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This article is all about finding the best travel books and the right resources to start your traveling. Get inspiration on where to visit and what to see to how to travel safely, smoothly, and at within a budget that is comfortable for you. These reads are our picks for complete and realistic advice. Pick a book for inspiration, one for practical how-to advice and once about travel on a budge. Even if you get just one tip from each book the investment in the book will be worth it. Start planning your next trip now.

Travel Inspiration-Where to Experience the World

Best travel booksNatGeo takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip, so we think this is one of the best travel books you should look at. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization’s world-class photographers. These images, coupled with evocative text, feature a plethora of visual wonders: ancient monoliths, scenic islands, stunning artwork, electric cityscapes, white-sand seashores, rain forests, ancient cobbled streets, and both classic and innovative architecture. Loaded with hard service information for each location, Destinations of a Lifetime has it all: when to go, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do to ensure the most enriching and authentic experience. Learn More

 

Best travel booksThis richly illustrated book from the travel experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, out-of-the-way museums, and more. You’ll discover the world’s longest yard sale in Tennessee, swamp tours in Louisiana, dinosaur trails in Colorado, America’s oldest street in NYC, and the best spot to watch for sea otters on the central California coast. Each entry provides detailed travel information as well as fascinating facts about each state that will help fuel your wanderlust and ensure the best vacation possible. In addition to 50 states in the U.S., the book includes a section on the Canadian provinces and territories. Learn More

 

Best travel booksLonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher

Take a journey through every country in the world. 850 images. 230 countries. One complete picture. With details of every United Nations-approved country in the world, and a few more principalities and dependencies besides, Lonely Planet’s Travel Book is the ultimate introduction to a world of travel and the essential travel reference book for every household!

Each country is profiled by Lonely Planet’s expert authors and features details of when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about the country’s culture from its film, music, food and drink. Every entry has a map and statistics about the country. All brand new, incredible photography illustrates each country, depicting what life is like in each nation from photographic portraits of people, beautiful landscape photographs and vibrant street photography. Learn More

Best travel books The world’s bestselling travel book is back in a more informative, more experiential, more budget-friendly full-color edition. A #1 New York Times bestseller, 1,000 Places reinvented the idea of travel book as both wish list and practical guide. As Newsweek wrote, it “tells you what’s beautiful, what’s fun, and what’s just unforgettable— everywhere on earth.” And now the best is better. There are 600 full-color photographs. Over 200 entirely new entries, including visits to 28 countries like Lebanon, Croatia, Estonia, and Nicaragua, that were not in the original edition. There is an emphasis on experiences: an entry covers not just Positano or Ravello, but the full 30-mile stretch along the Amalfi Coast.

Every entry from the original edition has been readdressed, rewritten, and made fuller, with more suggestions for places to stay, restaurants to visit, festivals to check out. And throughout, the book is more budget-conscious, starred restaurants and historic hotels such as the Ritz, but also moderately priced gems that don’t compromise on atmosphere or charm. Learn More

Master Globetrotting Before You Leave
Best Travel Books That Guide You on How to Travel

Become a travel expert before you leave home.
In this short guide, there are hundreds of tips that will help to enhance your journey. Find out how to select and make the most of your next cruise, how to cope with a long-haul flight and how to write a travel preparation checklist. Discover how to explore any destination, the best tips for escorted tours and the best travel booking tips. Don’t miss the recommendations on travel safety, senior travel and travel photography. And get some inspiration from the travel packing guide.

There is so much to be seen all over the world: breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, towns steeped in history, fascinating cultures, and modern marvels. Here is your chance to master the art of successful globetrotting! Don’t leave home without reading it. Learn More

More a guide to travel than a travel guide, Destination Earth transforms how you view travel and its relation to Life. It also provides a philosophical framework for embarking on more meaningful and purposeful travels, whether it is an around the world journey, or an exploration of a region, or even a city. Destination Earth is the product of the author’s unique 6.5-year continuous around the world journey, during which he visited 70 countries on 6 continents and treated the world as if it were a single destination. From Chile and Argentina to Thailand and Japan, Destination Earth explores the delicate and invisible interconnections of nations and countries, people and cultures, and delves deep into all aspects of travel and its transformational power: Learn More

