Travel Resources

Travel Information

A well-planned and researched trip is always more secure, agreeable, and comfortable. Well-planned does not necessarily mean that every transit and accommodation is reserved in advance. Planning is more a question of setting clear objectives for your trip and being aware of the resources available to meet those objectives. You can travel in a spontaneous manner and respond to changing conditions and new possibilities in a more satisfactory way if you have a good knowledge of your route and destination. There is nothing more disheartening than to return home and discover that you passed so close (spatially and temporally) to something while travelling but missed the experience.

A traveller should try to procure complete and up-to-date maps and guidebooks to a become familiar with the region to be visited. Maps and guidebooks that easily fit in the pocket or small shoulder bag are always preferable. Sometimes it is useful to photocopy key pages or parts of maps so that you can walk and explore without having to carry a book or a map. You appear less a tourist.

Maps
Choose maps adapted to the activities that you will undertake while travelling. Certain maps are better for driving, some for hiking, and others for boating. A tiny map of the world a be useful to show others where you live.

Guidebooks
Physical, political, and social environments change rapidly. Be certain they guidebooks you consult are up-to-date. Often books researched by one or two researchers are better than those composed from the work of a multitude of contributors.

Phrase books Citizens of foreign countries generally appreciate any efforts, as awkward as they maybe, to communicate in their language. Phrase books may help you open doors socially as well as communicate inquiries and understand answers. The Berlitz books are excellent. Miniature bilingual dictionaries by Collins and Hugo are also recommended.

Hotel & restaurant lists
Hotel and restaurant lists are often quite useful for discovering enjoyable accommodation and dining spots. If try to understand the writer's psychology and read a bit between the lines, your are probably assured of pleasant experiences.

Coming in the future

In the coming months we will continue this discussion and give you links to recommended suppliers of travel resources such as: