource with a very personal spin on the experiences. Just search for Travel or Family Travel and articles will appear that meet your criteria. I’ve personally learned some great ideas for winter travel, vacationing with pets, and unique destinations.
Word of Mouth
Finally, ask your friends, family, and coworkers where they’ve gone and enjoyed the most. Word of mouth has been the best resource to learn about kid friendly spots and the times of year to travel. Be aware that someone’s best vacation, might not be yours. So, go into your travel discussions with an open mind and expectations that suit your family and travel budget. Your best vacation might be just around the corner after that friendly lunch. Enjoy and safe travels!
Follow my travel blog at: KathyHusserTempe.com
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Kathy Husser
Kathy Husser is an accomplished Administrator having over 20 years of experience in business management in the private and public sectors in the United States. Kathy and her team earned the 2019 nomination from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the National Medal, the highest honor in the United States for the public library industry. Kathy prides herself on her depth of knowledge in leading diverse teams, grant writing and management, and providing mentoring for colleagues. Kathy believes in a work life balance and her personal website is filled with more articles about her travels, photography, and her love of gardening in the desert southwest. Life is too short to not enjoy it and laugh a lot. “Success is defined by those having the most fun,” from motivational speaker, James Clear. Kathy believes it, and that rejection is re-direction for your chosen path. Check out her social media for more information and the inspiration to make your dreams a reality.
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