· Why long-term and world travel is the ultimate university
· How to create a wise-line of travel through any region
· How to go about capturing the Soul of a country
· How to deal with the unpleasant realities of the world while on the road
· Balance the relationship between travel planning and spontaneity
· How a Travel-Journey is related to our Life’s-Journey
· Practical advice on how to plan the exploration of regions and countries
· 23 inspiring travel stories from the author’s journey that augment the main text
· 60 color photos from various places around the world
Ideas, experiences, stories, and photographs are interwoven into a newly created Philosophy of Travel that is practical and easy to read.

Best in Class for Budget Travel

Best travel book for travel on a budget Now in its fifth edition, The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget has all you need to know for an out-of-this-world trip that won’t affect your credit rating. Leave financial woes behind and get to grips with every corner of the continent, from awe-inspiring Stonehenge to the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel, blissful beaches on Croatia’s Brac and cool beers in Budapest’s ruin pubs.

Handy itineraries will help you decide your route, clear, color-coded maps let you plan your days and gorgeous photos will have you rearing to go. Combined with in-depth descriptions of all the key sights and painstakingly researched recommendations for the best hostels, hotels, campsites, cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs, The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget reveals the continent in all its glory, without breaking the bank.

And if you do feel like splashing out occasionally, “treat yourself” boxes offer inspiration – take a dip in the rooftop pool at Bath’s Thermae Spa or track down Wroclaw’s most mouthwatering pierogi, for example. Make the most of your European adventure with The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget which includes countries like Albania, Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine. Learn More

For over a decade, Matt Kepnes (aka Nomadic Matt) has used his massively popular travel blog to teach readers how to travel the world on a budget.

Traditional media shows you expensive hotels, resorts, cruises, and packages because that’s what makes them money. They make you believe you have to spend lots of money to have a great experience traveling. This book will show you why that is a lie and how you can visit any destination in the world.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world, flying off to Europe, a honeymoon in the Seychelles, or just taking your family to Disney or a trip to London, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day will give you the practical, step-by-step instructions to get you there – from start to finish on $50 a day (or less). Matt reveals the tips, tricks, and secrets to comfortable budget travel that you won’t find anywhere else with over 100 new pages of updated content in this third edition. He interviews dozens of other travelers about their success on the road and how you can apply that to your own trip.

There’s never been a more perfect – or cheaper – time to travel and Matt will show you how to make the most of your time and money so you stop saying one day and start taking action today! Learn More

Best Travel book on a budgetThere has to be a better way to travel cheap over the long-term and save money. Ryan Shauers’ new book Big Travel, Small Budget helps you look at long-term travel in a whole new way. Based on the lessons learned in nearly three years of travel, this book will show you how to save money traveling and provide you with an inexpensive path to a rich life. Introducing: Big Travel, Small Budget – How to Travel More, Spend Less, and See the World. This book includes sections on:

  • How much money you really need to have on hand and how long it will last you (it probably isn’t as much as you think).
  • How traveling as an overlander can be one of the most liberating (and affordable) ways to travel.
  • How to fly around the country or around the world for pennies on the dollar.
  • How you can move overseas, become a temporary expat, and live nearly rent-free thanks to the new sharing economy.
  • How to find lodging for weeks or even months in some of the most desirable places around the world and not pay for it.
  • Your biggest obstacle to achieving your travel dreams (and how to overcome it).
  • It’s time to stop putting off your travels for “someday” start traveling now. Learn More

 

Best travel book for on a budgetPlanning a big trip abroad can be an overwhelming task, but this book makes it easy with in-depth advice that helps you properly plan, pack and prepare—so that you can travel anywhere with confidence. Whether you’re going away for 3 weeks, 3 months or even a year, Travel the World Without Worries will act as your trusted guide and friend through the entire process.

I’ve traveled to over 50 countries and want to share what I learned with you. I’ll put your mind at ease with honest advice and relatable anecdotes, giving you a sense of what it’s actually like.

You’ll learn the pros and cons of different travel styles and destinations, how to fund your travels and save on expenses, and how to avoid common pitfalls in your planning phase. The book also prepares you for any social, cultural, or personal challenges you might face on the road. By the end, you’ll be armed with all the tips and knowledge you need to fully enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Learn More

Topics include:

  • Creating a realistic travel plan
  • Budgeting and funding your trip
  • Packing the smart way (and what to leave at home)
  • Dealing with visas, currencies, insurance, travel health, and more
  • Saving money on airfare, accommodation, and local tours
  • Overcoming cultural and language barriers
  • Enriching your trip with authentic experiences
  • Dealing with travel adversities (and staying out of trouble!)

These books are great starting points to find the best travel book for you, your passions, and your budget.

No passport? No problem! Places you can travel to without a passport include the tropical locations of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you are starting your travel from a US location and want to visit a tropical destination that is a US territory you can travel without a passport.

Places You Can Travel to Without a Passport

Consider the below tropical locations for your next getaway destination.

Guam
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
America Samoa
Swains Island
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

According to the State Department, any territory that belongs to the US and U.S. citizens or nationals who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to present a valid passport.

Our neighbors Mexico and Canada can also be visited without a passport however the requirements are a bit different.

Travel to Canada Without a Passport

In order to pass the Canadian border by land, whether it is a drive or a hike, all U.S. citizens are required to carry an identification document, which carries proof of citizenship.  Apart from a passport, U.S. citizens can also use a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or a NEXUS card. With any of these documents, you can cross the Canadian border. However, if you wish to fly to Canada, a valid U.S. passport will be necessary.

Travel to Mexico Without a Passport

Travel to Mexico does not require a passport, However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when passing the Mexican border by land, a passport is not the only form of allowed documentation. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also use a passport card, a NEXUS card or the Enhanced Driver’s License. If flying into Mexico you will need a passport.

If you choose to travel without a passport to tropical locations an additional benefit of visiting any of these locations is that the currency in use is the US dollar and English is spoken there. Additionally, your flight options are good as many US carriers have flights there.

Besides not needing a passport which can be expensive to get  ($165 minimum per traveler).

Details on Acceptable Travel IDs

U.S. Territory Travel Document Requirements for passengers traveling from the US, and not a foreign location. Passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. Territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Expired documents are not accepted. The following IDs are accepted:
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Military ID
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Border Crossing Card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
  • Drivers’ licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance.)
  • A Native American Tribal Photo ID
  • An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
  • A Registered Traveler Card (that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
  • A foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S. If you do not have an acceptable ID you may be subject to additional screening.

Children under the age of 18 traveling with an adult are not required to show ID at the time of check-in.

Children ages 15-17 traveling alone need one of the following:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Credit card
  • School ID
  • Company ID
  • Library card
  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Organization ID (such as athletic club, etc.)
  • Proof of auto insurance in passenger’s name

Children ages 5-14 traveling alone are not required to show ID at the time of check-in, however, they are encouraged to carry some form of ID during travel.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event, you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification, contact the TSA to learn more.

You can travel without a passport, but be sure to check on all ID requirements before you go.
Bonus tip: Keep photos of all your IDs on your phone in case of loss, at least you’ll have a starting point with border officials.

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I’m sure you’ve wondered what is the best way to keep valuables safe at the beach or pool. Have you ever gone to the beach and wondered what should I do with my phone, camera, keys or other valuables while I’m in the water? You’re not alone and thefts are common, especially at popular and crowded beaches favored by tourists. beach tourists how to keep valuables safe at the beach

Keeping Valuables Safe While at the Beach

1. The only way not to lose something to theft is not to bring it in the first place. Well, that is not always possible.

2. The next step is to try to thwart the efforts of would-be thieves by keeping your valuables on your person (in a waterproof gear) while you swim or stroll along the shore.

3. The next option is to secure your gear in bags you can lock down to a stationary item like a lounge chair or umbrella. Be sure to see the videos below that capture how thieves operate and get inspired to protect your valuables too before you pack your sunscreen and towel.

(VIDEOS ARE AT THE BOTTOM KEEP SCROLLING DOWN)

Guarding Your Possessions at the Beach or Pool

  • The first thing you can do to protect your valuables is never to leave them unattended.  Especially when you go into the water or doze off to catch a few winks.
  • Store small, necessary items like your car key, spare cash and credit cards and even your phone or tablet inside a waterproof pouch you can carry on your person. Yes, you can go into the water with your phone on your person. Make sure your waterproof pouch is secured to your body as closely as possible so that a wave doesn’t pull it off.

waterproof waistpack guard valuables at the beach and pool

Check Prices keep phone safe at the beach

  • Waterproof waist pouches are better than waterproof neck pouches in the ocean as neck pouches are more apt to float off your body especially if you get hit by a wave.
  • Use a portable locking safe. Certain bags can be secured to a stationary item like a chair or umbrella, or another immovable object. The Pacsafe Travelsafe X15 Anti-Theft Portable Safe secures essentials in many environments including the beach or pool. You just need something to lock it to like a lounge chair or beach umbrella.

Alternatives To Keeping Gear Safe at the Beach or Pool

  • Don’t have the right anti-theft gear with you? Here are a few alternative measures to take.
  • Try to go into the ocean in shifts so someone is always watching the valuables.  If you can’t do this, read on for various suggestions to protect unattended valuables.
  • Set your towel down in front of a lifeguard tower when possible. The hope is that thieves won’t want to operate near someone who might catch them in the act of stealing while you are in the water.
  • Don’t leave your valuables exposed – if you must leave your valuables, at least, tuck them under a beach towel.  If the item is larger, dig down a little in the sand so the towel remains flat when placed over it. If you have electronics place them in a large zip-lock style bag and bury it, then cover with a beach towel.  The bag protects the electronics from the sand. If you do this, make sure the bag is completely sealed. We like weather and water-proof cases specially designed for 100%  protection against water and sand. These bags are stronger than plastic food storage bags.
  • Strike up a conversation with a family near you. Make sure the people remember you and don’t be shy about asking them to keep an eye on your stuff for short periods of time. If you’re generous about sharing things like cold drinks, you can generate enough goodwill to ensure your possessions are watched over even when you’re not there.  If you ask another beachgoer to watch your property, remember, you don’t know who they are, nor that they would watch your property as much as you would so make sure you think this idea through – but it is an option if you had no other choice and at least you are selected the person.  Most people really don’t mind, and they might even ask you to return the favor.
  • Take or rent a beach chair and use it to attach a portable safe to or place your beach bag directly underneath it, making it more difficult for a thief to grab it and run. The added cost of renting a chair or umbrella is better than having to replace valuables.

Great Packable Security Safes

The following two beach or pool safes lock to a stationary item (like a beach chair or umbrella) and they also lock closed to keep valuables safe while at the beach.
The beach towel with built-in sand resistant and water-resistant pocket is a less secure alternative, but ideal if you don’t have a chair or umbrella to lock a portable safe to.

SafeGo Portable Lock Box

beach safe Secures to umbrella or chair,keep valuables safe while at the beach

•  Durable plus water and sand resistant
•  Lock box has 3 digit combo + key access
•  Heavy-duty 17″ steel cable wraps around a fixed object
•  Rust-resistant, nickel-plated lock
•  Lightweight ABS plastic, easy to pack
Check price , keep valuables safe while at the beach

 

 

Flexsafe Portable Safe

Flexasafe pool safe on chair protects valuables, keep valuables safe while at the beach

•  Ultra slash-resistant portable travel safe
•  Water-resistant design
•  RFID  blocking
•  Re-programmable 3 digit combination lock
•  Light-Weight & easily packable
Check price for travel safe,keep valuables safe while at the beach

Travel Towel with Hidden Water/Sand Resistant Pocket

Beach towel with pocket to protect your possessions while at the beach

•  Towel with built-in water-resistant pocket
•  Conceals valuables while you’re sleeping  or swimming
•  XL size, 60″x 30″ weighs 8oz.
•  Made of quick-drying and ultra-soft microfiber
•  Light-Weight & easily packable
Check price for travel safe, keep valuables safe while at the beach

These Videos Show How Thieves Work at the Beach

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You really need to plan ahead and think about how to keep valuables safe while at the beach or pool before you leave on your trip. That way you can invest in a waterproof body pouch or a larger portable lockdown safe. While more expensive than a body pouch the flexibility of a safe is that you’ll be able to use it in a hotel room, car, vacation rental property, camping, etc. for years to come.

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In-Flight Sexual Assaults on Airlines

Sexual Assaults on Airplanes

Sexual Assaults on Airlines are on the Rise

Being sexually assaulted in-flight on an airplane is the last thing any traveler would think about. Yet sexual assaults in flight is a crime on the rise. The reporting of sexual assault in the sky has seen an increase in reporting over the last several years. The FBI has recently reported that sexual assaults on airlines have increased by 45% in 2016, over the prior year. Many of these sexual assaults on airlines have occurred on international flights which have caused some air carriers to take action.

Women are the majority of victims in these unique, in-flight crimes. However, children and young teens traveling alone, both girls and boys, have also been targets. Airlines are responding in various ways from training flight personnel to implementing special seating options for women. In January 2017, Air India rolled out “female-only” seating rows on certain flights.

Detective Kevin Coffey was recently interviewed on this subject in BottomLine Personal Magazine. The article “Sexual Assault On Airplanes Is On The Rise” the full Bottomline online article is here. Detective Coffey provides a series of tips and advice that women travelers, as well as parents sending children on flights alone, should read before their next flight.

Several major news publications have been alerting the public about these types of crimes.  In October 2016, the New York Times wrote about the subject in their article “Recent Incidents Put a New Focus on Sexual Assaults on Airplanes“.  Here’s another link to an article in the Huffington Post “Here’s How Airlines Really Handle Sexual Assault.” The media continues to cover the crime of sexual assaults on airplanes to heighten awareness of the crime and major airlines are now providing training to flight attendants on how to handle in-flight assaults.

Here’s What You Can Do to Stop In-Flight Assaults

Book an aisle seat if possible. You’re more visible to flight attendants and fellow passengers on the aisle, making it more difficult for a sexual predator to target you without being seen.

React loudly if you are groped. This typically stops the predator by ­attracting the attention of nearby passengers. Be sure to something like, “stop, touching me is not OK” that is better than just a scream and puts the predator on the defense.

As a passenger, you are in a controlled environment and you can influence what happens around you. No matter how friendly the passenger next to you is be mindful about what you share of your personal life. A detail such as a recent break-up or that you’re on a solo trip is information that someone may interpret as an invitation to be “friendly.” It’s best not to engage in too much personal talk.

If you want to politely end a conversation with someone sitting next to you say you’re tired and close your eyes and then when you “wake-up” catch up on work or reading by taking out a laptop or book. It’s OK to change your normal behavior to avoid any type of sexual assault while on an airline.

You could also put in earbuds which signal you are not interested in talking. Do this even if you’re not listening to anything. It signals you’re not available to talk. Noise-canceling headphones have the same effect plus offer the benefit of reducing the ambient noise in the aircraft cabin.

Many women are hesitant to verbalize a request to stop unwanted behavior. You should practice saying a couple of statements as suggested to become confident and comfortable saying them.

Ask the person to stop the intrusive behavior: “ I don’t like being touched, please take your hand off of my arm/leg.” If the unwanted behavior persists escalate the force of your request to a statement as, “ I really have to insist you stop touching my arm/leg.”

If the unwanted behavior still persists then calmly call for a flight attendant to intervene. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to stand up for yourself, remember you’ve given the person who is making you uncomfortable 2 chances to change his behavior with a couple of warnings, there is no need to be uncomfortable.

Another option is to repeat your command to stop touching you loudly so that others around you will hear and look at you. At this point, it is good to say “I just told you to keep your hands to yourself, stop touching me.” At this point, you can ask for a flight attendant or another passenger will have already called one. In most cases like this, the flight attendant will try to separate you so that you’re not sitting in the same row.

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